5/24/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 15 hours ago
- 7 min read
Welcome & Church Information
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!
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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
As we observe Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the words of Jesus: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). May we give thanks for their courage, pray for the families who mourn, and seek to live as faithful servants of Christ—walking in gratitude, compassion, and hope.
See you Sunday!
— Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Pentecost
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
May 24, 2026
*Congregational responses are in bold.
Prelude
“It Is Well” arr. Robert Sterling
Rick Nay, duet arrangement, piano and organ sequenced
* Call to Worship Rev. Carey Taylor
Leader: The Day of Pentecost is here!
God’s children have gathered in this place:
People: We are transformed into God’s family
by God’s Spirit joining with ours.
Leader: Come, Spirit of adoption,
and open our hearts to our sisters and brothers:
People: Come, Holy Spirit!
Leader: Come, Spirit of peace,
and calm our trembling hearts:
People: Come, Holy Spirit!
Leader: Come, Breath of God,
and overturn our conventional lives:
People: Come, Holy Spirit!
* Hymn of Praise
“God of the Ages” Hymn #698
* Passing the Peace of Christ
* Congregational Song
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn #557
* Affirmation of Faith Rev. Elyse Nielsen
“Apostles’ Creed” #881
Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir
“We Worship as One” by Jay Althouse
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
“Come, Holy Spirit” by Chester Nordman
Nadine Johnson, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“Surely the Presence of the Lord” Hymn #328
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Never Alone”
Text: John 14:16-17; John 16:7 (NLT)
* Hymn of Dedication
“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” Hymn #420
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
Festival Piece on “America the Beautiful” arr. James Denton
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Dr. David A. Foster, son of Jim Foster and the late Margaret Foster, who passed away on April 9.
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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
May 24, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Raise a Hallelujah”
“One Thing Remains”
“Holy Spirit”
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Never Alone”
Text: Text: John 14:16-17; John 16:7 (NLT)
Closing Song
“God With Us”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Dr. David A. Foster, son of Jim Foster and the late Margaret Foster, who passed away on April 9.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
VBS Setup Week (June 8-12; 9am-3pm)
Did you know that VBS is one of biggest outreach events of the year? Help up set up! Meet in the Fellowship Hall anytime between the hours of 9am and 3pm.
Sunday Prayer Gathering (Sundays; 10:30-11 am; Library / Room 212)
We invite you to gather for a brief time of prayer each Sunday between services. Come for a few minutes or stay the whole time as we lift up our church and community together. All are welcome.
The Centennial Committee Needs Your Photos.
Share your favorite church memories—past and present—to help tell our story. Bring photos to the church office or email Ginny.
Bible Art Journaling: FREE Summer Workshop
Tuesdays June 2 - Aug 4 • 6-8 pm • 3rd Floor
For 4th grade through adult (parents, come with your kids!). Deepen your faith through scripture, reflection, and creative journaling—no experience needed.
Faith Day at the Rays (Saturday, August 1; 4:10 pm; Tropicana Field)
Join St. Pete First for the Rays vs. White Sox! $40 includes group seating, a Christian Faith snapback cap, and a special post-game event with testimonies from Rays players and the team chaplain. 👉 Get your tickets here
The WhereHouse Student Ministry is moving to the 3rd floor! Help furnish the space—Click Here to visit their Amazon registry.
Upcoming Events (At a Glance)
MAY
May 25—Church office closed - Memorial Day
May 30-June 6—Youth Mission Trip (Full/Waitlist) → More info
JUNE
June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) → Sign up here
June 4-6—Annual Conference → Details
June 8-12—VBS Setup Week → Volunteer
June 15-19—VBS (Full/Waitlist)
June 21—Father’s Day
————Children & Youth Sunday
JULY
June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) → Sign up here
July 13-17—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 1 → Camp Signup
——————Elementary Camp: Creator’s Workshop (Music/Theatre/Dance)
July 20-24—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 2
——————Elementary Art Camp (Full/Waitlist)
AUGUST
Aug 1—Faith Day at the Rays (game starts 4:10 pm) → Sign up here
Serve & Get Involved
Common Grounds
Help one Sunday a month → Learn more
Summer Office Volunteers Needed
Help with phones, doors, and light admin → Call 727-894-4661 or email us
👉 Explore more opportunities → Volunteer Page
Wednesday Night Dinner Menu
Wednesday Night Live and Dinner will return on September 9.
Youth will continue to meet on Wednesday nights - keep an eye on the youth emails & texts for schedule.
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
May 17 In Person 503 Online 454
Groups 165
Job Openings
Join Our Team: Facility Maintenance (Part-Time). Help support our church by assisting with repairs and facility upkeep. → Details
To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Kids & Youth
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 return Sept 9
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 - returns Sept 9
6-7:30 pm Youth Group -continuing in the summer! Check your email.
Weekly & Monthly Events
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 206
11:00 am THE GAP -Room 101
11:00 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 212 (Library)
11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208
TUESDAYS
9:00 am Ladies of Light Bible Study -Room 208 -returning in Sept
WEDNESDAYS -Returning on Sept 9
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Bible Studies & Classes
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 -returning in Sept
TUESDAYS
6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS
5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel -returning Sept 9
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
