4/12/26 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,

Everything we do as a church is centered around our calling to Love St. Pete and to become the heart of our city. It’s a beautiful vision—and this Sunday, we’ll explore how that calling begins much closer to home than we might expect.

In John 17, Jesus’ final prayer is for unity among believers. And from that unity flows a powerful witness to the world. But in a culture that often feels anything but unified, we’re invited to ask a simple, honest question: What would it look like if the people of our city could clearly see the love of Christ in us?

Jesus gives us a clear starting point—love God and love your neighbor. Not in theory, not in abstraction, but in real, tangible ways. The truth is, it’s possible to care about the world and still overlook the people right outside our front doors.

This week, we’ll return to the familiar story in The Good Samaritan and rediscover what it means to truly be a neighbor. Together, we’ll consider a simple but transformative first step: learning the names and stories of the people God has already placed around us.

If we want to love our city, it begins by knowing our neighbors.

I’m looking forward to worshiping with you as we take this next step together.

With peace,

— Pastor Carey     

Second Sunday of Easter

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

April 12, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

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PRELUDE       Rick Nay, organ

“Calvary” by Paul Rodney

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: Love is what fills us here.

People: A handshake or embrace warms us.

Holy conversation informs us.

Christ’s grace reforms us.

Leader: Love is what encourages us here.

People: A compassionate tale stirs us.

A need made known prompts us.

God’s pervasive Spirit inspires us.

Leader: Let us practice such love with hearts open to God and God’s possibilities.

All: Let our worship be a wondrous act of love! 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Amazing Grace”     Hymn # 378     (vs. 1-3, 6)

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

(11:00) ANTHEM Chancel Choir

“Pathway of Hope” by Joseph Martin

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

“Bist du bei mir” (If Thou Be Near) by J.S. Bach Rick Nay, organ; Kelly Bonyata, flute 

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Blessed Assurance”     Hymn # 369

SERMON  Rev. Carey Taylor

“The Art of Neighboring: Taking the Great Commandment Literally”     

  Text: Luke 10:25-37; Acts 17:26-27 NIV

Sacrament of Holy Communion

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Open My Eyes, That I May See”     Hymn # 454

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  Rick Nay, organ

Fantasia on “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” by Roger C. Wilson 

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of my parents, husband, and mother- and father-in-law, from Dorothy Fitchett.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Thomas G. Lovern, who passed away on April 14, 2024, from Marian Lovern.

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

April 12, 2026

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(Click here to GIVE)

Welcome

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Anything is Possible” 

“God I Look to You” 

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

Sermon Rev. Carey Taylor

“The Art of Neighboring: Taking the Great Commandment Literally”     

  Text: Luke 10:25-37; Acts 17:26-27 NIV

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“God With Us” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of my parents, husband, and mother- and father-in-law, from Dorothy Fitchett.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Thomas G. Lovern, who passed away on April 14, 2024, from Marian Lovern.

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 ***

Neighboring Workshop (Wednesdays; 7 pm; Room 208)

Join a four-week workshop with Pastor Carey focused on what it really means to love our neighbors the way Jesus calls us to. Together we’ll explore the practical and spiritual barriers that keep us from building relationships with the people who live around us—like busyness, fear, and distraction—and we’ll learn simple, practical ways to become more present, more available, and more intentional in our neighborhoods. This workshop isn’t about adding more to your schedule, but about rethinking how we live our everyday lives so that loving our neighbors becomes part of our normal rhythms. Through this experience, we will grow not only as individuals, but as a church that genuinely cares for and connects with the people God has placed right around us. Began Wednesday, April 8.

Sunday School - Book of Job Study (Sundays @ 11 am; Room 212)

Starting this Sunday (April 12), the Promised Land class will spend six weeks exploring the book of Job. All are welcome.

The WhereHouse is Moving!

After many years, The WhereHouse is moving to the 3rd floor of the church, and we are so excited! So much progress has already been made—the floor has been cleared of all stuff, new lights have been installed, the ceiling is going up, walls have been removed and fresh paint is going up. Now we need your help putting the finishing touches on the space.

HELP FURNISH THE 3RD FLOOR

Everyone can be a part of helping furnish the new WhereHouse space. We’ve created an Amazon registry with items needed for the 3rd floor. CLICK HERE to visit the registry, choose an item, and it will be shipped directly to the church.

Thank you so much for your support as we create a welcoming space for students. To help offset costs, the youth will also host a garage sale featuring items from The WhereHouse and other nooks and crannies.

Support our United Women in Faith at the Cornerstone Wonder Walk

The United Women in Faith are walking in Cornerstone Ministry's 46th Annual Wonder Walk/ Run on April 25, 2026. This walk raises money for scholarships for inner-city children, giving them a safe place to learn, grow and thrive. Donate via check/cash or click here to donate (our team name is St. Pete First UMC) -deadline is April 24. Contact Marilyn Cutting for more info: mfroglady@gmail.com

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.

Upcoming Events 

APRIL 2026

Apr 12—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

Apr 29—Last Wednesday Night Dinner until Fall—returns September 2

MAY 2026

May 2—Building Hope-Free Speakers & Workshops; 10 am-1 pm

May 3— Graduation Sunday

May 7—National Day of Prayer

May 10—Mother’s Day

May 17—Club 56 Move-Up Sunday

————Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

May 25—Church office closed - Memorial Day

SUMMER (Registration is open!)

June 15-19—VBS  (Full/Waitlist)

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.

Computer Center Ministry

Looking for a meaningful way to serve in our community? We’d love for you to be part of our Computer Center Ministry! Join us Monday through Thursday from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Job Center at the Salvation Army on 4th Street South, where we come alongside those in need—helping with things like applying for food assistance, creating resumes, and searching for jobs online. It’s a simple way to make a real difference in someone’s life. Whether you can volunteer one day a week or several, your time and presence matter. No experience is needed—full training is provided, and we’ll support you every step of the way. Come be part of something that changes lives—both theirs and yours. 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: Mojo Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Cuban Bread, Salad, Tres Leches Cake

Kids: Hotdogs & Chips, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Ice Cream Sandwich  

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

April 2 Maundy Thursday    In Person    133   Online 142

April 3 Good Friday     In Person    214    Online 165

April 5 Easter     In Person  1373   Online 637

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