12/29/24 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Dec 29, 2024
- 9 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!
Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message
Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give
Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE
St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church: I wanted to take this last Pastor’s Note and express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for you all. It has been an immeasurable blessing to serve as your Associate Pastor for the past three and half years and Chris and I are going to deeply miss this church that we now consider to be a part of our extended family. So, I just want to say, “thank you.” Thank you for letting us be a part of your family, thank you for helping usmore fully understand the importance of being a part of a body of believers, thank you for your prayers and encouragement, and thank you for having the courage to follow Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to move and work through each one of you in the coming years as you all continue to “LOVE. ST. PETE.” as Christ has loved you. This is the mission of this great church.
The best piece of advice I can leave you all is the advice that Jesus’ mother, Mary, gave to some servants at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The wine had run out at the wedding and the servants did not know what to do. When Mary informed Jesus about the situation, He respondedto her, “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). Immediately after this hesitant response from Jesus, Mary turned to the servants and said these words: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Do you know what happened next? Jesus turned water into water, His first recorded miracle in the Scriptures. This is the best piece of advice I can leave you all with: do whatever Jesus tells you. Do whatever He tells you to do, and you will watch mountains move. Always remember that Christ is the foundation of the church, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. He loves you like crazy, church. Through Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors through Him who first loved us. “For we are convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Lastly, church, I am one hundred percent convinced, and I hope and pray that you are too, that if the tomb is empty, then anything is possible.
— Pastor Marge
10 am Order of Service
First Sunday after Christmas Day
10 AM Worship
December 29, 2024
*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
“The Shepherds’ Christmas” by Benton Price
Rick Nay, Organ
“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” by R. Fisher Boyce
Kelly Bonyata, flute; Alex Bonyata, guitar
“Joyous Christmas Bells” by Edward Broughton
Rick Nay, Organ
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We have welcomed the Christ child and declared the glory of God’s salvation that comes to live among us. And yet, still, we wait.
People: We join the saints who learned and taught us how to listen, notice, and discern divine love at work in the world.
Leader: We prepare to welcome a new year, thankful for how God has brought us through the past year and look forward to discovering what the New Year might bring.
People: We watch and work for God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Leader: Come, let us worship God, whose love endures from generation to generation, guiding us from one year to the next.
People: Let us worship as we live in anticipation of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“Go Tell It On the Mountain” Hymn # 251
ANTHEM
“He Shall Feed His Flock” by Joseph Martin
Kendra Aumack and Martha Copp, soloists
Chancel Choir
*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.
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)
“Joy to the World / Joy of the Lord”
Praise Band
SERMON
“To the Church in St. Petersburg” Rev. Margaret Rountree
Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-9 ESV
WORSHIP SONG
“Highest Praise”
Praise Band
*BENEDICTION
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Pastor Margaret Rountree, from her St. Pete First family.
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 22 In Person 594 Online 325
Church Finances
November 2024 Year to Date
Income $238,597 $2,504,205
Expense $ 212,911 $2,777,809
UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!
TODAY! Sun Dec 29—Reception for Pastor Margaret after the service
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)
Kids Praise Team (preK-6th grade; 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: 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
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 (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.
UN-decorating the Sanctuary (Sunday Jan 5 @ noon)
Come help us take down the Sanctuary decorations! This will take 2 - 3 hours, and a light lunch will be provided for workers. Questions? Contact Sherry Smith: jsmit107@tampabay.rr.com
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
4:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR
