10/4/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
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
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 BOB
xxx
See you Sunday,
Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
World Communion Sunday
Classic Worship—8 & 11 AM
October 4, 2026
Prelude Rick Nay, organ
“A Still Small Voice” by Steven Scott
“By the River Jordan” by Charles E. Overholt
Welcome Rev. Bob Martin
* Call to Worship
Pastor: Most merciful Father, send your heavenly blessings upon this your Church, that all its members may dwell together in unity and love.
People: Keep far from us all self-will and discord. Endue your pastors with righteousness, and enable them faithfully to fulfill their ministry.
Pastor: May we work with the church to build each other up, to bring again the outcasts, and to seek the lost.
People: Help us to use the means of grace that in all our words and deeds we may seek your glory and the advancement of your kingdom;
Pastor: May your church be united with all Christians in one mission around the world. Let us worship Christ!
* Hymn of Praise
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” Hymn #138 (verses 1, 2, 5, 6)
* Passing the Peace of Christ
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn #557
(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir
“At the Table of the Lord” by Jay Althouse
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings Rev. Carey Taylor
“How Long Has It Been?” by Mosie Lister Karen Shramo, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“Nothing but the Blood” Hymn #362
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin & Rev. Carey Taylor
“Imagine More”
Text: John 15:12 NLT
(11:00) Guest Speaker: Anne Caparaso, Principal of Fairmount Park Elementary
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Gluten-free bread available at the front upon request.
* Hymn of Dedication
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” Hymn #514
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
“Sunshine in My Soul Today” by Franklin Ritter
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of our Common Grounds ministry from the St. Pete First family.
Our acolytes this week are Marley Robinson & Audrey Cheeseman.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Closed Captions: captionkit.com/c/st-pete-first-umc
Worship online: www.stpetefirst.org/live
9:30 am Order of Service
World Communion Sunday
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
October 4, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Great Things”
“Jesus Be the Name”
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin & Rev. Carey Taylor
“Imagine More”
Text: John 15:12 NLT
Guest Speaker: Anne Caparaso, Principal of Fairmount Park Elementary
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Gluten-free bread available at the front upon request.
“Gold”
Praise & Worship
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of our Common Grounds ministry from the St. Pete First family.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Closed Captions: captionkit.com/c/st-pete-first-umc
Worship online: www.stpetefirst.org/live
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
Small Group Fall Launch (Sunday, Oct 11; 12–1 pm; Room 101) Curious about Small Groups? Join us for this informational gathering and leave connected with a trial group of your own — give it three weeks, and if it's not the right fit, we'll help you find one that is. 👉 RSVP here
Fall Church Work Day (Saturday, Oct 17; 8–11:30 am) Join us for a morning of fellowship and service as we spruce up our campus together! We'll start with a light breakfast at 8 am, then dive into projects from 8:30–11:30 am — inside jobs like cleaning and painting, and outside jobs like landscaping and painting. Please bring buckets, cordless drills, work gloves, shovels, loppers, pruning equipment, and other tools you can share. Many hands make light work — we'd love to have you! 👉 Sign up here or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Trunk or Treat (Friday, Oct 23; 6–8 pm) Our family-friendly Trunk or Treat is free and open to the community! Trunk-to-trunk candy, music, bounce houses, free popcorn & cotton candy, face painting, a balloon artist, a petting zoo, an outdoor movie, and preschool-age activities. Food trucks and Kona Ice available for purchase. Family-friendly costumes encouraged — all ages welcome! 👉 More info or volunteer
Help Us Fill Our Centennial Time Capsule! (Now through Oct 18; Library, Room 212) As we celebrate 100 years of faith, fellowship, and service, help us preserve a glimpse of who we are in 2026 for generations to come. Bring photos, artwork, letters to the future, and other meaningful items to the Library (Room 212) any Sunday — deadline October 18. Questions? Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Blanket & Sleeping Bag Drive (Oct 1–31) Donate new or gently used blankets, sleeping bags, and hoodies to help our unhoused neighbors stay warm this winter through Common Grounds. Drop off outside the Fellowship Hall.
Pastor Appreciation Month (Sunday, Oct 4–Friday, Oct 23; First-Floor Hallway) October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and it's a perfect time to let our pastors know how much they mean to us! Starting Sunday, October 4, mailboxes for Pastor Bob, Pastor Elyse and Pastor Carey will be set up at the end of the first-floor hallway. Grab a card there or bring your own, write a note of thanks or encouragement, and drop it in. We'll collect cards through Friday, October 23. Show your love to our pastors! Questions? Contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.
Calling all Kids—We're planning a Christmas Musical! Does your child (1st-8th grade) have an interest in music, acting, or just plain fun? Join us on Sundays at 9:30 on the 4th floor as we start work on our Christmas Musical. We will be rehearsing every Sunday, with dress rehearsals on Sunday, Dec 6 & 13 at 9:30 am, and the performance on Sunday evening, Dec 13 at 6 pm. Come have fun with us! For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata (kbonyata@stpetefirst.org). Sign your child up here.
