1/5/25 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Jan 4
- 9 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 pastors.
Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor
Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us!
Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message
Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give
Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
Hey friends,
Every new year brings growth opportunities as well as challenges. Many of us will focus mainly on the challenges and forget about the ways that we can grow in the opportunities that are before us. As we look ahead to 2025, let us adopt the phrase “Thrive in ‘25”. By thriving, we look ahead and recognize the great work that God has yet to do in our life as well as the good work we have to do in the lives of others. Let’s rejoice in this new year together and see God‘s leading in all we do.
Happy New Year!
— Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
January 5, 2025
*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
(8:00) Prelude
Gwenn Weston, piano
(11:00) “Prière à Notre-Dame” from the Suite Gothique by Leon Boëllmann
Robert Todd, Guest Organist
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: A new day has dawned, a new year begun.
People: O Lord, call us so we may hear Your voice.
Leader: The world turns to hopes and dreams of the future.
People: O Lord, keep us in Your ways and on Your path.
Leader: We enter this new year with hope and excitement!
People: O Lord, guide us as look to You and worship You.
*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
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
(11:00) ANTHEM
“Hymn of Promise” by Natalie Sleeth
Chancel Choir
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)
“Above the Hills of Time” by Carl Strommen
Grace Weston, soloist
Gwenn Weston, piano; Kelly Bonyata, flute
*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*HYMN OF PREPARATION
“Take My Life, and Let It Be” Hymn # 399
SERMON
"Renewal" Rev. Bob Martin
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Ephesians 4:1-5 NLT
COVENANT RENEWAL
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“There’s Something About That Name” Hymn # 171
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
(8:00) Postlude
Gwenn Weston, piano
(11:00) “Festival Voluntary” by Flor Peeters
Robert Todd, Guest Organist
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the WhereHouse Youth Ministry from the St. Pete First Church Family.
Thank you for joining us today!
Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are traveling, please take advantage of our livestream worship.
9:30 am Order of Service
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM
January 5, 2025
Praise & Worship Praise Team
“Graves Into Gardens”
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“Reason to Praise”
Sermon
"Renewal" Rev. Bob Martin
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Ephesians 4:1-5 NLT
Covenant Renewal
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Worship Song
“At Your Name”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the WhereHouse Youth Ministry from the St. Pete First Church Family.
Thank you for joining us today!
Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are traveling, please take advantage of our livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
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. We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. We also need someone to take on the leadership of this ministry. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.
Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)
$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal
Adults: Roasted Garlic Lentil Stew, Cornbread, Salad, Apple Crisp
Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Ice Cream Sandwich
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
Christmas Eve 4 pm In Person 596 Online 69
6 pm In Person 305 Online 56
8 pm In Person 636 Online 131
December 29 In Person 354 Online 183
Church Finances
November 2024 Year to Date
Income $238,597 $2,504,205
Expense $ 212,911 $2,777,809
UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!
THIS SUNDAY: Sun Jan 5—UN-decorating the Sanctuary 12-3 pm
Classes & Groups beginning THIS Wednesday, January 8: < Click here to sign up
Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen: Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship (9:30-11 am)
Kids Praise Team (preK-6th grade; 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: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (6:30 pm)
Women’s Bible Study with Patti Martin: The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life (6:30 pm)
Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study (6:30 pm)
Jan 17-19—Women’s Retreat www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat
Mon Jan 20—Church office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Fri Feb 14—Kids Night Out (6-10 pm)
Sun Feb 16—Discover First Meeting at 10:45 am
Sun Feb 23—Chili Cook-Off at 6 pm
Wed Mar 5—Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 pm
Fri Mar 14-—Organ Concert with Samuel Metzger at 7 pm
UN-decorating the Sanctuary (TODAY Sunday Jan 5 @ noon)
Come help us take down the Sanctuary decorations! This will take 2 - 3 hours, and a light lunch will be provided for workers. Questions? Contact Sherry Smith: jsmit107@tampabay.rr.com
Wednesday classes & groups are back on Jan 8, 2025 < Sign Up NOW!
Click here for more information & to sign up online.
Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen (Begins Wed Jan 8: 9:30-11 am; Room 208)
Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship, an 8-session study with video authored by Sandra Richter, addresses the questions ‘What makes the Psalms so special?’ and ‘What do the Psalms have to do with me today?’ She discusses the role of Psalms in the culture and worship practices of ancient Israel. As we connect with our ancestors in faith, we’ll discover how the Psalms can empower our prayer and worship. The required study guide includes lessons to be completed independently at home. On Wednesdays, we’ll gather for the video presentation and discussion. To reserve a study guide or for more information, contact Sue Allen (sallen0903@gmail.com or 727-418-8155). Click here to sign up.
Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Chapel)
Our decisions don't just affect our present circumstances; they radiate into our future. Most of the time, it's impossible to know what will come of the decisions we make. But this doesn't have to paralyze you. You can train yourself to ask well-placed, appropriately timed, thought-provoking questions that will result in stronger decisions and fewer disappointments down the road.
In this six-week Bible study, author and pastor Andy Stanley gives you five key questions to ask when you have a decision to make and you're not sure what to do (or even if you think you do know what to do!). These five simple questions will empower you to:
Pause when feeling tension over a decision
Take the long view
Look for the wise option
Focus on the relational impact of decisions
Every decision we make impacts our stories and the stories of those closest to us. It's time to start deciding with our heads instead of with our guts. Click here to sign up.
Patti Martin’s Women’s Bible Study (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Room 208)
The Bible study The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life by Cindi Wood is based on Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God”. This thought-provoking, yet lighthearted, study helps women discover practical, biblical help to confront issues that otherwise leave them discouraged. It helps participants develop Biblical skills to handle stressful situations, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and ultimately experience peace, joy, and a saner lifestyle. Click here to sign up
TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.
Communion Stewards Needed
We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer.
Job Openings
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
KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE Room 402 (Returns 1/12)
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 RETURNS This Week- Jan 8
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
10:45 am CONFIRMATION WhereHouse
11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404
6:00 pm YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse
WEDNESDAYS RETURNS THIS WEEK Jan 8
5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall
6-7:30 pm Youth Group WhereHouse
Weekly & Monthly Events
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary
9:30 am Contemporary Service -Sanctuary
11:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary
FELLOWSHIP TIME (BETWEEN SERVICES)
9-11:30 am Common Grounds (Coffee, Food & Fellowship) -Fellowship Hall
9-11:30 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 -Library-Room 212
11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208
MONDAYS
11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location Varies
WEDNESDAYS RETURNS THIS WEEK Jan 8
9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Sue Allen) -Room 208
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214
6:30 pm BETTER DECISIONS, FEWER REGRETS (Pastor Bob) -Room TBA
6:30 pm WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Patti Martin) -Room TBA
THURSDAYS
7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom
1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (4th Thursdays) -Rm 101
MUSIC
SUNDAYS
8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary
9:30 am KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE -Room 402 (Returns 1/12)
10:15 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 RETURNS THIS WEEK Jan 8
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 -Fellowship Hall & Zoom
SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
12:00 pm LEARN PILLAR
SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
4:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR
