12/3/23 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 pastors.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor

Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us! Click here to check-in.

Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message

Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

First Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

December 3, 2023

*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

(8:00) "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" arr. John Innes

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) "Joyful and Triumphant" arr. Douglas Wagner

Fellowship Ringers

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF HOPE

Readers: Karen and James Wilber

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Margaret Rountree

Pastor: Something stirs deep within us – a longing, a hope,

People: A thirst for joy, a hunger for peace, a yearning for blessing.

Pastor: We know deep within that our hopes and fears

People: Will be met by angel songs and baby sighs.

Pastor: It is Advent -

People: Season of waiting, hoping, yearning.

Pastor: Advent -

People: A time to come home.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Number 211

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Number 557

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Leader: Christ the Lord invites all to His table who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

People: We confess, O God, that our sense of anticipation has been dulled. We have ceased to expect any wonders from your hand. We do not see the marvels around us in the people and happenings we view as commonplace. We are not alert to your presence or your action on our behalf. Wake us up, Heavenly Father. Pardon and redeem us, that we may escape the judgment we are bringing on ourselves. Send your light that it may shine through us into a needy world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

The cares of this life weigh us down, and we seek escape more than insight, avoidance rather than confrontation with God’s truth. God comes to us even when we are hiding from the best we know. God waits to hear our story and to restore us to life as it is meant to be.

(11:00) CHORAL ANTHEM

"He Shall Feed His Flock" by John Ness Beck

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)

"People Need The Lord" arr. Tom Fettke

Ginny Cannon, Soloist; Rick Nay, Organ

*DOXOLOGY Number 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

“People, Look East” Number 202

SERMON

"A Home Filled with Hope" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Luke 2:25-33 (NLT)

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" Number 196

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

"Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall Come" by James Denton

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the St. Pete First Visitation Team.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Jack Collins’s 95th birthday yesterday, and in honor of his love for this church and his friends for 70 years, from his 3 sons, 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and loving wife, Evelyn.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

First Sunday of Advent

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

December 3, 2023

(Click here to check-in)

Lighting the Candle of Hope

Readers: Karen and James Wilber

Praise & Worship

"Joy of the Lord"

"God With Us"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"The First Noel"

Sermon

"A Home Filled with Hope" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Luke 2:25-33 (NLT)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Yes and Amen”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the St. Pete First Visitation Team.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Jack Collins’s 95th birthday yesterday, and in honor of his love for this church and his friends for 70 years, from his 3 sons, 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and loving wife, Evelyn.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB It begins! Two words that signal for us the season of Advent is upon us. Advent reminds us of words like coming or anticipation. It means a season of focusing on the miracle of God coming into our world in flesh as Jesus is here. For many, this season is also one that represents family and coming home. It’s been said “home is where the heart is”. Let your heart be full this Advent and Christmas season. Come home for Christmas! — Pastor Bob

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family of 5

To-Go available - just walk in and ask for a to-go plate!

Adults: Breakfast Casserole, Bacon, Fruit Salad, Gouda Grits, Assorted Desserts

Kids: Mac n' Cheese, Tater Tots, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Sandwich

Click here for Wednesday Night Live information

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship! These are our attendance numbers for worship from last week. We hope to see you again next week!

November 26: In Person 418 // Online 329

Church Finances

October Year to Date

Income $215,477 $2,183,990

Expense $207,612 $2,379,161

Christmas Angel Tree (bring back TODAY 12/3):

Partnering with the Salvation Army, St. Pete First is sponsoring a Christmas Angel Tree. All unwrapped Angel gifts must be returned to a St. Pete First representative in the Fellowship Hall no later than Sunday, December 3rd.

Christmas Organ Concert (THIS Monday 12/4 @ 2 pm):

Bring your family and friends on Monday, December 4 at 2 pm to listen and sing along to Christmas favorites as organist Rick Nay (with guests) beautifully showcases our magnificent organ amid our beautiful stained glass and Christmas decorations. If you can, join us at 1 pm to help welcome and assist our guests from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Please bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share. For those unable to attend in-person, the concert will be livestreamed and recorded.

