12/8/24 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Dec 7, 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 BOB
Christmas is all about family, and it's the time of year we can actually pause long enough to say thanks. Many say thanks to their families through the giving of gifts, while others might do so by random acts of kindness. No matter how you express your deepest love for your family this Christmas, stop long enough to do so. This is a busy time of year so make sure you plug into your calendar all of the special events we have planned. Enjoy this wonderful season and give thanks to God for the gift of family.
— Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Second Sunday of Advent
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
December 8, 2024
*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
“Christmas Pastorale” by F. Flaxington Harker
Rick Nay, Organ
LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF PEACE
Jon and Helen French
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Listen! The voice of God calls out across the ages.
People: We hear and respond. We rise up to worship God from the valleys, the mountains, and the plains.
Leader: Like a shepherd God leads us and tenderly gathers us together.
People: Comfort, comfort O My people says our God of love.
Leader: The grass withers and the flower fades;
People: But the word of our God will stand forever!
*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.
PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER
(11:00) ANTHEM
“Sing We Now of Christmas” arr. Jay Althouse
Chancel Choir
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Click here to GIVE)
“Night Of Silence / Silent Night” by Daniel Kantor
Ginny Cannon, Soloist
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
“The Gift of Family” Rev. Bob Martin
Text: Matthew 1:18-25 NLT
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“Away in a Manger” Hymn # 217
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
“Fantasia on As With Gladness Men Of Old” by Lani Smith
Rick Nay, Organ
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Pat Warner’s birthday, from all of her 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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Second Sunday of Advent
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM
December 8, 2024
Lighting the Candle of Peace
Jon and Helen French
Praise & Worship Praise Team
“The Jesus Way”
“Build My Life”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Sacrament of Baptism
Emma Rose Sherer
Robert James “Robbie” Sherer
Parents: Joshua & Jessica Sherer
Grandparents: Bill & Jeanne Sherer; James (dec.) & Eileen Clougher
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Sermon
“The Gift of Family” Rev. Bob Martin
Text: Matthew 1:18-25 NLT
Worship Song
“Yes and Amen”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Pat Warner’s birthday, from all of her 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 volunteers to assist with our Christmas Organ Concert THIS Monday, December 9. 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 before the concert begins at 2 pm. We also need people to bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share for the reception afterward. Contact Rick Nay for more information 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
Adults: Roasted Corn & Chicken Chowder, Salad, Cornbread, Peppermint Bark Brownie
Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Applesauce, Cookie
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
December 1 In Person 532 Online 304
Church Finances
October 2024 Year to Date
Income $168,777 $2,265,182
Expense $239,268 $2,585,812
UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!
THIS SUNDAY: 2nd Sunday Blood Pressure Clinic (1st floor nurses' area)
THIS WEEK: Mon Dec 9—Christmas Organ Concert in the Sanctuary at 2 pm
THIS WEEK: Wed Dec 11—Christmas Sing-Along in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm
THIS WEEK: Fri Dec 13—Kids Night Out 6-10 pm
THIS WEEK: Fri Dec 13—Christmas Caroling in Williams Park with other local churches (meet at 6:00 pm in the Chapel)
Sun Dec 15—The Little Drummer Dude Kids Musical in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm
Sat Dec 21—The Longest Night: A Service of Hope and Healing through Music in the Sanctuary at 7 pm
Tues Dec 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Family 4 pm - Contemporary 6 pm - Traditional 8 pm
Sun Dec 29—10 am Unity Service, followed by a Reception for Pastor Margaret
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)
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
Click here to check out all our upcoming Advent & Christmas events
Christmas Poinsettia orders (Deadline: Tuesday Dec 10)
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. Due to the hurricanes, our flower costs have increased: poinsettias are $17 per plant.
Christmas Organ Concert (Monday 12/9; 2 pm)
Bring your family and friends on Monday, December 9 at 2 pm to listen and sing along to Christmas favorites as organist Rick Nay (with guests) beautifully showcases our magnificent new organ amid our beautiful stained glass and Christmas decorations. 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. Please bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share. For those unable to attend in-person, the concert will be livestreamed and recorded. Contact Rick Nay for more information.
Christmas Sing-Along (Wednesday 12/11; 6 pm)
The St Pete First Kids Music Ministry is excited to present our Christmas Sing-Along! Join us in the Fellowship Hall for Wednesday Night Dinner beforehand, then support the children and have some fun as we sing our favorite Christmas songs. Bring your friends and family!
Kids Night Out (Friday 12/13; 6-10 pm):
Our next Kids’ Night Out is Friday, December 13th from 6-10 pm. Reserve your spot here by Wednesday, December 11th. At this SPECIAL KNO, we will go caroling in Williams Park with several community churches. Parents are welcome to stay and carol with the group from 6:30-7pm!! Then we will have pizza and ice cream sundaes, play games, make crafts, have a devotion, and watch a movie while parents finish up that last minute shopping! Open to all children ages nursery - 5th grade. Dinner & snacks are provided. $20 first child, $15 second, $40 for a family of 3 or more. Questions? email Lora at lulrich@stpetefirst.org
Christmas Caroling (Friday 12/13; 6:00 pm) —with other local churches
Meet at 6 pm at St Pete First UMC in the Chapel (facing Williams Park) to get song sheets & warm up. We will walk over to the park for caroling around 6:30, and return to the church around 7 pm. After caroling, everyone is invited to join us for hot chocolate and fellowship. Questions? Contact Derek Weston at dweston@stpetefirst.org
Kid’s Musical: The Little Drummer Dude (Sunday 12/15 @ 6pm):
Come out and support our Children's Music Ministry as the kids present The Little Drummer Dude on Sunday, December 15 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, please bring a non-refrigerated dessert to share.
The Longest Night: A Service of Hope and Healing (Saturday 12/21 @ 7pm)
Christmas brings joy, but for some it reminds us of great grief and longing. This musical service of healing is meant to worship while remembering our pain with honesty, seeking God’s beauty in our brokenness, and reclaiming the light only found in God’s grace.
Join us for Christmas Eve Worship!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Tuesday, December 24
4 pm Family — 6 pm Contemporary — 8 pm Traditional
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 (New Date! 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.
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
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
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
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214
6:30 pm PAUL BIBLE STUDY (Pastor Margaret) -Room 208
6:30 pm THE BIBLE JESUS READ (Pat Mason) -Room 103
6:30 pm DEVOGA (Emily Strong) -Narthex/back of Sanctuary
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
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
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR
