3/22/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Mar 20
- 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
As we journey through Lent, we are invited into a time of quiet reflection and honest self-examination. This sacred season calls us to pause and ask: Who am I becoming? Am I living in a way that reflects compassion, humility, and faith?
Lent is not only about giving something up, but also about opening ourselves to transformation. It is an opportunity to let go of habits that distance us from others and from God, and to embrace practices that shape us into the person we are called to be.
Take time this week to reflect on your thoughts, your actions, and your intentions. Consider what needs to change, what needs to grow, and what needs to be renewed. Through prayer, service, and self-awareness, may we continue the journey toward becoming our truest and best selves.
— Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
5th Sunday in Lent
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
March 22, 2026
*Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
“How Great Thou Art” arr. Stephen DeCesare
John Harrison & Steve Butler, trombone; Kelly Bonyata, flute; Rick Nay, organ
(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT Chancel Choir
“Thy Word is a Lamp” by Lloyd Larson
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Leader: Come Holy Spirit and lead us.
Lead us in the Way.
People: The Way of change and testing, of the desert and wilderness.
Leader: The Way of new learning and questioning,
of the River Jordan and the Upper Room.
People: Come Holy Spirit and shape us anew.
Lead us in the Way.
Leader: The Way of joy in life and sacrifice,
of the Creation and the Cross.
People: Come Holy Spirit, lead us.
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” Hymn # 103
*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn # 557
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rev. Carey Taylor
“Apostles’ Creed” # 881
(11:00) Sacrament of Baptism
Luke Michael Jakab
Parents: Kirstie & Brandon Jakab
Grandparents: Alisa Alexander & Michael Batten
Michelle Jakab & Michael Jakab
PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER
(11:00) ANTHEM Chancel Choir
“Our Hearts Embrace the Cross” by Lloyd Larson
WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
“Pieta” (from The Lenten Sketches) by Joseph Martin
Ginny Cannon, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION
“My Hope is Built” Hymn # 368
SERMON Rev. Bob Martin
“The Trial”
Text: Matthew 27:11-26 NLT
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
“Abide With Me” Hymn # 700 (vs. 1, 3 & 4)
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Rick Nay, organ
“Recessional” by Robert J. Hughes
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the volunteers who serve the Disaster Response Team, from their St. Pete First family.
The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of Samuel Good, born on March 3, 2026, son of Leighton & Madison Good, grandson of Lynn Iler & Jeff Good, great-grandson of Mary Ann Carroll.
Our acolyte this week is Emory Wood.
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 22, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“O Praise Him”
“The Jesus Way”
“King of my Heart”
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“The Trial”
Text: Matthew 27:11-26 NLT
Praise & Worship
“Cornerstone”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the volunteers who serve the Disaster Response Team, from their St. Pete First family.
The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of Samuel Good, born on March 3, 2026, son of Leighton & Madison Good, grandson of Lynn Iler & Jeff Good, great-grandson of Mary Ann Carroll.
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 ***
Spring Picnic & Community Gathering (Sat March 28; 4-6 pm)
Our 2026 community gathering & picnic is coming this Saturday at the church. Activities, food, and fun for all ages—everyone is welcome! Click here for more details.
We need a few more volunteers to help make the picnic incredible.
Each spot is only 30 minutes, and most jobs are simple things like helping with games, crafts, or food. Click here to volunteer!
Holy Week at St. Pete First
Palm Sunday (Sun March 29; 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am)
Maundy Thursday Communion Service: Love to the End (Thurs April 2; 7 pm) Childcare available.
Good Friday: The Seven Last Words of Christ (Fri April 3; 7 pm) Childcare available.
Easter Worship (Sun April 5; 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am)
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.
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 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)
Adults: Stuffed Peppers, Potato Cabbage Au Gratin, Dinner Roll, Vinegar Pie
Kids: Wing Dings & Tater Tots, 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 195
March 15 In Person 526 Online 463
Groups 161
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
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
