12/10/23 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 pastors.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor

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Second Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

December 10, 2023

*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"In Excelsis Deo" arr. Lee Ellis

Alexander Engelen, piano

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"Arise, Shine Forth, O People" by Joy Patterson

Chancel Choir

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF PEACE

Readers: Jessica and Tristan Andringa

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Bob Martin

Pastor: In the middle of dark times, our Lord cries out:

People: “Comfort, comfort my people!”

Pastor: When it seems as though we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel,

People: Our Lord says to us, “ Be at peace, for your time of difficulty has ended.”

Pastor: Lord, we await the time of comfort and peace!

People: Lord, we are thankful for your compassion and never-failing love for us.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" Number 218

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Number 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” Number 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) CHORAL ANTHEM

"Sing We Now of Christmas" arr. Jay Althouse

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)

(8:00) "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" by Benton Price

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) "Away In A Manger" arr. Mark Hayes

Gwenn Weston, Soloist

*DOXOLOGY Number 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

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” Number 230

SERMON

"A Home Sharing Peace" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Luke 1:26-45 (ESV)

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Away in a Manger" Number 217

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

"O Come, All Ye Faithful" by Lani Smith

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Freeda & Elbert Matthews

from their daughters, Mary Ann Carroll & Linda Marsh.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Second Sunday of Advent

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

December 10, 2023

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

"In Excelsis Deo" arr. Lee Ellis

Alexander Engelen, piano

Rick Nay, organ

Lighting the Candle of Peace

Readers: Jessica and Tristan Andringa

Praise & Worship

"Joy to the World / Joy of the Lord"

"You Keep on Getting Better"

"What a Beautiful Name"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"The Christmas Song"

Sermon

"A Home Sharing Peace" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Luke 1:26-45 (ESV)

Worship Song

“Silent Night”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Freeda & Elbert Matthews

from their daughters, Mary Ann Carroll & Linda Marsh.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE    

Perhaps your one Christmas wish this year is peace. Just think what this Christmas would look like if you came home for Christmas and unwrapped the very gift of peace. It seems we are never really at peace, are we? Just look around, you don’t have to look long or hard. There are nations warring, family members fighting, people struggling with addictions and diagnoses, and marriages falling apart. There are to-do lists growing longer and longer, we stay up later and later and get up earlier and earlier to get everything done. We honk our horns on the highway so we can go faster and faster. We live in a world that oftentimes feels everything but at peace.

Over 2,000 years ago, Mary found herself in a world similar to ours. The angel Gabriel delivers the news to Mary that she will bear a son, and His name will be Jesus. He will be the Son of the Most High and will be the Savior of the world. All of a sudden, Mary looks around and thinks, “What in the world am I going to do?” She lives in a culture where if a woman gets pregnant out of wedlock, it wasn’t just embarrassing, according to the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the consequence was death. Even if by some miracle Mary’s life is spared, she knows that she’s in a legally binding engagement to Joseph, and most likely that engagement will end in a divorce. Mary knows she will for sure be a homeless beggar with no husband and no family to support her newborn baby. Even more, Mary is a good, orthodox, Bible-believing, Yahweh-worshipping Jewish girl, so she knows Isaiah 53. She knows that her son Jesus will be pierced for our transgressions. She knows that upon Him will be laid the chastisement of us all. She knows that by His stripes, we will be healed. In other words, Mary knows she is going to lose her child. She doesn't know when it's going to be, whether He's going to be three or thirteen or thirty or yes, thirty-three. She has no idea, but she does know that the end game is not good. Mary finds herself in a chaotic, stressful, and overwhelming world and what Mary does next to prepare her heart for the arrival of the Prince of Peace is brilliant and a really important lesson for us this Christmas season: she gets around the right people to help her get some godly perspective. She travels to her relative Elizabeth’s house. She knows her situation sounds absolutely crazy and there are going to be many people that not only don't believe her, but there are going to be people who might even try to kill her. Mary knows she needs to be with people that are going to remind her not only who she is, blessed among women, but way more importantly, who God is in the midst of this impossible situation. He is Lord and Savior.

You see, Mary needed this visit with Elizabeth at the soul-level. When she felt like she was in an impossible situation, she went and surrounded herself with someone that gave her confirmation and celebration for the work that God was literally doing in

her and through her. Through Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit gave Mary peace. The visit prepared Mary to give birth to Jesus and to receive the Prince of Peace in her heart.

We find ourselves in Mary's shoes this Christmas season: with our messed-up family situations, crazy stories, and impossible situations. We find ourselves echoing Mary's words, "What? How?" We find ourselves in a world full of chaos, unrest, and confusion. We find ourselves in a world that is definitely not at rest or at peace.

So, the question is this: what are you doing this Christmas season to prepare the way for the Prince of Peace? I am not talking about the traditional, Christmasy things like decorating your homes or going to a million holiday parties or finding that perfect recipe for Christmas Eve night or buying presents, no. I'm talking about the things you are doing to prepare your heart and soul for the arrival of Jesus this Christmas. For Mary, she surrounded herself with godly people. She actively sought out communion and fellowship with other believers, with people that would help to remind her of the miraculous thing God was doing in and through her for the saving of the whole world. Mary was reminded of her identity in God during that visit. Mary was not just some teenage girl from Nazareth, engaged to Joseph of Bethlehem, a virgin, yet pregnant out of wedlock, oh no. Mary was reminded and affirmed by the power of God through Elizabeth that she had found favor with God, and it was by God's grace He chose her to deliver the Savior to the world.

