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.

The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay

Featuring: The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay

and Guest Speaker from the Florida Holocaust Museum

Friday, March 1, 2024, at 8:00 PM

In collaboration with The Florida Holocaust Museum, The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay invites you to explore excerpts of Anne Frank's diary in a performance of James Whitbourn's Annelies. The program also features the world premiere of a commissioned work by Nico Gutierrez.

Praised by music critics from local media as "one of the country's finest choirs," “an amazing instrument,” and a “cultural treasure,” The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay has consistently delivered some of the most profoundly moving music performances in the area. 

This is a ticketed event. Please purchase your tickets in advance through the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay (click HERE or call 813-355-9609).

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. 

February 21 - Standing on the Promises: The Woodson African-American Museum of Florida on the Historic Gas Plant Site

by Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of the Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum. Come learn the history of this cultural asset and the exciting plans for the future of the museum, which is named for the founder of Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Mrs. Lipsey Scott is a retired administrator who served in the Office of the St. Petersburg Mayor and City Council.

In the season of Lent, we enter into a forty-day fast that Jesus undertook in the wilderness. Through this dedicated period of self-examination, we allow God to further shape us into the image of Jesus. We also align our hearts with the suffering of Jesus as we move ever closer towards Holy Week and the event of the Crucifixion. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we receive the imposition of ashes and are reminded that we are but dust, and to dust we shall return, and ends on the joyous morning of Easter, when we celebrate in Christ's resurrection.

Wednesday, February 14 marks the beginning of the Lenten Journey to Christ’s death and resurrection. As we begin this time of reflection and penitence, we invite you to join us for a worship service in our Chapel at 7 PM, which will offer communion and the imposition of ashes.

In the season of Lent, we enter into a forty-day fast that Jesus undertook in the wilderness. Through this dedicated period of self-examination, we allow God to further shape us into the image of Jesus. We also align our hearts with the suffering of Jesus as we move ever closer towards Holy Week and the event of the Crucifixion. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we receive the imposition of ashes and are reminded that we are but dust, and to dust we shall return, and ends on the joyous morning of Easter, when we celebrate in Christ's resurrection.

Wednesday, February 14 marks the beginning of the Lenten Journey to Christ’s death and resurrection. As we begin this time of reflection and penitence, we invite you to join us for a drive-through experience, which will include scripture, prayer, communion, and imposition of ashes, in our front circle drive from 12:00-2:00 PM

New Member Inquirer's Class

Sunday, February 11 at 10 AM

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 9 AM worship service on February 11th 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!

St. Olaf Choir Concert

Featuring: St. Olaf Choir

Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM

The St. Olaf Choir, founded in 1912, has been singing for capacity audiences in major venues across America, and around the globe for more than 100 years, sharing the finest sacred choral repertoire, inspiring people of all faiths, garnering immense critical acclaim, and setting new standards for choral excellence.

“When they opened their mouths to sing, an even wall of sound emerged: words clear, notes true. But more than that, the notes were felt .... (The St. Olaf Choir is) good because of its remarkable balance and mellow tone .... It’s good because of its dynamic shadings: its ability to sustain, then build from, nearly inaudible pianos, or to distinguish between a forte and a fortissimo ... Dr. Anton Armstrong, the group’s leader since 1990, is clearly a gifted choral director – and a teacher to the core.” ~ The New York Times

This is a ticketed event (proceeds will go to St. Olaf Choir): $40 for adults/seniors, $10 for all students. Tickets are available online HERE or by calling 1-800-363-5487.

Join us Wednesday, January 31, from 5:30-7 PM for Wednesday Fellowship Dinner & Game Night!

When: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:30 – 7:00PM

Where: Fellowship Hall at Frist Presbyterian Church

What: Potluck Dinner

                - Entrée Provided—Bring a Side or Dessert to Share

                - Get-to-Know-You Bingo

                - Kid's Choir

RSVP: To reserve your spot, click HERE.

Beach Drive Forums are a series of conversations for congregation and community on thought-provoking topics. The monthly (or so) conversations with intriguing guest speakers and subject matter are open to our members and the public and will take place on Wednesdays from about 6-8 p.m. (presentation from 6-7, followed by a time for Q & A and refreshments) in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome!

January 17 - Trouble in Paradise: Our Allergies by Dr. Harrison Brownlee

Dr. Harrison (Jamie) Brownlee will give us an overview of the joys and challenges of living in Florida when it comes to allergies.  As an experienced family doctor and allergy-sufferer himself, Dr. Brownlee will share tips on how to deal with a whole variety of allergies, including how to save money by treating yours or your loved ones’ allergies in the most practical ways.

Bio: H. JAMES BROWNLEE, JR., M.D.

H. James Brownlee, Jr., MD, is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He served as Chair of the Department of Family Medicine from 1992 to December 2011, after which time he served as the Medical Director of the Executive Health Center at USF Health until August 2015 when he retired.

After earning his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, Dr. Brownlee completed his residency training through the Williamsport Hospital Family Practice Residency Program in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He then completed a teaching fellowship in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Miami in Florida, followed by a geriatric fellowship at the Geriatric Education Center of the University of North Carolina.

He has lectured extensively throughout the United States, including on cruise ships, and his writings have been published in numerous journals, books, and electronic media.

Childcare will be provided with advance reservations only. Please call the Church Office.

Solo Organist, Bradley Welch

Featuring: Bradley Welch

Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM

Bradley Hunter Welch is increasingly in demand as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and collaborative artist.  He is the 2003 First Place winner of the Dallas International Organ Competition and was also awarded the Audience Prize for the second time, having previously won it in 2000.

He has taught at Southern Methodist University and Baylor University and was Director of Music & Arts at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX from 2009-2014.

A native of Knoxville, TN, Dr. Welch holds the Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Musical Arts, and Master of Music degrees, as well as the coveted Artist Diploma from Yale University where he studied with Thomas Murray and Martin Jean.  He also holds the Bachelor of Music degree from Baylor University where he studied with Joyce Jones.  

“To invoke an old Southern expression, Bradley Hunter Welch plays the organ like nobody's business. Between the virtuosity of the playing and the easy-going spoken commentary, he also proved that 'entertainer' and 'organist' needn't be mutually exclusive. It would be hard to play Widor any better than this....splendidly idiomatic and communicative.”  ~Dallas Morning News

An offering will be taken for First Presbyterian Church Concert Series.

Join us for a beautiful candlelight lessons & carols service!

At our 7:00 PM Christmas Eve service, the Christmas story will be presented through scripture, and carols, ending with the candlelight singing of Silent Night. Organist Jack Rain will play the pipe organ, and other music will be led by choir and brass quartet.  All are welcome!

There will not be child care provided.

Join us for a kid-friendly re-telling of the nativity story!

Our 4:00 PM Christmas Eve service will feature the Christmas Story, with all children invited to come forward to depict the different parts of the story. Christmas carols will be sung, accompanied by the piano. This family-friendly service will be about 45 minutes long. 

All kids are welcome in the service; there will not be childcare.

FREE (no ticket required!) Benefit Concert, Featuring: Pinellas County Center for the Arts Choirs, First Presbyterian Church Chancel and Handbell Choirs, and Guest Singers from the Tampa Bay Area

Join us as we celebrate the miracle of Christmas through this beloved annual concert bathed in candlelight. 

Student musicians and dancers from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts join with the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and community singers to continue this holiday tradition and support St. Pete Free Clinic. If you would like to donate online, you can click HERE.

Midweek Family Fun!

Taco Tuesday Dinner

December’s "Wednesday Night" Supper is on a Tuesday for HoHoHo TACO TUESDAY!

On Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 PM, we’ll be serving Make-Your-Own HoHoHo Tacos Galore – ground beef and shredded chicken, soft shell, hard shell, plus all the fixings including grated cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa, avocado and bean dip and chips (thank you, Fran!)! Take your pick and eat up! No one is going home hungry! PB&J’s are on standby, as usual. You can bring something sweet and Christmas-y to share if you'd like, but that is totally optional! Please sign up HERE (and click the "yes" button) or call the Church Office (727-822-2031) if you plan to attend. Merry Christmas, y'all! HoHoHo!!!

December 12 will also be the last evening practice for Make a Joyful Noise Music Makers till the new year, and practice will run from 6:10 to 6:40 PM in the Youth Center. This talented young choir will be performing at our Family Christmas Eve Service in the big Sanctuary on Dec. 24 at 4 PM. Plan now to attend!

We invite you to join us for a “Blue Christmas” Comfort Service this year, at 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 30. The service is meant to provide comfort, especially for those feeling sadness this holiday season. Perhaps a loved one is missing this year, due to death, divorce, travel, or even service overseas. Perhaps the holidays are always hard for you, because of painful situations in your past. We are planning this to be a quiet service in the Sanctuary, with candles and music. You are welcome to bring pictures of those you will especially miss this year, or to lift up a word or phrase for our prayers together.

Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. In this “Blue Christmas” Comfort service, we will acknowledge our sorrows and claim the comfort and peace we find in the Prince of Peace. Family, friends, neighbors, ALL are welcome to attend this service.

Beach Drive Forums are a series of conversations for congregation and community on thought-provoking topics, a sort of "Chautauqua South." The monthly (or so) conversations with intriguing guest speakers and subject matter are open to our members and the public and will take place on Wednesdays from about 6-8 p.m. (presentation from 6-7, followed by a time for Q & A and refreshments) in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome!

November 15 - Understanding Mental Health Challenges Faced by Transgender Youth by Jenny Gould, M.D.

Jenny Gould, MD will explore mental health issues experienced by transgender youth, and why it is often to a disproportionately greater degree in comparison to the ‘general population.’ Dr. Gould will also provide an overview of the growing restrictions related to provision of gender-affirming health care, in Florida and nationwide.

Bio: Jenny Gould, MD

Dr. Gould, Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, has worked in private practice, community mental health centers, academic psychiatry, and as Medical Director of a non-profit mental health agency in Atlanta. Dr. Gould served as adjunct faculty at Emory University in Atlanta for many years. She is currently in solo private practice in St. Petersburg, focusing on children, adolescents, and young adults.

Dr. Gould spent much of her childhood and adolescence in the Upper Keys and was an honor graduate at Eckerd College. Dr. Gould lived in the Atlanta area for nearly 30 years. Because of their love for St. Petersburg and the natural beauty of this area, Dr. Gould and her wife Robin moved to St. Pete in 2017.

Childcare will be provided with advance reservations only. Please call the Church Office.

Wednesday Night Dinner: MEATLOAF NIGHT!

Everyone is invited to join us on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 PM. After years of practice, the Men’s Meatloaf Ministry has perfected their meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It will be delish; you won’t want to miss it! There will, of course, be other accompaniments, green salad, drinks, and desserts, and yes, all the fixings for PBJ’s if you just want a sandwich! Or bring something else you’d like to share! Please sign up HERE if you plan to attend.

Make a Joyful Noise Music Makers (Kids’ Choir) will head upstairs to the big choir room at 6:10 PM with Barbara Browlnee, Carol Riley, Cathy Swanson, and Deidra Flora. Your children will be ready for pick-up at 6:40 PM!

Meanwhile, adults will meet Jennifer Gonzalez (Theo and Clarrisa’s mom and Fernando’s wife) as she takes us through a fascinating tour of her workplace – The U.S. Library of Congress - and answers all our questions about anything we ever wanted to know about what’s there and why, and what exactly she does! Greg Barnes has pointed out that Jennifer is an attorney AND a librarian…which means she can sue herself if she reads a banned book! Haha!

Questions about MEDICARE?

Join us next Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30 PM

On Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30 PM in the Youth Center, our very own Bill and Marianne Ferrari will be sharing answers to basic Medicare coverage questions. Bill and Marianne are SHINE volunteers who have asked to help the congregation by hosting a question/answer seminar on the MEDICARE BASICS. Please register online HERE, sign-up on the sign-up sheets after worship services, contact Dave Hunt (dhunt@fpc-stpete.org), or leave a message at the Church Office.

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. 28 from 4-6 p.m.

We’ll have Candy! Games! An Inflatable Slide! A movie! A photo booth! Costumes! Hot dogs! Amazing chilis to sample! Fun for all ages!

All are welcome!

Beach Drive Forums are a series of conversations for congregation and community on thought-provoking topics, a sort of "Chautauqua South." The monthly (or so) conversations with intriguing guest speakers and subject matter are open to our members and the public and will take place on Wednesdays from about 6-8 p.m. (presentation from 6-7, followed by a time for Q & A and refreshments) in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome!

October 18 - An Untold Story of World War II: Tuskegee Airmen Nurses

Why were some nurses initially stopped from serving their country in World War II? Compiled for the first time, recollections of United States Army Nurses who served alongside the famous Tuskegee Airmen as told by the daughter of one of these heroic women, author and journalist, Pia Jordan.

Childcare will be provided with advance reservations only. Please call the Church Office.

Did you know there will be a partial solar eclipse during the middle of the day on Saturday, October 14?

Gather your family and friends, pack a picnic, and bring a blanket or lawn chairs to the front lawn at church for an Eclipse Viewing Picnic from noon to 3 pm! Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided in both kid and adult sizes. Kyle Brinkman and other members of the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club are bringing some big telescopes for our eclipse viewing pleasure and will be on hand to enlighten us about eclipses, astronomy, and maybe even answer other questions about other mysteries of the universe! A live feed from one of the telescopes will be streamed onto a screen in the Chapel for any who need the comfort of air conditioning. Come see how “the heavens are telling the glory of God!”

Midweek Family Fun: Italian Dinner and Kids’ Choir

Wednesday October 11, 2023

Our PW ladies will be cooking up a delicious Italian dinner to tickle our flavor fancies and our Kid’s Choir will gather at 6:10 p.m. to learn fun music and sing their hearts out!

Please CLICK HERE or call the Church Office at 727-822-2031 to RSVP.

Senior Luncheon!

Sponsored by the Deacons

Fun! Food! Fellowship!

Wednesday, October 11 from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall

Sign-up tables will be in the back of the worship spaces on Sunday morning, or you can call the church office at 727-822-2031 to RSVP (no later than Friday, October 6th). Also, please let us know your transportation needs.