3/8/26 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 BOB    

So how is your Lenten journey going?

We are in week three where self-examination is an important part of our journey. For many, looking inward on ways to grow in life and faith can feel a bit intrusive. Let's be real: who wants to be self critical when it comes to your own actions, thoughts, or agendas? But that is what is required during this season.

Think for a moment of ways you can pivot your life to truly rehabilitate your life to become the kind of person God created you to be. What will it take for you to surrender or change so that you can actually get there? Remember, God is full of grace and mercy and stands ready to join you along the way, so that you and I may discover joy for the journey.

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob   

3rd Sunday in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

March 8, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

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PRELUDE     

“In Galilee” by Louise E.  Stairs

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

“I Was Glad” by John Walters

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Carey Taylor

Leader: Return to the Lord your God,

for God is gracious.

People: Confess to the Lord your God,

for God is merciful.

Leader: Repent to the Lord your God,

for God is slow to anger.

People: Praise the Lord your God,

for God abounds in steadfast love.

All: Together, let us worship God!

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”     Hymn # 127

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Apostles’ Creed”     # 881

(11:00) RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS 

Betty Greene

Steph Horne

PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER

(11:00) ANTHEM

“Like a River in My Soul” by Tim Osiek

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

“Ave Verum” by Wolfgang A. Mozart

Rick Nay, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”     Hymn # 349

SERMON Rev. Bob Martin

“The Arrest”     

Text: Matthew 26:47-56 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed”     Hymn # 294

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE 

“Song Of Salvation” by Lani Smith

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the volunteers who serve the Shower Ministry, from their St. Pete First family.

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.

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

March 8, 2026

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Welcome

Sacrament of Baptism

Garth Anthony Vernon 

Reception of New Members

Jocelyn Borkowski

Tom Crichton

Rebecca Parker

Ken Riggs

Robin Bowlen Riggs

Anne Schmigdall

Garth Vernon

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Battle Belongs” 

“Build My Life” 

“Forever” 

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

Sermon Rev. Bob Martin

“The Arrest”     

Text: Matthew 26:47-56 NLT

Praise & Worship

“The Church” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the 

volunteers who serve the Shower Ministry, from their 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.

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.

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!

Help Us Prep for VBS!

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.

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. Is God is calling you to be a mentor—a friend—to someone new? If so, 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 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 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 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.

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: 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 204

March 1 In Person    573 Online 553  

Groups      237

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