Wednesday Night Dinner

November 13 at 5:30 PM

Fellowship Hall

Join us for food and fellowship at our next Wednesday Night Dinner! On the menu this month will be a delicious Chicken Casserole!

We are also planning on a fun night for families, as there will be Advent-related games, crafts, and activities they can participate in!

To reserve your place at the table, please CLICK HERE or call the Church Office (727-822-2031)!

Gather all your little ghosts and goblins and head over to First Pres for our annual Trunk or Treat and Great Chili Cook-Off Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m.

We’ll have Candy! Face Painting! Games! Fun Inflatables! Costumes! A photo booth! Hot dogs! Amazing chilis to sample!

Family-friendly! Fun for all ages! All are welcome! Don’t forget to wear your costumes!

For more information, CLICK HERE!

This month's adventure is Friday, October 18, 7:30 PM: Spitfire Comedy House, Whose Line St. Pete? Their improv show (family friendly = rated E for EVERYONE). Cost is $25/person. Contact Dave Hunt (dhunt@fpc-stpete.org) ASAP (we need advance notice to purchase tickets!).

“FPC Gets Artsy” Art Exhibit

Members and friends of FPC have enthusiastically placed pieces of art they created or art from their collection in the “FPC Gets Artsy” art show. Displayed are watercolors, oils, acrylics, pottery, bronze sculpture, decorator pieces, fabric art, and much more.

Opening night - Friday, October 4 - will provide the first opportunity for the entire congregation and friends to experience this variety of art and to talk with the artists and owners about why these pieces are special to them. Additionally, that evening a children’s Treasure Hunt will allow young art enthusiasts to closely explore the works of art, finding answers to clues on their hunt list.

Art will be on display Sundays 11 AM – 12:30 PM and before and after special events in the Chapel Gallery.

Family Movie Night

Friday, September 27

6-8 PM in the Youth Center

We'll be watching the 2023 animated movie Migration starting at 6 PM in the Youth Center. Pizza, hot dogs, and snacks will be served! Feel free to bring blanket and/or pillows to get nice and comfortable! Everyone is welcome!

Join us on Sunday, September 22, at 1:30 PM at the Morean Arts Center for their Chihuly Collection (glass artworks). The cost is $20/person (or $18 for anyone 65+). A group discount is available IF we get 10 or more people going. Contact Dave Hunt (dhunt@fpc-stpete.org) if you would like more information, if you would like to be involved, and/or if you would like a docent-led tour!

Beach Drive Forums are monthly conversations for the community with intriguing speakers on thought-provoking topics. Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall (doors open at 5:30, presentation at 6:00). Refreshments and Q&A included. Open to the public; Everyone is welcome! The best parking is the church lot off N. Shore Drive. 

SEPTEMBER 18

Saturday Night Lights: Florida and Football

Gary Mormino PhD, Professor Emeritus of Florida History and co-founder of the Florida Studies program at USF St Petersburg, will regale us with stories of Floridians and their die-hard passion for football. A past recipient of the Florida Humanities Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing as well as named a Florida Icon by Florida Trend, Dr. Mormino has authored numerous books on Florida history

Italian Night!

Wednesday September 11, at 5:30 PM

BUON APPETITO! Our first Fall 2024 Wednesday Night Supper will be September 11, starting at 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Dinner will start with our spectacular homemade marinara sauce with your choice of turkey or beef meatballs, a great big salad and, of course, warm garlic bread! To reserve your place at the table, please CLICK HERE or call the Church Office (727-822-2031)!

If you are interested in learning more about our church and how you become a member, you are invited to join us for a New Member Inquirer’s class led by Pastor Ginny Ellis in the Conference Room at about 10:00, between our two worship services. 

The class is tailored to the interests of participants but generally includes a look at our beliefs and mission as well as our connection to the wider church. Whether new to the denomination or a member since childhood, everyone will find out something about what it means to be a Presbyterian.

Any questions are welcome and often spark enlightening discussions. There is no obligation, but Elders will be present so that you can make that deeper commitment of membership at the end of the class if you choose.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 18

As hard as it is to believe, the end of summer is right around the corner! As kids get ready to return to school, we would like to send them off to the new school year with a blessing! On Sunday, August 18, Pastor Ginny will be blessing backpacks as a part of the Moment for All Ages during both services. So be sure to encourage the school-age kids in your life to join us that weekend!

