12/24/25 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 6 days ago
- 8 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 senior pastor.
Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor
Rev. Elyse Nielsen, Associate Pastor
Rev. Carey Taylor, Pastor of Community Life
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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
Hey Friends,
Christmas Eve is a night to remember. Not only do we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it's a night of lights, laughs and great anticipation. One of the things I love most about tonight is being together. There is just something special when people of faith gather in one room with a common focus with such profound meaning. I have always viewed Christmas Eve as a night that enhances my awareness of God's closeness and the celebration that comes in the truth, "Immanuel—God with us!" On behalf of the St. Pete First UMC family, know you are welcome here!
— Pastor Bob
4 pm Order of Service
Christmas Eve
Family Worship—4:00 PM
December 24, 2025
Pre-Service Activities
Welcome
Congregational Singing
“Jingle Bells”
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Lighting the Christ Candle Emma & Robbie Scherer
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
The Christmas Story Rev. Elyse Nielsen
(Kids will be called forward in groups to participate)
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel“
“Away in a Manger“
“Angels We Have Heard on High“
“O Come, All Ye Faithful“
“We Three Kings “
Sharing the Light of the Christ Candle
Songs of Light and Joy
“Silent Night”
“Joy to the World”
Benediction
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.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
6 pm Order of Service
Christmas Eve
Modern Worship—6:00 PM
December 24, 2025
Lighting the Christ Candle Emma & Robbie Scherer
Welcome Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Praise & Worship
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
“The First Noel”
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings Rev. Carey Taylor “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Fear Not! Receive the Gift of Jesus”
Text: Luke 2:8-20 NLT
Sharing the Light of the Christ Candle
Always keep lighted candle upright; tip the unlighted candle to light it
Song of Light and Joy
“Behold”
Benediction
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.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
8 pm Order of Service
Christmas Eve
Traditional Worship—8:00 PM
December 24, 2025
*Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
Christmas Selections
Organ, Flute, Guitar & String Quartet
Christmas Processional and Medley, arr. Jeffrey Hall
Fellowship Ringers
Lighting the CHRIST Candle
Emma & Robbie Scherer
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Leader: Come, faithful watchers, and behold, your salvation is here!
People: We greet the Wondrous Light, our Messiah, Christ the Lord.
Leader: We have waited and watched, longing for God to show up
and save us from the suffering and pain in our world.
People: We greet the Wondrous Light, the fulfillment of our shocking hope.
Leader: We have waited and watched, longing for peace to reign among us,
a peace that removes unjust barriers, frees us from sin, and
binds us together as neighbors, family, and friends.
People: We greet the Wondrous Light, the bringer of our just peace.
Leader: We have waited and watched, longing for joy that is persistent in the
face of the grief, chaos, and oppression that weigh on us day in and day out.
People: We greet the Wondrous Light, the source of our fierce joy.
Leader: We have waited and watched, longing to encounter the love that
transforms us, the Love that is now here among us, first as a babe in a manger,
then as a teacher, a friend, and our Savior.
People: We greet the Wondrous Light,
Love Incarnate who has come to save us and transform us.
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Hymn # 234 (vs. 1-3 & 6)
THE CHRISTMAS STORY: SCRIPTURE READING Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Luke 1:26-33 (NLT)
ANTHEM
“I Shall Know Him When He Comes” by Dan Wagner
Chancel Choir and String Quartet
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS Rev. Carey Taylor
String Quartet
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“The First Noel” Hymn # 245 (vs. 1, 2 & 4)
SERMON Rev. Bob Martin
“Fear Not! Receive the Gift of Jesus”
Text: Luke 2:8-20 NLT
SOLO
“How Far Is It to Bethlehem”
Gwenn Weston, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
SHARING THE LIGHT OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Always keep lighted candle upright; tip the unlighted candle to light it
*SONGS OF LIGHT AND JOY
“Silent Night” Hymn # 239
“Joy to the World” Hymn # 246 (vs. 1 & 4)
*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. Flyers listing all flower dedications are available at the Sanctuary entrances.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services (Wednesday, December 24)
Family 4 pm — Contemporary 6 pm — Traditional 8 pm
(Childcare available at 6 & 8 pm)
We’re Hiring!
Maintenance Specialist, Director of Worship Technology;
Visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center for more information
Upcoming Events
TODAY! Dec 24—Christmas Eve Services 4-6-8 pm
Dec 25-26—Church office closed - Christmas
Jan 1—Church office closed - 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
Weekday Classes & Groups
—Tuesday Morning Ladies of Light Bible Study with Nancy Gainor (Tuesdays 9:00-10:30 am, Room 208)
—Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen (Wednesdays 9:30-11 am, Room 208)
Parables: The Greatest Stories Ever Told (Begins January 7)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE (returns January 14) Sign up now at www.stpetefirst.org/wednesday
—Kids Praise Team (preK-6th grade; Wednesdays @5 pm)
—Wednesday Night Dinner (all ages; 5:30 pm)
—Wednesday Night Kids (Preschool/Elementary; 6 pm)
—Wednesday Night Youth (Middle/High School; 6 pm)
—Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Cracking the Code—A Study in
Revelation (Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Chapel)
—Pastor Elyse’s Study: Discover Faith. Strengthen
Foundations. Begin the Journey.
(Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 308)
—Pastor Carey’s Study: Deepen Your Prayer. Strengthen
Your Practice. (Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 208)
—Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study
(Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 214-Parlor)
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.
Job Openings
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 & 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
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
Weekly & Monthly Events
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
