4/3/26 Good Friday 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

Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us!

Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message

Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

Good Friday: The Seven Last Words of Christ

7:00 PM 

April 3, 2026

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

(Click here to GIVE) 

Prelude      Rick Nay, organ

“The Spotless Lamb” by Charity Boyles 

“March To The Cross” by Peter I. Tchaikovsky 

Welcome Rev. Bob Martin

First Reading and Reflection 

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” —Luke 23:34 KJV

Hymn

“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”     Hymn # 301

Second Reading and Reflection 

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:43 ESV

Anthem Fellowship Ringers

“Beautiful Savior” arr. Jason Krug

Beautiful Savior, King of creation,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I’d love Thee, truly I’d serve thee,

Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.

Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight,

Bright the sparkling stars on high;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels in the sky.

Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands,

Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer;

He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, Praise, adoration,

Now and forevermore be Thine!

Third Reading and Reflection 

“Woman, behold your son... behold your mother.” —John 19:26-27 ESV

Hymn

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”     Hymn # 298

Fourth Reading and Reflection 

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” —Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34 ESV

Anthem Chancel Choir

“Holy Heart” by Mary McDonald

Fifth Reading and Reflection 

“I thirst.” —John 19:28 ESV

Anthem Chancel Choir

“How Great the Love” by Mary Kay Beall

Sixth Reading and Reflection 

“It is finished.” —John 19:30 ESV

Solo

“Via Dolorosa” by Billy Sprague & Niles Borop

Gwenn Weston, soloist; Rick Nay, organ

Seventh Reading and Reflection 

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” —Luke 23:46 NLT

Hymn

“Were You There?”     Hymn # 288     (vs. 1, 2, & 5)

Tolling of the Bell

Please depart in silence, but return on Sunday to celebrate the empty tomb.

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 ***

Holy Week at St. Pete First

Easter Worship (Sun April 5; 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am)

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. Begins Wednesday, April 8.

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 5—Easter Sunday Worship 8/9:30/11 am

Apr 6—Church office closed - Easter Monday

Apr 8—Neighboring Workshop begins; 6:30 pm (Room 208)

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

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: Lemon Dijon Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Cornbread, Roasted Vegetables, Pie

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       574

March 29 In Person    648 Online 537  

Groups      206

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