3/1/26 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,

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we get to witness an honest and authentic moment of prayer from Jesus. Jesus’ prayer for the cup to pass from him reveals that love is costly—but He chooses obedience anyway. The cup represents entering fully into the suffering and brokenness of the world, yet Jesus does not turn away! Instead, He surrenders to God's will and moves toward the cross. That same pattern shapes our calling: compassion means not shying away from discomfort, and justice means allowing love to move us into action, even when it costs us comfort or convenience. Because Jesus drank the cup, we are freed to carry His love into the world—feeding, advocating, serving, and standing with those who suffer. Every act of compassion becomes an echo of His “yes” in the garden.

Just as Jesus took time to come away with God in the garden to pray, we are invited to do the same. We've got an opportunity in this season of Lent to join others in doing just that! Join us for our weekly Lenten Prayer Gathering in the Parlor every Thursday from 12:00-12:45 PM. So far this has been a fruitful time to join together in prayer for our church, our community, and the world

With peace,

— Pastor Carey   

2nd Sunday in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

March 1, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE        

(8:00)   “With this Bread and Wine” by Ross Anderson

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) “Morning Joy” by Linda Scholes

Fellowship Ringers 

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Bob Martin

Leader: Welcome to you who call upon the name of Christ. 

People: We gather to recall the story of the night Jesus was betrayed. 

Leader: Are you prepared to come to the feast of Jesus, the Christ,

whose life was poured out for you?

People: By the grace of God, we are.

Leader: Are you able to stand watch with Jesus at prayer in the garden?

People: By the grace of God, we are.

Leader: Then let us praise God, even in this hour of darkness!  

People: Bring us to this feast of remembrance with open hearts! 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Holy, Holy, Holy”     Hymn # 64

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

(11:00) ANTHEM

“In Remembrance” by Buryl Red

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS Rev. Elyse Nielsen

(Click here to GIVE) 

“Chansonette” by Gertrude Haupt Richardson

Rick Nay, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”     Hymn # 175

SERMON Rev. Carey Taylor

“The Prayer”     

Text: Matthew 26:36-46 NIV

Sacrament of Holy Communion

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”     Hymn # 297

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE 

Choral Postlude “Salvation Unto Us Has Come” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Jill Cullum, for her many years of service to our Music Ministry, from her St. Pete First family.

Our acolytes this week are Marley Robinson & Audrey Cheeseman.

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

March 1, 2026

(Click here to check-in)

Welcome

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Lion and the Lamb” 

“Good Good Father” 

“Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” 

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon Rev. Carey Taylor

“The Prayer”     

Text: Matthew 26:36-46 NIV

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Praise & Worship

“Graves Into Gardens” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Jill Cullum, for her many years of service to our Music Ministry, from her St. Pete First family.

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 ***

Diaper & Book Drive (through March 22)

Help us collect baby diapers (all sizes) , wipes, and children’s books (new or gently used) for Cornerstone Family Ministries. Drop off donations in the collection bins outside the Fellowship Hall.

Blood Drive (Sunday, March 1; 8-11:30 am; Big Red Bus in parking lot)

Every person has the power to save a life. Donating blood only takes a little of your time, and it can mean a lifetime for patients in need. You can drop in to donate or click here to schedule your donation. All donors will receive a St. Patrick’s Day T-shirt and a $20 eGift Card. See www.oneblood.org for more info on blood donation.

Cheerful’s 104th BD Celebration (Sunday, March 15; 12 pm; Fellowship Hall) Cheerful Thornhill will celebrate her 104th birthday on March 15! Please join her family and friends in the Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 am service as we celebrate this wonderful milestone together.

Lenten Prayer Gathering (Thursdays until Easter; 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.

Spring Picnic & Community Gathering (Sat March 28; 4-6 pm): Our 2026 community gathering & picnic is coming up on March 28 in the church parking lot. Activities, food, and fun for all ages—everyone is welcome! Click here for more details.  We need volunteers to help with the picnic - click here to volunteer!

Be a Part of Something Meaningful

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 have opportunities right now for cooking or serving food with our Street Ministry Team, assisting with pantry prep or food distribution with our School Food Pantry Team, or joining our Office Volunteer Team. Call the church office, email church@stpetefirst.org or visit www.stpetefirst.org/volunteer for more info.

New Member Mentoring Program

Being new to a large church—and new social settings—can feel daunting. Doing it with a friend makes all the difference. Through our New Member Mentoring Program, you can become more meaningfully connected through service, learning, and fellowship. Each new member is paired with a mentor who meets with them three times during their first month of membership:

Meet & Greet – An informal first meeting focused on building connection and relationship.

Spiritual Gifts Conversation – A follow-up meeting to discuss the spiritual gifts inventory the new member completes independently.

Shared Experience – The mentor accompanies the new member to a church class, service opportunity, or social event (outside of Sunday morning worship).

Maybe you know the church well, and God is calling you to be a mentor—a friend—to someone new. If that’s you, sign up today to walk alongside a new member and help them connect with one of our ministries.Are you a recent member who would like to be paired with a mentor? Click here.

Upcoming Events 

MARCH 2026

Mar 1-22—Diaper & Book Drive (collecting diapers, wipes, childrens books)

Mar 1—Blood Drive (Big Red Bus in parking lot) 8-11:30 am (More here)

Mar 8—Spring Forward! Daylight Savings TIme begins.

Mar 15—104th Birthday Celebration-Cheerful Thornhill 12 noon; Fellowship Hall

Mar 18—No Wednesday Night Live/Dinner - Spring Break

Mar 28—Spring Picnic 4-6 pm

Mar 29—Palm Sunday

Mar 31—Scholarship Deadline

APRIL 2026

Apr 2—Maundy Thursday Worship 7 pm

Apr 3—Good Friday Worship 7 pm

Apr 5—Easter Sunday

Apr 6—Church office closed - Easter Monday

MAY 2026

May 2—Building Hope on Purpose -Free Speakers & Workshops; 10 am-1 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.

Volunteers Needed – School Food Pantry Team! Help support local students and families through our School Food Pantry ministry. We’re seeking volunteers to assist with Pantry Prep on Thursdays (1–2 hours stocking canned goods and packing produce — no heavy lifting required) and with Family Distribution (1–2 hours weekly or biweekly, depending on school). Training is provided. If you’re interested in serving in this meaningful ministry, we’d love to hear from you! Click here to visit our Volunteer Page or email church@stpetefirst.org to volunteer.

Volunteer to Cook or Serve with the Street Ministry. Caring for the poor and helping those in need supports our church mission to “Love St. Pete.” The Street Ministry program partners with St. Vincent de Paul, the largest provider of homeless outreach activities in the state of Florida, to cook and serve meals to our neighbors in St. Petersburg. The Street Ministry provides meals five nights per month, but most volunteers participate in only one night of service each month. The time commitment is approximately one hour whether you volunteer to join a cook team or a serve team. Click here to visit our Volunteer Page or email church@stpetefirst.org to volunteer.

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:  Fried/Baked Chicken, Mac n’ Cheese, Collard Greens, Cornbread, Lemon Meringue 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 217

February 22 In Person    515 Online 436  

Groups      223

Church Finances

December 2025 Year to Date

Income $388,718 $3,397,638

Expense $238,659 $3,175,794

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 - Please let Lora know ahead of time if you need nursery care

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