12/28/25 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

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

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE    

Join us this Sunday as we conclude our powerful Fear Not sermon series with a message you won’t want to miss. Over the past weeks, we’ve confronted the fears that freeze us, the worries that chase us, and the doubts that whisper in the shadows. We’ve learned that while fear may rise, it doesn’t have to rule.

In this final installment, we’ll step into the sweeping truth that even when the world feels upside down—when danger seems constant and darkness looms large—Jesus is still present, still guiding, still victorious. Sometimes all it takes is a steady star, a small light in the chaos, to reveal that He has been with us all along.

Come ready to be encouraged, strengthened, and reminded that God’s perfect love doesn’t just calm our fears… it drives them out.

Don't miss this hope-filled finale. Invite someone who needs courage for their journey. Together, let’s step boldly into a future where fear does not have the final word.

In Christ,

— Pastor Elyse   

1st Sunday after Christmas

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

December 28, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE     

“In Dulci Jubilo” by J.S. Bach

Les Burrows, guest organist

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Carey Taylor

Leader: O come, let us worship the Lord

and consider what wondrous things God has done:

People: The Magi who study the heavens follow a guiding star!

Leader: O come, let us worship the Lord

and consider what wondrous things God has done:

People: The peoples who live in the shadows see a glorious light!

Leader: O come, let us worship the Lord

and consider what wondrous things God has done:

People: The Christ who embodies the Word unveils the hidden plan, 

making us joint heirs of the promise of salvation through the gospel!

Leader: O come, let us worship the Lord,

for God has done wondrous things! 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Go Tell It On The Mountain”     Hymn # 251

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

“Apostles’ Creed”     # 881

PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

(Click here to GIVE)

“Coventry Carol” arr. Mark Hayes

Gwenn Weston, solo; Les Burrows, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“What Child is This”     Hymn # 219

SERMON Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Fear Not! Jesus Holds Your Future”     

Text: Matthew 2:1-15 NRSV

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”     Hymn # 224

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE 

Toccata on “Angels from the Realms of Glory” by Harold James

Les Burrows, guest organist 

Our acolytes this week are Robbie Sherer & Willa Schaefer.

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

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

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

December 28, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship

“Blessed Be Your Name” 

“Cornerstone” 

“Holy Spirit”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Indescribable” 

Sermon Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Fear Not! Jesus Holds Your Future”     

Text: Matthew 2:1-15 NRSV

Worship Song

“Yes and Amen” 

Benediction

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 ***

Grand Centennial Celebration (Sunday, January 11; 6-8 pm; Fellowship Hall)

Join us for a 1920’s style celebration of our historic church building. We’ll have supper with jazz music, dancing, and more! $8/person or $30/family. RSVP by Thursday, Jan 8. stpetefirst.org/upcoming-events

Offering envelopes for 2026 (for those who requested them) are on the table behind the sanctuary (2nd floor hallway), in alphabetical order by last name.

We’re Hiring! 

Maintenance Specialist, Director of Worship Technology;

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

Upcoming Events 

Jan 1—Church office closed - New Year’s Day

Jan 11—Grand Centennial Celebration 6-8 pm (RSVP & pay here)

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

Jan 14—Wednesday Night Live returns

Jan 19—Church office closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan 23-25, 2026—Women’s Retreat (www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat)

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.      

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

Weekly Groups      129

December 21 In Person    644 Online 500  

Groups      178

Christmas Eve:  4 pm   In Person    513 Online   74

                           6 pm   In Person    348 Online 122

                           8 pm   In Person    580 Online 238

Church Finances

November 2025 Year to Date

Income $266,548 $3,010,493

Expense $249,729 $2,937,747

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

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 1/14)

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 1/14)

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 208                          

WEDNESDAYS   

9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY—Parables -Room 208 (begins 1/7)

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall (returns 1/14)

6:30 pm Pastor Bob’s Revelation Bible Study -Chapel (begins 1/14)

6:30 pm Pastor Elyse’s Discover Faith Study -Room 308 (begins 1/14)

6:30 pm Pastor Carey’s Prayer Study -Room 208 (begins 1/14)

6:30 pm Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study -Room 214 (Parlor) (returns 1/14)

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