Just like Mary, we have found favor with God because of that little baby boy lying in a manger on that first Christmas. It is by God's grace through faith we have been saved, not by any long to-do list we’ve accomplished. Now, we are no longer defined by our social status or marital status or job status. We are defined as sons and daughters of the King of Kings, and we have been called to do amazing things for the glory of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. May it be so for us today and may we be prepared to unwrap the very gift of peace this Christmas.

— Pastor Marge 

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family of 5

To-Go available - just walk in and ask for a to-go plate!

Adults: Roasted Corn & Chicken Chowder, Salad, Cornbread, Peppermint Bark Brownie

Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

Click here for Wednesday Night Live information

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship! These are our attendance numbers for worship from last week. We hope to see you again next week!

December 3: In Person 491 // Online 305

Church Finances

October Year to Date

Income $215,477 $2,183,990

Expense $207,612 $2,379,161

Christmas Poinsettia orders (due THIS Tuesday 12/12):

Reservation forms are in the Welcome Centers, 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.

UWF Christmas Luncheon (THIS Tuesday 12/12 @ 11:30 am):

Let's get together for some holiday cheer, for Christmas Day will soon be here! Please join us for the United Women In Faith Annual Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 12th - 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. (RSVP was due Dec. 8th to Cindy Ripley 727-823-5671 or Nancy Fallis 727-504-5186.)

Moravian Love Feast (THIS Wednesday 12/13 @ 6:30 pm):

Bring your family and friends and celebrate the advent of our Savior by breaking bread together and lifting your heart in worship and song on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 pm in the Chapel. This is our last week of Wednesday Night Live before we break for Christmas. Click here to find out more from our pastors.

Christmas Cantata & Bluegrass Sunday (12/17):

Our annual Christmas Cantata, featuring the Chancel Choir, organ, and orchestra, will be on Sunday, December 17 during the 11 am service.

There will be no 8 am service on 12/17. Our 9:30 am Ignite service will be at its regular time and will feature the South Porch Bluegrass Orchestra. We hope to have everyone then join us for the Christmas Cantata at 11 am. This is a perfect Sunday to invite a guest to join you in church! Childcare for all ages will be available at both 9:30 & 11.

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship!

Worship on Christmas Eve Morning:

9:30 am Contemporary — 11 am Traditional

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services:

4 pm Family — 6 pm Contemporary — 8 pm Traditional

Stephen Ministers are here for YOU:

The holidays can trigger many emotions and it’s good to have someone who will listen and care.

Stephen Ministers provide confidential,caring ministry to adults during this and any other time that you or someone you know is having a hard time. 

Stephen Ministers are trained lay ministers that meet one on one with those who are facing life’s challenges. We are here for anyone that could benefit from a listening, caring ear. The challenges can be of any nature,like facing loneliness, grief, divorce, serious medical issues or any other issue that disrupts someone’s life.

You can refer a friend or family member and there is no requirement that this person is affiliated with St Pete First, or perhaps you would personally like a Stephen Minister.

To find out how to make a referral or to have a Stephen Minister just call the church office at 727-894-4661 and you will be referred to a Stephen Ministry Leader who will help you, or if it’s after business hours or on the weekends, contact Barb Willey at 703-409-8003 by call or text.

2024 Giving Envelopes:

If you requested giving envelopes for 2024, they are available outside the Library (2nd floor hallway). Envelope packets are arranged alphabetically by last name.

New Year's Eve (12/31):

New Year's Eve falls on the Sunday after Christmas. We will have one blended service that Sunday at 10 am.

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 (Birth - 2 years) Room 105

2’s TODDLER Room 104

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Sunday School Preschool Hall

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Kids Church 4th Floor

11:00 AM

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

Nursery (Birth - 2 years) Room 105

2’s TODDLER Room 104

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 PRAISE TEAM (Age 4-5th 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) Room 105

YOUTH

SUNDAYS

9:30 AM WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary

10:45 AM CONFIRMATION WhereHouse

11:00 AM CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404

10:45 AM YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

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

9:30 am Contemporary Service -Sanctuary

11:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary

FELLOWSHIP TIME (BETWEEN SERVICES)

9-11:30 am Common Grounds (Coffee, Food & Fellowship) -Fellowship Hall

9-11:30 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 YOUNGISH ADULTS -Room 101

11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103

11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Library-Room 212

11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208

MONDAYS

11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location varies

TUESDAYS

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (2nd Tuesdays) -Room 103

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm MORAVIAN LOVE FEAST Chapel (12/13)

THURSDAYS

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

2:00 pm United Women in Faith Abigails (4th Thursdays) -Room 103

MUSIC

SUNDAYS

8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310

TUESDAYS

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

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 -Fellowship Hall & Zoom

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 PM LEARN PILLAR

SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 PM SERVE PILLAR

6:00 PM INVITE PILLAR

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2:00 PM NURTURE PILLAR