9/8/24 Bulletin & Order of Service

Welcome to St Pete First United Methodist Church, the Heart of the City! All are welcome. All belong. Whether a first-time guest or a lifelong member, you are a part of our family. God has called you to worship here, and for that we are glad.

Click here to view a welcome message from our pastors.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor

Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us!

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Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Moses felt he had everything until he realized God had a bigger plan. That’s an important item to note. Sometimes when we think we have it all, God shows up and helps us to see we were created for so much more.  Initially, Moses enjoyed leading the nation of Egypt. Then God shows up and says, “You will change the world!”  What’s God asking of you that will stretch you and reveal an even bigger dream for your life?

 Have a blessed day!

— Pastor Bob    

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

September 8, 2024

*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Surely Goodness And Mercy" by John W. Peterson

Rick Nay, Hammond Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Lord, open our hearts this morning to hear Your words of compassion.

People: Lord, help us to truly listen to You.

Leader: Lord, open our spirits this morning to strengthen our faith.

People: Lord, help us to work for You.

Leader: Lord, make us ready to serve.

People: Lord, make us ready to witness to Your healing love.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Jesus Shall Reign” Hymn # 157

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Hymn # 557

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

“Apostles’ Creed” # 881

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER / LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

(11:00) ANTHEM

"All to Jesus I Surrender" arr. Mark Hill

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS  (Click here to GIVE)

"Simplicity" by Walter R. Clarke

Rick Nay, Hammond Organ

*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

"I Need Thee Every Hour” Hymn # 397

SERMON

"Where’s Your Burning Bush?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Exodus 3:7-10 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Here I Am, Lord” Hymn # 593

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Marche Jubilant" by Robert W. Thygerson

Rick Nay, Hammond Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Esther Ulrich's birthday on September 7, from the Ulrich family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Rex & Peggy Stuckey's 61st Anniversary on September 14, from their family.

Thank you for joining us today!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are traveling, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

September 8, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“Lion and the Lamb” 

“Goodness of God"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon

"Where’s Your Burning Bush?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Exodus 3:7-10 NLT

Worship Song

“Send Me”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Esther Ulrich's birthday on September 7, from the Ulrich family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Rex & Peggy Stuckey's 61st Anniversary on September 14, from their family.

Thank you for joining us today!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are traveling, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.

Volunteer Help Needed

A little time out of your week can make such a difference! Join us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve and Love. St. Pete. Our School Partnership Ministry needs volunteers! This ministry supports Melrose Elementary and Fairmount Park Elementary with mentorships, tutoring, fundraisers, teacher support, prayer, food, and acts of loving kindness. Right now the schools particularly need mentors, Lunch Pals, and people to read to classes. Click here to go to our Serve form, and let us know you want to TAKE ACTION to make a difference in the lives of our local children.

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal

Adults: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Tacos, Pineapple Slaw, Ranch-Style Beans, Cilantro Rice, Apple Crisp

Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!

September 1 In Person 433 Online 281

Church Finances

July 2024 Year to Date

Income $211,267 $1,676,617

Expense $245,608 $1,837,080

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• 9/8—Confirmation classes begin. 10:45am Sundays in the WhereHouse.

• 9/8-22—Personal Care Product Collection for the St. Pete Free Clinic.

• 9/17—Unveiling of our New Organ (7 pm) and Q&A with Organist Rick Nay

• 9/22—Discover First meeting (10:45am-1pm): Talk with our pastors and learn about our church & how to become a member! Click here to register & for more info

• 9/27—Kids Night Out (6-10pm)

• 10/11-13—2024 Women's Retreat. More information.

• 10/18—Trunk or Treat (6-8 pm)

• 10/27—Halloween on Central (12-5 pm)

• 11/1—Organ Premier Concert (7 pm)

  
  

Personal Care Products Collection (Sept 8-22):

During the month of September we are collecting personal care products for the St. Pete Free Clinic. You can pick up the list of requested items and drop off donations in the Fellowship Hall, Narthex (back of Sanctuary), or the WhereHouse.

Unveiling of our New Organ (Tuesday 9/17 @ 7 pm)

Join us as our organist, Rick Nay, presents our new organ console! The organ installation will not be finished yet, but Rick will compare it to other brands we considered and share the reasons behind our final choice. Bring your questions for a Q&A session with Rick!

Discover First Meeting (Sunday, Sept. 22; 10:45am-1pm): 

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to register & for more info

Kids Night Out (9/27 6-10pm):

Drop your kids off for a night of FUN on September 27th from 6-10 pm! At KNO, kids will be served pizza and snacks, have ice cream sundaes, play games, watch a movie, sing songs and have an interactive devotion! Open to all children ages nursery - 5th grade. Dinner & snacks are provided. $20 first child, $15 second, $40 for a family of 3 or more. Register here.

