12/7/25 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

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey Friends!

This is a season of anticipation. I totally get it—we are all anticipating something this Christmas season, aren’t we?

For me, it’s been a long year (a good year but a long year). As I take time to reflect, I can’t help but smile on what this year has revealed. What I love most is that this year has brought us all a bit closer, more hopeful, with extra joy in our heart. It’s also been a year where we can honestly say, “God is with us!”

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob   

2nd Sunday of Advent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

December 7, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“In the Bleak Midwinter” arr. Todd Marchand

Steve Butler, trombone; Rick Nay, organ

“Cantique de Noel” (O Holy Night), arr. Todd Marchand

John Harrison & Steve Butler, trombone; Rick Nay, organ

Lighting the Candle of Peace

Robert Duato & Isolyn Foster

*Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: Across the universe creation waits

              for the prophets to speak

              their words of expectation

              and their vision of renewal.

People: May we gather round them today once more

and let their longing grip us

              and lead us into birth and blessing.

Leader: So come now, my friends.

This is the meeting place of promise and prophecy.

Let us listen through the ancient words,

that we might be ready to hear a baby’s cry.

All: Let us worship Christ!

*Hymn of Praise

“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”     Hymn # 218

*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.

(11:00) Anthem

“He Shall Feed His Flock” by John Ness Beck

Chancel Choir

Worship with our Tithes and Offerings  (Click here to GIVE)

“Our Eyes Have Seen the Lord (Song of the Shepherds)” by Tom Fettke

Becky & Kendra Aumack, Karen Shramo, 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 Little Town of Bethlehem”     Hymn # 230

Sermon

“Fear Not! Trust (Joseph)”         Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 1:18-25 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

*Hymn of Dedication

“Away in a Manger”     Hymn # 217

*Benediction

Postlude  

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” arr. Harold DeCou

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Barbara McCauley’s 90th birthday on December 11, from her son Mick Irwin.

Our acolytes this week are Trent & Blake Cole.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

2nd Sunday of Advent

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

December 7, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Lighting the Candle of Peace Robert Duato & Isolyn Foster

Praise & Worship Melissa Petrescue, Guest Worship Leader

“Angels We Have Heard On High” 

“You Are My Vision”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“O Holy Night” 

Sermon

“Fear Not! Trust (Joseph)”         Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 1:18-25 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“No Longer Slaves”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Barbara McCauley’s 90th birthday on December 11, from her son Mick Irwin.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***

Christmas Organ Concert (Monday, Dec 8; 2 pm)

Bring your family and friends on Monday, December 8 at 2 pm to listen and sing along to Christmas favorites as organist Rick Nay (with guests) showcases our magnificent organ amid our beautiful stained glass and Christmas decorations. If you can, please bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share. For those unable to attend in-person, the concert will be livestreamed and recorded. More info: church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

Caroling Night (Tuesday, Dec 9; 6-8 pm)

Join us for a festive evening of Christmas carols at two neighborhood venues! Grab a song booklet, dress in your holiday best, and sing with us as we spread Christmas cheer. Park at the church and walk to either—or both—locations. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Childcare is available - please register your child(ren) when you RSVP. RSVP here so we know you’re coming. —Age 21+ event: Birch & Vine 6-7 pm; Voodoo Brewing 7-8 pm.

Christmas Sing-Along & Cookie Exchange (Wed Dec 10; 6 pm) 

The St Pete First Kids Music Ministry is excited to present our annual Christmas Sing-Along! Join us in the Fellowship Hall for Wednesday Night Dinner at 5:30, then we’ll have fun singing our favorite Christmas songs and drinking Christmas Wassail. Bring your friends and family! After the sing-along, we’ll have a Christmas cookie exchange - bring 2 dozen cookies to exchange if you wish to participate.

Christmas Poinsettia orders (Deadline: Sunday Dec 14)           

Reservation forms are in the Info Centers, order online, 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. Poinsettias are $15 per plant.

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.

Christmas Organ Concert Volunteers & Baked Treats Needed (Monday, Dec 8; volunteer 1-2 pm; concert @2 pm)

This is an outreach event for our community. We NEED VOLUNTEERS to come at 1 pm to help welcome and assist our guests from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Refreshments will be served after the concert. If you can, please bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information: kaumack@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

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 Kendra: kaumack@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)

Adults:  Roasted Corn & Chicken Chowder, Salad, Cornbread, Peppermint Bark Brownie

Kids:  Pizza, Carrots & Celery, Apple Sauce, Cookie 

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

November 30 Worship    518  In Person; 438  Online

Groups      131

Church Finances

October 2025 Year to Date

Income $290,308 $2,743,945

Expense $254,853 $2,688,124

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)

Dec 8—Christmas Organ Concert 2 pm

Dec 9—Caroling Night 6-8 pm (21+ event; childcare available) (RSVP here)

Dec 10—Christmas Sing-Along & Cookie Exchange 6 pm

Dec 14—Church Conference 12:15 pm (Resolution & Congregational Vote)

               Kids Musical: The Bethlehem Beat 6 pm

Dec 21—Christmas Music Celebration 9:30 & 11 am

————Blood Drive 8am-1pm (Drop in or click here to schedule your donation.)

Dec 24—Christmas Eve Services 4-6-8 pm

————Candlelight Family—4 PM

————Candlelight Modern—6 PM

————Candlelight Traditional—8 pm

Dec 25-26—Church office closed - Christmas

JOIN OUR TEAM: Counseling Center Receptionist – Part time

The Counseling Center at St. Pete First is seeking a calming, compassionate and organized individual to serve as a part-time receptionist. This role provides a warm and welcoming front desk presence while supporting the daily administrative and business operations of our team of state-licensed mental health professionals. 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

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

 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

6:00 pm Dec 10 Christmas Sing-Along & Cookie Exchange -Fellowship Hall

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