10/5/25 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Oct 5
- 8 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 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
Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE
In the latest sermon series, Let's Talk, we have been discussing best practices of communication from a Christian perspective. This week, I will expand the discussion on issues of polarization and some of the cultural reasons for the deep divide particularly when it comes to parenting. For example, younger children and teens want smart phones. It seems like all their friends have them. Parents want to foster trust and independence with their kids. What's the right thing, the prudent thing, the safe thing to do? There is a balancing act and sometimes it requires others joining with you around a shared cause or value to change the culture.
Hear more about it and other ways to "Get out of your bubble" this week in service!
In Christ,
— Pastor Elyse
8 & 11 am Order of Service
World Communion Sunday
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
October 5, 2025
*Congregational responses are in bold.
Prelude
“Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell, arr. E. Power Biggs
Matt Blaine, piccolo trumpet
Rick Nay, organ
*Call to Worship Rev. Bob Martin
Leader: Around the world people gather to break bread and pour wine.
People: We gather with them in heart and mind.
Leader: Around the world the broken body is made whole.
People: As part of that body we join in its unity.
Leader: Around the world the Banquet of God is prepared for the table.
People: We, who share in the banquet, come eagerly to be fed.
Leader: Let us worship together; let us share God’s bounty.
*Hymn of Praise
“Let Us Break Bread Together” Hymn # 618
*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
“As We Gather at Your Table” by Lloyd Larson
Chancel Choir
Worship with our Tithes and Offerings (Click here to GIVE)
“Stand By Me” by Robert J. Hughes
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
“Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast” Hymn # 616
Sermon
“Let’s Talk: Beyond my Bubble" Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Text: Matthew 15:21-28 The Voice
Sacrament of Holy Communion
*Hymn of Dedication
“There is a Fountain Filled with Blood” Hymn # 622 (vs. 1 & 4)
*Benediction
Postlude
“Sunlight” arr. Harold DeCou
Rick Nay, organ
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Rev. Dr. Tom Farmer, Jr., from friend Lori Jukes.
Our acolytes this week are Emory Wood & Oliver Pilliod.
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.
9:30 am Order of Service
World Communion Sunday
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM
October 5, 2025
Praise & Worship Praise Band
“This is Amazing Grace”
“O Praise Him”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“You are my King (Amazing Love)”
Sermon
“Let’s Talk: Beyond my Bubble" Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Text: Matthew 15:21-28 The Voice
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Worship Song
“The Heart of Worship”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Rev. Dr. Tom Farmer, Jr., from friend Lori Jukes.
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.
Bulletin/Announcements
*** 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 on 10/5 or 10/12 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
Thursday Lunch Ministry Volunteers Needed
This ministry, in partnership with Christ UMC & Metropolitan Ministries, serves a hot meal on Thursdays at Christ UMC (467 1st Avenue N) for those in need. We need volunteers from 11 am - 1 pm to help set up for food service and serve a meal to the unhoused. To get more information or to volunteer, contact Kendra 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: Turkey Tetrazzini, Pumpkin Apple Soup, Spinach Cranberry Salad, Breadstick, Pumpkin Cranberry Cobbler
Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Tater Tots, 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 208
September 28 Worship 464 In Person; 348 Online
Groups 190
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 5—World Communion Sunday
Oct 8—New Pastors’ Book Study Begins: What's Your Story? 6:30 pm; Rm 208
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
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
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
Weekly & Monthly Events
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
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