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

St. Pete First UMC

Hi Kelly—

The title of Pastor Bob's sermon this week is Where’s Your Burning Bush? Most people have something that motivates them to do what they do. That is called “passion.” Passion is a powerful gift from God and one that needs to be harnessed so that it can be maximized fully. But what happens when our passion gets distracted? What do we do when we lose focus? Sometimes God presents “burning bush” moments making it clear what it is we are to do.

The text for this week is Exodus 3:7-10 NLT.

This is the second sermon in our "Moses" series. Moses wasn’t always the leader we learn him to be in the Exodus story. Once a prince of Egypt holding the power and might of a nation, he becomes aware of his roots and that he is not the one others thought him to be. How does he negotiate life while living in a lesser status? God had a plan! We can learn from Moses’ experience and see what God will do in and through us.

Don't miss the recap and excerpts from last week's message from Pastor Bob: "Who Am I?" —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. Our School Partnership Ministry needs volunteers! This ministry supports Melrose Elementary and Fairmount Park Elementary with mentorships, tutoring, fundraisers, teacher support, prayer, food, and acts of loving kindness. Right now the schools particularly need mentors, Lunch Pals, and people to read to classes. Click here to go to our Serve form, and let us know you want to TAKE ACTION to make a difference in the lives of our local children.

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

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

Adults: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Tacos, Pineapple Slaw, Ranch-Style Beans, Cilantro Rice, Apple Crisp

Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

Upcoming Events:

9/8—Confirmation classes begin. 10:45am Sundays in the WhereHouse.
9/8-22—Personal Care Product Collection for the St. Pete Free Clinic.
9/22—Discover First meeting (10:45am-1pm): Talk with our pastors and learn about our church & how to become a member! Click here to register & for more info
9/27—Kids Night Out (6-10pm)
10/11-13—2024 Women's Retreat. More information
10/18—Trunk or Treat (6-8 pm)
11/1—Organ Premier Concert (7 pm)

Personal Care Products Collection (Sept 8-22):

During the month of September we are collecting personal care products for the St. Pete Free Clinic. You can get a list of requested items and drop off donations in the Fellowship Hall, Narthex (back of Sanctuary), or the WhereHouse.

Discover First Meeting (Sunday, Sept. 22; 10:45am-1pm):

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to register & for more info

Kids Night Out (9/27 6-10pm):

Drop your kids off for a night of FUN on September 27th from 6-10 pm! At KNO, kids will be served pizza and snacks, have ice cream sundaes, play games, watch a movie, sing songs and have an interactive devotion! Open to all children ages nursery - 5th grade. Dinner & snacks are provided. $20 first child, $15 second, $40 for a family of 3 or more. Register here.

Wednesday Night Live is back - join us!

Courageous Leadership Class:

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:

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:

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.

Devoga:

Devoga is an active scripture meditation and strength building class that will meet each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Narthex. The aim of the class will be to commit 50 minutes to Christian spiritual practices like prayer, gratitude and scripture meditation while also practicing stretching, strength building and stillness. Each week we will have a theme -- like Trusting God -- and every week participants will leave with a new meditation and scripture passage. Click for more info.

Kids Music:

Christmas Musical rehearsals meet on Sundays at 9:30 am 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).

Social Media Assistant Job Opening:

5-10 hrs per week. The person in this position will work at the church on Sundays plus 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.