10/12/25 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    

I love football. My guess is most others do too. One of the things that really gets me jazzed during a football game is when the offense is driving the ball down the field. It takes great teamwork to maneuver through the defense whose job is to stall your progress and prevent you from scoring. The best offenses recognize they cannot lean solely on one teammate, but it requires all hands on the field, per se.

The redzone is especially exciting because the offense is within a few yards of scoring. Their ability to score is the difference between hanging a big ole "W" in their corner versus a loss. Each play called by the coach is done so with precision with the goal of helping the team execute their plan so that the team doesn't merely sit within the red zone, but actually punches the ball into the endzone for the score. Friends, we are on the goal line ready to punch the ball into the endzone to score. It takes an entire team to do this. The good news is, I know you well enough to understand you are ready to accomplish the goal. The greater good is, it isn't that you are doing it for me, but WE are doing this for the Lord Jesus who coaches us into the gameplan to Love.St.Pete.

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob     

18th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

October 12, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

(8:00)   “Morning Has Broken” by Gilbert M. Martin

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) “Cantate!” by Brian Childers

Fellowship Ringers

*Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: Come, children of God,

Rejoice in your Maker!

People: Sing songs and hymns, old and new;

Celebrate with voices and instruments,

With praise and prayers!

Leader: Open your eyes to the life-giving presence of Jesus Christ.

People: For God is already here,

Among us and within us,

Bringing new life to all who believe.

All: Let’s praise God together!     

*Hymn of Praise

“To God Be the Glory”     Hymn # 98

*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.

*Affirmation of Faith

“Apostles’ Creed” # 881

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer / Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

(11:00) Anthem

“Crystal River” by Heather Sorenson

Chancel Choir; Sara Smith, soloist

Worship with our Tithes and Offerings  (Click here to GIVE)

“A Trusting Heart” by Bruce Carlton

Rick Nay, organ

*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

“Majesty, Worship His Majesty”     Hymn # 176

Sermon

“Making a Lasting Impact"     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: John 15:1-4 NLT

*Hymn of Dedication

“Pass It On”     Hymn # 572

*Benediction

Postlude  

“Grand Chorus” by Chester Nordman 

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of my family, from Robert Dinwiddie.

The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of James C. West, born on September 22, 2025, son of Kate & Brad West, grandson of Bill & Beth Knowles.

Our acolytes this week are Marley Robinson & Audrey Cheeseman.

Thank you for joining us today!

Reminder: If you are out of town or if you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

October 12, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“The Jesus Way” 

“Praises” 

“The Church”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Sacrament of Baptism

Charlotte Laurie Culbertson

Parents: Erik & Kimberly Culbertson

Grandparents: Bob Rolley

  John & Ramona Culbertson 

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Beautiful Things”  

Sermon

“Making a Lasting Impact"     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: John 15:1-4 NLT

Worship Song

“Great Are You Lord”  

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of my family, from Robert Dinwiddie.

The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of James C. West, born on September 22, 2025, son of Kate & Brad West, grandson of Bill & Beth Knowles.

Thank you for joining us today!

Reminder: If you are out of town or if you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

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

Come to the Rowdies Game! (Saturday, Oct 18; 7:30 pm) 

Join us on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 pm at Al Lang Stadium as the Rowdies play the Hartford Athletic. We have seats reserved in section 300—get your tickets in the Fellowship Hall today or click here to buy your tickets online. $25.00 per person (lap children 2 or under are free). For more information contact Shirley Bassett @ 727-310-7044 or sbassettUNI@gmail.com GO ROWDIES!

Trunk or Treat & Fall Festival (Friday, October 24; 6-8 pm)           

Our family-friendly event is free & open to the community. Live music, bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, an outdoor movie, free food, and more. Family-friendly costumes encouraged! We need decorated cars, volunteers to help out, and candy. More info: www.stpetefirst.org/upcoming-events

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.

Help us Love St. Pete at Trunk or Treat:  

• Bring your decorated car to be a part of Trunk or Treat - setup 5:15-5:45 pm on 10/24 and pass out candy from 6-7:30 pm. 

• We also need some volunteers to work half-hour shifts to help with setup/teardown & preparing/serving food, 

• Last but not least, we need candy donations: drop them off in the collection bin at the welcome desk as you enter the building. 

 Click here to volunteer your car and/or your time

School Volunteer Help Needed

Our School Partnership with Campbell Park and Fairmount Park Elementary schools have a number of volunteer opportunities. One of the most impactful ways to make a difference in a child’s life is the “Lunch Pal” program. This is a 30-minute per week face-to-face or virtual meet with the student over lunch. This investment of time with a child, who may be facing social, economic, family and/or academic challenges in their life will have a great impact. Other “ad hoc” type activities (serving food at teacher appreciation events, tutoring) are also available. If you'd like to support this impactful ministry, contact Kendra Aumack at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

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 Kendra: kaumack@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)

Adults: Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Bread Pudding

Kids: Hotdogs & Chips, Carrots & Celery, 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!

Weekly Groups     205

October 5 Worship    448  In Person; 352  Online

Groups     231

Church Finances

August 2025 Year to Date

Income $252,463 $2,142,184

Expense $345,274 $2,220,614

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)

• Oct 1-31—Beans & Jeans Collection for Farmworkers Self-Help

• Oct 12—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

• Oct 18—St. Pete First @Tampa Bay Rowdies 7:30 pm; Al Lang Stadium (buy tickets)

• Oct 19—Blood Drive 8am-1pm (Drop in or click here to schedule your donation)

• Oct 24—Trunk or Treat 6-8 pm (volunteer your car and/or your time)

• Oct 26—Church Conference 2 pm

• Oct 27—Pipe Screams Organ Concert 7 pm; Sanctuary

• Nov 2—All Saints Sunday

• Nov 9—Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

• Nov 11—Church office closed - Veteran’s Day

• Nov 16—Night of Worship w/Jeremy Hearn 6 pm; Sanctuary

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

MUSICAL REHEARSAL (1st- 8th Gr) -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

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

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 Admin 105                          

WEDNESDAYS   

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE - Chapel

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214 

6:30 pm DOING LIFE WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN -Room 101 

6:30 pm PASTORS' STUDY: Ask the Pastors -Room 208

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