11/16/25 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    

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving it's a time to reflect on life's joys and blessings. Sometimes, the holidays can feel stressful with all of the commitments before us. Let's step out of the normal rhythms of life and bring joy and hope to someone else. It truly is a season to be thankful.

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob 

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

November 16, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“Meditation” by Eric Smith

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

“Bless the Lord, My Soul and Spirit” by Tom Fettke

Chancel Choir

*Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: Come, and praise God!

People: Great are the works of God, full of glory and majesty.

Leader: Our God is gracious and compassionate, merciful and forgiving;

People: Our God is faithful and trustworthy, just and good.

All:  So come, let’s worship God together.     

*Hymn of Praise

“God of Grace and God of Glory”     Hymn # 577     (verses  1 & 4)

*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.

(11:00) Sacrament of Baptism  

Teena Ray Marks

Reception of New Members

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

“It is Well with My Soul” by Tom Fettke

Chancel Choir

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

“Count Your Blessings” by Edwin O. Excell

Kendra Aumack & Karen Shramo, Vocal Duet

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.

Sermon

“Is My Pain God’s Will?”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Job 1:6-13 NLT

*Hymn of Dedication

“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”     Hymn # 351     (verses 1 & 3)

*Benediction

Postlude  

“Song of the Faithful” by Robert J. Hughes

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the Angel Tree Ministry.

Our acolytes this week are Trent & Blake Cole.

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

November 16, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“At Your Name” 

“Who Else”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Reception of New Members

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“God I Look to You” 

Sermon

“Is My Pain God’s Will?”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Job 1:6-13 NLT

Worship Song

“O Come to the Altar”  

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the Angel Tree Ministry.

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 ***

AWAKEN TO GRACE: A Community Night of Worship (Sunday, November 16; 6 pm)        Presented by the Institute for Modern Worship team, with Jeremy Hearn. Join us for a worship experience with several movements, each anchored by familiar and foundational hymns of our faith, designed as a time of respite for the tired, healing in the midst of division, and inspiration for the road ahead. 

Angel Tree (Sunday Nov 16 & 23; 9-11am — Return gifts by Dec 3)           

St. Pete First, in partnership with the Salvation Army, is sponsoring a Christmas Angel Tree to provide clothing & toys to local children in need. Get your angel Nov 16 or 23; return unwrapped gifts by Dec 3.

Thanksgiving Dinner (Thursday, November 27; 1 pm; Fellowship Hall)       Todd Seales and family are cooking up another great Thanksgiving Day meal at St. Pete First at 1pm. Call the church office at 727-894-4661 or CLICK HERE to RSVP by noon on Monday 11/24 to reserve your spot. Invite friends and family! Reservations are limited; please RSVP as soon as possible. Dinner is free! Donations accepted and greatly appreciated. Click here to donate to this ministry.

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.

Christmas Decorating (Sunday, Nov 23; 12 pm) We need your help decorating the sanctuary for Christmas on November 23 at noon (after the 11 am service). With your help, we should be done in 2-3 hours. Snack/light lunch will be provided. Please contact Sherry Smith to RSVP or for more info: jsmit107@tampabay.rr.com

Christmas Organ Concert Volunteers & Baked Treats Needed(Monday, Dec 8; volunteer 1-2 pm; concert @2 pm)

This is an outreach event for our community. We NEED VOLUNTEERS to come at 1 pm to help welcome and assist our guests from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Refreshments will be served after the concert. If you can, please bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information: kaumack@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: Butter Chicken, Basmati Rice, Roasted Vegetables, Naan Bread, Cookies  

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     198

November 9 Worship    564  In Person; 494  Online

Groups      262

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)

Nov 16—Angel Tree 9-11am; Fellowship Hall

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

Nov 18—Preschool Spirit Night Fundraiser 3-9 pm; Chuck E Cheese

Nov 23—Angel Tree 9-11am; Fellowship Hall

————Decorate the Sanctuary 12 noon

Nov 26—No Wednesday Night Dinner or Events

Nov 27—Thanksgiving Dinner 1 pm (RSVP here)

—————No Thursday night events

Nov 27-28—Church office closed - Thanksgiving

Nov 30—Angel Tree Gift Return 9-11am; Fellowship Hall

Dec 3—One Starry Night: A Nativity & Craft Night 6 pm

—————Last day for Angel Tree Gift Return 5-7 pm

JOIN OUR TEAM: Counseling Center Receptionist – Part time

The Counseling Center at St. Pete First is seeking a calming, compassionate and organized individual to serve as a part-time receptionist. This role provides a warm and welcoming front desk presence while supporting the daily administrative and business operations of our team of state-licensed mental health professionals. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center

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