Wednesday Night Live is back - join us!

The Bible Jesus Read:

This Fall's study led by Pat Mason is "The Bible Jesus Read.” Jesus’s only scriptures were the Old Testament—we will survey what these 39 books say about God, Jesus, ourselves, and the New Testament. Click here to sign up.

Band of Brothers:

Our focus — get to know Jesus better and grow closer to each other as we grow close to Christ. We are currently journeying through the Gospels. We finished the study of John in May and will begin Luke when we restart on September 4. Click here for more info.

Paul Bible Study (begins 9/11):

You are invited to join Pastor Margaret as she leads a six-week Bible study on the journeys of the apostle Paul. We will begin with Paul's dramatic conversion and then we will travel to the early church sites and explore Paul's conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. You are invited to experience faith through Christ's greatest teacher and missionary, none other than the apostle Paul. Click here to sign up.

Devoga:

Devoga is an active scripture meditation and strength building class that will meet each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Narthex. The aim of the class will be to commit 50 minutes to Christian spiritual practices like prayer, gratitude and scripture meditation while also practicing stretching, strength building and stillness. Each week we will have a theme -- like Trusting God -- and every week participants will leave with a new meditation and scripture passage. Click for more info.

Kids Music:

Christmas Musical rehearsals are meeting at 9:30 am Sundays on the 4th floor! Auditions for parts in the musical are this Sunday 9/8 and 9/15. Come join us! The kids also sing in church throughout the school year - we will have a short rehearsal at 10:20 on Sundays and our regular rehearsal at 5 pm on Wednesdays. For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata.

Music for Adults (& Youth!):

Like to sing? Play an instrument? Get involved! We are always looking for volunteers who have a heart for worship and aren't afraid to get up and show it! Feeling inspired? Have a song on your heart? Contact Derek Weston (Chancel Choir/Handbells) or Loren Russell (Contemporary Music).

Get your St. Pete First Travel Mug!

Click here to order a travel mug ($20) and show your support of St. Pete First and our mission to Love St. Pete.

Social Media Assistant Job Opening:

5-10 hrs per week. The person in this position will work at the church on Sundays plus remotely, capturing photo/video content and using editing software & social media platforms/analytics to help implement the church’s digital communication strategy. For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata.

To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.

KIDS

SUNDAYS

8:00 am

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

9:30 am

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

Nursery/Toddlers (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Sunday School - Preschool Hall

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Kids Church - 4th Floor

KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE Room 402

11:00 am

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

Nursery/Toddlers (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Kids Church - Preschool Hall

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Sunday School - 4th Floor

CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) Room 404

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7 pm WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE (Preschool & Elementary) Preschool/4th Floor

6:30-7:30 pm NURSERY (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall

YOUTH

SUNDAYS

9:30 am WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary

10:45 am YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

10:45 am CONFIRMATION WhereHouse

11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404

6:00 pm YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7:30 pm Youth Group WhereHouse

 SUNDAY WORSHIP 

8:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary

9:30 am Contemporary Service -Sanctuary

11:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary

FELLOWSHIP TIME (BETWEEN SERVICES) 

9-11:30 am Common Grounds (Coffee, Food & Fellowship) -Fellowship Hall

9-11:30 am (2nd Sundays) Blood Pressure Clinic -1st Floor Nurse's Area

 ADULTS 

SUNDAYS 

9:30 am QUEST -Zoom & Room 208

      10:45 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 301

10:45 am THE GAP -Room 101

11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103

11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Library-Room 212

11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208

MONDAYS 

11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location Varies                        

WEDNESDAYS   

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214 

6:30 pm PAUL BIBLE STUDY (Pastor Margaret) -Room 208

6:30 pm LEADERSHIP STUDY (Pastor Bob) -Chapel

6:30 pm THE BIBLE JESUS READ (Pat Mason) -Room 103

6:30 pm DEVOGA (Emily Strong) -Narthex/back of Sanctuary

THURSDAYS 

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (4th Thursdays) -Rm 101                            

 MUSIC

SUNDAYS 

8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary

9:30 am KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE -Room 402

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312 

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310

TUESDAYS 

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel

7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312   

 CARE & SUPPORT

WEDNESDAYS 

12:00 Noon CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP -Zoom

THURSDAYS 

6:30 pm WOMEN'S JOURNEY -Chapel

7:30 pm AL-ANON Parlor -Room 214

 LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETINGS

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

5:30 pm BOARD OF TRUSTEES -Admin Conference Room

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm STAFF PARISH -Closed Meeting

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm FINANCE TEAM -Admin Conference Room

FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm CHURCH COUNCIL -Fellowship Hall & Zoom

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm LEARN PILLAR

SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm SERVE PILLAR  

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR  

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR