8/16/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Aug 16
- 8 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 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 CAREY
Our mission at St. Pete First is to Love St. Pete, and one of the simplest ways we can live out that mission is by loving the people God has placed right around us.
As a continuation of our Neighboring Initiative, we'll be sharing practical tools and ideas throughout the year to help us keep neighboring at the forefront of our minds and, most importantly, to make it easier to put our love into action. Neighboring doesn't have to be complicated. Small, consistent acts of kindness can open the door to meaningful relationships.
If you're worshipping with us in person this week, look in our bulletin for the handout called 10 Easy Ways to Love Your Neighbors! We hope it gives you a few simple ideas to try. Choose one—or try them all!—and look for the ways God is already at work in the relationships and connections right outside your door.
The handout is printed below.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Carey
10 Easy Ways to Love Your Neighbors
"Love your neighbor as yourself." – Matthew 22:39
God has placed you in your neighborhood for a reason (Acts 17:26). Neighboring doesn't have to be complicated! Small, consistent acts of kindness can lead to meaningful relationships.
Learn someone's name. Introduce yourself or greet a neighbor you don't know.
Spend time out front. Read, garden, or enjoy your coffee where people can naturally stop to chat.
Take a walk. Slow down enough to have a conversation.
Invite a neighbor to join you. Walk the dog, grill dinner, book club, watch a game, or grab coffee together. Do what you love, and invite a neighbor to join you.
Use holidays as an excuse to gather. Host a simple potluck, driveway dessert night, or holiday get-together.
Ask someone to help you plan. Neighboring is easier, and more fun, when you do it together.
Start a neighborhood group. A text thread, Facebook group, or contact list can build connection and help during hurricane season.
Share what you have. Extra cookies, garden vegetables, tools, or simply a helping hand can go a long way.
Welcome new neighbors. A note, small treat, or friendly visit can make someone feel at home.
Pray for your neighbors. Ask God to bless them and to open doors for friendship.
8 & 11 am Order of Service
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
August 16, 2026
Prelude Rick Nay, organ
“A Litany” by Stewart Landon
Meditation on “How Great Thou Art” by Lani Smith
(11:00) Choral Introit Chancel Choir
“Praise the Lord in His Holy Temple” by Charles Yannerella
Welcome Rev. Bob Martin
* Call to Worship
Pastor: The future may feel beyond our reach. Yet the Lord speaks the same words spoken to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.”
People: We take heart, for the God who keeps every promise also goes before us and walks beside us.
Pastor: Joshua’s confidence was not in his own strength, but in the presence of the Lord.
People: We come to worship with expectant hearts, ready to receive God’s encouragement and to follow wherever God leads.
Pastor: Let us worship the Lord who is greater than our disappointments, greater than all our troubles!
* Hymn of Praise
“God of Grace and God of Glory” Hymn #577
* Passing the Peace of Christ
“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
“The Lord is My Shepherd” by Alan Pote
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
“Each Step I Take” by W. Elmo Mercer Karen Shramo, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“Be Thou My Vision” Hymn #451
Sermon Rev. Carey Taylor
“A Life of Encouragement”
Text: Joshua 1:1-5 NIV
* Hymn of Dedication
“Because He Lives” Hymn #364
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
“Hail, Blessed Trinity” by Roger C. Wilson
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of our St. Pete First Prayer Ministry from their church 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
August 16, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Glorious Day”
“Desert Song”
“What a Beautiful Name”
Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Carey Taylor
“A Life of Encouragement”
Text: Joshua 1:1-5 NIV
Praise & Worship
“The Blessing”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of our St. Pete First Prayer Ministry from their church 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 Luncheon: Discover St. Petersburg's History (Sunday Aug 23; 12:30 PM; Fellowship Hall) Join us for a free lunch and a special presentation on St. Petersburg's history by Rui Farias of the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Please register here by August 19.
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.
New or Want to Get Connected? Discover First! (Sunday, Aug 30; 10:45 am–12:15 pm)
Join us for a relaxed gathering to meet our pastors, learn about our church, and explore how you can get connected—including membership. Snacks & childcare provided. 👉 Register by the Tuesday prior: Click here to sign up & for more info
Upcoming Events (At a Glance)
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Prayer of the Week email
AUGUST
Through Aug 29—Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays 9 am–1 pm; parking lot)
Aug 9—Blood Pressure Clinic (9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area)
Aug 16—Confirmation Meeting (Noon; 3rd floor) for parents & students
————Level 2 Background Checks for School Partnership Volunteers (12:15 pm; Fellowship Hall)
————Children & Student Ministry Survey (deadline)
————Centennial Art Installation (photos due)
Aug 16–Sept 29—Plastic Grocery Bag Collection (bins outside Fellowship Hall)
Aug 23—Centennial Luncheon: Discover St. Petersburg's History (12:30 pm; Fellowship Hall) → Register here by Aug 19
Aug 26—Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (6 pm; Fellowship Hall) → Sign up by Aug 24
Aug 30—Discover First 10:45 am → More info & sign up
————Blood Drive (8 am–1 pm; parking lot)
SEPTEMBER
Sept 1-20—Personal Care Products Collection
Sept 1—Tuesday Shower Ministry begins
Sept 1, 15 & 29—Sleeping Mat Making Workshops (6-7 pm; Chapel)
Sept 8—LOL (Ladies of Light) Bible Study restarts (Tuesdays 9-10:30 am; Room 208)
Sept 9—Wednesday Night Live & Dinner returns
Sept 13—Confirmation Class Begins (11 am; 3rd floor)
Sept 14—Fall Organ Concert (2 pm)
JANUARY 2027
Jan 29-31—Women's Retreat (registration begins in September)
Serve & Get Involved
School Food Pantry Volunteers Needed Our partner schools' food pantries are gearing up for fall! We need Prep & Organization (at church), delivery drivers with large vehicles (delivering to schools), Stockers (at schools), and Hospitality volunteers (at schools). Contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661 to help.
Meals on Wheels Delivery Volunteers Needed Join St. Pete First in delivering meals and encouragement to homebound seniors. Volunteers serve about 1½ hours one weekday each month (10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.). Regular and substitute volunteers are needed. Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org to learn more.
Tuesday Shower Ministry Volunteers Needed (Tuesdays starting 9/1; volunteer hours 7:00–11:30 am or whatever time you have available)
We're excited to announce a new day for our Street Shower Ministry! Beginning September 1, we'll offer showers on both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7:30–10:30 am, and we need volunteers to help make Tuesdays a success. A training session for new volunteers will be held Wednesday, August 26 at 9 am. Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org to sign up or learn more.
Level 2 Background Checks for School Partnership Volunteers
(Sunday, August 16, 12:15 pm — Fellowship Hall)
Volunteering in a school this year? A Level 2 Background Check is required for all School Partnership/School Pantry volunteers. Join us right after church on August 16 in the Fellowship Hall to get yours done — free of charge. Don't miss this chance to knock it out at no cost.
👉 Explore more opportunities → Volunteer Page
Wednesday Night Live
Wednesday Night Live and Dinner will return on September 9.
Students are meeting on Wednesday nights - keep an eye on your emails & texts for schedule.
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
August 9 In Person 587 Online 485
Groups 199
Job Opening
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
