2/8/26 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 CAREY    

Dear Church,

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” We pray these words together often, but how often do we reflect on their meaning? What would it really look like for God's will to be done in such completeness that earth looked just like Heaven? What would have to change about the world we live in, so that God's will would be reflected? What is our role in bringing about those changes? This week we'll explore how prayer is meant to move us from words to faithful action. Grounded in Jesus’ teaching to pray (Matthew 6:9–10) and the story of Nehemiah (chapters 1–2), we’ll see how deep prayer aligns our hearts with God, breaks our hearts for what breaks God’s, and gives us the courage to act when God calls. Like Nehemiah, we are invited not only to pray for God’s work in the world, but to become part of God’s answer to those prayers.

With peace,

— Pastor Carey   

5th Sunday after the Epiphany

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

February 8, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE     

“Song Of Adoration” by Charles Demorest 

Rick Nay, organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Bob Martin

Leader: O Lord, we come this morning knee-bowed and body bent 

before Thy throne of grace. 

People: O Lord, this morning, bow our hearts beneath our knees, 

and our knees in some lonesome valley. 

Leader: We come this morning like empty pitchers to a full fountain, 

with no merits on our own. 

People: O Lord, open up a window of heaven, 

and lean out far over the battlements of glory, and listen this morning. 

Amen. 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”     Hymn # 400

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Apostles’ Creed”     # 881

PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

(Click here to GIVE)

“My Sister’s Hands” by Sally DeFord

Sara & Rebecca Smith, duo

Rick Nay, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Close to Thee”     Hymn # 407

SERMON Rev. Carey Taylor

“As It Is In Heaven”     

Text: Matthew 6:9-10, Nehemiah 1-Nehemiah 2 NIV

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Take Time to Be Holy”     Hymn # 395

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE 

“Praise” by Roger C. Wilson

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of our children & grandchildren, and in loving memory of our parents, from Susan & Brent McLean.

Our acolytes this week are Emory Wood & Oliver Pilliod.

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

February 8, 2026

(Click here to check-in)

Welcome

Praise & Worship

“This is Amazing Grace” 

“Your Love Never Fails” 

“How He Loves”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Reckless Love” 

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon Rev. Carey Taylor

“As It Is In Heaven”     

Text: Matthew 6:9-10, Nehemiah 1-Nehemiah 2 NIV

Praise & Worship

“King of my Heart” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of our children & grandchildren, and in loving memory of our parents, from Susan & Brent McLean.

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

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

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.

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.

Lenten Prayer Gathering (Thursdays beginning 2/19; 12-1 pm; Parlor-Room 214) Join us for a Lenten Prayer Gathering every Thursday in Lent, beginning February 19th. We will meet Thursdays in the Parlor from 12:00-1:00 pm to pray, reflect, and connect during the Lenten season. There will be time for guided prayer, small group prayer, and quiet reflection. We will pray for our congregation, our church, and our world.

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

Chili Cook-Off (Sunday, Feb 22; 6 pm; Fellowship Hall) It's that time again! Start practicing your best recipes and get ready to cook on Sunday Feb. 22. Prizes for chili, corn bread, guacamole, queso, salsa, decor, & costumes. Click here for more info (and to sign your entries up).

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 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.

Office Volunteer Needed (Wednesday afternoons 1-5 pm) We’re looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Wednesdays from 1-5 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 the church: church@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: Lasagna, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Toast, Chocolate Mousse

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

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

Weekly Groups 259

February 1 In Person    428 Online 544  

Groups      191

Church Finances

December 2025 Year to Date

Income $388,718 $3,397,638

Expense $238,659 $3,175,794

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

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

 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 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

9:30 am NURTURE PILLAR 

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

4:00 pm SERVE PILLAR