10/26/25 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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Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey Friends!

The past two weeks we highlighted what it takes to be a generous person. Generosity oftentimes is measured by money and how we spend our money says a lot about our spirituality. A few weeks ago I reminded us all that giving of time through serving is also a spiritual act of worship. We do not work for salvation, but we do good works so that the ministry of Jesus can be accomplished through those who serve.

Let me encourage you to step forward and offer your time in serving God's mission for the Church. We can't do it without you and with you, and most certainly with Jesus, "We can do all things...!" DM me or email me and let me know you are ready to serve as we Love.St.Pete.

See you Sunday!

—Pastor Bob 

20th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

October 26, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“All Glory, Laud, and Honor” arr. Stephen DeCesare

John Harrison, trombone; Steve Butler, trombone

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

“Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” by Stephen Adams

Chancel Choir

*Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: For just this hour,

People: Follow me!

Leader: Listen to my word.

People: Follow me!

Leader: Think about your life as my disciple every day.

People: Follow me!

Leader: Pray.

People: Follow me!

Leader: Sing.

People: Follow me!

All: Come, let us worship God!     

*Hymn of Praise

“Sweet Hour of Prayer”     Hymn # 496

*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

“Let Heavenly Music Fill This Place” by Gordon Young

Chancel Choir

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

“Blessed Assurance” arr. B.C. Dockery

Steve Butler, trombone; John Harrison, trombone

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

“Near to the Heart of God”     Hymn # 472

Sermon

“Praying with Purpose”    Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

*Hymn of Dedication

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”     Hymn # 526

*Benediction

Postlude  

“Praise to the God of our Salvation” by Robert J. Hughes 

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Margaret Pruitt’s birthday, from Beverly & Ray English.

Our acolytes this week are Robbie Sherer & Willa Schaefer.

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 26, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“Raise a Hallelujah” 

“Graves Into Gardens” 

“God With Us”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Reason to Praise”  

Sermon

“Praying with Purpose”    Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

Worship Song

“Doxology”  

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Margaret Pruitt’s birthday, from Beverly & Ray English.

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 ***

Pipe Screams Concert (Monday, October 27; 7 pm)           

Come enjoy both spooky and uplifting music (and sing some pumpkin carols!) as the American Guild of Organists St. Pete Chapter presents Pipe Screams.  Costumes are encouraged! 

Vision Team Town Hall Meeting (Thursday, October 30; 6 pm)

Join us at our final Town Hall Meeting, where we’ll share our Vision Team’s work on a long-term plan for our church’s facilities and ministries and read aloud the proposed resolutions that will guide our next phase of planning. If you haven’t already attended a session, please join us for this final session to ask questions, share your perspectives, and continue this important dialogue together.

Discover First (Sunday, Nov 9; 10:45am-1pm; www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)           

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by 11/4.

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.

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: Stuffed Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Dinner Roll, Rice Pudding

Kids: Cheese Quesadillas, Carrots & Celery, Apples Sauce, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

Weekly Groups     235

October 19 Worship    497  In Person; 381  Online

Groups     209

Church Finances

September 2025 Year to Date

Income $ 311,453 $2,453,637

Expense $220,795 $2,433,271

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

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

• TODAY Oct 26—Church Conference 2 pm

• MONDAY Oct 27—Pipe Screams Concert 7 pm

• THURSDAY Oct 30—Vision Team Town Hall Meeting 6:00 pm

• Nov 2—All Saints Sunday

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

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

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

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

• Nov 23—Decorate the Sanctuary 12 noon

• Nov 26—No Wednesday Night Live

• Nov 27—Thanksgiving Dinner 1 pm (CLICK HERE to RSVP or call the church office)

• Nov 27-28—Church office closed - Thanksgiving

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