2/1/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 3 days ago
- 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 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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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
A tough week in so many ways. Whether the images of unrest in Minneapolis are at your forefront or the continued restless among the world's nations, it can create in us a fight or flight mentality. We either take heart to what's going on or we wish it away and do nothing. Each of us has to make that decision and for some, it will be easy while others are struggling to find the right response.
Friends, don't forget the power of prayer. Too often we get bogged down in life's challenges and things seem to swallow us whole. That doesn't need to happen. Prayer is what connects us to our loving God. It is also a tool to remind us of quoting and living Scripture in our lives as we communicate with God. Psalm 46 says, "Be still and know that I am God." The Psalmist begins his writing with so many tragedies coming upon the people. In the midst, he reminds us that God is near. I encourage everyone to prayerfully consider how to respond to the challenges in our country and world right now. Pray for a clear path to be illumined and follow it. And whatever comes next, be the one who brings peace and light to a troubled and dark world.
See you Sunday,
— Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
February 1, 2026
*Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
“Heaven Must Be Wonderful” arr. Bill Pearce
Steve Butler, trombone
Rick Nay, organ
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Carey Taylor
Leader: Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you;
search, and you will find;
knock, and the door will be opened for you.”
People: Lord, as we search now, let us find you.
As we knock, open the door to us.
Leader: Let us know you,
People: That we may praise you;
Leader: And love you,
People: That we may serve you.
All: Let us worship as if you are just on the other side of the door
waiting to welcome us in.
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Hymn # 89
*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn # 557
(11:00) ANTHEM
“On Eagle’s Wings” arr. Douglas Wagner
Chancel Choir
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
“I Am Not Worthy” arr. Bill Pearce
Steve Butler, trombone
Rick Nay, organ
*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION
“His Name is Wonderful” Hymn # 174
SERMON Rev. Bob Martin
“It Begins with Prayer”
Text: Matthew 7:7 NLT
Sacrament of Holy Communion
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“Seek Ye First” Hymn # 405
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
“Alla Maestoso” by Chester Nordman
Rick Nay, organ
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of my husband, children, and grandchild, from Sherry Smith.
Our acolytes this week are Trent & Blake Cole.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
February 1, 2026
Praise & Worship
“At Your Name”
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“This I Believe”
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“It Begins with Prayer”
Text: Matthew 7:7 NLT
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Worship Song
“Send Me”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of my husband, children, and grandchild, from Sherry Smith.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
Black History Month Concert -Afro Opera (Sunday, Feb 1; 4 pm; Sanctuary)
St. Pete First and Afro Opera invite you to experience A Message from the Roots, a Black History Month celebration, featuring Afro Opera founder and soprano Maiya Stevenson and tenor Kevin Mitchell. This deeply moving concert will include soul-stirring spirituals, operatic arias, beautiful art songs, and more! This is a free concert, so come feel the music, experience the soul, and be inspired by the beauty of these voices.
Soup-er Bowl of Caring (through February 25)
Celebrate our Centennial by honoring the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s! Canned and dried goods sustained families through the Great Depression and World War II, representing perseverance and community care. Join us as we empower our youth to make a lasting impact by collecting 3 tons of canned and dried goods for the St. Pete Free Clinic this year. Blue collection bins are in the Fellowship Hall & WhereHouse. Together, we can turn compassion into action and serve our community in a meaningful way.
Calling All Students! Scholarships (apply Feb 1-Mar 31): Are you a church member who is currently attending or bound for college or vocational school? Applications for St. Pete First Scholarships will be accepted beginning February 1st. Completed applications, along with supporting documents, must be delivered to the church office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 31. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form.
Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, Feb 18) Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday February 18. We will offer drive-through Ashes-to-Go in our parking lot at lunchtime on Ash Wednesday from 11:45 am-1:15 pm. In addition, don't miss our Ash Wednesday Worship service that evening at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. If you can, please join us before the service at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for our regular Wednesday Night Dinner.
Discover First (Sunday, Feb 22; 10:45am-1pm; www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst) Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to sign up & for more info
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; Preschool Coordinator;
Visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center for more information
Upcoming Events
FEBRUARY 2026
Through February 25—Soup-er Bowl of Caring (collecting canned & dried food)
Feb 1—Spark Session: Sample Small Group Experience 9:30/11 am (Register here)
————Black History Month Concert -Afro Opera 4 pm
Feb 8—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am**;** 1st Floor Nurse's Area
Feb 14—Localtopia 10am - 5 pm (Volunteer here)
Feb 18—Ash Wednesday
————Drive-By Ashes 11:45am – 1:15pm
————Ash Wednesday Worship 6:30 pm
Feb 19—Lenten Prayer Gathering begins: Thursdays 12-1 pm
Feb 22—Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)
————Chili Cook-Off 6 pm
SUMMER (registration begins March 8)
June 15-19—VBS
July 13-17—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 1
——————Elementary Camp: Creator’s Workshop (Music/Theatre/Dance)
July 20-24—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 2
——————Elementary Art Camp
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.
Localtopia (Saturday, Feb 14; 10 am-5 pm) Join us from 10am-5pm at Williams Park and surrounding streets as we join with the community to celebrate all things local! We will have a booth near the front steps of the church so we can spread our message to LOVE.ST.PETE. CLICK HERE to volunteer for an hour.
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: BBQ-Braised Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Garlic Toast, Pineapple Pie
Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Applesauce, Ice Cream Sandwich
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
Weekly Groups 287
January 25 In Person 481 Online 484
Groups 153
Church Finances
December 2025 Year to Date
Income $388,718 $3,397,638
Expense $238,659 $3,175,794
Job Openings
JOIN OUR TEAM: Preschool Coordinator We have an opening leading the preschool age children on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Approximately 10 hours per week plus special events. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center
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 & 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
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
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
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
11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103
11:00 am THE GAP -Room 101
11:00 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 206
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
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Pastor Bob’s Revelation Bible Study -Chapel
6:30 pm Pastor Elyse’s Discover Faith Study -Room 101
6:30 pm Pastor Carey’s Prayer Study -Room 208
6:30 pm Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study -Room 214 (Parlor)
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
