THIS WEEK AT ..................

St. Pete First UMC

Hi Kelly—

This week is week 3 of our sermon series called "7 Perfect Rules for '23." This week, Pastor Bob will be talking about Rule #3 — Do Good Every Day. Every day you have choices and the choices you make will be either solely focused on yourself, or with making a difference in someone else's life. Which will you choose? The text for this week is Ephesians 2:10.

Join us on Sunday to hear more!

Meet Bishop Tom Berlin

Did you know that we have a new Bishop in the Florida Conference as of January 1st? Bishop Tom Berlin introduces himself to us in the video above. But this video is not your only chance to get to know our new bishop: the Gulf Central District is holding a Welcome Event for Bishop Berlin on February 13th from 9-11am at The Portico in Tampa (1001 N. Florida Ave.). All Clergy and Laity in the Gulf Central District are welcome to enjoy refreshments and fellowship while getting to know our new Bishop. Bishop Berlin will speak briefly in the middle of this event; the rest of the time will be for conversation.

Parking Lot Paving:

Since the condition of our parking lot is beginning to be a safety concern, we will be repairing and repaving our parking lot over a 2-week period beginning on January 30th. Click here for more information.

Thinking about Joining St. Pete First?

If you've ever considered becoming a member of St. Pete First UMC, now is the time! Our next New Member Class is on Sunday February 19th, from 10:45 am to 1 pm. Click here to register.

Ladies Valentine Luncheon:

All ladies are invited to join with United Women in Faith to celebrate Women with a Heart for God on February 14th at 11 am in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Sandy Sauers. Cost for lunch is $10. Please RSVP by February 8th to Cindy Ripley (727) 823-5671 or Nancy Fallis (727) 504-5186. Click here for event info.

Wednesday Night Live:

Join us each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall for dinner at 5:30, then stay for the groups and classes for children, youth, and adults. See below for more info on our adult classes.

Make a difference in the life of a child:

Our St. Pete First School Partnership ministry supports Melrose Elementary with mentorships, tutoring, fundraisers, teacher support, prayer, and acts of loving kindness. Click here for more info and sign-up.

2023 Offering Envelopes

If you requested 2023 offering envelopes, they are available for pickup outside the library (2nd floor hallway).

St. Pete First T-Shirts are Here!

If you ordered a church t-shirt and have not yet picked it up, please contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or just come by the church office to pick it up. Cash & check accepted. If you missed ordering a shirt this time, we will be ordering again soon - watch for further announcements in the coming weeks.

Wednesday Classes

Prayer Bible Study:

...You pray for your own needs and for the needs of others. You pray in the face of conflict, and you pray for forgiveness. You pray to pour out your heart to God and to gain a glimpse of God's heart for you. Come join Pastor Margaret on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm starting on January 18th as we study for twelve weeks the prayers of men and women in the Bible (Mary, Abraham, Moses, Daniel and more!). We will gain new insights into why, what and how to pray. This study will help you to experience more fully the adventure that prayer can be.

Pastor Margaret is using the book Prayer: An Adventure with God by David Healey, as a resource. Study guides will be available for purchase.

Click here to sign up

Prodigal Son Book Study:

Pastor Bob is leading a class taking an in-depth look into one of Jesus’ best loved parables—the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). In the study we will dive into uncovering some of the least known secrets of the parable’s purpose and expose the depth of God’s love and how His grace extends into some unexpected places. Using the book The Prodigal God (written by best-selling author Timothy Keller) as a resource, Pastor Bob will help illuminate the treasures found in this critical story told by Jesus.

Study guides will be available for purchase.

Click here to sign up

Exodus Bible Study:

Pat Mason is leading a Bible study on the Gospel in Exodus- a picture of the New Testament in the book of Exodus.

Click here to sign up

Women's Book Study: As a woman of today, have you ever thought about what God is calling you to do? Better yet, are you stopping long enough to hear God speak? This study on the story of Ruth, led by Patti Martin, is one of calling and yet an uncertain future. It helps take a story of history and bring it to life in today’s context for the busy woman who juggles so many balls each day.

Patti is using the book The Girl’s Still Got It, by Liz Curtis Higgs, as a resource. Study guides will be available for purchase.

Click here to sign up