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

St. Pete First UMC

Hi Kelly—

Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week in the life of the Christian church which helps orient us to Jesus’ ultimate mission: go to Jerusalem and be nailed to a cross as payment for our sin. Palm Sunday is a day reminding us of the joy the crowds felt as Jesus rode in on a colt. They waved palms which was a sign of recognizing a conquering king and shouted the words, “Hosanna!” (translation: save us!) What I find interesting is these same crowds that welcomed Jesus like a rock star coming on stage were quick to turn in another direction. What were cries of “save us!” would become “crucify him!”

Truth be known, none of us can get to the empty tomb to celebrate Easter until we have walked the dusty roads of Jerusalem shouting accolades to our Lord and King. We too become the crowds throwing our hopes and dreams onto Jesus only in some fashion to become disappointed he isn’t the king we had envisioned. But is he? That is the question for Holy Week. Come join us and I know you will discover the answer.

The text for this week is Luke 19: 28-38 (NLT).

On a side note, don’t forget to join us TOMORROW (Saturday, April 1st, 4-6 pm) by the Pier in St. Petersburg on Spa Beach for our Easter community gathering. Lots of fun ways to spend time with your family while making new friends. Food, games, bounce houses and activities for everyone…and did I mention it was all “FREE!” We are also wading into the waters of Tampa Bay to baptize those who have never received the sacrament and also to dunk those who have but wish to remember their baptism. Come and see what God is doing through St. Pete First UMC – the church with a heart in the heart of the city.

— Pastor Bob

Join us in worship on Sunday—we're looking forward to seeing you!

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

Free Community Easter Gathering — April 1: (TOMORROW!)

Join us for a FREE Community Easter Gathering from 4-6 PM at Spa Beach (at the St. Pete Pier) on Saturday, April 1. Food and fun for all ages! Enter to win free give-aways! We will have bounce houses, games, face painting, a balloon artist, plus a special time of baptisms and baptism remembrances in the Bay. Invite your friends and neighbors! See you there!

Ash Wednesday stones...

Remember the stone we each received on Ash Wednesday? (Pick one up in the sanctuary this week if you didn't get one yet!). This stone is a reminder to us during this Lenten season of our brokenness, mortality, and desperate need of a Savior. It’s a reminder that darkness once ruled over us. If you haven't already done so, put it in a place where you frequently visit, perhaps your car or kitchen or bedside table so that you can be reminded daily about the significance of Lent. While we wrestle with and contemplate our broken humanity, may we also be filled with hope, for we know that, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV). Don't forget to bring your stone to the Good Friday worship service!

Easter Service Project — March 27 through Easter Sunday:

St Pete First is helping to stock the clothes closet at the Salvation Army Job Center on 4th Street South with gently used or new clothing. In particular, they need attire that can be worn by men or women for a job interview. Please drop off clothing donations in the Fellowship Hall from March 27th thru Easter Sunday. We are also accepting cash/check donations for purchasing needed items. It is our hope to have 100% participation!

Items needed include: dress shirts, men’s and women’s slacks (black if possible), dresses, ties, underwear & socks, dress shoes, work shoes and boots, non-skid shoes (for kitchen work), and steel toe shoes (for construction sites). Casual clothing items are also in demand.

Join us for Holy Week at St. Pete First!

Click here for more information. Invite a Friend! We have invite cards with Holy Week information at church entrances - share them with your friends and neighbors.

Click here to place a lily in the Sanctuary on Easter (reservations & payment due THIS SUNDAY 4/2). You may take your lily home after Easter services on April 9th.

Palm Sunday Celebration — April 2:

Traditional Worship at 8 & 11 am; Contemporary Worship at 9:30 am. Palm branches, brass quartet, and more at 9:30 & 11.

THIS SUNDAY!

Maundy Thursday Experience—April 6:

Immerse yourself in the Easter story.

Join us for the Way of the Cross on Maundy Thursday, April 6, in the Chapel. This is a self-paced (approx. 30 minute) experience, including communion, that is open to all children, youth, and adults. Begin anytime between 6:30 & 8:00 pm. All are welcome to join us! Click here for more information.

Good Friday Worship—April 7:

Join us Friday evening at 8 pm for our Good Friday worship service.

Join us for Easter Worship!

Sunrise service at 7 am in Williams Park.

We need some help for the Sunrise Service! 4 people are needed at 6:15 am to help set up chairs in William Park on Easter Sunday (4/9) morning. Please call the church office and talk to Craig Wills if you can lend a hand.

Traditional Worship at 8 & 11 am; Contemporary Worship at 9:30 am. String quartet at 9:30 & 11.

Church Office Holiday Hours:

The church office will be closed all day on Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10.

Allocations Funding:

The Allocations/Memorial Committee is accepting applications for charitable funding from the Church's Permanent Fund. Click here and scroll down for more information.

Job Opening— Preschool Teachers:

St. Pete First UMC Preschool is looking for vibrant teachers to educate, care for, and inspire the young minds at our preschool. If you are interested in joining our amazing team, please give us a call at (727) 822-8767 or email Alicia at aclements@fumcsp.org

Job Opening— Custodian:

Need a part-time job, or know of someone who does? St. Pete First is looking for a self-motivated part-time Custodian. Flexible hours. For more information email Chad Simonds, csimonds@fumcsp.org, or call the church at (727) 894-4661