First Baptist Newsletter

First Baptist Newsletter | April 25, 2024

The First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg exists to help people experience God's gift of life in Jesus.

A Word From the Pastor:

Nehemiah Action, Spring Celebration,

& Aimee Hobbs Installation

First Baptist Family,

Thank you to the 60+ of you who showed up and volunteered Tuesday night to help our hosting of the FAST Nehemiah Action go smoothly. Our Sanctuary was full with folks from across our county coming together to work for justice in our community. They were warmly welcomed by your generous hosting. Thank you!

Work toward justice is often a long, arduous journey, and we've not yet reached the finish line with any of the issues on which we're currently working. Nonetheless, it was tremendous to be able to host this diverse group, working in one accord for the "least of these" in our community. I was, as ever, proud to be your pastor Tuesday night! I look forward to many conversations in the days ahead with those who were able to attend, and continuing our work for justice together.

Another opportunity for us to be warm and gracious hosts comes this Saturday, May 4, as we are hosting the Spring Celebration of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida & the Caribbean Islands. This family from 35 sibling churches across the region will join to hear from missionaries, worship God together, and challenge & encourage one another. I am so excited we are hosting this event, and, if you haven't already, I hope you'll sign up to attend.

I am grateful to serve this warm, welcoming congregation that invites others into our building to help make ministry possible. Well done! Let's keep it up!

I also wanted to make you aware that just after worship this Sunday, I'll be jetting away to Rutherfordton, North Carolina where I will be privileged Sunday evening to represent the First Baptist Church of St Petersburg family. That evening our former Associate Pastor, Rev. Aimee Hobbs, is officially being installed as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. We all know how blessed the good folks of Rutherfordton are to have Aimee as their pastor. Know I will pass along your blessings and greetings to Aimee, Jason, and Harrison, and their new church family, on this significant day.

I look forward to a full weekend of remembering the beautiful truth that our church family is part of a much larger family of faithful people, both here and around the world, through whom God is working to bring about the redemption of the world through Christ. Thanks be to God. I'm grateful to be on this journey with all of them, and especially with you!

Blessings,

Ben

Sunday Worship

May 5, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.

Songs of Worship

Forever Reign

Because He Lives (Amen)

Love Song

Come Alive (Resurrection Power)

I Am Thine, O Lord

Sermon

"By Water & Blood"

1 John 5:1-6

Ben Winder

Christ, by becoming like us in baptism and redeeming us through death, has shown us how we are to love.

Communion & Benevolence Offering

This Sunday we will share the Lord's Supper together in worship. As is our practice on Sundays we share communion, we will invite you to give to a special benevolence offering at the doors as you depart worship. This offering funds our Care Team's efforts to meet the real needs of our members and neighbors.

Kids in Worship

This Sunday our Elementary school kids will join us in the Sanctuary for worship. As part of worship they'll be invited to participate in a Children's Sermon which will kick off this month's Kids Worship series - Training Camp: Plan. Practice Grow. This series will examine the connection between commitment and God's character as shown through God's BIG story. We'll start by looking at Psalm 119:105 learning God's word is a light, and practice hearing from God. Be sure to visit the kids table at the rear of the sanctuary for activities to utilize during worship.

Preschool Worship

Our Preschoolers also start a new series this Sunday - Little Red Wagon. This month is all about introducing preschoolers to God - the one who loves them with a love that lasts forever! This week's lesson is about King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 and they'll be learning the idea that I can learn from God.

Fellowship Lunch

Be sure to stick around after worship this Sunday, if you are able, as we'll join in Heritage Hall for a time of good food and intergenerational fellowship.

WATCH WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WATCH WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK

Sunday Morning Before Worship

9 a.m. Bible Studies & Choirs

Preschool Choir (2-PreK) | Room 109

Music and fun for preschoolers.

Kids Choir (K-5th) | Room 206

Music and fun for elementary-aged students.

FirstYOUTH Bible Study | Multipurpose Room

A weekly gathering for Middle and High School students.

Digging Deeper Class | Room 204

A co-ed group of adults of all ages currently studying the Book of Romans.

Masters Class | Conference Room

A co-ed group of adults of all ages, utilizing the Formations curriculum to facilitate class discussion.

Raising Adults Class | Room 205

A co-ed group for adults in the stage of life with kids in their home.

Sonshine Class | Heritage Hall

A co-ed group composed primarily of retired adults, utilizing the Formations curriculum to facilitate class discussion.

Special Needs Class | Heritage Hall Room 2

This co-ed group for adults with intellectual disabilities is part of our Special Needs Ministry.

10 a.m. Intergenerational Fellowship in the Narthex

Between our 9 a.m. offerings and the beginning of worship each Sunday we offer coffee, juice, and other goodies for you to enjoy in the Narthex. We encourage you to come a few minutes early or stop by after your 9 a.m. activity to spend some time getting to know other members of your church family of all ages. We'll see you Sunday!

CBF of Florida & Caribbean Islands

Spring Celebration

THIS Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 a.m - 3 p.m.

First Baptist is hosting the Spring Celebration for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida and the Caribbean Islands. This year's one-day event celebrates mission engagement and will feature Trina Harris (Touching Miami with Love), Rick & Ellen Burnette (Cultivate Abundance), Jason Coker (Together for Hope), and Francis & Missy Angalla (Amani Sasa). Along with learning from these experienced mission practitioners, we'll also worship together, led by Francis Angalla with new CBF FL/CI Associate Coordinator Xiomara Reboyras preaching.

It will be a wonderful day celebrating missions, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about CBF of Florida and the Caribbean Islands and many of our mission partners right here on our own campus! Spring Celebration is free; lunch is available $15 the day of the event.

Fellowship Lunch | This Sunday, May 5

This month's Fellowship Lunch menu is Chicken Wings (Teriyaki or Plain), Potato Salad, Salad, and sweet Hawaiian rolls. We encourage a donation of $5 per person ($20 family maximum) for lunch as you are able. Join us for good food and fellowship!

Monday Fun Day | May 6 - 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a vibrant and uplifting Monday Fun Day Fellowship at First Baptist Church. The month of May, we’re delighted to host a special guest speaker who will enchant us with the wonders of butterfly and pollinator gardens, sharing insights on how these beautiful sanctuaries can inspire and transform our spiritual journey. 🦋✨

🌺 **Special Highlights:**

- Explore the colorful world of butterfly gardens

- Learn how to create your own sanctuary for these delightful creatures

- Fellowship and fun with your church family

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or looking for a peaceful way to start a new hobby, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a morning of fellowship, inspiration, and community spirit. Lunch will be served.

Let’s flutter into a new month with grace and joy — see you there! 🌸💒

Senior Adult Day Trip | May 9 - 10 a.m.

On May 9 we'll head to Lavender 'n Lace Tearoom in Lake Alfred. This old orange plantation home has been converted into a very beautiful and quaint tea room with wonderful food (no finger sandwiches here!). The bus leaves the church at 10 a.m. The cost for the bus is $20 per person. Please register by May 6.

Serve St Pete Day | May 18

A few times a year we take a day as a church family to serve our community in Jesus' name. We start the day at various locations around our city working alongside mission partners and others to make positive impact. Then we meet at the church for lunch together to cap off the morning of service. There are opportunities to serve for all ages and abilities. Please sign up at the link below to join us for our next Serve St Pete Day on Saturday, May 18!

Discover First Baptist Lunch | May 19

Several times a year we offer a lunch for new members or those considering membership at which we share about First Baptist history, identity, ministries, mission partnerships, and structure. It is a great way to learn about our church family and church membership, as well as ask any questions you may have. Please RSVP at the link below if you plan to attend.