4/19/26 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 ELYSE    

So many of us, no matter our stage of life, are busy. We are pulled many different directions with many priorities vying for our time. Last week, Pastor Carey Taylor shared Christ's command to love God fully and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves- literally. This week we will discover some practical ways to build real, authentic relationships with those living closest to us that already fit in with our lives, instead of adding another program to the church or adding something else to our plates.

Join us Sunday!

— Pastor Elyse      

Third Sunday of Easter

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

April 19, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

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PRELUDE Rick Nay, organ

“At Gethsemane” by Donald F. Callender 

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT Chancel Choir

“Our Sacrifice of Praise” by Don Wrytzen

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Carey Taylor

Leader: This morning, redeem our time.

People: In our rising and at day’s end, redeem our time. 

Leader: The Good Samaritan made time when the righteous walked to the other side. 

People: They were too busy. May we not fall into the busyness fallacy. 

Leader: Let us be people who pause to help, pause to hear, and pause to see. 

Let us be people who pause, simply, to be. 

All: Let us worship the God who holds all time in His hands.  

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”     Hymn # 110

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “Apostles’ Creed”     # 881

PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER

(11:00) ANTHEM Chancel Choir

“Great is the Lord!” by Michael W. Smith

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

“The Holy City” by Stephen Adams

Steve Butler, soloist; Rick Nay, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“O How I Love Jesus”     Hymn # 170

(11:00) Sacrament of Baptism  

Gregory Paul Taylor

Parents:  Rev. Carey & Brendan Taylor

Godfather: Brendan Calamito

SERMON Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“The Art of Neighboring: The Time Barrier”     

Text: Luke 10:38-42 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Spirit Song”     Hymn # 347

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  Rick Nay, organ

“Thou Art the King” by Chester Nordman 

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Vic Johnson on our 50th wedding anniversary, from Nadine Johnson.

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

April 19, 2026

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Welcome

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“You Keep on Getting Better” 

“Holy Spirit” 

“Jesus We Love You ”

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

Sermon Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“The Art of Neighboring: The Time Barrier”     

Text: Luke 10:38-42 NLT

Worship Song

“What a Beautiful Name” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of 

Vic Johnson on our 50th wedding anniversary, from Nadine Johnson.

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 ***

VBS Adopt-A-Prop

Do you like simple crafts? Glue and scissors? Then you can help us out with VBS prep! See Lora at the table on the first floor and we have something for you to take home and work on then return to church in a couple of weeks!

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

Graduation Sunday on May 3 (we need your RSVP now!)

Are you graduating? It would be our honor to show some love from your church family for all the hard work that you have done, by recognizing you on Sunday, May 3 at the 9:30am and 11am services. All high school or college graduates please RSVP ASAP to KayLee: kbennett@stpetefirst.org. Include one toddler photo and one graduation photo.

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.

Discover First (Sunday, May 17; 10:45am-12:15pm)

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! A snack & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to sign up & for more info

Allocations/Permanent Fund Request (deadline: May 11)

The Allocations/Memorials Committee is accepting applications for charitable funding from the Church’s Permanent Fund. Visit www.stpetefirst.org/forms for the application form “Permanent Fund Request,” request it from the administrative staff of St Pete First United Methodist Church, or contact Mark McKeage: mark.mckeage@gmail.com.

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.

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.

Upcoming Events 

APRIL 2026

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.

Common Grounds

Our Common Grounds outreach ministry needs your help one Sunday a month for one hour! Go to our Common Grounds page [www.stpetefirst.org/commongrounds] for details or contact Chad Simonds: call, text, email, flag him down, or trip him in the hallway… whatever it takes. 727-667-7169 / csimonds@stpetefirst.org

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: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Root Beer Float

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        182

April 12 In Person    554 Online 537  

Groups      230

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