12/21/25 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 CAREY    

Dear Church,

It was an incredible privilege to have had the past 12 weeks of family leave to be at home with my new baby boy. He and I are both healthy and happy, and I am delighted to be back in the swing of things during our busiest season of all! Advent has always held such a special place in my heart, and even more so now that we have added our first child to our family. Witnessing him gaze at Christmas lights, watch Advent candles flicker, and wear the cutest Christmas jammies truly brings unmatchable joy to my heart. I also can’t help but think about Mary – another mother with a brand new baby boy. When I am rocking my baby back to sleep at 1:00 AM (then again at 2:00… and 3:00… and 4:00…), I can’t help but think about Mary doing the same with her baby. What a wonder that this is the way Jesus – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – chose to enter the world. Christ set aside all the glory of heaven to enter the world as a vulnerable little baby. He didn’t shy away from the messiness of human existence, but embraced it, just to walk more closely with us. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this busy season, may we never forget that God loves us enough to show up in the most honest parts of humanity, and it still showing up in those same places every day.

Join us this week at 9:30 and 11:00 for two special music services to help us get into the Advent spirit – 9:30 Contemporary and 11:00 Traditional. You won’t want to miss it! 

With peace,

— Pastor Carey   

4th Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—11 AM 

December 21, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” arr. Brent Olstad

Kristen Epstein & Kelly Bonyata, flute; Rick Nay, organ

Lighting the Candle of Love

Cody Clark & Charmaine Smith-Campbell

Welcome Rev. Carey Taylor

*Opening Hymn

“Angels from the Realms of Glory”     Hymn # 220

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Christmas Music Celebration

Chancel Choir and Orchestra

Rick Nay, piano/organ

Orchestrations by André Dubas

“Tidings of Comfort and Joy” by Mary McDonald

“The Yearning” by Craig Courtney

Helen French, dance

“Lo, How a Rose/The Rose” arr. Craig Hella Johnson

Karen Shramo, soloist

“Baby in the Hay” by Heather Sorenson

Gwenn Weston, soloist

Worship with our Tithes and Offerings  (Click here to GIVE) Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Somewhere in Your Silent Night” arr. Joseph M. Martin

Jackie Epstein, soloist

“Peace, Peace” by Rick and Sylvia Powell

Ginny Cannon, soloist

Helen French, dance

Congregation will remain seated and join in singing “Silent Night”

“Glorious Christmas Refrains” arr. Tom Fettke

*Benediction Rev. Bob Martin

Postlude  

“Fantasia On The First Nowell” by Robert J. Hughes

Rick Nay, organ

The poinsettias are given to the glory of God in loving memory and honor of loved

ones. Flyers listing all flower dedications are available at the Sanctuary entrances.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Juist, who passed away on December 21, 2024, from his wife Dorothy and family.

The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of  Poppy Ruth Camp, born on November 27, 2025, daughter of Noelle Rutland Camp & William Camp, and granddaughter of Scott & Lori Rutland.

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

4th Sunday of Advent

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

December 21, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Lighting the Candle of Love

Cody Clark & Charmaine Smith-Campbell

Welcome Rev. Carey Taylor

Christmas Music Celebration

Praise Team & Band

Loren Russell, Worship Leader

“Joy to the World / Joy of the Lord”

Passing the Peace of Christ

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

“The First Noel“

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings Rev. Elyse Nielsen

(Click here to GIVE)

“Silent Night“ 

“Away in a Manger“

“O Come All Ye Faithful” 

Benediction Rev. Bob Martin

The poinsettias are given to the glory of God in loving memory and honor of loved

ones. Flyers listing all flower dedications are available at the Sanctuary entrances.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Juist, who passed away on December 21, 2024, from his wife Dorothy and family.

The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of  Poppy Ruth Camp, born on November 27, 2025, daughter of Noelle Rutland Camp & William Camp, and granddaughter of Scott & Lori Rutland.

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***

TODAY__________________________

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

Church Conference Vote    

The Church Conference voted 169-37 in favor of accepting the resolution to sell an acre of land to further our vision. Thank you to all who participated in this important decision for your church. Our next step will be to draft a Request for Proposal which will outline the parameters we will establish to determine the developers who will be part of our bid to sell process. This work will commence after the first of the year. We will keep you posted on the progress ahead.

We’re Hiring! 

Maintenance Specialist, Director of Worship Technology;

Visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center for more information

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 the church office: church@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 14.      

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

Weekly Groups 431

December 14 Worship    594  In Person; 428  Online

Groups      216

Church Finances

November 2025 Year to Date

Income $266,548 $3,010,493

Expense $249,729 $2,937,747

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)

Dec 21—Blood Drive TODAY 8am-1pm

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

Dec 25-26, Jan 1—Church office closed - Christmas & New Year’s Day

Jan 11—Grand Centennial Celebration 6-8 pm

Jan 14—Wednesday Night Live returns

Jan 23-25, 2026—Women’s Retreat

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

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