7/20/25 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    

One of the many ways we serve our local community is to "meet the unmet needs" in our community and beyond. For a couple years we have been welcoming our friends from Williams Park to provide fellowship and food on Sunday mornings along with the ability to livestream worship for those who choose not to join us upstairs but feel more comfortable in a more intimate environment.

Over the last five months we have had a team working on a new vision for this ministry and I am excited the opportunity has come for us to transform our chapel on Sundays to an emerging ministry called "Common Grounds Worship". The chapel helps us accomplish the goal of offering a holy space for folks to gather and worship along with enjoying the fellowship and food we have been offering in the Fellowship Hall. We have set the space to now meet physical, relational and spiritual needs of our entire community.  We also offer clothing and items some may need as they leave. As always, all are welcome to worship in whichever venue best meets their needs. 

Our Fellowship Hall will now become "Common Grounds Fellowship" designed more for what we call a grab and go for folks to get coffee and food items on their way to classes in the morning or to have extended conversations.  Let me invite you to come, stop by and be part of the many ways we continue to be the Heart of the City. 

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob 

6th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

July 20, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

“Fanfare For Trombone And Organ” by Phil Lehenbauer

Steve Butler, trombone

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

“Praise the Lord in His Holy Temple” by Charles Yannerella

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: We come into God’s presence, like green olive trees in the house of God.

People: We drink deep from the waters of life, like young saplings in the

courtyard of the Lord.

Leader: We ripen in the light of God, like the fruit of God’s vineyard.

People: Let us worship the God who nourishes us with righteousness. 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“God of Grace and God of Glory” Hymn # 577

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Hymn # 557

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

“Apostles’ Creed” # 881

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER / LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

(11:00) ANTHEM

“In This Very Room” by Ron and Carol Harris

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS  (Click here to GIVE)

“Come, Christians, Join to Sing” by Lloyd Larson

Kelly Bonyata, flute

Steve Butler, trombone

Rick Nay, organ

*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Hymn # 349

SERMON

“Keep Cool Under Pressure”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: James 1:2-4, 12 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“God Will Take Care of You” Hymn # 130

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“Trumpet Tune” by Jerry McCroy

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Cindy & Ken Singleton’s 59th wedding anniversary and granddaughter Becky’s 22nd birthday, from their family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the wedding anniversary of Jack & Evelyn Collins, from their family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Linda Cole, from David, Daniel, & Jennifer.

Our acolytes this week are Blake & Trent Cole.

Thank you for joining us today!

Reminder: If you are out of town or if you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

July 20, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“Battle Belongs”

“Your Love Never Fails”

“Do It Again”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Jesus We Love You”  

Sermon

“Keep Cool Under Pressure”     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: James 1:2-4, 12 NLT

Worship Song

“What a Beautiful Name”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Cindy & Ken Singleton’s 59th wedding anniversary and granddaughter Becky’s 22nd birthday, from their family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the wedding anniversary of Jack & Evelyn Collins, from their family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Linda Cole, from David, Daniel, & Jennifer.

Thank you for joining us today!

Reminder: If you are out of town or if you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***

Summer Organ Concert (Monday, July 21; 2 pm)

Join us Monday, July 21 at 2 pm to listen and sing along to favorite songs as organist Rick Nay (with guests) showcases our magnificent organ amid our beautiful stained glass windows. This is an outreach event for our community. We NEED VOLUNTEERS to come at 1 pm to help welcome and assist our guests from nursing home/assisted living facilities, plus people to bring non-refrigerated desserts. Contact the church office or Rick Nay for more info: richardtnay@yahoo.com

Wednesday Afternoon Office Volunteer Needed

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 Kendra: kaumack@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661

Common Grounds needs you!

Good news! Common Grounds is now an outreach ministry! The expanded vision requires your help. Go to our Common Grounds page [www.stpetefirst.org/commongrounds] for details. Find out more ways you can serve, and contact Chad Simonds at csimonds@stpetefirst.org or 727-667-7169 (or flag him down on Sunday!) when you're ready to volunteer! Let's do this!

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.

We need volunteer help before and after the Summer Organ Concert on July 21. Come at 1 pm to help welcome and assist our guests from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The concert starts at 2, and refreshments will be served after the concert. We also need people to bring a baked (non-refrigerated) treat to share with our guests. Contact Rick Nay for more information.

4th Wednesday Shower Ministry is seeking help serving food and/or assisting with showers for the unhoused on our campus parking lot. If you are able to volunteer on a Wednesday from 10:00 am until about noon, please contact Hal Heitler at heitlerh@tampabay.rr.com or 727-448-6291. Retirees are welcome. All training is provided.

Elementary School Food Pantries feed both kids and their families—you are needed to be part of a rotational team for this ministry. It doesn't require much time at all, but the dividends are life-changing. We currently have a food pantry at Melrose Elementary, and we will be working to add four more schools this coming school year, so don't wait to help. Contact Kendra Aumack at kaumack@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661 x2122. Let's meet this unmet need in our community for Jesus!

Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.

Wednesday Night Live

Wednesday Night Live & dinner is on summer break.

See you September 3rd!

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!

July 13 Worship 464  In Person 366  Online

Church Finances

June 2025 Year to Date

Income $239,367 $1,639,257

Expense $220,951 $1,601,664

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)

• July 21—Summer Organ Concert 2 pm

• Aug 10—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

• Aug 17—Move Up Sunday for kids

• Aug 27—Volunteer Appreciation Dinner 6 pm

• Sept 1—Church office closed - Labor Day

• Sept 3—Wednesday Night Live returns 

• Sept 7—Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

• Sept 7—Parent-Youth Night 6-7:30 pm

• Sept 28—Confirmation Bible Presentation / Confirmation Begins

• Oct 24—Trunk or Treat 6-8 pm

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 return on September 3

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

YOUTH

SUNDAYS

9:30 am WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary

10:45 am YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

10:45 am CONFIRMATION WhereHouse returns September 28

11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404

6:00 pm YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

WEDNESDAYS return on September 3

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

      10:45 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 301 (summer break: returns 9/7)

10:45 am THE GAP -Room 101  (summer break: returns 8/17)

11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103

11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Library-Room 212

11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208  (summer break: returns 9/7)

MONDAYS 

11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location Varies                        

WEDNESDAYS    return on September 3

9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Sue Allen) -Room 208

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214 

6:30 pm BIBLE STUDIES 

THURSDAYS 

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (4th Thursdays) -Rm 101                            

 MUSIC

SUNDAYS 

8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312 

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310 (on break until Fall)

TUESDAYS 

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel returns on September 3

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 THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR 

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

5:00 pm SERVE PILLAR