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

St. Pete First UMC

Hi Kelly—

This week is week 6 of our sermon series called "7 Perfect Rules for '23." This week, Pastor Margaret will be talking about Rule #6 — Adopt a Generous Spirit.

It is said, "Faith without works is dead." But how do we become someone more than just a person producing good works? If we are striving to become disciple-making disciples, then we need to realize and understand that generosity is vital in the disciple-making business. Here’s the thing about generosity: generosity is an act of love. And love that is genuine is naturally generous. The text for this week is 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (ESV).

Join us on Sunday to hear more!

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

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 and/or drop by our information table in the Fellowship Hall between services this Sunday, February 12th.

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 this video. 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.

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. Click here for event info.

Help the Counseling Center Plan!

Help the Counseling Center Plan the FREE Mental Health Awareness Event on May 6, 2023. Topics? Speakers? Exhibitors? We are inviting your suggestions by Sunday, Feb. 12th. Look for the surveys on the Information Tables, in your Sunday School Rooms, and at Wednesday dinner, or click here to complete the survey online. Please place your printed surveys in the decorated box in the Fellowship Hall or bring to the front desk of the Administration Building. This event is also a fundraiser for the William A. Smalling Scholarship Fund to remove financial barriers for clients needing mental health services provided at the Counseling Center.

Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity in 2023? Family Promise of Pinellas offers Prevention, Emergency Shelter, and Stabilization programming for needy families in OUR County. Learn more about how St Pete First volunteers can partner with this very successful local and national program. If you volunteered in the past, come learn about how they adapted and changed over the past 2 years. Drop by our table in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday, February 12, 2023 between 9 & 11 am. Questions? Denece at Denece_stratton@hotmail.com or Caroline Carolinefeaster@gmail.com Click here for more info and sign-up.

Ash Wednesday—Feb. 22:

We will be soon moving in to the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 22. Click here for more info.

Chili Cook-Off—Feb. 26:

It's that time again! Start practicing your best recipes and get ready to cook on Feb. 26th. Look for more info (and entry rules) on the info tables or click here for more info.

Kids Night Out—Mar. 3:

Drop your kids off for a night of FUN on March 3rd from 6-10 pm! At Kid's Night Out, 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 at stpetefirst.org/children by Wednesday, March 1st.

VBS & Summer Camp Registration:

Start planning for summer! Registration opens on March 3rd. Visit the children's ministry webpage to register.

Are you looking to have a positive impact on a person’s life?

Become a member of the Street Ministry Team at the Salvation Army Job Center! You will help people find jobs in order to escape being homeless. We serve Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am. Go to www.stpetefirst.com/street-team or contact Hal Heitler (727-448-6291 or heitlerh@tampabay.rr.com) to volunteer.

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 UMC is looking for a self-motivated part-time Custodian. Flexible hours. For more information please email Chad Simonds, csimonds@fumcsp.org, or call the church at (727) 894-4661