11/23/25 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 4 hours ago
- 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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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE
Can you love the person you can’t stand? Jesus said we must—but He never asked us to accept abuse or silence our boundaries. So how do we balance love, courage, and forgiveness?
Join us Sunday for the conclusion of Inquiring Minds Want to Know as we dig into one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings.
See you Sunday,
— Pastor Elyse
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Thanksgiving Sunday
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
November 23, 2025
*Congregational responses are in bold.
Prelude
“Variations on ‘Come, Ye Thankful People Come’” by F. Cunningham Woods
Rick Nay, organ
(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT
“Come, Holy Spirit, Come” by Ruth Artman
Chancel Choir
*Call to Worship Rev. Bob Martin
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever.
People: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His name.
Make known God’s deeds among the peoples!
Leader: God blesses us with gifts of love; With food and clothing, home and family.
People: God blesses us with daily work,
And all we need from day to day.
Leader: God protects us in times of danger,
And guards us from every evil.
People: God calls us into relationship with Him,
And forms us into one holy people,
The Church of Jesus Christ in this place.
Leader: Therefore we will offer thanks and praise to the Lord our God.
People: O Lord our God, we will give thanks to You forever.
*Hymn of Praise
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” Hymn # 139
*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
“We Come Rejoicing” by Anna Laura Page
Chancel Choir
Worship with our Tithes and Offerings (Click here to GIVE)
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Matt Blaine, trumpet
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
“For the Beauty of the Earth” Hymn # 92 (vs. 1-4)
Sermon
“Can I Really Love my Enemies?” Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Text: Romans 12:9-21 NLT
*Hymn of Dedication
“The Gift of Love” Hymn # 408
*Benediction
Postlude
“Fantasia On ‘Come, Ye Thankful People, Come’” by Edward Broughton
Rick Nay, organ
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the birthday of Pauline Boggs from her daughters Marlene Gadigian & Fran McCanney.
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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Thanksgiving Sunday
Modern Worship - 9:30 AM
November 23, 2025
Praise & Worship Praise Band
“King of my Heart”
“I See Heaven”
“Nothing I Hold Onto”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“God I’m Just Grateful”
Sermon
“Can I Really Love my Enemies?” Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Text: Romans 12:9-21 NLT
Worship Song
“The Blessing”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the birthday of Pauline Boggs from her daughters Marlene Gadigian & Fran McCanney.
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 ***
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 TODAY (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)
NO DINNER on WEDNESDAY this week. Join us for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday!
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
Weekly Groups 248
November 16 Worship 571 In Person; 702 Online
Groups 268
Church Finances
October 2025 Year to Date
Income $290,308 $2,743,945
Expense $254,853 $2,688,124
Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)
TODAY! Nov 23—Angel Tree 9-11am; Fellowship Hall
TODAY! Nov 23—Help us 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
Dec 8—Christmas Organ Concert 2 pm
Dec 9—Caroling Night 6-8 pm (21+ event) (RSVP here)
Dec 10—Christmas Sing-Along & Cookie Exchange 6 pm
Dec 14—Church Conference 12:15 pm Vision Team Recommendation: Resolution & Congregational Vote
Kids Musical: The Bethlehem Beat 6 pm
Dec 21—Christmas Music Celebration 9:30 & 11 am
Job Openings
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 & 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
