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

St. Pete First UMC

Hi Kelly—

The title of Pastor Bob's sermon this week is Faith Makes Dreams Come Alive. Do you have dreams for your life? Are they actually attainable or merely something to “dream about”? Believe it or not, God’s dream for your life is one to prosper you and not harm you; to bring you hope and a future. What does it take to actually follow your dreams, and what can you expect along the way? This message will help you answer the questions you have been asking.

The text for this week is Hebrews 11:1-3 NLT.

This is the last week of our sermon series called "Faith." Too often we question whether we can see through the challenges that might come in life. Unexpected storms that bring flooding to our community, heartache, job changes, inflation, what to do for the kids… If we aren’t careful we can literally shrink within ourselves, believe there is nothing good to come and throw in the towel. If we are honest, even as a people of faith, we too might fall into that trap. But what if we didn’t have to? What if we actually had a better way, a way that led us into a life of favor and not distress and all it required was for us to have some modicum of faith? Would we take it?

Don't miss the excerpts from last week's message from Pastor Bob: "Faith Makes Everything Possible" —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 traveling, 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. Wednesday Night Live will be returning on September 4, and we need volunteers to help with dinner on Wednesday nights! To join a team, contact Chad Simonds. We also need volunteers for our First Impressions team - these team members volunteer during one or more Sunday services per month and act as ambassadors of our church to help folks feel welcome and safe in our building. Training is provided so volunteers can assist the church during emergencies or other situations that might occur on Sunday mornings. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.

Wednesday Night Dinner & Activities will return on September 4th.

Click here to see classes & activities.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (8/28):

Our wonderful volunteers at St Pete First are invited to a special dinner on August 28th at 6 pm! Bring the family! Or invite a friend! Click here to RSVP or call the church office (727-894-4661) no later than Monday, August 26th.

The Gap study of The Book of Jonah (begins 8/25):

When God’s Purpose Isn’t in Your Plans … The book of Jonah is best known for Jonah’s run-in with a giant fish. But there’s more to the story. It’s about God’s grace, compassion, and love toward his wayward people. In this six-week study, we will learn that God is determined to spread His word to all the nations and use His people to do it. God desires to transform our hearts as we carry out His purpose in the world. Join us as we renew our sense of what it means to orient our lives around God’s mission.

The Gap [formerly Young(ish) Adults] is a Sunday School class for adults who are in the busiest, most intense stage of life, juggling the demands of their careers, their relationships, and parenting—both up and down. This is the gap where the chaos of life seems to happen. If you are in that gap, trying to figure out how to live for Jesus while juggling day-to-day demands, then this class is for you. Together, we discover and discuss how to create space for God by turning what we do every day into living life for Christ, serving Jesus through our daily relationships and responsibilities. Join us in The Gap! We meet Sundays at 10:45 in Room 101.

Navigating the Senior Years: Caring for the Elderly (9/7):

This educational event for senior adults and those who care for them will feature 2 Q&A Panels and vendor tables discussing elder law, rehab, assisted living facilities & memory care, veterans services/benefits, in-home fitness, counseling, funeral care, insurance, & more. Click here for more information & to RSVP.

2024 Women's Retreat (10/11-13): < Sign Up NOW! Deadline 8/31.

Join us for St. Pete First's bedazzling 2024 Women’s Retreat the weekend of October 11th-13th at Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Conference Center in Fruitland Park, Florida. Click here for more information & to register online.

Wednesday Night Live returns on September 4!

Courageous Leadership Class (begins 9/4):

Who comes to mind when you think of an effective leader? What qualities do they have? What is the difference between a worldly leader and a spiritual leader? We learn from the Apostle Paul, “To aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition” (1 Timothy 3:1). Pastor Bob’s class, called “Courageous Leadership,” is designed to walk through the lives of some of the great spiritual leaders and learn about leadership from them. Discoveries will be made during this 9 week seminar that will inspire and encourage you to develop the heart of a spiritual leader while discovering your path in life. Click here to sign up.

The Bible Jesus Read (begins 9/4):

This Fall's study led by Pat Mason is "The Bible Jesus Read.” Jesus’s only scriptures were the Old Testament—we will survey what these 39 books say about God, Jesus, ourselves, and the New Testament. Click here to sign up.

Band of Brothers (returns 9/4):

Our focus — get to know Jesus better and grow closer to each other as we grow close to Christ. We are currently journeying through the Gospels. We finished the study of John in May and will begin Luke when we restart on September 4. Click here for more info.

Paul Bible Study (begins 9/11):

You are invited to join Pastor Margaret as she leads a six-week Bible study on the journeys of the apostle Paul. We will begin with Paul's dramatic conversion and then we will travel to the early church sites and explore Paul's conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. You are invited to experience faith through Christ's greatest teacher and missionary, none other than the apostle Paul. Click here to sign up.

Kids Music (starting this week!):

Christmas Musical rehearsals begin this Sunday (8/25) at 9:30 on the 4th floor! Come join us! The kids also sing in church throughout the school year - join us for a short rehearsal at 10:20 on Sundays (begins 9/8) and our regular rehearsal at 5 pm on Wednesdays (begins 9/4). For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata.

Music for Adults (& Youth):

Like to sing? Play an instrument? Get involved! We are always looking for volunteers who have a heart for worship and aren't afraid to get up and show it! Feeling inspired? Have a song on your heart? Contact Derek Weston (Chancel Choir/Handbells) or Loren Russell (Contemporary Music).

Parents' Morning Out Staff Position Opening:

Our Parent's Morning Out Program has an open part-time staff position for three days per week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:45 am - 12:15 pm. The person in this position works on a team of three, providing general childcare for infants through 2 years. Contact Lora Ulrich for more details.

Custodian Position Opening:

Need a part-time job, or know of someone who does? St. Pete First UMC is looking for a self-motivated part-time Custodian. Duties include routine cleaning and event setup. Flexible hours; 2-3 days per week. For more information email Chad Simonds or call the church at (727) 894-4661.

Social Media Assistant Job Opening:

5-10 hrs per week. The person in this position will work Sundays and remotely, capturing photo/video content and using editing software & social media platforms/analytics to help implement the church’s digital communication strategy. For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata.