11/30/25 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

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey Friends!

It’s hard to believe but we are entering the season of Advent. I love this season because it brings back treasured memories that fill my heart with joy. Traditionally, the church celebrates four key pillars during Advent: joy, hope, peace and love. I think this is the time of year when these four pillars bring into light attributes we all need. As we begin this season it reminds us all to focus on the things of importance. How will you experience joy, hope, peace and love?

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob   

1st Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

November 30, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” arr. Lloyd Larson

Kelly Bonyata, flute

Rick Nay, organ

Lighting the Candle of Hope

Julie Volpe & Bob Drick

*Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: A voice cries out:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

  make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

People: “Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

  and all people shall see it together,

  for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

All: Speak to us Lord. 

Leader: As you promised through your prophets 

Isaiah and John the Baptist,

come to us now.

People: May all the barriers be removed

so that we can receive your Word and worship you,

in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.    

*Hymn of Praise

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Hymn # 211

*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

“Creation Will Be at Peace” by Anna Laura Page

Chancel Choir

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

“Mary, Did You Know” by Mark Lowry

Ginny Cannon, soloist

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

“People, Look East”     Hymn # 202

Sermon

“Fear Not! Pray (Zechariah)”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Luke 1:9-15 NLT

*Hymn of Dedication

“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”     Hymn # 196

*Benediction

Postlude  

“Praise Ye The Lord Of Hosts” from Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Women’s Journey, our ministry supporting life challenges with a Christ-centered approach.

Our acolytes this week are Daniel & Marley Robinson.

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.

1st Sunday of Advent

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

November 30, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Lighting the Candle of Hope Julie Volpe & Bob Drick

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“One Thing Remains” 

“Heart Won’t Stop” 

“Build My Life”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Joy to the World / Joy of the Lord” 

Sermon

“Fear Not! Pray (Zechariah)”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Luke 1:9-15 NLT

Worship Song

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Women’s Journey, our ministry supporting life challenges with a Christ-centered approach.

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 ***

One Starry Night: A Nativity & Craft Night for all ages (Wednesday, Dec 3; 6 pm - Fellowship Hall)           

Join us on Wednesday, Dec 3 for Wednesday Night Live as we begin the countdown to Christmas. Following dinner, the Youth and Children’s Ministries (with a little help from the audience) will perform “One Starry Night,” an impromptu play. Then everyone will create a special Christmas ornament at their table to take home that evening. All materials provided and free of charge! All ages welcome. There will be no Children/Youth programming or adult classes/groups. Kid’s Praise Team will practice at 5pm. Dinner for all at 5:30. Please join us for this fun church gathering for all ages!

Christmas Poinsettia orders (Deadline: Sunday Dec 14)           

Reservation forms are in the Info Centers, order online, or call the church office: (727) 894-4661. Your poinsettias will decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas and may be picked up after the 8 pm Christmas Eve service. Poinsettias are $15 per plant.

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 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:  Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Toast, Bread Pudding

Kids:  Mac n’ Cheese, 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     472

November 23 Worship    498  In Person; 382  Online

Groups      217

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)

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

Dec 24—Christmas Eve Services 4-6-8 pm

Dec 25-26—Church office closed - Christmas

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