3/15/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 1 day 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 NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
As we move into a new week, remember that faith is often lived out in the small, ordinary moments—through kindness, patience, encouragement, and quiet trust in God’s presence. Even when the days feel busy or uncertain, God is still at work in ways we may not always see. Take time this week to pause, pray, and look for opportunities to share grace with those around you. A simple word of encouragement or act of compassion can make a meaningful difference.
May you go through this week with hope in your heart and peace in your spirit.
— Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
4th Sunday in Lent
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
March 15, 2026
*Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE Rick Nay, organ
“Worthy is the Lamb” arr. John Innes
(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT Chancel Choir
“Let Our Song Go Forth” by Fred Bock
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Carey Taylor
Leader: The dust that shapes the journey,
the cross that guides it,
the colour that surrounds it,
the light that fades through it,
the word that foretells it,
the wilderness that invites it.
People: This is Lent,
and into its wilderness
God calls us.
Leader: Come, brothers and sisters,
Christ is heading for Jerusalem.
All: Let us worship the denied, suffering Christ.
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above” Hymn # 96
*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn # 557
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rev. Carey Taylor
“Apostles’ Creed” # 881
PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER
(11:00) ANTHEM Chancel Choir
“Jesus Paid It All” by Howard Helvey
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
“Londonderry Air” arr. John Gribben
Kerry O’Reilly, tenor sax; Rick Nay, organ
*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION
“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” Hymn # 295
SERMON Rev. Bob Martin
“The Denial”
Text: Matthew 26:69-75 NLT
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“I Surrender All” Hymn # 354 (vs. 1-3)
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Rick Nay, organ
“All Glory, Laud, and Honor” by Lani Smith
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of
Cheerful Thornhill’s 104th birthday today from her church family.
The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of
Harrison Hobart Hoke, born on March 8, 2026, son of Carolyn & John Hoke,
grandson of Rachel & Ken Williams, great-grandson of Carolyn & John Harrison.
The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of
Elizabeth Grace Clay, born on January 28, 2026, daughter of Wesley & Kaitlin Clay.
Our acolyte this week is 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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
March 15, 2026
Welcome
Sacrament of Baptism
Ethan Eric Nielsen
Parents: Eric & Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Grandparents: Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nielsen; Mr. Steve Nielsen
Godparents: Tim and Katie Nielsen
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Blessed Be Your Name”
“At Your Name”
“Jesus Paid it All”
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“The Denial”
Text: Matthew 26:69-75 NLT
Praise & Worship
“Man of Sorrows - It Is Well - How Great Thou Art Medley”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of
Cheerful Thornhill’s 104th birthday today from her church family.
The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of
Harrison Hobart Hoke, born on March 8, 2026, son of Carolyn & John Hoke,
grandson of Rachel & Ken Williams, great-grandson of Carolyn & John Harrison.
The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of
Elizabeth Grace Clay, born on January 28, 2026, daughter of Wesley & Kaitlin Clay.
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 ***
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.
Easter Flowers (orders & payments due Palm Sunday 3/29 at midnight)
Help decorate the Sanctuary for Easter by purchasing a flower in honor or memory of a loved one. $14 each (cash, check, or card). Hydrangeas and Easter lilies will decorate the Sanctuary on Easter, and flowers may be picked up after the 11 am Easter service. Click here to order a flower in honor or memory of a loved one.
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.
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!
We have an easy way you can help us prepare for VBS! Please save your toilet paper and paper towel tubes. Bring them to church on Sundays or Wednesdays and look for the bin next to the check-in area on the first and fourth floors.
Building Hope on Purpose - Free Event! (May 2; 10 am-1 pm)
Free speakers, workshops, and community resources. Hope is often treated like a feeling we either have or don’t—but real hope is something we do. At this event, we will explore practical ways to change how we speak to ourselves, how to travel through a season of grief and move forward with intention, how to be at peace when others judge, reject or criticize us, and how to master our thoughts and emotions and create for ourselves the stories that will move us forward.
Lenten Prayer Gathering (Thursdays until Easter; 12 pm; Parlor-Room 214)
We meet Thursdays in the Parlor at 12:00 noon to pray, reflect, and connect during the Lenten season. There is time for guided prayer, small group prayer, and quiet reflection. We pray for our congregation, our church, and our world.
Upcoming Events
MARCH 2026
Mar 1-22—Diaper & Book Drive (collecting diapers, wipes, childrens books)
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 Click here for more info & application form
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 is open!)
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 (Full/Waitlist)
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.
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. We need volunteers to help with the picnic - click here to volunteer for a half-hour!
Disaster Response Team
When disaster strikes, our church shows up. Our Disaster Response Team helps bring hope and practical help to people affected by storms and other natural disasters in our community and beyond. Whether it’s clearing debris, organizing supplies, or supporting recovery efforts, your gifts can make a real difference. If you feel called to serve when people need it most, we invite you to join us. Early Response Team (ERT) training is available and encouraged to prepare for safe and effective service. Call the church office, email church@stpetefirst.org or visit www.stpetefirst.org/volunteer for more info.
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)
No Wednesday dinner or programming - Spring Break
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
Weekly Groups 225
March 8 In Person 553 Online 453
Groups 245
Job Openings
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 - 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
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 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
9:30 am NURTURE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
4:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
