1/4/26 Bulletin & Order of Service

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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A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Happy New Year, friends!

— Pastor Bob   

Epiphany Sunday

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

January 4, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE      

“Children of the Heavenly Father” arr. Don Hustad

Les Burrows, Guest Organist

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: The Spirit is coming to bless us all with a new song:

People: Let our joy be complete!

Leader: Gifts for the good of all, poured out on all to teach us a new song:

People: Love one another!

Leader: Strangers and neighbors, foreigners and family will join in the new song:

People: No longer servants but friends!

Leader: Come, let our worship make a joyful noise,

Rejoicing in the friendship of God.  

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“I Sing the Almighty Power of God”     Hymn # 152

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

(11:00) ANTHEM

“People Need the Lord” arr. Tom Fettke

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

(Click here to GIVE)

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” arr. Don Hustad

Les Burrows, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Take My Life, and Let It Be”     Hymn # 399

SERMON  Rev. Bob Martin

“Now What?”     

Text: Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“There’s Something About That Name”     Hymn # 171

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE 

“To God Be the Glory” arr. Don Hustad

Les Burrows, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of 

Steve Clayton, a longtime member & ministry leader, 

from his wife, Susan Johnson Clayton.

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

January 4, 2026

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship

“O Praise Him” 

“Jesus We Love You ” 

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“You are my King (Amazing Love)” 

Sermon Rev. Bob Martin

“Now What?”     

Text: Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Do It Again” 

Benediction

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***

Churchwide Volunteer Work Day (Saturday, January 10; 8 AM–2 PM; 3rd floor)

WhereHouse Youth is moving to the 3rd floor — and we need YOU to help make it epic!  We’ll be tearing out walls, pulling carpet, painting, and transforming the 3rd floor into an awesome new youth space. It’s a great chance to serve together, work hard, and be part of an exciting transformation. We need Volunteers: Youth 5th grade and up (with parents for 5th–8th) and adults of all ages. Meet on the 3rd floor. Bring water or a snack if needed. The more hands, the better!

Grand Centennial Celebration (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! $8/person or $30/family. RSVP by Thursday, Jan 8. stpetefirst.org/upcoming-events

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 4—Un-Decorating the Church 12 noon

Jan 10—Churchwide Work Day on the 3rd Floor 8 am-2 pm

Jan 11—Grand Centennial Celebration 6-8 pm (RSVP & pay here)

————Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

Jan 14—Wednesday Night Live returns

Jan 19—Church office closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan 23-25, 2026—Women’s Retreat (www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat)

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 January 14) 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.

Thursday Morning Office Volunteer Needed

We’re looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Thursdays from 9 am-1 pm. Duties include answering door and phones, light filing, and assisting staff with simple tasks. If you’re available and willing to help, please contact the church office: church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661

Click here to visit our Volunteer Bank & connect with opportunities that interest you

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu ($5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal)

Wednesday Night Live and dinner are on Christmas break and will be back January 14.      

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!

December 28 In Person    411 Online 410  

Groups      72

Church Finances

November 2025 Year to Date

Income $266,548 $3,010,493

Expense $249,729 $2,937,747

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

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

 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