8/31/25 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 senior pastor.
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
Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR ELYSE
The Son of Man came... eating and drinking. As many of us gather with friends and family around patio furniture, picnic blankets at the beach, or (if you're really lucky) on a boat to share food and to make memories, remember God's goodness in your life. Say a prayer of thanks over the food and for the fellowship of friends. As you eat and drink (responsibly drink, please) you are embodying one of the ways Jesus came to connect with us and to save us. Eating is a kingdom endeavor. This Sunday you will hear more about how food and faithfulness go hand in hand. I hope to see you there!
In Christ,
— Pastor Elyse
8 & 11 am Order of Service
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM
August 31, 2025
*Congregational responses are in bold.
Prelude
“Where’er You Walk” from Semele by George Frederick Handel
Rick Nay, organ
(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT
“Bless the Lord, My Soul and Spirit” by Tom Fettke
Chancel Choir
*Call to Worship Rev. Carey Taylor
Leader: Creator God, You call us to hospitality;
to give as generously to others as You have given to us.
People: For there are angels among us.
Leader: Loving God, You call us to give You glory
in the compassion we show to one another.
People: To love without judgment, of ourselves or of others.
Leader: We gather as one Body, seeking to walk in the way You have set for us.
People: We gather as one Body, to worship the One who is Love.
*Hymn of Praise
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” Hymn # 138
*Passing the Peace of Christ
*Congregational Song
“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Hymn # 557
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
*Affirmation of Faith
“Apostles’ Creed” # 881
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer / Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
(11:00) Anthem
“Lord, I Stretch My Hands To You” by Jay Althouse
Chancel Choir
Worship with our Tithes and Offerings (Click here to GIVE)
“Prayer” by Florence Wilson Birkholtz
Rick Nay, organ
*Doxology Hymn # 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Hymn of Preparation
“Wonderful Words of Life” Hymn # 600
Sermon
“Everyone’s Invited to the Party!" Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Text: Luke 14:16-23 NIV
*Hymn of Dedication
“Hallelujah! What a Savior” Hymn # 165
*Benediction
Postlude
“Recessional” by Reta J. Bell
Rick Nay, organ
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of our son, brother, and father Tony, from the Succow family.
Thank you for joining us today!
Reminder: If you are out of town or if you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.
9:30 am Order of Service
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM
August 31, 2025
Praise & Worship Praise Band
“Blessed Be Your Name”
“The Jesus Way”
“Nothing I Hold Onto”
Passing the Peace of Christ
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“How He Loves”
Sermon
“Everyone’s Invited to the Party!" Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Text: Luke 14:16-23 NIV
Worship Song
“God I Look to You”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of our son, brother, and father Tony, from the Succow family.
Thank you for joining us today!
Reminder: If you are out of town or if you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
Wednesday Night Live begins Sept. 3 (www.stpetefirst.org/wednesday) (Kids Music 5 pm; Dinner 5:30 pm; Kids/Youth 6 pm; Adults 6:30 pm; Choir 7:30 pm)
—Doing Life with your Adult Children; Chapel —Bad Girls of the Bible; Room 308
—Pastors’ Study - Ask the Pastors; Room 208 — Band of Brothers; Rm 214 (Parlor)
Discover First (Sunday, Sept 7; 10:45am-1pm; www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)
Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastor, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to sign up & for more info
Help Furnish a Teacher's Lounge at Campbell Park Elementary
We're excited to announce that the School Partnership ministry has teamed up with a new school—Campbell Park Elementary! The Principal and Community Outreach Coordinator are thrilled about this new partnership with St Pete First. During our first meeting, they shared plans to transform an empty classroom into a teacher's rest and renewal area. To make this vision a reality, they need comfortable furniture such as couches, chairs and tables. This is a great opportunity for St. Pete First to step in with Love and create a peaceful space for the teachers at Campbell Park with donations of gently used items from our congregation. If you are able to donate any furniture, please contact Wally Guthrie at 727-542-5769 or aubie2008@hotmail.com. Thank you for helping us support our local educators!
TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.
Volunteer Help Needed
A little time out of your week can make such a difference! Join us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve and Love. St. Pete.
Thursday Morning Office Volunteer Needed
We’re looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Thursdays from 9 am-1 pm. Duties include answering door and phones, light filing, and assisting staff with simple tasks. If you’re available and willing to help, please contact Kendra: kaumack@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661
Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.
Wednesday Night Dinner Menu ($5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal)
Adults: Waldorf Chicken Salad, Pita Pocket, Spinach Mandarin Salad, Orzo Pasta Salad, Jell-O Cake
Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Sandwich
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
August 24 Worship 467 In Person 334 Online
Church Finances
July 2025 Year to Date
Income $250,464 $1,889,721
Expense $273,676 $1,875,339
Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)
Aug 31—Blood Drive 8am-1pm (TODAY!)
Sept 1—Church office closed - Labor Day
Sept 3—Wednesday Night Live returns -dinner & activities for all!
Sept 7—1st Grade Bible Presentation
————Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)
————Parent-Youth Night 6-7:30 pm
Sept 9—Ladies of Light Bible Study begins 9-10:30 am
Sept 14—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area
Oct 5—World Communion Sunday
Oct 18—St. Pete First at Tampa Bay Rowdies 7:30 pm; Al Lang Stadium
Oct 19—Blood Drive 8am-1pm (Pick a time to donate)
Oct 24—Trunk or Treat 6-8 pm (Sign up here)
Job Openings
To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.
Kids & Youth
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
MUSICAL REHEARSAL (1st- 8th Gr) -4th Floor (returns 9/7)
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
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
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 (returns 9/7)
WEDNESDAYS
5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall
6-7:30 pm Youth Group WhereHouse
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
10:45 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 301 (summer break: returns 9/7)
10:45 am THE GAP -Room 101
11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103
11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Library-Room 212
11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208 (summer break: returns 9/7)
TUESDAYS
9:00 am Ladies of Light Bible Study -Room 208 (begins 9/9)
11:30 am United Women in Faith (2nd Tuesdays) -Location varies (returns 9/9)
WEDNESDAYS
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE - Room 308
6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214
6:30 pm DOING LIFE WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN -Chapel
6:30 pm PASTORS' STUDY: Ask the Pastors -Room 208
THURSDAYS
7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom
MUSIC
SUNDAYS
8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary
10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310 (returns 9/14)
TUESDAYS
6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS
5:00 pm KIDS MUSIC (Age 4-8th Grade) Chapel
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 THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
5:00 pm SERVE PILLAR
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