12/22/24 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Dec 21, 2024
- 10 min read
Welcome & Church Information
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
Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE
Regardless of what your worldview is, I think we can all agree on the fact that something has gone horribly wrong with the human experience. Something is wrong. You can call it what you want to but for Christ followers, the term we use to describe this is sin. All throughout human history, every people group has tried to build a bridge back to perfection, back to eternity, back to God. In fact, every major world religion is built on that premise. But the unique claim of Christianity and the Gospel is that God built the bridge from heaven to earth because the gap between us and God was impassable and impossible to cross on our own. You see, we need someone to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves and this is exactly why we celebrate Christmas every year. We celebrate the fact that out of God’s love for us, God built the bridge from heaven to earth by taking on flesh. God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to this world so that we could be united with God once more. Jesus Christ made it possible to anyone who would believe the gift of eternity. He is the bridge that connects us to God once more.
Friends, I cannot get over the Gospel. I do not have a category in my brain, let alone a language that I can use, to truly convey the overwhelming reality of the incarnation, that God became a man. I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that the same God that created the entire universe, heaven and earth, sky and sea, you and me, is the same God who stepped down off His Royal Throne and was born in a manger, into the messiness of this world. I cannot get over the fact that God would enter into the messiness of my life, die for me, and redeem me so that I could cross the bridge from this temporary dwelling place we call planet earth to my eternal home called heaven. The reality is that none of us are worthy of Jesus Christ; we are worthy of condemnation. But by the grace of God, instead, we get to walk on the bridge that leads us to the rest of our lives, to the gift of eternity.
As we prepare to celebrate the incarnation in just two days, may the stable still astonish us this Christmas. May we never get over the fact that the God of the universe chose to enter this world as a baby wrapped in rags so that we, you and me, could spend eternity with our Heavenly Father.
— Pastor Marge
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
December 22, 2024
*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
“O Little Town Of Bethlehem” by Benton Price
“Christmas Fantasia” by Rob Roy Peery
Rick Nay, Organ
LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF LOVE
Margaret Pruitt & Cheerful Thornhill
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: God has done great things for us!
People: God’s love is heralded in the promise of Christ.
Leader: Holy is God’s name!
People: God’s promises are fulfilled in the coming of Christ.
Leader: God’s mercy extends from generation to generation.
People: God’s salvation is offered in the gift of Christ.
*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.
PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER
(11:00) ANTHEM
“I Shall Know Him When He Comes” by Douglas Wagner
Chancel Choir
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)
“Unto Us is Born a Son” arr. David D. Mason
Jackie Epstein, Kristin Epstein, Kelly Bonyata—Flute Trio
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
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vs. 1-3) Hymn # 234
SERMON
“The Gift of Eternity” Rev. Margaret Rountree
Text: Mark 1:1-8 ESV
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“Angels We Have Heard on High” Hymn # 238
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
“Joy To The World” by Robert J. Hughes
Rick Nay, Organ
The poinsettias are given to the glory of God in loving memory and honor of loved ones. Click here for a flyer listing all flower dedications.
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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM
December 22, 2024
Lighting the Candle of Love
Margaret Pruitt & Cheerful Thornhill
Praise & Worship Praise Team
“This is Amazing Grace”
“Good Good Father”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
Sermon
“The Gift of Eternity” Rev. Margaret Rountree
Text: Mark 1:1-8 ESV
Worship Song
“Yes and Amen”
Benediction
The poinsettias are given to the glory of God in loving memory and honor of loved ones. Click here for a flyer listing all flower dedications.
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.
Bulletin/Announcements
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 15 In Person 566 Online 278
Church Finances
November 2024 Year to Date
Income $238,597 $2,504,205
Expense $ 212,911 $2,777,809
UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!
Tues Dec 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Family 4 pm - Contemporary 6 pm - Traditional 8 pm
Wed-Thurs Dec 25-26—Church offices closed
Sun Dec 29—10 am Unity Service, followed by a Reception for Pastor Margaret
Wed Jan 1—Church offices closed
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
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.
Job Openings
To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Kids & Youth
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
Weekly & Monthly Events
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
