First Baptist Newsletter | April 18, 2024

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

Sunday Worship

April 21, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.

Songs of Worship

What Wondrous Love Is This

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Breathe On Me Breath Of God w/Breathe

Come Alive (Resurrection Power)

Rock of Ages/Abide With Me Medley

Sermon

"Love in Truth & Action"

1 John 3:16-24

Ben Winder

God calls us to love like Jesus: in truth and action!

Kids Worship

This Sunday our Elementary school kids will continue their series "Cookout: It's Worth the Wait" in which they're learning the connection between patience and God's character. This week they'll dig into Exodus 32:1-35, the story of the Golden Calf and learning that when you have to wait, remember what's true.

Preschool Worship

Our Preschoolers will continue their series - "SHINE" - in which they're talking about Jesus - the light of the WORLD - and how when we do what Jesus says, we shine and light up the dark so others can see their way to Jesus. This week they'll study the Early Church in Acts 2:42-47, John 15:12, and Hebrews 10:24 learning that Jesus says to love like Him.

After Party - Jam & Jaw

Following worship this Sunday our Preschoolers & Kids will be dropped off to their parents in the Sanctuary by their adult leaders. We invite everyone to stay around for a few minutes as our musicians will be playing a few songs (jam) and we'll have some quick fun activities and conversation for everyone (jaw) to encourage intergenerational fellowship.

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Sunday Mornings Before Worship

9 a.m. Bible Studies & Choirs

If you're not here on Sundays at 9 a.m., you're missing out!

We have great offerings for all ages. Here's what's going on:

Preschool Choir (2-PreK) | Room 109

Music and fun for preschoolers.

Kids Choir (K-5th) | Room 206

Music and fun for elementary-aged students.

FirstYOUTH Bible Study | Multipurpose Room

A weekly gathering for Middle and High School students.

Digging Deeper Class | Room 204

A co-ed group of adults of all ages currently studying the Book of Romans.

Masters Class | Conference Room

A co-ed group of adults of all ages, utilizing the Formations curriculum to facilitate class discussion.

Raising Adults Class | Room 205

A co-ed group for adults in the stage of life with kids in their home.

Sonshine Class | Heritage Hall

A co-ed group composed primarily of retired adults, utilizing the Formations curriculum to facilitate class discussion.

Special Needs Class | Heritage Hall Room 2

This co-ed group for adults with intellectual disabilities is part of our Special Needs Ministry.

10 a.m. Intergenerational Fellowship in the Narthex

Between our 9 a.m. offerings and the beginning of worship each Sunday we offer coffee, juice, and other goodies for you to enjoy in the Narthex. We encourage you to come a few minutes early or stop by after your 9 a.m. activity to spend some time getting to know other members of your church family of all ages. We'll see you Sunday!

FAST Nehemiah Action

Tuesday, April 30 - 7 p.m. | First Baptist Church

ALL are invited and encouraged to attend this gathering of our county-wide justice ministry, which we are hosting, at which we will call upon public officials to make commitments related to the issues on which we're currently working: Affordable Housing, Water Quality, and Criminal Justice. The best way to help ensure our public officials take action is by showing up. Your presence makes a difference!

If you have any questions about FAST, issues on which we're working, or anything else about our Justice Ministry, feel free to connect with our Justice Ministry Team Leaders - Doug Harrell, Joye Quire, and Ben Winder.

CBF of Florida & Caribbean Islands

Spring Celebration

Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 a.m - 3 p.m.

First Baptist is hosting the Spring Celebration for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida and the Caribbean Islands. This year's one-day event celebrates mission engagement and will feature Trina Harris (Touching Miami with Love), Rick & Ellen Burnette (Cultivate Abundance), Jason Coker (Together for Hope), and Francis & Missy Angalla (Amani Sasa). Along with learning from these experienced mission practitioners, we'll also worship together, led by Francis Angalla with new CBF FL/CI Associate Coordinator Xiomara Reboyras preaching.

It will be a wonderful day celebrating missions, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about CBF of Florida and the Caribbean Islands and many of our mission partners right here on our own campus! Please register at the link below by April 26. Registration is free; lunch is available $15 the day of the event.

Learn more & register here.

Monday Fun Day | May 6 - 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a vibrant and uplifting Monday Fun Day Fellowship at First Baptist Church. The month of May, we’re delighted to host a special guest speaker who will enchant us with the wonders of butterfly and pollinator gardens, sharing insights on how these beautiful sanctuaries can inspire and transform our spiritual journey. 🦋✨

🌺 **Special Highlights:**

- Explore the colorful world of butterfly gardens

- Learn how to create your own sanctuary for these delightful creatures

- Fellowship and fun with your church family

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or looking for a peaceful way to start a new hobby, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a morning of fellowship, inspiration, and community spirit. Lunch will be served.

Let’s flutter into a new month with grace and joy — see you there! 🌸💒

Senior Adult Day Trip | May 9 - 10 a.m.

On May 9 we'll head to Lavender 'n Lace Tearoom in Lake Alfred. This old orange plantation home has been converted into a very beautiful and quaint tea room with wonderful food (no finger sandwiches here!). The bus leaves the church at 10 a.m. The cost for the bus is $20 per person. Please register by May 6.

Serve St Pete Day | May 18

A few times a year we take a day as a church family to serve our community in Jesus' name. We start the day at various locations around our city working alongside mission partners and others to make positive impact. Then we meet at the church for lunch together to cap off the morning of service. There are opportunities to serve for all ages and abilities. Please sign up at the link below to join us for our next Serve St Pete Day on Saturday, May 18!