Weekly Church Newsletter | February 26, 2026

The First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg exists to help people experience God's gift of life in Jesus.

Worship This Sunday

Second Sunday of Lent

March 1, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.

Songs of Worship

What Wondrous Love Is This

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Total Praise

Lead Me To The Cross

To God Be The Glory

Sermon

God So Loved The World That He GAVE ...

John 3:1-17

Robin Priddy

Big Idea: God loved you so much that he gave Jesus. This gift invites us into a transformed life of being like Jesus.

Communion, Benevolence Offering, & Fellowship Lunch

This Sunday we will share the Lord's Supper together. As is our practice on Sundays we partake in communion, we will make available the opportunity to give to special offering as you depart worship which is used by our Care Team to meet the needs of members and neighbors. We also invite you to join us following worship in Heritage Hall for a time of warm fellowship and good food.

Elementary Kids in Sanctuary Worship

Our elementary-aged children will join their families for worship in the sanctuary this week. Be sure to visit the table at the rear of the sanctuary for activities to utilize during worship.

Preschool Worship

Our preschool-aged kids are invited to Preschool Worship this Sunday where they will learn about the story of The Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. Thanks to Amber & Jon Ruiz for being our Preschool Worship adult leaders this week!

Nursery

We offer a volunteer-staffed nursery for children 2 and under for any families who would like to utilize it during worship. Thanks to our Nursery volunteers this week, Jennifer Gordon & Beverly Versfelt.

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Opportunities Sundays at 9 a.m.

Adult Sunday Morning Bible Studies

We offer several options for Adults to engage in Bible Study and community Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. We invite you to try one this Sunday!

Digging Deeper | Heritage Hall

A group of adults of all ages. They are currently studying of the Gospel of John.

Masters Class | Conference Room

A group of adults of all ages, utilizing the Formations curriculum to facilitate class discussion. Their current study is Celebrate Jesus.

Sonshine Class | Room 10

A group composed primarily of retired adults, this class utilizes the Formations curriculum to facilitate class discussion. Their current study is Celebrate Jesus.

Special Needs Class | Room 2

This group of adults with intellectual disabilities is part of our Special Needs Ministry. Their current study is Stories About Jesus' Ministry.

FirstYOUTH Sunday Morning Bible Study

Our Middle & High School students are invited to the Multipurpose Room each Sunday at 9 a.m. for a fun time of community and discipleship with your peers and caring adult leaders. Their current study is Your Kingdom Come. This week's lesson is The Wedding at Cana from John 2:1-11 learning Jesus shows the power of God.

FirstKIDS Choirs

We offer choirs for both Preschool & Elementary-aged kids each Sunday at 9 a.m. Here kids learn music and worship leadership in a fun, age-appropriate environment, and prepare for opportunities to share and lead in Sanctuary worship. We would love for your kids to join us! They will next be leading in worship on Palm Sunday, March 29.

Elementary Kids Choir (K-5th) meets in Room 206 (Library).

Preschool Kids Choir (Age 2-Pre-K) meets in Room 109.

10 a.m. Coffee & Pastries Fellowship in the Narthex

We invite you to join us in the Narthex this Sunday for coffee, juice, and other goodies along with fellowship with your church family. We'll see you Sunday!

Fellowship Lunch

This Sunday, March 1 | Following Worship

This Sunday following worship make plans to join us in Heritage Hall for our monthly fellowship lunch. It is a great opportunity to enjoy good food and warm fellowship. This month's menu is Apricot Chicken, Corn Pudding, Pea Broccoli Casserole, Salad, and Brownie Peanut Better Truffle.

There's no charge for Fellowship Lunch; donations are accepted.

Church Workday

Saturday, March 7 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us as we work on a collection of various projects on the interior and exterior of our facility, sprucing up our campus in preparation for the Holy Week & Easter Services. There are jobs for all skill levels and abilities. We'll end our morning of work with lunch together.

Lunch & Learn: Stroke Prevention

Sunday, March 8 | Following Worship

Our Health Ministry, part of the Baycare Faith Community Nursing Program, is offering a lunch & learn about stroke prevention following worship on Sunday, March 8.

The lunch & learn event is free of charge, but a reservation is required.

Please RSVP at the link below by March 6.

RSVP FOR LUNCH & LEARN

Monday Fun Day - Irish Blessings Bingo

Monday, March 16 | 10:30 a.m.

Monday Fun Day is moving to the 3rd Monday of the month. Join us March 16 at 10:30 a.m. in Heritage Hall for some Irish Blessings Bingo. Then stay for lunch of corned beef and cabbage. Should be a true pot of fun!

Please make your reservation at the link below by March 11.

RSVP FOR MONDAY FUN DAY

Palm Sunday Fellowship Lunch & Egg Hunt

Sunday, March 29 | Following Worship

Following worship on Palm Sunday we will be hosting a fellowship for the whole church family, including lunch and and Easter Egg Hunt for kids! We hope you will join us in the Multipurpose Room for this fun event.

We are accepting donations of individually wrapped candy to fill the eggs. You can drop off your contributions in the baskets at the church.

Maundy Thursday Dinner & Communion

Thursday, April 2 | 6 p.m.

On Maundy Thursday, we will gather around tables in the Narthex to share dinner and communion as we remember the events in the upper room on the night before Christ was crucified. Please RSVP at the link below so we can be properly prepared to accommodate everyone for this special service.

RSVP FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY

Good Friday Stations of the Cross

Friday, April 3 | 6 p.m.

We invite you to join us for this experiential worship event appropriate for all ages. We will begin in the Prayer Garden and travel about the church campus visiting stations along the way which walk us through the events of Good Friday. Wear comfortable shoes and join us for this meaningful collective experience. Stroller, wheelchairs, and walkers are welcome!

LIFE Groups Sign Ups Open

As we move through the season of Lent, we are re-launching (and renewing) LIFE Groups! We would love to see each member of our church family plugged in and connected to a LIFE Group, which are small groups who meet together for community and discipleship = doing life together. In a LIFE Group you can find support, encouragement, growth, and fellowship. These groups are formed by connecting people by interests, geography, or stage of life. We hope you will set aside time in the coming season to join others in a LIFE group. You can read more and sign up to be a part at the link below.

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP FOR A LIFE GROUP