7/5/26 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 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!

Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message

Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give 

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey Friends,

As we reflect on the many blessings we enjoy, let us give thanks to God for our country and for the freedoms envisioned by our nation's founders as we celebrate 250 years as a nation. May we never take these gifts for granted, nor may they ever be diminished.

Let us continue to seek God's wisdom in all things and pray for our leaders, that they may govern with honesty, integrity, and with a heart for humanity. May we serve our neighbors with love and strive to be faithful ambassadors of Christ in our community and beyond. May the Lord continue to guide, protect, and bless our nation.

Grace and Peace,

–Pastor Bob      

6th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

July 5, 2026

(Click here to check-in)

(Click here to GIVE) 

Prelude       Rick Nay, organ

“My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” arr. Lani Smith  

“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” by Thomas Chesterton 

Welcome Rev. Carey Taylor

* Call to Worship

Leader: Fear tells us to hold tightly to what we have.

People: God calls us to live with open hearts and open hands.

Leader: Greed convinces us that everything belongs to us alone.

People: But every good gift comes from God.

Leader: When fear no longer rules us, generosity can grow within us.

People: Trust in God instead of clinging to material wealth.

Leader: Come, let us confront greed and worship the Giver of all things.

People: Lord, free our hearts to live with gratitude and grace. 

* Hymn of Praise

“Battle Hymn Of The Republic”     Hymn #717     verses 1, 2, 5

* Passing the Peace of Christ

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn # 557

Worship with Tithes and Offerings Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Patriotic Medley”

Ginny Cannon, soloist; Rick Nay, organ

* Doxology     Hymn # 95

* Hymn of Preparation

“Trust And Obey”   Hymn #467

Sermon Rev. Bob Martin

“The Confronting Zone: Greed”     

Text: Luke 12:15-21 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Gluten-free bread available at the front upon request.

* Hymn of Dedication

“Seek Ye First”   Hymn #405

* Benediction

Postlude  Rick Nay, organ

“God of our Fathers” by Roger C. Wilson  

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of the Quest Sunday School Class and their teacher, Dr. John Draeger, from their St. Pete First family.

The rose is given to the glory of God in loving celebration of the birth of Lawson Anthony Bennati, born on June 4, 2026, son of Trevor & Leila Bennati, grandson of Scott & Lori Rutland.

Our acolyte this week is Robbie Sherer.

What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today! 

Can’t be here in person? Join us for livestream worship.

Modern Worship—9:30 AM

July 5, 2026

(Click here to check-in)

(Click here to GIVE)

Welcome

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Raise a Hallelujah” 

“Rest On Us”

Prayer

Worship with Tithes and Offerings

Sermon Rev. Bob Martin

“The Confronting Zone: Greed”     

  Text: Luke 12:15-21 (NLT)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Gluten-free bread available at the front upon request.

Worship Song

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of the Quest Sunday School Class and their teacher, Dr. John Draeger, from their St. Pete First family.

The rose is given to the glory of God in loving celebration of the birth of Lawson Anthony Bennati, born on June 4, 2026, son of Trevor & Leila Bennati, grandson of Scott & Lori Rutland.

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 ***

Bluegrass Sunday (July 12; 9:30 & 11 a.m. Worship) 

Our own South Porch Bluegrass Orchestra will bring their lively sound to the 9:30 and 11:00 am worship services on July 12. Come worship, sing along, and enjoy a joyful morning of bluegrass music and praise! Our 8 am worship service will meet as usual.

A Note from Staff-Parish 

After 3 of years of faithful service, our Worship Leader, Loren Russell, will be moving on to a new season of ministry.  We are grateful for his heart and commitment to leading our congregation in worship. We thank he and his wife, Kristina, for their service and ministry to our church and pray God’s richest blessings and guidance on them as they follow His leading into their next chapter.

Blood Drive (TODAY: Sunday, July 5; 8-11:30 am; Big Red Bus in parking lot) 

Donating blood only takes a little of your time, and it can mean a lifetime for patients in need. Drop-ins are welcome! All donors will receive a Fourth of July t-shirt and a $20 eGift Card. 

School Partnership Essentials Drive (July 5-August 2) 

Help us bless local students and families by donating everyday essentials for our school partners, including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, paper products, laundry detergent, and household cleaners. Collection bins are located outside the Fellowship Hall. Donations will be blessed during worship on August 9 before being shared with families in need. 👉 Click here for the complete list of needed items & more information

Our latest Prayer Initiative: Prayer of the Week

Keep an eye out for our Prayer of the Week! Print copies will be available to pick up on Sunday morning at church, plus you can subscribe to our Prayer of the Week email list to receive the prayer in your inbox on Monday morning.

👉 Click here to subscribe to the Prayer of the Week

Upcoming Events (At a Glance)

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 26—Foodie Group (Wednesdays 5–6:30 pm) → Sign up here

Through Aug 29—Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)

JULY

July 5—Blood Drive (8–11:30 am; Big Red Bus in parking lot)  → Schedule your donation or drop in

July 12—Bluegrass Sunday (9:30/11 Worship) (8 am service will meet as usual.)

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

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

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

👉 View full calendar →

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!

June 28 In Person    421 Online 424  

Groups      105

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 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.

 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