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
September 27 In Person 510 Online 548
Groups 215
Upcoming Events (At a Glance)
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Prayer of the Week email
Oct 1-31—Blanket, Sleeping Bag, & Hoodie Drive (bins outside Fellowship Hall) Through Oct 18—Help Fill the Centennial Time Capsule (Library, Room 212) → More info
Oct 4-23—Trunk or Treat Candy Collection (outside 1st Floor elevator)
Oct 4-23—Bring your Pastor Appreciation cards/letters (Mailboxes-1st Floor hallway)
Sundays—Christmas Kids Musical Rehearsals (9:30 am; 4th floor) → More
OCTOBER
Oct 6—Bible Art Journaling (6-8 pm; 3rd Floor)
Oct 11—Small Group Fall Launch Lunch (12-1 pm; Room 101) → RSVP
Oct 17—Fall Church Work Day (8–11:30 am) → Sign up
Oct 18—Centennial Time Capsule submission deadline (Library, Room 212)
Oct 23—Trunk or Treat (6-8 pm) → More info or Volunteer
Oct 25-Nov 8—Angel Tree (Sundays 9-11 am; return gifts by 11/22; Fellowship Hall)
Oct 26—Pipe Screams Organ Concert (7 pm; Sanctuary)
NOVEMBER
Nov 1—Discover First 10:45 am → More info & sign up
Nov 3—Bible Art Journaling (6-8 pm; 3rd Floor)
Nov 7—Centennial Car Show (10 am-2 pm; parking lot)
Nov 8—Centennial Celebration Sunday Worship Services (9:30 & 11 am; no 8 am service)
Nov 11—Veterans Day (office closed all day; no Wednesday night activities/classes)
Nov 22—Christmas Decorating (12 pm; Sanctuary)
Nov 26—Thanksgiving Dinner (1 pm; Fellowship Hall) → RSVP
JANUARY 2027
Jan 29-31—Women's Retreat (register here)
Serve & Get Involved
Fall Church Work Day (Saturday, October 17; 8–11:30 AM)
Join us for a morning of fellowship and service as we spruce up our campus together — light breakfast at 8, projects run 8:30–11:30 AM. We'll have indoor and outdoor projects for all abilities so come enjoy a light breakfast and then help make things a little nicer for our guests. Many hands make light work!
👉 Sign up here or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Trunk or Treat Volunteers & Trunk Hosts (Friday, Oct 23; 6–8 pm) Help us Love St. Pete at Trunk or Treat! Decorate your car and pass out candy as a trunk host, or sign up for a 30-minute shift helping with popcorn, cotton candy, parking, or welcoming guests. We also need a big crew for cleanup from 8–8:30 pm. Candy donations are welcome too — collection bin outside the 1st floor elevator beginning Oct 4. 👉 Click here to volunteer your car and/or your time or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Angel Tree Volunteers Needed (Sundays, Oct 25 – Nov 8; return gifts by Nov 22) We're once again partnering with the Salvation Army to provide gifts for local families in need. Angels will be available for "adoption" in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, Oct 25 – Nov 8, 9–11 am, and we need volunteers to help make this happen! We need Angel Tree workers for 1-hour shifts between 9 and 11 am on Sundays, Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15 & 22. To volunteer, contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Office Volunteer Needed (Wednesday mornings, 9 am–1 pm) We're looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Wednesdays. Duties include answering the door and phones, light filing, and assisting staff with simple tasks. Contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.
👉 Explore more opportunities → Volunteer Page
Wednesday Night Live
— Dinner ($6 kids, $10 adults, $35 family meal)
Adults: Lasagna, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Toast, Chocolate Mousse
Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Sandwich
Kids Music 5 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm ($6 kids, $10 adults, $35 family meal)
Kids/Students 6 pm
Adults 6:30 pm
Adult Chancel Choir 7:30 pm
Job Openings
To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Kids & Students
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 Grade) Kids Church - 4th Floor
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL Rehearsal (1st-8th Grade) - 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 Grade) Sunday School - 4th Floor
CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) Room 404
WEDNESDAYS
5:00 pm KIDS PRAISE TEAM 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 - Please let Lora know ahead of time if you need nursery care
STUDENTS
SUNDAYS
9:30 am MODERN WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary
10:45 am STUDENTS (7th – 12th GRADES) 3rd Floor
11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404
6:00 pm STUDENTS PM (6th – 12th GRADES) 3rd Floor, 4th Sundays
WEDNESDAYS
5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall
6-7:30 pm WNL Student Group - 3rd Floor
Weekly & Monthly Events
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:00 am Classic Worship -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
9:30 am Modern Worship -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
11:00 am Classic Worship -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 -Online & Room 208
11:00 am BECOMERS -Online & Room 206
11:00 am THE GAP - Room 101
11:00 am PROMISED LAND -Online & Room 212 (Library)
11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208
TUESDAYS
9:00 am Ladies of Light Bible Study -Room 208
WEDNESDAYS
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm 7 Major World Religions -Chapel
6:30 pm Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study -Room 214 (Parlor) 6:30 pm 6:30 pm Compelling Couples of the Bible -Room 208
6:30 pm The Gift of Empathy -Room 206
6:30 pm The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully -Room 101
7:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal -Room 312
THURSDAYS
7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Online
MUSIC
SUNDAYS
8:45 am PRAISE TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary
10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310
TUESDAYS
6:30 pm PRAISE TEAM -Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS
7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
CARE & SUPPORT
WEDNESDAYS
12:00 Noon CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP -Online
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 & Online
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
11:00 am NURTURE PILLAR
12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR
THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
10:30 am LEARN PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
4:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
