She mentioned she decided instead to send out a poem she was writing to 40 friends letting them how they were appreciated, prayed for and a blessing in her life. Secondly, she said in writing the poem she thought it might draw attention to God's cherished love for each of us as well as His creation. A great reminder that God is always the source of our peace and everlasting joy. I was deeply touched by her, including me in this prayerful moment. Friends, the season of Lent is real and one that can impact each of us on a powerful way and remind us we are all treasured by our Heavenly Father. 

Pastor Bob

This week is the third week of our sermon series Crossing the Line. What was it like to walk with Jesus? Many saw miracles, listened to His teaching, experienced a newfound love. They also saw the distance God would be willing to go to free them from their bondage of sin. Journeying with Jesus will help us catch an intimate side to the One as He walked closer to the cross and with you and me; He “crosses the line.”

Pastor Bob's sermon title this week is "Crossing the Line: The Blind Man." What happens when the real you is exposed; the sinful, doubtful, messy self that lives beneath your skin? Are you at a point in life where you really know God not only calls us away from a life of sin, but He has made it a point to blot it out? Jesus crossed the line when He healed the blind man.

The text for this week is John 9:1-11 NLT

Don't miss the recap and excerpts from previous messages —click here to watch.

Did you miss last Sunday's sermon? Click here to watch or listen to previous sermons.

Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are otherwise unable to be with us in person, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

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.

Help needed at our Spring Picnic

We need some volunteers to help out at our Spring Picnic on Saturday, April 12! We need volunteers before 4pm for setup; during the event (4-6pm) to welcome people & help our event run smoothly, grill, serve food, manage bounce houses & more; and after 6pm for cleanup and tear-down. Our picnic is open to the community so invite your friends & neighbors to join us! Click here to volunteer.

Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.



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

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



Adults: Cottage Pie, Salad, Garlic Toast, Gooey Butter Cake

Kids: Wing Dings & Tots, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Cookie

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (more: www.stpetefirst.org/spring)

• Through April 6—Diaper & Children's Book Collection
• Feb 1-March 31—St Pete First Scholarship Applications: www.stpetefirst.org/scholarship
• THIS SUNDAY: Sun Mar 23—Discover First 10:45 am-1 pm
• THIS WEEK: Wed Mar 26—Stress Busters class begins, with Dr. Jim Meyer at 6:30 pm in the Chapel
• Sat April 12—Spring Picnic 4-6pm
• Sun April 13—Palm Sunday
• Wed Apr 16—No Wednesday Night Live
• Thurs April 17—Maundy Thursday service 7 pm
• Fri April 18— Church office closed; Good Friday service 7 pm
• Sun April 20—Easter Sunday services 7:30 (Sunrise)-9:30-11 am
• Mon Apr 21—Church office closed for Easter Monday
• Sat April 26—Free Mental Health Event: Hope 10 am-1 pm
• Wed April 30—Last week for Wed Night activities before Fall
• Sun May 4—Graduation Sunday 9:30 am
• Sun May 4—Danny & the Shacks -Kids Musical- at 6 pm
• Mon May 26—Church office closed for Memorial Day
• June 9-13—VBS Setup (volunteer)
• June 16-20—Vacation Bible School
• July 7-11—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 1; Elementary Slime Camp
• July 14-18—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 2; Elementary Art/Adventure Camp; Elementary Amusement Park STEM Camp

Diaper & Book Drive (thru April 6)

Help the United Women in Faith & Youth collect baby diapers (all sizes) and children’s books (new or gently used) for Cornerstone Family Ministries. Drop off donations in the blue collection bins outside the Fellowship Hall or in the WhereHouse.



We are collecting donations to purchase a shower trailer to support our neighbors in need. Click here to donate.



Stress Busters Class (begins THIS Wednesday, Mar 26; 6:30 pm; Chapel)

with Dr. Jim Meyer (a nationally-recognized expert in relationships and stress management). Every single one of us experiences stress! And we all know too much stress – or managing it in less than healthy ways – can impact our lives. So, let’s explore together some strategies for how to manage the negative effects of stress, gain some ideas on how to actually reduce our stress levels, and consider how to get the most benefits from the gift of time.



Support our United Women in Faith at the Cornerstone Wonder Walk

The United Women in Faith are walking in Cornerstone Ministry's 45th Annual Wonder Walk/ Run on April 5, 2025 with the goal of raising $3000. This will provide one scholarship for an inner-city child, giving them a safe place to learn, grow and thrive. Donate via check/cash or click here to donate (our team name is St. Petersburg First UMC) -deadline is April 4. Contact Marilyn Cutting for more info: mfroglady@gmail.com 

Holy Week Events:

Church Picnic (at the church) - Sat April 12 (4-6 pm)

Palm Sunday - Sun Apr 13 (8/9:30/11 am)

Maundy Thursday Communion Service - Thurs April 17 (7 pm)

Good Friday Cantata with choir & orchestra - Fri April 18 (7 pm)

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service - Williams Park - Sun Apr 20 (7:30 am)

Easter Sunday Worship - Sun Apr 20 (9:30/11 am)

Church Picnic & Community Gathering (Sat April 12; 4-6 pm):

Our 2025 community gathering & picnic is coming up on April 12! This year we will be gathering on the grounds of the church. Activities, food, and fun for all ages—everyone is welcome! Click here for more details. We need volunteers to help with the picnic - click here to volunteer!

Maundy Thursday Communion Service (Thurs April 17; 7 pm)

Join us in the Sanctuary on Thursday, April 17 at 7 pm for our Maundy Thursday worship service. This will be a communion service with contemporary music. Childcare available (all ages).

Good Friday Cantata (Fri April 18; 7 pm)

Join us in the Sanctuary on Friday, April 18 at 7 pm for our Good Friday worship service. The Chancel Choir & orchestra will present Colors of Grace, by Joseph M. Martin. Childcare will be available (all ages).

Free Mental Health Seminar: Hope (Saturday April 26; 10 am-1 pm)

St. Pete First Counseling Center is offering their yearly FREE seminar on April 26 from 10 am to 1 pm in the Sanctuary. Click here for more information (and to preregister or donate). All donations (tax-deductible) will go to the Counseling Center Scholarship Fund to assist clients who can't afford to pay full-price for services.

Save the Date—VBS & Summer Camps:

VBS - June 16-20

Preschool Camp Friendship WK1 - July 7-11

Preschool Camp Friendship WK2 - July 14-18

Elementary Slime Camp - July 7-11

Elementary Art/Adventure Camp - July 14-18

Elementary Amusement Park STEM Camp - July 14-18

Registrations are open!



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

Calling All Students! Scholarships (apply Feb 1-Mar 31):  

Are you a church member who is currently attending or bound for college or vocational school? Applications for St. Pete First Scholarships will be accepted beginning February 1st. Completed applications, along with supporting documents, must be delivered to the church office no later than the close of business on Monday, March 31. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form.



Job Openings at St. Pete First