FAITH DAY AT THE RAYS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024

$40/PERSON

Tickets price includes a seat in Section 131 with the St Pete First group, a free Rays hat, and wristband for entry to the postgame Faith Night event featuring Team Chaplain & player testimonies.

DEADLINE to buy tickets: Sunday, August 4.

To Purchase Tickets: Visit David Aumack at the Rays Day Table on Sunday, Aug 11th before or after Worship — or — CLICK HERE to fill out the form below and Dave will contact you!

FPC Friends and Family: you are invited to our Fourth of July Ice Cream Social!

Join us in the Fellowship Hall for ice cream, sundaes, and shakes! We’ll also have water activities outside for the children (please wear your swimsuits!) and inside games for kids and adults alike! Not to mention our FREE DOWNTOWN PARKING and great location to see the St. Pete fireworks (scheduled for 9 p.m.)!

Questions? Please call the Church Office!

Don’t miss our next Wednesday Night supper!

Join us Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a create-your-own loaded baked potato. We’ll have all the fixin’ plus some great desserts! Come enjoy the fun and fellowship as we welcome family, friends and neighbors to join us. All ages are warmly invited!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by clicking HERE or call the Church Office - thanks!

This month's adventure is an "IMMERSIVE" experience into the arts at the Fairgrounds of St. Pete! Everywhere our group has been so far, it's been: "No touching the artwork!" Well, HA HA! This trip is all about being "IN" the art! Plus, right next door are the art studios (the Factory) of many of the artists! We'll be carpooling from FPC at 1 PM or you can meet us at the Fairgrounds at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon, June 9th. Cost is $25/person at the door. Questions? Want to participate? Call the Church Office!

Beach Drive Forums are monthly conversations for the community with intriguing speakers on thought-provoking topics. Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall (doors open at 5:30, presentation at 6:00). Refreshments and Q&A included. Open to the public; Everyone is welcome! The best parking is the church lot off N. Shore Drive. 

MAY 22

An Evening with Paul Wilborn: St. Pete Arts and more by Paul Wilborn, award-winning journalist, author, playwright, pianist, singer and executive director of the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College, who knows a thing or two about the arts! He'll share his wisdom about what's influencing the flourishing local arts scene, including whether artificial intelligence is a good or bad creative force. The evening will include a reading from his upcoming novel: The Everlasting Life of Charlie.

Learn more about our speaker HERE and HERE. 

New Member Inquirer's Class

Sunday, May 19 at 12 pM

in the chapel

Whether you have been visiting FPC St. Pete for a brief time or for a while, you will want to join us for a new member inquirer’s class! This is a great opportunity for you to learn about what it means to be a Presbyterian, plus hear the answers to all those questions you may have about our church, faith, and what you need to do to become a member. We will meet immediately following the 11 AM worship service on May 19th in the Chapel, where we will enjoy a great program from Pastor Ginny. Elders will be on hand should you wish to join the church following the class. Please RSVP by calling the Church Office. This is your opportunity to learn about and join downtown‘s most welcoming church!

Mission Sunday, May 19 from 10 - 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall

Health Kits and Healthy Teeth for Honduras

Our Mission Committee is once again partnering with our Honduras team for their upcoming mission trip June 9-16, 2024. Our effort in Honduras is one of our church’s longstanding missions. Your Mission Committee appreciates all that each and every one of you do to help move this mission and others forward!

For this Mission Sunday, we need donations of:

• toothbrushes (for both adults and children)

• spooled dental floss, waxed or unwaxed (but NOT the plastic "pick" kind that can create litter in Honduras).

• Band-aids (for adults and children)

• And if you’re unable to bring any of these items, $$money$$ will work just fine! (make checks out to FPC and mention Honduras trip in the memo line)

PLEASE NOTE: items NOT needed are toothpaste and soap because of the additional weight to the Honduras team members’ baggage. These items will be purchased in Honduras.

Collection boxes labeled “For Honduras” will be in each of our worship spaces the next few Sundays.

Besides donations, our Mission Committee needs many hands on desk this Mission Sunday to remove all donated items from their original packaging and then to bag the items in zip lock bags. As usual, committee members will be there to offer guidance. So come, enjoy your friends while assembling these health kits! Refreshments will be offered.

The assembled health kits will be distributed in each of the five villages visited by our team where they perform health screenings for adults and offer activities for children.

If you have questions about this Mission Sunday, please contact the Church Office.

