5/31/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 24 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
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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE
What if God is not a distant ruler obsessed with control, punishment, and hierarchy? What if the very nature of God is shared love, eternal relationship, and creative communion? This Sunday, we explore the mystery of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — not as competing characters with different agendas, but as one God working together in love. Join us as we discover how the Trinity, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer reshape our understanding of power, creativity, and what it means to live in communion with God and one another.
Our students and leaders are heading to Tennessee for their mission trip today! As they serve and grow together this week, may we hold them in prayer — for safe travels, meaningful connections, servant hearts, and moments where God’s love is shared in powerful ways.
See you Sunday!
— Pastor Elyse
8 & 11 am Order of Service
Trinity Sunday
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
May 31, 2026
*Congregational responses are in bold.
Prelude Rick Nay, organ
“Precious Blood of Jesus” by Edward Broughton
(11:00) Choral Introit Chancel Choir
“I Was Glad” by John Walters
* Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Leader: Let us shape a space for The Three:
People: the Spirit as breath of life;
Leader: the Bread as food of heaven;
People: the Love in relationship.
Leader: Praise God who tangles all three
through our life and our worship,
held in relationship and met here.
People: For the many faces of God woven together
and revealed in each of us,
All: Let us worship God!
* Hymn of Praise
“Holy, Holy, Holy” Hymn #64
* Passing the Peace of Christ
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn #557
* Affirmation of Faith Rev. Carey Taylor
“Apostles’ Creed” #881
Sacrament of Baptism
Susan Wildes
Reception of New Members
Joanne Hanley Andrew Meacham
Ted Hanley Sandy Strobel
Kathleen Krasselt Larry Wildes
Linda Mastry Susan Wildes
Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir
“Make Us Holy, Make Us Whole” by Mark Friedman
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
“We Shall Behold Him” by Dottie Rambo
Gwenn Weston, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“Come Thou Almighty King” Hymn #61
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin, Rev. Elyse Nielsen, Rev. Carey Taylor
“Three in One: The Mystery That Loves Us”
Text: John 1:32–34 (NLT)
* Hymn of Dedication
“Spirit Of The Living God” Hymn #393
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
“All Hail the Power” by Robert Stults
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Dina & Richard Succow’s 50th wedding anniversary from their children & grandkids.
Our acolytes this week are Robbie Sherer & 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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
May 31, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Sacrament of Baptism
David Segler
Reception of New Members
Marie Allen
David Segler
Praise & Worship
“Yes and Amen”
“Indescribable”
“Worthy”
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin, Rev. Elyse Nielsen, Rev. Carey Taylor
“Three in One: The Mystery That Loves Us”
Text: John 1:32–34 (NLT)
Praise & Worship
“Goodness of God”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Dina & Richard Succow’s 50th wedding anniversary from their children & grandkids.
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 ***
Women’s Summer Book Study: Gideon (Tuesdays; 8 am–1 pm; Parlor / Rm 214)
Join Emily Strong for a women’s summer study of Gideon: Your Weakness, God’s Strength by Priscilla Shirer, June 2–August 11. Together, we’ll explore how God uses our weaknesses and insecurities for His glory and purpose while growing in faith and community with one another. Enjoy meaningful discussion, fellowship, and refreshments as we journey through this study together. Books will be available for purchase. Join us! → Sign up here
Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)
St. Pete First is hosting the Saturday Morning Market in our parking lot this summer, June 6–August 29 (except June 27)! Shop local vendors and enjoy one of St. Petersburg’s favorite community markets. Visit the Saturday Morning Market website for more information.
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.
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 30-June 6—Youth Mission Trip (Full/Waitlist) → More info
JUNE
June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) (full)
June 2-Aug 11—Women’s Gideon Study (Tuesdays 8 am-1 pm)→ Sign up here
June 4-6—Annual Conference → Details
June 6–Aug 29—Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)
June 8-12—VBS Setup Week → Volunteer
June 15-19—VBS (Full/Waitlist)
June 17-Aug 26—Foodie Group (Wednesdays 5–6:30 pm) → Sign up here
June 21—Father’s Day
————Children & Youth Sunday
JULY
June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) (full)
June 2-Aug 11—Women’s Gideon Study (Tuesdays 8 am-1 pm) → Sign up here
June 6–Aug 29—Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)
June 17-Aug 26—Foodie Group (Wednesdays 5–6:30 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
June 2-Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) → (full)
June 2-Aug 11—Women’s Gideon Study (Tuesdays 8 am-1 pm)→ Sign up here
June 6–Aug 29—Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)
June 17-Aug 26—Foodie Group (Wednesdays 5–6:30 pm) → Sign up here
Aug 1—Faith Day at the Rays (game starts 4:10 pm) → Sign up here
Aug 30—Discover First 10:45 am → More info & sign up
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 24 In Person 519 Online 473
Groups 163
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
