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

St. Pete First UMC

Greetings!

As we move into a new week, remember that faith is often lived out in the small, ordinary moments—through kindness, patience, encouragement, and quiet trust in God’s presence. Even when the days feel busy or uncertain, God is still at work in ways we may not always see. Take time this week to pause, pray, and look for opportunities to share grace with those around you. A simple word of encouragement or act of compassion can make a meaningful difference.

May you go through this week with hope in your heart and peace in your spirit.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Bob

Pastor Bob's sermon title this week is "The Denial." To hear he would deny Jesus were the hardest words that would be uttered into Peter’s ears. Though not formerly chosen as the lead disciple, Peter was often looked to be the voice of the disciples. What made this “rock” become rubble and to deny Jesus?

The text for this week is Matthew 26:69-75 NLT.

This is the fourth 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?

Parking Info for This Weekend

St. Pete First Family,

I am writing this message to make you aware of an upcoming event and partnership occurring this weekend. From Friday March 13^th through Sunday March 15^th the 4^th Annual Paddy Fest is being held at Williams Park. We were approached by the organizers of this event to partner in providing parking space for attendees. After consideration and research into this opportunity, we have retained Courtesy Valet to operate as a parking attendant. They will be able to monitor and manage the use of our parking lot during approved times. While the event spans the weekend, we aren't making our parking lot available for the Annual Paddy Fest event until after 6pm on Friday and not before 12pm on Sunday. This is the first time that we have attempted such an arrangement, but we are hopeful that this will appropriately balance the need to monitor our property during the festival while allowing us to continue to support our local community.

Representatives from Courtesy Valet will be present on Sunday morning to monitor our parking lot and ensure that our parking will be reserved for our congregants and guests attending worship.

We appreciate everyone's understanding as we attempt this new venture. We do hope and expect that this will have little effect on the activities of the church, and the Trustees would invite your input following the event on any effect this may have had to better understand how to proceed in the future. Feel free to contact me at julianw@woodlawpa.com with any questions or concerns, and I will share them with the Trustees.

Julian Wood, Chairman

St. Pete First Board of Trustees

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.

Spring Picnic & Community Gathering (Sat March 28; 4-6 pm)

Our 2026 community gathering & picnic is coming up on March 28 in the church parking lot. We need volunteers to help with the picnic - click here to volunteer for a half-hour!

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 1-22—Diaper & Book Drive (collecting diapers, wipes, childrens books)

Mar 15—104th Birthday Celebration-Cheerful Thornhill- 12 noon; Fellowship Hall

Mar 18—No Wednesday Night Live/Dinner - Spring Break

Mar 28—Spring Picnic 4-6 pm

Mar 29—Palm Sunday

Mar 31—Scholarship Deadline

APRIL 2026

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 begins March 8)

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

Cheerful’s 104th BD Celebration (Sunday, March 15; 12 pm; Fellowship Hall)

Cheerful Thornhill will celebrate her 104th birthday on March 15! Please join her family and friends in the Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 am service as we celebrate this wonderful milestone together.

Diaper & Book Drive (through Mar 22)

Help the United Women in Faith & Youth collect baby diapers (all sizes) , wipes, and children’s books (new or gently used) for Cornerstone Family Ministries. Drop off donations in the collection bins outside the Fellowship Hall or in the WhereHouse.

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.

Spring Picnic & Community Gathering (Sat March 28; 4-6 pm)

Our 2026 community gathering & picnic is coming up on March 28 in the church parking lot. Activities, food, and fun for all ages—everyone is welcome! Click here for more details. We need volunteers to help with the picnic - click here to volunteer!

Help Us Prep for VBS!

We have an easy way you can help us prepare for VBS! Please save your toilet paper and paper towel tubes. Bring them to church on Sundays or Wednesdays and look for the bin next to the check-in area on the first and fourth floors.

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.

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.

Prayer Initiative

Do you have a prayer request? Let us pray for you & your loved ones!

On Sunday morning you can leave written requests at the table under the big heart (organ side). Complete an online prayer request anytime: click here to send a prayer request.

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.