Crosstown Shuffle (THIS Thursday 12/7; 6:30-8:30 pm):

Join us for a night of fellowship and fun with our Christian brothers and sisters from neighboring churches in St. Pete for a friendly game of shuffleboard on Thursday, December 7 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Let's get to know each other so we can shine a brighter light in St. Pete for Jesus! St Pete Shuffleboard Club: 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. St. Pete. $5 for adults; free for youth 18 & under. Guests and families welcome! Deadline to RSVP: Monday, Dec. 4. Click here for more information.

Kids Night Out (THIS Friday 12/8; 6-10 pm):

Drop your kids off for a night of FUN on December 8th from 6-10 pm! At KNO, kids will be served pizza and snacks, have ice cream sundaes, play games, watch a movie, sing songs and have an interactive devotion while their parents finish up that last minute shopping! Open to all children ages nursery - 5th grade. $20 first child, $15 second, $40 for a family of 3 or more. Reserve your spot here or email Lora at lulrich@fumcsp.org

Christmas Poinsettia orders (due Tuesday 12/12):

Reservation forms will be in the print bulletin on Sunday and in the Welcome Centers, or call the church office: (727) 894-4661. Your poinsettias will decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas and may be picked up after the 8 pm Christmas Eve service.

UWF Christmas Luncheon (Tuesday 12/12 @ 11:30 am):

Let's get together for some holiday cheer, for Christmas Day will soon be here! Please join us for the United Women In Faith Annual Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 12th - 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Catered by Carrabba’s—$25 per person. RSVP To Cindy Ripley 727-823-5671 or Nancy Fallis 727-504-5186 by Dec. 8th.

Moravian Love Feast (Wednesday 12/13 @ 6:30 pm):

Bring your family and friends and celebrate the advent of our Savior by breaking bread together and lifting your heart in worship and song on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 pm in the Chapel. This is our last week of Wednesday Night Live before we break for Christmas.

Christmas Cantata & Bluegrass Sunday (12/17):

Our annual Christmas Cantata, featuring the Chancel Choir, organ, and orchestra, will be on Sunday, December 17 during the 11 am service.

There will be no 8 am service on 12/17. Our 9:30 am Ignite service will be at its regular time and will feature the South Porch Bluegrass Orchestra. We hope to have everyone then join us for the Christmas Cantata at 11 am. This is a perfect Sunday to invite a guest to join you in church! Childcare for all ages will be available at both 9:30 & 11.

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship!

Worship on Christmas Eve Morning:

9:30 am Contemporary — 11 am Traditional

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services:

4 pm Family — 6 pm Contemporary — 8 pm Traditional

JOIN OUR TEAM—Custodian needed:

Need a part-time job, or know of someone who does? St. Pete First UMC is looking for a self-motivated part-time Custodian. Flexible hours. For more information please email Chad Simonds, csimonds@fumcsp.org, or call the church at (727) 894-4661.

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 (Birth - 2 years) Room 105

2’s TODDLER Room 104

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 (Birth - 2 years) Room 105

2’s TODDLER Room 104

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Kids Church Preschool Hall

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Sunday School 4th Floor

CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) Room 404

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 PM KIDS PRAISE TEAM (Age 4-5th 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) Room 105

YOUTH

SUNDAYS

9:30 AM WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary

10:45 AM CONFIRMATION WhereHouse

11:00 AM CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404

10:45 AM YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

6:00 PM YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 PM DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7:30 PM Youth Group WhereHouse

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 YOUNGISH ADULTS -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

TUESDAYS

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (2nd Tuesdays) -Room 103

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS MEN'S GROUP Parlor -Room 214

6:30 pm BIBLE 101 - A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BIBLE STUDY -Room 103

6:30 pm DISCOVER SHAPE -Chapel (this class is finished for the semester)

6:30 pm PASTOR MARGE'S ESTHER BIBLE STUDY -Room 208

THURSDAYS

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

2:00 pm United Women in Faith Abigails (4th Thursdays) -Room 103

MUSIC

SUNDAYS

8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310

TUESDAYS

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

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

6:00 PM INVITE PILLAR

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2:00 PM NURTURE PILLAR