First Baptist Newsletter | February 22, 2024

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

Second Sunday of Lent Worship

February 25, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.

Songs of Worship

How Firm A Foundation

Goodness of God

Doxology

Holy Ground

God Of All Comfort

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Believer's Baptism

In worship this Sunday we will celebrate the baptism of

Brayden Charles Bourne.

Sermon

"What Shall Be"

Psalm 22:23-31

Ben Winder

God has told us what the future shall be, and invited us to join God in making it so.

Preschool Worship

In Preschool Worship this week they will be learning the big idea Jesus loves me, focusing on the story of Jesus and the Children in Luke 18:15-16.

Kids Worship

In Kids Worship this week they will be learning it is important to be kind to people who are different from you, focusing on the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.

WATCH WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WATCH WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK

Sunday Mornings @ 9 a.m.

Options for Everyone

If you're not here on Sundays at 9 a.m., you're missing out!

We have great offerings for all ages. Here's what's going on:

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.

This class is beginning a new study of the Book of Romans this Sunday.

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.

This is a new ongoing class beginning this Sunday!

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.

Easter Egg & Candy Donations Needed!

We are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday, March 24. To make it happen we need LOTS of plastic easter eggs (new or used) and candy (individually wrapped).

Please drop your donations of eggs and candy in the baskets around the church campus beginning this Sunday!

Lent Devotional Ideas

During the season of Lent, as we intentionally prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, you might be looking for some additions to your regular devotional life.

Here's a few ideas for you:

First Baptist Lent Scratch Off Prayer Guide

If you haven't already, we encourage you to pick one of these up from the Narthex for your household. Each day of Lent you take time to scratch off one dot revealing someone for whom you can pray. It is great Lenten activity for all ages!

Love, Justice, & Relationships Lenten Devotional

The 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series is prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends for the season of Lent and features wonderful reflections on God's Word, thought-provoking questions, prayers, art, music, noteworthy information and resources for action. You can download it here or sign up to receive it daily in your email inbox here.

Baylor's George W. Truett Seminary Lenten Devotional Guide

These devotionals written by students, staff, and faculty of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological seminary are written to encourage you and enhance and deepen your experience of the Lenten journey this year. You may download it here.

d365 Journey to the Cross

This daily devotion written for youth and adults, which follows a five-step format - Pause, Listen, Think, Pray, Go. - is available all year, but has a Lenten focus "Journey to the Cross" currently. The devotionals are online at d365.org.

Parent Cue App

Parent Cue is an app which aligns with our Preschool, Children, and Youth Curriculum to give parents tools to help them through every stage to grow a lasting, vibrant faith in their kids. This is part of our effort as a church to come alongside your family as you raise your kids to be all God is Calling them to become.

You can download the free app at the link below.

DOWNLOAD PARENT CUE APP

Fellowship Lunch - March 3

Make plans to join us for our monthly fellowship lunch following worship next Sunday, March 3. Our menu for March is Baked Chicken Casserole, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, and Cake. A donation of $5 per person ($20 family max) is encouraged.

Monday Fun Day Picnic Potluck

March 4 - 10:30 a.m. | Sawgrass Lake Park

Join us Monday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. at the Sawgrass Lake Park Pavilion for a Picnic Potluck! Fried chicken and beverages will be provided. Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share ... your choice. Come enjoy and bring a friend.

You can sign up at the link below.

March Senior Adult Day Trip

March 14 - 9 a.m.

Join us for a Senior Adult Day Trip to Manatee Village Historical Park and lunch at Linger Lodge in Bradenton. The bus will leave from the front of the church at 9 a.m. Cost is $20, with lunch on your own. Sign up at the link below!

April Senior Adult Day Trip

April 9 - 9 a.m.

Join us for April's Senior Adult Day Trip to Plant City. For those who love trains there will be a train scavenger hunt and museum to see. For those who love antiques and interesting shops you can enjoy that before we reunite for lunch at Fred's Market. The bus will leave the church at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 with lunch on your own. Sign up at the link below!

St Pete Arts Academy Enrolling Now

The St. Pete Arts Academy is a new ministry of First Baptist! We are offering small group and individual music lessons for kids in our community and a Middle School and High School Show Choir directed by our own Michael McCarthy.

You can learn more and sign up for group/personal lessons in piano, violin, trumpet, flute, & drums as well as the Show Choirs at the link below.

Please help us spread the word about this exciting new ministry to folks in your circles!

MORE INFO & SIGN UP

Promiseland Preschool Openings

Promiseland Preschool, our weekday early childhood education ministry, has current openings in our 4 year old class. They're likely to fill quickly, so if you or someone you know is interested in claiming these spots in this excellent program, please contact Promiseland Director Jenn Jerevic (727.576.1772 | [email protected]).

Playground Upgrades

Promiseland Preschool recently received a generous grant from the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County for playground enhancements. They new upgrades arrived this week, and they are awesome! Be sure to check them out the next time you're walking by the playground. Well done to Jenn Jurevic and the Promiseland staff getting another grant to enhance our program!