12/11/22 Bulletin & Order of Service
9:30 am Order of Service
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM
December 11, 2022
Welcome, Announcements, & Prayer (Click here to check-in)
Rev. Margaret Rountree
Lighting the Candle of Joy
Passing the Peace
Praise & Worship
"The Hymn of Joy"
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings (Click here to GIVE)
"What Child is This?"
Betty Schaefer, Soloist
SERMON
“Sadness turns to Joy” Rev. Bob Martin
Text: Psalm 126 (NLT)
Worship Song
“Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God
in loving memory of our parents, Freeda & Elbert Matthews,
from daughters Mary Ann Carroll and Linda Marsh.
Thank you for joining us this morning!
11 am Order of Service
Third Sunday of Advent
Traditional Worship—11 AM
December 11, 2022
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS (Click here to check-in)
Rev. Margaret Rountree
INVOCATION
LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY
A WEARY WORLD REJOICES by Joseph Martin
Chancel Choir Orchestra
Rick Nay, Organ
Overture of Joy
Orchestra
A Weary World Rejoices
Choir and Orchestra
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Bob Martin
Redeem, Restore, Renew
Karen Shramo, Soloist
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Margaret Rountree
Arise! Rejoice!
Choir and Orchestra
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Bob Martin
Come, Graceful Rose
Kirby Malone, Soloist
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Margaret Rountree
Away in a Manger
Grace Weston, Soloist
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Bob Martin
Sing, O Heavens
Choir and Orchestra|
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)
Christmas, Glorious Christmas arr. Larry Shackley
Kelly Bonyata—Flute, Rick Nay—Organ
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Bob Martin
Beautiful Star
Choir and Orchestra
READING AND PRAYER
Rev. Margaret Rountree
Cantique de Noël
Sara Smith, Soloist
BENEDICTION
Rev. Bob Martin
POSTLUDE
Orchestra
The flowers are given to the glory of God
in loving memory of our parents, Freeda & Elbert Matthews,
from daughters Mary Ann Carroll and Linda Marsh.
Thank you for joining us this morning!
Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
One of the family traditions we have on Christmas morning is to awaken and read the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. Our family has come to know that under the tree great happiness will soon be found in the presents. Whether it be toys, new clothes, an experience purchased…happiness. I get gigged by the family because my happiness is found in picking up all the wrapping paper as it is thrown on the floor. Don’t make fun of me as I know many of you do that too! :-)
One year, as a joke, I gave Patti some coal. It was the first present she opened. Was she happy? If you know her, you already know the answer to my question. Happiness is fleeting, isn’t it? I mean, happiness is interpreted as happy with things or circumstances and when those don’t work out the way you want, well, your happiness is fleeting and it turns to despair.
The Christmas season is a reminder that happiness is not what we search for. Happiness is not found in the manger; but joy is! Joy comes from God and it can’t be stripped away under any circumstance. That is why the Scriptures remind us, “Joy comes every morning!”
— Pastor Bob
Bulletin/Announcements
Wednesday Night Dinner Menu for Dec. 7
$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family of 5
To-Go available by reservation
Roasted Corn & Chicken Chowder, Salad, Cornbread, Peppermint Bark Brownie
Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie
Last Week’s Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship! These are our attendance numbers for worship from last Sunday. We hope to see you again next week!
December 4: In Person 355 // Online 285
Year to Date Financials as of October 31
YTD Revenue $2,092,629
YTD Expenses $2,429,277
Finance Team (12/20) and Church Council (12/27) will not be meeting this month due to the holidays.
TODAY, Dec. 11: Christmas Cantata
Our annual Christmas Cantata is today, Sunday, December 11 during the 11 am service. No 8 am service on the day of the cantata! Please join us at 11 am, instead.
TODAY, Dec. 11: St. Pete First T-shirts are here
If you ordered a St. Pete First T-shirt, don't forget to pick it up in the Fellowship Hall TODAY, from 9 to 11 am or after the Cantata. If you didn't order one this time, stay tuned for your next opportunity to order!
