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

St. Pete First UMC

Hi Kelly—

Every new year brings growth opportunities as well as challenges. Many of us will focus mainly on the challenges and forget about the ways that we can grow in the opportunities that are before us. As we look ahead to 2025, let us adopt the phrase “Thrive in ‘25”. By thriving, we look ahead and recognize the great work that God has yet to do in our life as well as the good work we have to do in the lives of others. Let’s rejoice in this new year together and see God‘s leading in all we do. Happy New Year!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Bob

The title of Pastor Bob's sermon this week is Renewal.

The texts for this week are Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Chronicles 7:14; and Ephesians 4:1-5 NLT

Don't miss the recap and excerpts from previous messages —click here to watch.

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

Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are otherwise unable to be with us in person, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Click for Livestream Worship

Volunteer Help Needed

A little time out of your week can make such a difference! Join us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve and Love. St. Pete. We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. We also need someone to take on the leadership of this ministry. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal

Adults: Roasted Garlic Lentil Stew, Cornbread, Salad, Apple Crisp

Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Ice Cream Sandwich

Upcoming Events:

THIS SUNDAY: Sun Jan 5—UN-decorating the Sanctuary 12-3 pm
Classes & Groups beginning THIS Wednesday, January 8: < Click here to sign up
Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen: Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship (9:30-11 am)
Kids Praise Team (preK-6th grade; 5 pm)
Wednesday Night Dinner (all ages; 5:30 pm)
Wednesday Night Kids (Preschool/Elementary; 6 pm)
Wednesday Night Youth (Middle/High School; 6 pm)
Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (6:30 pm)
Women’s Bible Study with Patti Martin: The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life (6:30 pm)
Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study (6:30 pm)
Jan 17-19—Women’s Retreat www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat
Mon Jan 20—Church office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Fri Feb 14—Kids Night Out (6-10 pm)
Sun Feb 16—Discover First Meeting at 10:45 am
Sun Feb 23—Chili Cook-Off at 6 pm
Wed Mar 5—Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 pm
Fri Mar 14-—Organ Concert with Samuel Metzger at 7 pm

UN-decorating the Sanctuary (THIS Sunday Jan 5 @ noon)

Come help us take down the Sanctuary decorations! This will take 2 - 3 hours, and a light lunch will be provided for workers. Questions? Contact Sherry Smith: jsmit107@tampabay.rr.com

Wednesday classes & groups are back on Jan 8, 2025 < Sign Up NOW!

Click here for more information & to sign up online.

Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen (Begins Wed Jan 8: 9:30-11 am; Room 208)

Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship, an 8-session study with video authored by Sandra Richter, addresses the questions ‘What makes the Psalms so special?’ and ‘What do the Psalms have to do with me today?’ She discusses the role of Psalms in the culture and worship practices of ancient Israel. As we connect with our ancestors in faith, we’ll discover how the Psalms can empower our prayer and worship. The required study guide includes lessons to be completed independently at home. On Wednesdays, we’ll gather for the video presentation and discussion. To reserve a study guide or for more information, contact Sue Allen (sallen0903@gmail.com or 727-418-8155). Click here to sign up.

Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Chapel)

Our decisions don't just affect our present circumstances; they radiate into our future. Most of the time, it's impossible to know what will come of the decisions we make. But this doesn't have to paralyze you. You can train yourself to ask well-placed, appropriately timed, thought-provoking questions that will result in stronger decisions and fewer disappointments down the road.

In this six-week Bible study, author and pastor Andy Stanley gives you five key questions to ask when you have a decision to make and you're not sure what to do (or even if you think you do know what to do!). These five simple questions will empower you to:

Pause when feeling tension over a decision
Take the long view
Look for the wise option
Focus on the relational impact of decisions

Every decision we make impacts our stories and the stories of those closest to us. It's time to start deciding with our heads instead of with our guts. Click here to sign up.

Patti Martin’s Women’s Bible Study (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Room 208)

The Bible study The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life by Cindi Wood is based on Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God”. This thought-provoking, yet lighthearted, study helps women discover practical, biblical help to confront issues that otherwise leave them discouraged. It helps participants develop Biblical skills to handle stressful situations, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and ultimately experience peace, joy, and a saner lifestyle. Click here to sign up

TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.

Communion Stewards Needed

We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer.