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

St. Pete First UMC

Greetings!

When humanity’s brokenness met divine love, the cross changed everything. In the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, suffering is no longer meaningless—it becomes the place where grace, forgiveness, and redemption are revealed.

Why is it so hard to comprehend? Because it turns our understanding of power upside down. And yet, it invites us to live differently—with humility, courage, and self-giving love.

This Sunday, let's reflect together on how the cross reshapes not just history, but your life today.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Elyse

Pastor Elyse's sermon title this week is "The Crucifixion." Divinity and humanity clash in one cataclysmic moment. God’s eternal plan was coming into full swing: the salvation of a sinful creation. Why is the crucifixion so hard for us to comprehend?

The text for this week is Matthew 27:32-44 NIV.

This is the sixth week of our Lent sermon series, Seven Events That Changed the World. The steps to the cross are significant, especially for the followers of Jesus. Along the way arose seven events that would change the world. In order for the prophecy of resurrection to come true, each event would need to take place. The question becomes, why are these events so important today?

Don't forget the Spring Picnic today! Free burgers and hotdogs, and activities for all ages. Feel free to invite friends, neighbors, and coworkers—this event is for the whole community. Meet us in the church parking lot from 4-6 pm today. Bring a lawn chair if you have one, but we'll have some seating available, too. We're looking forward to seeing you!

As we enter this sacred and meaningful time of year, we invite you to journey with us through Holy Week—a week filled with reflection, worship, and hope.

We begin on Sunday with Palm Sunday, beginning with a joyful celebration as our children lead us into worship, processing with palm branches and singing “Hosanna.” (Kids, meet in the Fellowship Hall by 9:15 am to get ready, and plan to stay through the opening of the 11:00 am service.)

On Thursday at 7:00 pm, join us for our Maundy Thursday communion service, Love to the End, as we remember Christ’s final evening with His disciples in a service centered on love, humility, and grace.

Then on Good Friday at 7:00 pm, we gather for a moving and reflective worship experience focused on the Seven Last Words of Christ—a powerful time to pause, remember, and prepare our hearts.

We hope you’ll come and be part of this special week with us.

If you or someone close to you has surgery coming up... has a new baby... is sick or recovering... is in the hospital... ❤️ Please let us know. We care. Call the church office (727-894-4661) or email church@stpetefirst.org. You don’t have to go through it alone...

Want to see recaps 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 traveling, 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

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

Be Part of Something Meaningful

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.

Disaster Response Team

When disaster strikes, our church shows up. Our Disaster Response Team helps bring hope and practical help to people affected by storms and other natural disasters in our community and beyond. Whether it’s clearing debris, organizing supplies, or supporting recovery efforts, your gifts can make a real difference. If you feel called to serve when people need it most, we invite you to join us. Early Response Team (ERT) training is available and encouraged to prepare for safe and effective service. Call the church office, email church@stpetefirst.org or visit www.stpetefirst.org/volunteer for more info.

Church Office Helper Needed (Wednesday afternoons 1-5 pm)

We’re looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Wednesdays from 1-5 pm. Duties include answering door and phones, light filing, and assisting staff with simple tasks. If you’re available and willing to help, please contact the church: church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

Click here to visit our Volunteer Page & connect with other opportunities that interest you

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)

MARCH 2026

Mar 29—Palm Sunday

Mar 31—Scholarship Deadline

APRIL 2026

Apr 1 —No Wednesday night activities this week

Apr 2—Maundy Thursday Worship 7 pm

Apr 3—Good Friday Worship 7 pm

Apr 5—Easter Sunday

Apr 6—Church office closed - Easter Monday

MAY 2026

May 2—Building Hope on Purpose - Free Event; 10 am - 1 pm

SUMMER (registration is open)

June 15-19—VBS

July 13-17—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 1

——————Elementary Creator’s Workshop: Experiences in Music, Theatre & Dance

July 20-24—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 2

——————Elementary Art Camp (Full/Waitlist)

FREE Spring Picnic & Community Gathering

Saturday, March 28 | 4–6 PM | Church Parking Lot

Our 2026 Spring Picnic is here! This is one of our favorite events of the year—a chance for our church family and neighbors from the surrounding community to gather for a fun afternoon together. Feel free to invite friends, neighbors, and coworkers—this event is for the whole community.

Come enjoy:

• Free hamburgers & hot dogs

• Egg hunt for Pre-K and younger

• Face painting

• Balloon artist

• Petting zoo

• Bounce houses

• Games for kids and families

• Easter craft – egg painting

• Snow cone truck (bring a few dollars for this treat!)

Easter Flowers (orders & payments due Palm Sunday 3/29 at midnight)

Help decorate the Sanctuary for Easter by purchasing a flower in honor or memory of a loved one. $14 each (cash, check, or card). Hydrangeas and Easter lilies will decorate the Sanctuary on Easter, and flowers may be picked up after the 11 am Easter service. Click here to order a flower in honor or memory of a loved one.

Calling All Students! Scholarships (apply Feb 1-Mar 31)

Are you a church member who is currently attending or bound for college or vocational school? Applications for St. Pete First Scholarships will be accepted beginning February 1st. Completed applications, along with supporting documents, must be delivered to the church office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 31. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form.

Building Hope on Purpose - Free Event! (May 2; 10 am-1 pm)

Free speakers, workshops, and community resources. Hope is often treated like a feeling we either have or don’t—but real hope is something we do. At this event, we will explore practical ways to change how we speak to ourselves, how to travel through a season of grief and move forward with intention, how to be at peace when others judge, reject or criticize us, and how to master our thoughts and emotions and create for ourselves the stories that will move us forward.

Click here to register for Vacation Bible School or summer camp.

Prayer Initiative

Lenten Prayer Gathering (Thursdays umtil Easter; 12-1 pm; Parlor-Room 214)

Join us for a Lenten Prayer Gathering every Thursday in Lent. We will meet Thursdays in the Parlor from 12:00-1:00 pm to pray, reflect, and connect during the Lenten season. There will be time for guided prayer, small group prayer, and quiet reflection. We will pray for our congregation, our church, and our world.