7/26/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
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 pastors.
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 ELYSE
Jesus declared, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Yet many of us settle for merely getting by—consumed by busy schedules, financial pressures, brokenness, disappointment, or the endless pursuit of things that can never truly satisfy. We were created for more.
What does it mean to live the abundant life Christ promises? Is it measured by success, comfort, or accomplishment? Or is it found in knowing God, walking in faithful obedience, loving others sacrificially, and participating in His redeeming work in the world? Scripture reveals that true life is not found in what we possess, but in the One who possesses us. Through Christ, we are reconciled to God, transformed by the Holy Spirit, and invited into the fullness of His Kingdom.
In this series, we will discover that abundant life is not a promise of an easy life but a life rooted in God's presence, sustained by His grace, and shaped by His purpose. As we surrender more fully to Christ, He renews our minds, deepens our faith, forms His character within us, and empowers us to bear fruit that endures.
God is calling each of us beyond complacency and into the joy of His mission. Every day is an invitation to experience His mercy, embrace His calling, and live as His redeemed people for the glory of His name. Don't settle for simply existing. Come discover the abundant life that is found in Jesus Christ alone.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Elyse
8 & 11 am Order of Service
9th Sunday after Pentecost
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
July 1926 2026
Prelude Rick Nay, organ
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” arr. by Lani Smith
“Near to the Heart of God” arr. by John Innes
(11:00) Choral Introit Chancel Choir
"Let Our Song Go Forth” by Fred Bock
Welcome Rev. Elyse Nielsen
* Call to Worship
Leader: We gather to worship the God who leads us in the way everlasting, whose steadfast love never fails, and who came that we might have life in abundance.
People: When the many paths before us leave us uncertain, we trust in the Lord with all our hearts. We will not lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge You, trusting You to make our paths straight.
Leader: O God, You know the plans You have for Your people—plans for hope and a future. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
People: Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. Give us courage to follow where You lead, even when the way is unfamiliar, for Your presence goes with us.
Leader: Come, let us worship the One who calls us by name, gives us purpose, and leads us into abundant life.
People: With joyful hearts, we lift our praise to the Lord, our Shepherd, our Guide, and our Redeemer. Let us worship God!
* Hymn of Praise
“Come, Christians, Join to Sing” Hymn #158
* Passing the Peace of Christ
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn #557
* Affirmation of Faith Rev. Carey Taylor
“Apostles’ Creed” #881
(11:00) Sacrament of Baptism
Harrison Keene Chase
Parents: Brett & Kristi Chase
Sister: Ada Chase
Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir
“Just As I Am” by Don Besig
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” arr. by Bernard DeWagtere
Kerry O’Reilly, tenor saxophone; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“Go Down, Moses” Hymn #448 verses 1, 2, 5
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Abundant Life: A Life of Choices”
Text: Exodus 3:1-10 NLT
* Hymn of Dedication
“He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought” Hymn #128
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
“Recessional” by Edward H. Wetherill
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Cindy & Ken Singleton’s 60th wedding anniversary, from their family.
Our acolyte this week is Emory Wood.
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
July 26, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Battle Belongs”
“Same God”
“King of My Heart”
Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Abundant Life: A Life of Choices”
Text: Exodus 3:1-10 NLT
Praise & Worship
“Send Me”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Cindy & Ken Singleton’s 60th wedding anniversary, from their family.
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 ***
Centennial Art Installation (photos due by August 16)
Help create a one-of-a-kind centennial art installation! Share your family photos and favorite photos of St. Pete First. Together, hundreds of images will be combined to form our church logo—a beautiful reminder that we are the church. Please email your photos to church@stpetefirst.org by August 16.
Confirmation Meeting (Sunday Aug 16; 12 noon on the 3rd floor) Confirmation is beginning September 13 for 7th grade youth (and older youth who have not been confirmed). There will be an informational meeting for youth and parents on August 16th at 12 noon on the 3rd floor. Contact KayLee Bennett-McFall for more info.
Job Opportunities
We are hiring for two positions: a part-time childcare team member for our Children’s Ministry Parent’s Morning Out program (newborns–age 3) and a full-time Office Manager for our Counseling Center. Learn more and apply at www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (Wednesday, Aug 26; 6 pm; Fellowship Hall)
Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who serve at St. Pete First! Join us for a special Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome. Please RSVP online by Monday, August 24 or call the church office at 727-894-4661.
Foodie Group Wraps Up for the Season! 🍽️ Thank you to everyone who joined us this summer for food, fellowship, and fun! We'll be back in January 2027 with more opportunities to gather around the table.
Upcoming Events (At a Glance)
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Prayer of the Week email
Through Aug 11—Women’s Jonah Study (Tuesdays 9-11 am)→ Sign up here
Through Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm) (Full)
Through Aug 29—Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)
Through August 2—School Partnership Essentials Drive → More info
AUGUST
Aug 1—Faith Day at the Rays (game starts 4:10 pm) → Sign up here
Aug 16—Confirmation Meeting (Noon; 3rd floor)
Aug 26—Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (6 pm; Fellowship Hall) → Sign up here
Aug 30—Discover First 10:45 am → More info & sign up
SEPTEMBER
Sept 9—Wednesday Night Live & Dinner returns
Serve & Get Involved
Volunteer with the Monday Bag Lunch Street Ministry
Every Monday, become part of a small team that assembles bag lunches 10:30 am–noon and distributes them to guests at Christ UMC (467 1st Ave N). → Call 727-894-4661 or email us
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 Live
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!
July 19 In Person 409 Online 532
Groups 158
Job Openings
Counseling Center – Office Manager Our Counseling Center is seeking a compassionate and organized Office Manager for a full-time, salaried position with benefits. This role supports our mental health ministry through administrative leadership, client support, and team coordination. → More info
Job Opportunity: Childcare — Our Children's Ministry Parent's Morning Out program is looking for a caring, dependable team member to provide childcare for newborns through age 3. → More info
To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Kids & Students
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 - meeting off-campus during the summer
11:00 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 212 (Library) -on summer break
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 -on summer break
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
