8/2/26 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!

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE    

Join us as we discover what it means to live a wholehearted life. In a world that often pulls us toward pleasing people and divided priorities, God calls us to something greater—a life fully anchored in Christ. Together we'll explore the contrast between Saul and David, what it means to be a person after God's own heart, and how wholehearted devotion to God transforms our character, our choices, and the way we live. Come ready to be challenged and encouraged to pursue a life that pleases God above all else.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Elyse     

10th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

August 2, 2026

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(Click here to GIVE) 

Prelude       Rick Nay, organ

“The Precious Blood of Jesus Medley” by Edward Broughton

“Meditation On Blessed Assurance” by Stewart Landon 

Welcome Rev. Carey Taylor

* Call to Worship

Pastor: Come, people of God. Let us worship the Lord with our whole hearts.

People: We come to love the Lord with all that we are.

Pastor: God is worthy of more than outward words and empty rituals.

People: We offer Christ hearts that are devoted, faithful, and sincere.

Pastor: Let us lay aside every distraction and every divided loyalty.

People: We fix our hearts on the Lord alone.

Pastor: May our worship be pleasing to God—not only in our songs, but in our lives.

People: We surrender ourselves anew, seeking to honor Christ in all we do.

Pastor: Come, let us worship the Lord with wholehearted devotion. 

* Hymn of Praise

“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”  Hymn #103

* Passing the Peace of Christ

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds”     Hymn #557

(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir

“All to Jesus I Surrender” arr. Mark Hill

Worship with Tithes and Offerings

“We Are One in Christ” by Gustav Holst

Ginny Cannon, soloist; Rick Nay, organ

* Doxology     Hymn #95

* Hymn of Preparation

“Holy Spirit, Truth Divine”     Hymn #465

Sermon Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Abundant Life: A Wholehearted Life”     

  Text: 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Gluten-free bread available at the front upon request.

* Hymn of Dedication

“Dear Jesus, in Whose Life I See”     Hymn #468

* Benediction

Postlude  Rick Nay, organ

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” by Haldor Lillenas  

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Mandy Houston, for her continuing commitment to the Children’s Ministry.

Our acolyte this week is Oliver Pilliod.

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

August 2, 2026

(Click here to check-in)

(Click here to GIVE)

Welcome

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship

“Your Grace Is Enough” 

“Set a Fire/He Leadeth Me” 

Prayer

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

Sermon Rev. Elyse Nielsen

“Abundant Life: A Wholehearted Life”     

  Text: 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Gluten-free bread available at the front upon request.

Worship Song

“O Come to the Altar” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Mandy Houston, for her continuing commitment to the Children’s Ministry.

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 ***

Centennial Luncheon: Discover St. Petersburg's History (Sun, 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 August 2—School Partnership Essentials Drive → More info

Through Aug 11—Women’s Jonah Study (Tuesdays 9-11 am)

Through Aug 4—Art Journaling Workshop (Tuesdays 6-8 pm)

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

Aug 16—Confirmation Meeting (Noon; 3rd floor) for parents & students

————Children & Student Ministry Survey (deadline)

————Centennial Art Installation (photos due)

Aug 23—Centennial Luncheon: Discover St. Petersburg's History  (12:30 pm; Fellowship Hall) → Register here by 8/19

Aug 26—Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (6 pm; Fellowship Hall) → Sign up by 8/24

Aug 30—Discover First 10:45 am → More info & sign up

SEPTEMBER

Sept 1-20—Personal Care Products Collection

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)

JANUARY 2027

Jan 29-31—Women's Retreat (registration begins in September)

👉 View full calendar →

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.

👉 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 26 In Person    465 Online 531  

Groups      126

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

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