8/23/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- 2 days ago
- 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 BOB
One of the things that I enjoy about our church is our Discover First seminar. It's an opportunity to come ask questions about our church's focus in our community, learn about our pastors, and get a good feel for why we truly are the heart of the city. If you're thinking of becoming a part of our local church or want to know more, don't forget Discover First is Sunday, August 30. Click here to tell us you're coming.
We're starting a new series called 30 Days… It's one that I think will be life-changing. Invite a friend.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
13th Sunday after Pentecost
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
August 23, 2026
Prelude
(8:00) “Amazing Grace” arr. Jerry Ray Gwenn Weston, piano
(11:00) “Spirit of Gentleness” by James Manley Donna Guillaume, guest organist
Welcome Rev. Elyse Nielsen
* Call to Worship
Pastor: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain hearts of wisdom. May we never be lacking in zeal, but keep our spiritual fervor as we serve the Lord.
People: May our passions and priorities be Yours, O Holy One. Help us to live each day with purpose, gratitude, and faithfulness.
Pastor: Whatever we do—in our work, our relationships, our service, and our worship — may it bring honor and glory to Your name.
People: Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may live fully for You today and every day.
Pastor: Come, let us worship the Giver of Life!
* Hymn of Praise
“Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know” Hymn #163
* Passing the Peace of Christ
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn #557
* Affirmation of Faith Rev. Carey Taylor
“Apostles’ Creed” #881
Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir
“Lord, I Stretch My Hands To You” by Jay Althouse
Worship with Tithes and Offerings
(8:00) “Old Rugged Cross” arr. Jerry Ray Gwenn Weston, piano (11:00) “Largo” by G.F. Handel Donna Guillaume, guest organist
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“There’s Something About That Name” Hymn #171
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Live in the Moment”
Text: Psalm 39:4-5 NLT
* Hymn of Dedication
“Majesty” Hymn #176
* Benediction
Postlude
(8:00) “Rejoice, the Lord is King” arr. Mark Hayes Gwenn Weston, piano (11:00) “Have I Not Known” arr. Janet Wyatt Donna Guillaume, guest organist
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Susan & Brent McLean’s 60th wedding anniversary from their children & grandchildren.
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.
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
August 23, 2026
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Praise”
“Who You Say I Am”
“Holy Forever”
First Grade Bible Presentation
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“Live in the Moment”
Text: Psalm 39:4-5 NLT
Praise & Worship
“Our God”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Susan & Brent McLean’s 60th wedding anniversary from their children & grandchildren.
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 (Today 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.
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
Tuesday Shower Ministry Volunteers Needed (Tuesdays starting Sept. 1; 7–11:30 am)
Help launch a new day for our Street Shower Ministry! New volunteer training is Wed., Aug 26 at 9 am. Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org to sign up or learn more.
3rd Floor Open House (Sunday, Aug 30; 10:30 am–1 pm)
Our Student Ministry has completed the move from the WhereHouse to the 3rd floor! Come take a look at the remodel — everyone’s welcome. Many of you helped make this space possible, and we’d love for you to see it.
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 (8am-1 pm; parking lot)
————5th Sunday Offering: Residing Hope
————3rd Floor Open House (10:30 am–1 pm)
SEPTEMBER
Sept 1-20—Personal Care Products Collection
Sept 1, 15 & 29—Sleeping Mat Making Workshops (6-7 pm; Chapel)
Sept 1 (1st Tuesdays through Dec 1)—Bible Art Journaling (6-8 pm; 3rd Floor)
Sept 1—Tuesday Shower Ministry begins
Sept 8—LOL (Ladies of Light) Bible Study restarts (Tuesdays 9-10:30 am; Room 208)
Sept 9—Wednesday Night Live & Dinner returns → More
Sept 13—Confirmation Class Begins (11 am; 3rd floor)
————Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area
Sept 14—Fall Organ Concert (2 pm)
Sept 18-20—WhereHouse "More than a Garage Sale" (Fri-Sat 9 am-3 pm; Sun 11 am-1 pm)
Sept 27—Retirement Reception for Dr. Peggy Reynolds (12-1 pm; Fellowship Hall)
JANUARY 2027
Jan 29-31—Women's Retreat (registration begins in September)
Serve & Get Involved
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.
Sleeping Mat Making Workshops (Tuesdays, Sept 1, 15 & 29; 6–7 pm; Chapel) Help make sleeping mats from recycled plastic bags for our unhoused neighbors — everyone's welcome! Contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.
👉 Explore more opportunities → Volunteer Page
Wednesday Night Live returns on September 9
Wednesday Night Live — Fall 2026
Wednesday Nights | Sept 9-Dec 9, Classes run through Nov 4
No WNL Nov 11 (Veteran's Day) or Nov 25 (Thanksgiving week)
Join us after dinner November 18 for churchwide Turkey Bowling
Join us after dinner December 2 & 9 for churchwide Christmas events
Wednesday Night Dinner for all (5:30-6:30pm; Fellowship Hall)
–Kids & Youth
WNL Preschool (6-7pm; 1st floor Preschool Hall)
WNL Elementary (6-7pm; 4th floor)
WNL Students - 6th-12th grades (6-7:30pm; 3rd floor)
–Adult Classes (6:30-7:30pm):
7 Major World Religions — Dr. Charmaine Smith-Campbell — Room 208
Band of Brothers Men's Bible Study — Barry Willey — Room 214/Parlor
Compelling Couples of the Bible — Pastor Bob & Patti Martin — Chapel
The Gift of Empathy — St. Pete First Stephen Ministry Team — Room 206
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully — Barb Willey — Room 101
–Music
Chancel Choir rehearsal (7:30-9 pm; Room 312)
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
August 16 In Person 531 Online 488
Groups 207
Job Openings
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
5:30 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 7 Major World Religions -Room 208
6:30 pm Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study -Room 214 (Parlor) 6:30 pm 6:30 pm Compelling Couples of the Bible -Chapel
6:30 pm The Gift of Empathy -Room 206
6:30 pm The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully -Room 101
7:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal -Room 312
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
6:30 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS
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 & Online
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
9:30 am NURTURE PILLAR
12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR
THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
10:30 am LEARN PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
4:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
