12/15/24 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

Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us!

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Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey friends,

The Christmas season is all around us. One of the things I love the most is all of the lights. There’s a neighborhood near me where everyone has lights in their homes and hoards of people in cars slowly move inch by inch throughout the neighborhood until they have seen all of the pretty lights.

What is it about light that draws us? I think it’s because we aren’t attracted to darkness. We yearn to be in the light and that is where we find joy in life. Jesus is the light of the world and my prayer for you is that you experience His light in such a profound way so that as you traverse in life, inch by inch, you experience love, hope, peace and joy each day.

— Pastor Bob 

Third Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

December 15, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" by Lucy Ann Warriner

"Angels We Have Heard On High" by Henry Balcombe

Rick Nay, Organ

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY

Michelle and James Bartha

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Be patient! Wait and watch, for the Lord is drawing near to us.

People: We have gathered here this day to hear the Good News and to gather strength for the times to come.

Leader: Be at peace with one another.

People: Let love and wisdom prevail.

Leader: Open your hearts and souls to God’s healing word.

People: Lord, touch our hearts. Teach us to patiently listen for your words of love. 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Angels from the Realms of Glory” Hymn # 220

*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.

PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER

(11:00) ANTHEM

"Come, Emmanuel, Come" by Ruth Elaine Schram

Chancel Choir

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

"Come And Receive" from The Gift Of Christmas by Claire Cloninger

Karen Shramo, 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

"What Child is This” Hymn # 219

SERMON

“The Gift of Community”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: John 13:34-35 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” Hymn # 224

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Fantasia On The First Nowell" by Robert J. Hughes

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 George R. Lincoln's birthday today, from the Grobmyer, Lincoln, & Mainguy families.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

Third Sunday of Advent

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

December 15, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Lighting the Candle of Joy

Michelle and James Bartha

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“I See Heaven” 

“Worthy”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“The First Noel”

Sermon

“The Gift of Community”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: John 13:34-35 NLT

Worship Song

“10,000 Reasons (Bless the 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 George R. Lincoln's birthday today, from the Grobmyer, Lincoln, & Mainguy families.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

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. We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)

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

Wednesday Night Live and dinner are on Christmas break and will be back January 8.

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

December 8 In Person 610 Online 297

Organ Concert      In Person 176 Online 69

Church Finances

October 2024 Year to Date

Income $168,777 $2,265,182

Expense $239,268 $2,585,812

UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!

• TONIGHT Sun Dec 15—The Little Drummer Dude Kids Musical in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm

• SATURDAY Dec 21—The Longest Night: A Service of Hope and Healing through Music in the Sanctuary at 7 pm

• Tues Dec 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Family 4 pm - Contemporary 6 pm - Traditional 8 pm

• Sun Dec 29—10 am Unity Service, followed by a Reception for Pastor Margaret

• Classes & Groups beginning Wednesday, January 8:

  • Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen: Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship (9:30-11 am)

  • Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (6:30 pm)

  • Women’s Bible Study with Patti Martin: The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life (6:30 pm)

  • Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study (6:30 pm)

• Jan 17-19—Women’s Retreat www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat. Deadline 12/31.

• Fri Mar 14-—Organ Concert with Samuel Metzger at 7 pm

Click here to check out all our upcoming Advent & Christmas events

Kid’s Musical: The Little Drummer Dude (TODAY, Sunday 12/15 @ 6 pm):

Come out and support our Children's Music Ministry as the kids present The Little Drummer Dude on Sunday, December 15 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, please bring a non-refrigerated dessert to share.

Christmas Poinsettia orders (New Deadline: Tuesday Dec 17)

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 $17 per plant. Printed flyers listing flower dedications through Saturday morning are available today; Flowers ordered after that will be added to next Sunday's flyer.

The Longest Night: A Service of Hope and Healing (Saturday 12/21 @ 7pm)

Christmas brings joy, but for some it reminds us of great grief and longing. This musical service of healing is meant to worship while remembering our pain with honesty, seeking God’s beauty in our brokenness, and reclaiming the light only found in God’s grace.

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Tuesday, December 24

4 pm Family — 6 pm Contemporary — 8 pm Traditional

Reception for Pastor Margaret (Sunday Dec 29; after 10am Worship Service)

On Sunday, December 29 we will have ONE SERVICE, a Unity Service at 10 am, followed by a reception for Pastor Margaret in the Fellowship Hall. 

Women's Retreat (New Date! Jan 17-19, 2025) < Sign Up NOW! Deadline is 12/31

Join us for St. Pete First's bedazzling Women’s Retreat the weekend of January 17-19 at Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Conference Center in Fruitland Park, Florida. Click here for more information & to register online.

Wednesday classes & groups are back on Jan 8, 2025 < Sign Up NOW!

Click here for more information & to sign up online.



Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen (Begins Wed Jan 8: 9:30-11 am; Room 208)

Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship, an 8-session study with video authored by Sandra Richter, addresses the questions ‘What makes the Psalms so special?’ and ‘What do the Psalms have to do with me today?’ She discusses the role of Psalms in the culture and worship practices of ancient Israel. As we connect with our ancestors in faith, we’ll discover how the Psalms can empower our prayer and worship. The required study guide includes lessons to be completed independently at home. On Wednesdays, we’ll gather for the video presentation and discussion. To reserve a study guide or for more information, contact Sue Allen (sallen0903@gmail.com or 727-418-8155). Click here to sign up.

Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Chapel)

Our decisions don't just affect our present circumstances; they radiate into our future. Most of the time, it's impossible to know what will come of the decisions we make. But this doesn't have to paralyze you. You can train yourself to ask well-placed, appropriately timed, thought-provoking questions that will result in stronger decisions and fewer disappointments down the road.

In this six-week Bible study, author and pastor Andy Stanley gives you five key questions to ask when you have a decision to make and you're not sure what to do (or even if you think you do know what to do!). These five simple questions will empower you to:

• Pause when feeling tension over a decision

• Take the long view

• Look for the wise option

• Focus on the relational impact of decisions

Every decision we make impacts our stories and the stories of those closest to us. It's time to start deciding with our heads instead of with our guts. Click here to sign up.

Patti Martin’s Women’s Bible Study (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Room 208)

The Bible study The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life by Cindi Wood is based on Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God”. This thought-provoking, yet lighthearted, study helps women discover practical, biblical help to confront issues that otherwise leave them discouraged. It helps participants develop Biblical skills to handle stressful situations, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and ultimately experience peace, joy, and a saner lifestyle. Click here to sign up

TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.

Communion Stewards Needed

We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer.

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

KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE Room 402

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 RETURN Jan 8

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

10:45 am CONFIRMATION WhereHouse

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

6:00 pm YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

WEDNESDAYS RETURN Jan 8

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 THE GAP -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                        

WEDNESDAYS    RETURN Jan 8

9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY with Sue Allen -Room 208

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214 

6:30 pm BETTER DECISIONS, FEWER REGRETS (Pastor Bob) -Room TBA

6:30 pm WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Patti Martin) -Room TBA

THURSDAYS 

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (4th Thursdays) -Rm 101                            

 MUSIC

SUNDAYS 

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

9:30 am KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE -Room 402

10:15 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 RETURNS Jan 8

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  

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR  

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR