12/14/25 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 ELYSE    

Sometimes it’s said that the best things in life come when you wait… but waiting isn’t easy, especially when you need God to act right now. Still, waiting is where we grow. It’s where God prepares greater gifts than we can see in the moment. And when they come, they bring joy. In the waiting, God whispers: “Fear not.” He’s working—right on time. This Sunday, hear about how Mary joined Him in his work and how you can too. 

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Elyse   

3rd Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

December 14, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“Christmas Joy Medley” arr. Gary Lanier

Kerry O’Reilly, tenor saxophone; Kelly Bonyata, flute; Rick Nay, organ

Lighting the Candle of Joy

Joanna & Kevin Schottler

*Call to Worship Rev. Bob Martin

Leader: God comes! So don’t let go of all the reasons to rejoice.

People:  We will sing a song of Advent to the One who fills our lives with joy.

Leader:  God comes! So don’t stop lifting your prayers with thanksgiving.

People:  We will sing a song of Advent to the One who hears our words and silence.

Leader:  God comes! So don’t stop giving your hearts to God.

People:  We will sing a song of Advent to the One who graces us with a peace we cannot begin to understand.

All: Let us worship with joyful hearts! 

*Hymn of Praise

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”     Hymn # 240

*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 Rev. Carey Taylor

“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

“Who is She Who Travels?” by Owen Goldsmith

Chancel Choir

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

“Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant

Gwenn Weston, soloist

*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

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”     Hymn # 229

Sermon

“Fear Not! Wait (Mary)”         Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Text: Luke 1:26-34 NIV

*Hymn of Dedication

“Angels We Have Heard on High”     Hymn # 238

*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 our parents, Freeda & Elbert Matthews, from their daughters Mary Ann Carroll & Linda Marsh.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Pat Warner, from all of her family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Natalie Butler-Fetsch, from her parents Cheryl & Steve Butler.

Our acolytes this week are Emory Wood & Oliver Pilliod.

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.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

December 14, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Lighting the Candle of Joy Joanna & Kevin Schottler

Praise & Worship

“This is Amazing Grace” 

“Reckless Love” 

“Jesus Paid it All”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Here I Am to Worship / O Come Let us Adore Him” 

Sermon

“Fear Not! Wait (Mary)”         Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Text: Luke 1:26-34 NIV

Worship Song

“Great Are You Lord” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of our parents, Freeda & Elbert Matthews, from their daughters Mary Ann Carroll & Linda Marsh.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Pat Warner, from all of her family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Natalie Butler-Fetsch, from her parents Cheryl & Steve Butler.

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 ***

TODAY__________________________

Church Conference (Sunday, Dec 14; 12:15 pm; Sanctuary)

We will have a special called Church Conference today at 12:15 PM in the sanctuary. The purpose of the church conference is to vote on a resolution to sell a parcel of land (the northside corner where Palm Plaza is located along with the dirt lot and some parking towards the Inn). Upon approving the resolution, the proceeds will be used in two ways: 1. Establish an endowment to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of our beautiful historic sanctuary for the coming generations. And, 2. Proceeds from the sale will also be used to build a new building to grow our ministries by expanding the preschool (to include infant care), provide a multi-use space to host community events and potential athletic events, provide a larger kitchen and serving space to support our hospitality and feeding ministries and space for an adult day-care for our seniors. Passage of the resolution would provide us with a debt-free path for growth. Professing Members in good standing who are present at the conference may vote.

Kid’s Christmas Musical: The Bethlehem Beat (Sunday, Dec 14 @ 6pm): Come out and support our Children's Music Ministry as the kids present The Bethlehem Beat on Sunday, December 14 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, please bring a non-refrigerated dessert to share.

Christmas Poinsettia orders due tonight (Deadline: Sunday Dec 14)            

Place your reservation form & payment in the offering plate or order online. 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.

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Christmas Music Celebration (Sunday, Dec 21; 9:30 & 11 am) Celebrate the season with a morning full of beautiful Christmas music!

• 9:30 am: Worship Band

• 11:00 am: Chancel Choir, Organ & Orchestra

It’s the perfect Sunday to invite a friend to experience the joy of Christmas at St. Pete First. Childcare for all ages is available at both services. (No 8 am service this week)

Blood Drive (Sunday, December 21; 8 am-1 pm; Big Red Bus in parking lot) Every person has the power to save a life. Donating blood only takes a little of your time, and it can mean a lifetime for patients in need. You can drop in to donate or click here to schedule your donation. All donors will receive a Oneblood sweatshirt and a $25 eGift Card. See www.oneblood.org for more info on blood donation.

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Wednesday, December 24

4 pm Family — 6 pm Contemporary — 8 pm Traditional

Angel Tree Ministry Thank You           

Thank you to all who helped with the Angel Tree Ministry this year! Together we provided gifts for 150 children in St. Petersburg. Without your help this effort would simply not be possible. God bless you all!

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.

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)

Wednesday Night Live and dinner are on Christmas break and will be back January 7.      

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!

Weekly Groups 254

November 30 Worship    536  In Person; 465  Online

Groups      232

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)

Dec 14—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

—————Church Conference 12:15 pm

—————Kids Musical: The Bethlehem Beat 6 pm; Fellowship Hall

Dec 21—Christmas Music Celebration 9:30 & 11 am (no 8 am service)

—————Blood Drive 8am-1pm (Drop in or click here to schedule your donation.)

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

————Candlelight Family—4 PM

————Candlelight Modern—6 PM

————Candlelight Traditional—8 pm

Dec 25-26—Church office closed - Christmas

JOIN OUR TEAM: Director of Worship Technology (Full-Time) St. Pete First is seeking a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven individual to serve as Director of Worship Technology. This person will lead all aspects of worship production, from audio, video, and lighting to live-streaming and digital worship media. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center

JOIN OUR TEAM: Facility Maintenance Specialist (Part-Time) St. Pete First is seeking a dependable, motivated individual to serve as a part-time Facility Maintenance Specialist. In this essential role, you’ll tackle a wide range of tasks—from general building repairs to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems—helping support the vibrant ministries and daily life of our church campus. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center

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) -Fellowship Hall

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      (on break starting 12/17; returns 1/7)

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     (on break starting 12/17; returns 1/7)

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     (on break starting 12/17; returns 1/7)

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm New Classes coming soon!

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