1/11/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Welcome & Church Information
Welcome to St Pete First United Methodist Church, the Heart of the City! All are welcome. All belong. Whether a first-time guest or a lifelong member, you are a part of our family. God has called you to worship here, and for that we are glad.
Click here to view a welcome message from our senior pastor.
Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor
Rev. Elyse Nielsen, Associate Pastor
Rev. Carey Taylor, Pastor of Community Life
Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us!
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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE
Small Groups are not classes.
They are small communities of people—no more than twelve—who choose to walk the Christian life together. They gather regularly, often around food, to study Scripture, share life’s joys and struggles, pray, and support one another.
Once formed, a Small Group stays together for years. These groups are built on trust, accountability, vulnerability, and a shared commitment to long-term relationships.
Classes are different. They are open to anyone, focused on a specific topic, and meet for a defined period of time with a clear beginning and end.
Small Groups are primarily about relationships, and trusting friendships take time to grow. Find out this Sunday why Smaller is Better. Maybe one of these groups is for you!
In Christ,
— Pastor Elyse
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
January 11, 2026
*Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
“Fairest Lord Jesus” arr. Diane Bish
Rick Nay, organ
(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT
“Come, Holy Spirit, Come” by Ruth Artman
Chancel Choir
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Carey Taylor
Leader: It is in You and by You, we are saved!
People: For this we give You thanks and praise.
Leader: You save us through companionship in Your church.
People: You save us through the Scriptures.
Leader: You save us when we learn together.
People: You save us when life is the teacher, and wisdom comes
through discussion, discernment, and prayer.
Leader: We need You and we need each other.
People: You save us by giving us to each other.
All: Life is always better together. Let us worship God!
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“The Church’s One Foundation” Hymn # 545
*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn # 557
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rev. Bob Martin
“Apostles’ Creed” # 881
PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER
(11:00) ANTHEM
“I’ll Sing the Praise of Jesus” by Craig Courtney
Chancel Choir
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
“I Don’t Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira Stanphill
Karen Shramo, soloist
Rick Nay, organ
*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION
“Spirit of the Living God” Hymn # 393
SERMON Rev. Elyse Nielsen
“Smaller is Better”
Text: Acts 2:42-46 NIV
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“Lead On, O King Eternal” Hymn # 580
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
“Praise and Exultation” by Lani Smith
Rick Nay, organ
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of
Agnes C. Heisler, who lived in Waterloo, IA, from her daughter Shirley Bassett.
Our acolytes this week are Emory Wood & Oliver Pilliod.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
January 11, 2026
Praise & Worship
“The Jesus Way”
“Lion and the Lamb”
“Goodness of God”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“The Church”
Sermon Rev. Elyse Nielsen
“Fear Not! Jesus Holds Your Future”
Text: Acts 2:42-46 NIV
Worship Song
“Praises”
Benediction
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
Grand Centennial Celebration (TODAY Sunday, January 11; 6-8 pm; Fellowship Hall)
Join us for a 1920’s style celebration of our historic church building. We’ll have supper with jazz music, dancing, and more! RSVP by Thursday, Jan 8. stpetefirst.org/upcoming-events
Black History Month Concert -Afro Opera (Sunday, Feb 1; 4 pm; Sanctuary) St. Pete First and Afro Opera invite you to experience A Message from the Roots, a Black History Month celebration, featuring Afro Opera founder and soprano Maiya Stevenson and tenor Kevin Mitchell. This deeply moving concert will include soul-stirring spirituals, operatic arias, beautiful art songs, and more! This is a free concert, so come feel the music, experience the soul, and be inspired by the beauty of these voices. Founded in St. Petersburg, Afro Opera is dedicated to celebrating diversity in classical music and highlighting the contributions of underrepresented composers and performers.
Offering envelopes for 2026 (for those who requested them) are on the table behind the sanctuary (2nd floor hallway), in alphabetical order by last name.
We’re Hiring!
Maintenance Specialist, Director of Worship Technology;
Visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center for more information
Upcoming Events
TODAY Jan 11—Grand Centennial Celebration 6-8 pm
--————Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse’s Area
Jan 14—Wednesday Night Live returns
Jan 23-25, 2026—Women’s Retreat
Feb 1—Black History Month Concert -Afro Opera 4 pm
Weekday Classes & Groups
—Tuesday Morning Ladies of Light Bible Study with Nancy Gainor (Tuesdays 9:00-10:30 am, Room 208)
—Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen (Wednesdays 9:30-11 am, Room 208)
Parables: The Greatest Stories Ever Told (Begins January 7)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE (returns this Wednesday) Sign up now at www.stpetefirst.org/wednesday
—Kids Praise Team (preK-6th grade; Wednesdays @5 pm)
—Wednesday Night Dinner (all ages; 5:30 pm)
—Wednesday Night Kids (Preschool/Elementary; 6 pm)
—Wednesday Night Youth (Middle/High School; 6 pm)
—Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Cracking the Code—A Study in
Revelation (Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Chapel)
—Pastor Elyse’s Study: Discover Faith. Strengthen
Foundations. Begin the Journey.
(Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 308)
—Pastor Carey’s Study: Deepen Your Prayer. Strengthen
Your Practice. (Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 208)
—Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study
(Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 214-Parlor)
TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.
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.
Shower Ministry Volunteers
We are in need of additional volunteers for our Street Shower Trailer Ministry. St. Pete First now has our own shower trailer! Beginning Feb. 4, 2026 we will begin offering showers to those in need EVERY WEDNESDAY from 9-11 am. In addition to offering showers every Wednesday, we will continue to offer meals, haircuts, and other services on the 4th Wednesday of each month.Head to our Volunteer page if you feel called to help with this ministry.
Common Grounds needs you!
Good news! Common Grounds is now an outreach ministry! The expanded vision requires your help. Go to our Common Grounds page [www.stpetefirst.org/commongrounds] for details. Find out more ways you can serve, and contact Chad Simonds at csimonds@stpetefirst.org or 727-667-7169 (or flag him down on Sunday!) when you're ready to volunteer! Let's do this!
Click here to visit our Volunteer Bank & connect with opportunities that interest you
Wednesday Night Dinner Menu ($5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal)
Adults: Chili w/Baked Potato, Cornbread, Salad, Cranberry Apple Crisp
Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Cookie
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
January 4 In Person 491 Online 523
Groups 144
Church Finances
November 2025 Year to Date
Income $266,548 $3,010,493
Expense $249,729 $2,937,747
Job Openings
JOIN OUR TEAM: Director of Worship Technology (Full-Time) St. Pete First is seeking a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven individual to serve as Director of Worship Technology. This person will lead all aspects of worship production, from audio, video, and lighting to live-streaming and digital worship media. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center
JOIN OUR TEAM: Facility Maintenance Specialist (Part-Time) St. Pete First is seeking a dependable, motivated individual to serve as a part-time Facility Maintenance Specialist. In this essential role, you’ll tackle a wide range of tasks—from general building repairs to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems—helping support the vibrant ministries and daily life of our church campus. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center
To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Kids & Youth
KIDS
SUNDAYS
8:00 am
Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)
9:30 am
Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)
Nursery/Toddlers (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall
PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Sunday School - Preschool Hall
ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Kids Church - 4th Floor
11:00 am
Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)
Nursery/Toddlers (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall
PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Kids Church - Preschool Hall
ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Sunday School - 4th Floor
CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) Room 404
WEDNESDAYS (on break starting 12/17; returns 1/14)
5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel
5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall
6-7 pm WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE (Preschool & Elementary) Preschool/4th Floor
6:30-7:30 pm NURSERY (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall
YOUTH
SUNDAYS
9:30 am WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary
10:45 am YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse
11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404
6:00 pm YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse
WEDNESDAYS (on break starting 12/17; returns 1/14)
5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall
6-7:30 pm Youth Group WhereHouse
Weekly & Monthly Events
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
9:30 am Contemporary Service -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
11:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
FELLOWSHIP TIME (BETWEEN SERVICES)
9-11:00 am Common Grounds (Coffee, Food & Fellowship) -Fellowship Hall
9-11:00 am (2nd Sundays) Blood Pressure Clinic -1st Floor Nurse's Area
ADULTS
SUNDAYS
9:30 am QUEST -Zoom & Room 208
10:45 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 301
10:45 am THE GAP -Room 101
11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103
11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Room 206 (on break: hoping to return soon!)
11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208
TUESDAYS
9:00 am Ladies of Light Bible Study -Room 208
WEDNESDAYS
9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY—Parables -Room 208 (begins 1/7)
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall (returns 1/14)
6:30 pm Pastor Bob’s Revelation Bible Study -Chapel (begins 1/14)
6:30 pm Pastor Elyse’s Discover Faith Study -Room 308 (begins 1/14)
6:30 pm Pastor Carey’s Prayer Study -Room 208 (begins 1/14)
6:30 pm Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study -Room 214 (Parlor) (returns 1/14)
THURSDAYS
7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom
MUSIC
SUNDAYS
8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary
10:25 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310
TUESDAYS
6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS
5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel
7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
CARE & SUPPORT
WEDNESDAYS
12:00 Noon CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP -Zoom
THURSDAYS
6:30 pm WOMEN'S JOURNEY -Chapel
7:30 pm AL-ANON Parlor -Room 214
LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETINGS
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
5:30 pm BOARD OF TRUSTEES -Admin Conference Room
SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
6:00 pm STAFF PARISH -Closed Meeting
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
6:00 pm FINANCE TEAM -Admin Conference Room
FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
6:00 pm CHURCH COUNCIL -Room 208 & Zoom
SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
12:00 pm LEARN PILLAR
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
5:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
