4/26/26 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    

This week, I encourage you to be intentional about loving your neighbor. Sometimes it’s found in the simplest acts: a kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a moment of patience when it’s hardest to give. These small expressions of love reflect the heart of Christ more than we often realize.

Let us be people who carry His light into our homes, workplaces, and communities. You never know how God might use your compassion to bring hope to someone else.

See you Sunday!

— Pastor Bob      

4th Sunday of Easter

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

April 26, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

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PRELUDE      Rick Nay, organ

“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” by Robert J. Hughes

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT Chancel Choir

“Bless the Lord, My Soul and Spirit” by Tom Fettke

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: No one is an island.

People: We are all joined in Christ Jesus.

Leader: Who else is like You, loving God?

Who is like You: beautiful in holiness,

awesome in all the things You do for us?

People: No one lives by themselves;

no one dies by themselves.

Leader: Whether we live or die,

we are the Lord’s.

People: The Lord is my strength and my song,

and He has become my salvation.

Leader: All praise to God who is near, 

who is closer than a brother.  

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”     Hymn # 133

*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

“Love One Another” by Anna Laura Page

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

“Holy, Holy, Holy” arr. B.C. Dockery

Ken Riggs, alto saxophone; Kerry O’Reilly, tenor saxophone; Rick Nay, organ

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn # 95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Close to Thee”     Hymn # 407

SERMON Rev. Bob Martin

“The Art of Neighboring: The Fear Factor”     

Text: Luke 7:37-50 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Great is Thy Faithfulness”     Hymn # 140

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  Rick Nay, organ

“Festival March” by James Moffatt 

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

Tera Holt Ulrich, from Lora Ulrich & Trent Ulrich.

Our acolytes this week are Oliver Pilliod & Willa Schaefer.

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 26, 2026

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Welcome

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Goodbye Yesterday” 

“God I’m Just Grateful” 

“How Great is our God”

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

Sermon Rev. Bob Martin

“The Art of Neighboring: The Fear Factor”     

  Text: Luke 7:37-50 NLT

Worship Song

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” 

Benediction

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

Tera Holt Ulrich, from Lora Ulrich & Trent Ulrich.

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!

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

Club 56 Roller Skating Celebration with Youth (Sunday May 17; 5:45-7:30 pm)

Our 5th graders are moving up to 6th grade and our 6th graders are joining YOUTH! We want to CELEBRATE! We will be having a combined YOUTH/CLUB 56 party at Astro Skate at 5:45. Pizza and drinks are included. Everything is FREE but you need to register - click here to join the fun

Bible Art Journaling: FREE Summer Workshop (Tuesdays June 2-Aug 4; 3rd Floor) For 4th grade through adult (parents, come with your kids!). Deepen your walk with Christ through scripture, reflection, and creativity. Whether you're new to journaling or a seasoned creative—you belong here! Easy techniques, meaningful ideas, and space to explore your faith. Led by LeighAnne Cheeseman. Sign up here.

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 9

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 (10:45 am; www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

————Club 56/Youth Roller Skating (5:45-7:30 pm) Sign up here

May 25—Church office closed - Memorial Day

May 30-June 6—Youth Mission Trip

JUNE 2026

May 30-June 6—Youth Mission Trip (Full/Waitlist) More info

June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) Sign up here

June 4-6—Annual Conference (more here)

June 8-12—VBS Setup Week

June 14—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am**;** 1st Floor Nurse's Area

June 15-19—VBS (Full/Waitlist)

June 21—Father’s Day

————Children & Youth Sunday

JULY 2026 (Camp registration is open!)

June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) Sign up here

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

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)

(Last Wednesday Night Dinner until Sept 9)

Adults: Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Bread Pudding

Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, 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!

Weekly Groups        203

April 19 In Person    563 Online 481  

Groups      296

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