Don’t miss our upcoming Wednesday Night Dinner COOKOUT

Can you feel the summer breeze? It’s coming…and we are going to celebrate! Join us Wednesday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a Summer Fun Cookout. We’ll have grilled burgers and hot dogs plus awesome sides! Come enjoy the fun as we welcome family, friends and neighbors to Summer Fun at FPC. All ages are warmly invited!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by clicking HERE or call the Church Office - thanks!

We invite you to join the Explorers of First Presbyterian (Fun, Fellowship, and Friends group) on Sunday, May 5, for a casual afternoon experience at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. We're planning to meet around 1 PM at church and carpool over together OR you can meet us there (the entrance is at 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705). We'll set up at Nature Center picnic shelter #2 around 1:30 for a brown bag picnic lunch. After lunch, feel free to, hike, sit and relax at the picnic shelter, or go looking for wildlife: birds, alligators, fish, etc.....all for no cost! We'll have a cooler for storing lunches and a cooler with ice for drinks. The picnic shelter reserved for us until 6 PM.

Questions? Want to participate? Call the Church Office!

New Member Inquirer's Class

Sunday, April 21 at 10 AM

in the church office conference room

Whether you have been visiting FPC St. Pete for a brief time or for a while, you will want to join us for a new member inquirer’s class! This is a great opportunity for you to learn about what it means to be a Presbyterian, plus hear the answers to all those questions you may have about our church, faith, and what you need to do to become a member. We will meet immediately following the 9 AM worship service on April 21st in the Church Office Conference Room, where we will enjoy a great program from Pastor Ginny. Elders will be on hand should you wish to join the church following the class. Please RSVP by calling the Church Office. This is your opportunity to learn about and join downtown‘s most welcoming church!

Beach Drive Forums are monthly conversations for the community with intriguing speakers on thought-provoking topics. Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall (doors open at 5:30, presentation at 6:00). Refreshments and Q&A included. Open to the public; Everyone is welcome! The best parking is the church lot off N. Shore Drive. 

APRIL 17

From Folk Medicines to Therapeutic Drugs by Dr. Akiko Tanaka, president, and co-founder of The Tampa Bay Research Institute (TBRI). TBRI has spent over 40 years investigating the relationship between viruses, cancers, and the functioning of the  immune system. As a result of our research, TBRI has uncovered the details of the healing properties of an ancient folk medicine – an extract of pinecones. Our on-going studies have now brought forth new synthetic molecules that are being developed into lifesaving  immune-altering therapeutics.

Italian Night!

Wednesday April 10, at 5:30 PM

BUON APPETITO! Our Second Annual Italian Night will be Wednesday April 10 starting at 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The marinara sauce will be simmering and ready, with beef or chicken meatballs, and - of course! - garlic bread and a salad bar. Bring your Italian hunger and spin the spaghetti! To reserve your place at the table, please CLICK HERE or call the Church Office (727-822-2031)!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR EASTER!

We will have 3 worship services on Easter Sunday morning:

7 AM - Sunrise service, outside on the patio in front of the Sanctuary

9 AM - Our Connect service, in the Youth Center, with joyful music from our Praise Band!

11 AM - A traditional Easter service, in the main Sanctuary. Celebrate the empty tomb with worship featuring the Pipe Organ, Brass Ensemble, and Chancel Choir.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - March 28

Please join us at 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a Covered Dish Dinner with Communion around tables in the Fellowship Hall. IT HELPS US IF YOU RSVP by calling the Church Office. Plan to bring a dish to share for the meal.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the day Jesus gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room, washed their feet and shared bread and cup with them at the table. That Last Supper became the Sacrament of Communion. From the table, Jesus went out to the Garden of Gesthemane, where he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested.

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, for commandment:

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34 (NRSV)

Join us at 9:00 AM in the Youth Center for our CONNECT worship service OR at 11:00 AM for our SANCTUARY worship service featuring palm fronds and celebrating Christ’s journey to the Cross.

All children in attendance (to whichever service you choose!) are welcome to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt outside at 10:15 AM!

Beach Drive Forums are monthly conversations for the community with intriguing speakers on thought-provoking topics. Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall (doors open at 5:30, presentation at 6:00). Refreshments and Q&A included. Open to the public; Everyone is welcome! The best parking is the church lot off N. Shore Drive. 

MARCH 20

The Dynamic History of St. Petersburg’s Marine Science Complex by Peter R. Betzer, PhD, Founding Dean Emeritus of the College of Marine Science at USF. Dr. Betzer will talk to us about what propelled him to create the marine science program, why it was needed then, and why it is important today to have this academic program in our own back yard.