TODAY, Dec. 11: Christmas Poinsettia orders are due
Reservation forms are on the information tables or call the church office: (727) 894-4661. Christmas poinsettias will be added to the decorations in the Sanctuary from December 18-25. Your poinsettias may be picked up after the 8 pm Christmas Eve service or after the 10 am Christmas Day service.
MONDAY Dec. 12: UWF Christmas Luncheon
Please join us as we celebrate the season with a Christmas Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. $10 per person. Bring a Christmas ornament to exchange ($5 limit). RSVP to Nancy Fallis 727-504-5186 or Cindy Ripley 727-823-5671 ASAP.
THIS WEDNESDAY, Dec. 14: Christmas Sing-Along
The St Pete First Kids Praise Team is excited to present our second annual Christmas Sing-Along! Join us for Wednesday Night Dinner beforehand, then support the children and have some fun as we sing our favorite Christmas carols. Bring your friends & family!
Come support our Preschool students as they present their Christmas program!
Dec. 5 through Christmas: Christmas Diaper Drive
Be a part of Local Missions’ Christmas Diaper Drive, serving young mothers and newborns through the New Life Solutions (previously called Pinellas County Pregnancy Center) to bring hope and help to hundreds of young Moms and their babies who are in exceptional need. On December 5th and through Christmas a playpen will be in the Fellowship Hall to collect newborn disposable diapers. The diapers collected will be picked up the following week. This is just another way to make a difference in our community during this joyous Christmas season. Questions? Call Gus Schaefer at (727) 823-7435.
Dec 4-25: Born to Serve/Showered and Empowered Winter Donations
Our 4th Wednesday Homeless Outreach ministry partner has asked for the following donations (by 12/25) to be distributed on 12/28:
New or gently used: winter hats, throw blankets, gloves, and book bags.
New only: socks, underwear, toiletries, toothpaste, razors, and deodorant.
Welcome & Church Information
Welcome to St Pete First United Methodist Church! 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.
Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor
Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor
Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us! Click here to check-in.
Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message
Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give
Kids & Youth
KIDS
SUNDAYS
9:30 AM
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
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 4th Floor
YOUTH
SUNDAYS
9:30 AM WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary
11:00 AM CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404
10:45 AM YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse
10:45 AM Confirmation WhereHouse
6:00 PM WH PM (6th – 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 (NO SERVICE ON 12/11)
9:30 am Contemporary Service -Sanctuary
11:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary —CHRISTMAS CANTATA Today
FELLOWSHIP TIME (BETWEEN SERVICES)
9:00 am Common Grounds Fellowship Hall
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
WEDNESDAYS (Last Wed. night before the holidays - activities resume Jan. 11)
5:30 PM DINNER Fellowship Hall
6:00 PM CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG Fellowship Hall (EVERYONE INVITED!)
6:30 PM BAND OF BROTHERS Chapel
THURSDAYS
7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY Zoom
MUSIC
SUNDAYS
10:20 am CHANCEL CHOIR Room 312 (9:30 AM on Nov. 13)
12:10 pm HANDBELLS Room 310
WEDNESDAYS
6:00 pm IGNITE BAND PRACTICE Sanctuary
7:00 pm IGNITE PRAISE TEAM PRACTICE (1st & 3rd Wed) Sanctuary
7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR PRACTICE Room 312
CARE & SUPPORT
WEDNESDAYS
12:00 Noon CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Zoom
THURSDAYS
6:30 pm CELEBRATE RECOVERY Chapel
7:30 pm AL-ANON Parlor – Room 214
LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETINGS
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
5:30 PM BOARD OF TRUSTEES Room 101
SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
6:30 PM STAFF PARISH Closed Meeting
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
6:00 PM FINANCE COMMITTEE Admin Conference Room (no meeting on 12/20)
FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
6:30 PM CHURCH COUNCIL Fellowship Hall & Zoom (no meeting on 12/27)
