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

St. Pete First UMC

Greetings!

Easter is more than a date on the calendar or a tradition we observe each year—it is a deeply personal reminder of hope, renewal, and unconditional love. While we celebrate together as a church, the meaning of Easter touches each of us in unique and meaningful ways.

For some, Easter is a quiet reassurance that no matter how difficult life may feel, new beginnings are always possible. It is the promise that struggles, loss, and hardship do not have the final word.

For others, Easter is a call to renewal—a chance to reflect, to grow, and to step forward with a stronger faith. Just as the resurrection represents new life, we too are invited to embrace change and transformation in our own hearts.

Easter can also be a reminder of God’s constant presence. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, it speaks gently to us: we are not alone, and we are deeply loved.

As we celebrate this sacred season, each of us may take time to reflect on what Easter means in our own lives. Whether it brings you comfort, strength, joy, or peace, may its message stay with you long after the day has passed.

Easter is not just something we remember—it is something we live. He is risen!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Bob

Pastor Bob's sermon title this week is "The Empty Tomb." Two thieves hung next to Jesus. One hurled insults. The other, sought forgiveness. Before speaking his last words, Jesus makes a promise not just to the thief, but to us all. The Easter message comes alive!

The text for this week is Luke 23:32-43 NLT.

This is the last 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?

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

Church family, after over four years of dedicated service to St. Pete First as business administrator, Sharon Binder is leaving. We all wish her the best in her future endeavors. The Staff Parish Relations Committee will be actively recruiting a Director of Finance with investment experience and CPA credentials to fill the roll for our growing church as we seek to expand our service and mission to “Love St. Pete.”

Doc Feaster

Chair, SPRC

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.

Computer Center Ministry

Looking for a meaningful way to serve in our community? We’d love for you to be part of our Computer Center Ministry! Join us Monday through Thursday from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Job Center at the Salvation Army on 4th Street South, where we come alongside those in need—helping with things like applying for food assistance, creating resumes, and searching for jobs online. It’s a simple way to make a real difference in someone’s life. Whether you can volunteer one day a week or several, your time and presence matter. No experience is needed—full training is provided, and we’ll support you every step of the way. Come be part of something that changes lives—both theirs and yours. 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)

APRIL 2026

Apr 5—Easter Sunday Worship 8/9:30/11 am

Apr 6—Church office closed - Easter Monday

Apr 8—Neighboring Workshop begins; 6:30 pm (Room 208)

Apr 12—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

Apr 29—Last Wednesday Night Dinner until Fall—returns September 2

MAY 2026

May 2—Building Hope-Free Speakers & Workshops; 10 am-1 pm

May 3— Graduation Sunday

May 7—National Day of Prayer

May 10—Mother’s Day

May 17—Club 56 Move-Up Sunday

————Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

May 25—Church office closed - Memorial Day

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)

Neighboring Workshop (Wednesdays; 7 pm; Room 208)

Join a four-week workshop with Pastor Carey focused on what it really means to love our neighbors the way Jesus calls us to. Together we’ll explore the practical and spiritual barriers that keep us from building relationships with the people who live around us—like busyness, fear, and distraction—and we’ll learn simple, practical ways to become more present, more available, and more intentional in our neighborhoods. This workshop isn’t about adding more to your schedule, but about rethinking how we live our everyday lives so that loving our neighbors becomes part of our normal rhythms. Through this experience, we will grow not only as individuals, but as a church that genuinely cares for and connects with the people God has placed right around us. Begins Wednesday, April 8.

The WhereHouse is Moving!

After many years, The WhereHouse is moving to the 3rd floor of the church, and we are so excited! So much progress has already been made—the floor has been cleared of all stuff, new lights have been installed, the ceiling is going up, walls have been removed and fresh paint is going up. Now we need your help putting the finishing touches on the space.

HELP FURNISH THE 3RD FLOOR

Everyone can be a part of helping furnish the new WhereHouse space. We’ve created an Amazon registry with items needed for the 3rd floor. CLICK HERE to visit the registry, choose an item, and it will be shipped directly to the church.

Thank you so much for your support as we create a welcoming space for students. To help offset costs, the youth will also host a garage sale featuring items from The WhereHouse and other nooks and crannies.

Support our United Women in Faith at the Cornerstone Wonder Walk

The United Women in Faith are walking in Cornerstone Ministry's 46th Annual Wonder Walk/ Run on April 25, 2026. This walk raises money for scholarships for inner-city children, giving them a safe place to learn, grow and thrive. Donate via check/cash or click here to donate (our team name is St. Pete First UMC) -deadline is April 24. Contact Marilyn Cutting for more info: mfroglady@gmail.com

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.