9/20/26 Bulletin & Order of Service
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
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Pastor's Note
A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB
What a week this has been! We had 19 persons join our church as new members last Sunday, with a majority of them coming by Reaffirmation of Faith, which means they are reconnected to the Christian church.
The worship planning team has also been working on what November 8 will look like as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of our historic sanctuary. Why am I noting this? Because at our 9:30 modern worship service, our children will be singing.
We want a bajillion kids to sing on Sunday, November 8. It will make our special worship that day a slam dunk. If you have a child, know a child, can borrow a child, or act like a child, we want you to sing! Contact Kelly Bonyata at kbonyata@stpetefirst.org.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
17th Sunday after Pentecost
Classic Worship—8 & 11 AM
September 20, 2026
Prelude Rick Nay, organ
“The Name of Jesus” by E. S. Lorenz
“Holy, Holy, Holy” by Ellen Jane Lorenz
(11:00) Choral Introit Chancel Choir
“Bless the Lord, My Soul and Spirit” by Tom Fettke
Welcome Rev. Elyse Nielsen
* Call to Worship
Pastor: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it; the world and all who live in it.
People: We come before the Lord with grateful hearts, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.
Pastor: God has entrusted us with time, talents, resources, relationships, and opportunities.
People: We desire to be faithful stewards of all that God has placed in our hands. Help us, O Holy One, to trust you.
Pastor: Let us worship the One who gives every good and perfect gift!
* Hymn of Praise
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” Hymn #133
* 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
“Blessed Are You” by Craig Courtney
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“I Believe” by Irvin Drake
Ginny Cannon, soloist; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought” Hymn #128
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“What If We Trusted God?”
Text: Matthew 6:25-34 NLT
* Hymn of Dedication
“God Will Take Care of You” Hymn #130
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
“March Of Victory” by George Blake
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Judy Longshore from her family on the occasion of her birthday.
Our acolytes this week are Jo Clements & Sailor Essman.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Closed Captions: captionkit.com/c/st-pete-first-umc
Worship online: www.stpetefirst.org/live
9:30 am Order of Service
Modern Worship—9:30 AM
September 20, 2026
Praise & Worship
“God So Good”
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Praise & Worship
“Never Lost”
“Good Plans / Doxology”
Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“What If We Trusted God?”
Text: Matthew 6:25-34 NLT
Praise & Worship
“Promises”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Judy Longshore from her family on the occasion of her birthday.
What a blessing to worship together—thank you for joining us today!
Closed Captions: captionkit.com/c/st-pete-first-umc
Worship online: www.stpetefirst.org/live
Bulletin/Announcements
*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***
WhereHouse "More than a Garage Sale" (TODAY Sunday, Sept 20; 11 am–1 pm; at the WhereHouse) — Rare finds. Real impact. Shop the WhereHouse and help make a difference — all proceeds and donations go toward St. Pete First Student Ministry. There are lots of fun and funky items so be sure to stop by.
Retirement Reception for Dr. Peggy Reynolds (Sunday, Sept 27; 12–1 pm; Fellowship Hall) Celebrate 17 years of faithful ministry in our Counseling Center as we honor Peggy Reynolds' retirement. A basket will be available at the reception for cards, love offerings, etc.
Small Group Fall Launch (Sunday, Oct 11; 12–1 pm; Room 101) Curious about Small Groups? Join us for this informational gathering and leave connected with a trial group of your own — give it three weeks, and if it's not the right fit, we'll help you find one that is. 👉 RSVP here
Fall Church Work Day (Saturday, Oct 17; 8–11:30 AM) Join us for a morning of fellowship and service as we spruce up our campus together — light breakfast at 8, projects run 8:30–11:30 AM. We'll have indoor and outdoor projects for all abilities so come enjoy a light breakfast and then help make things a little nicer for our guests. Many hands make light work! 👉 Sign up here or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Personal Care Product Collection + Plastic Bags (outside Fellowship Hall)
This is the last day we are collecting personal care products (Sept 1–20) for our Shower Ministry and the St. Pete Free Clinic — small sizes please; a list of requested items is posted at the bins. And keep those Plastic Grocery Bags coming through Sept 29 — each sleeping mat for our unhoused neighbors takes several hundred.
Calling all Kids—We're planning a Christmas Musical! Does your child (1st-8th grade) have an interest in music, acting, or just plain fun? Join us on Sundays at 9:30 on the 4th floor as we start work on our Christmas Musical. We will be rehearsing every Sunday, with dress rehearsals on Sunday, Dec 6 & 13 at 9:30 am, and the performance on Sunday evening, Dec 13 at 6 pm. Come have fun with us! For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata (kbonyata@stpetefirst.org). Sign your child up here.
Last Week's Attendance Numbers
Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!
September 13 In Person 497 Online 541
Groups 218
Upcoming Events (At a Glance)
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Prayer of the Week email
Through Sept 20—Personal Care Products Collection (bins outside Fellowship Hall)
Through Sept 29—Plastic Grocery Bag Collection (bins outside Fellowship Hall)
Through Oct 18—Help Fill the Centennial Time Capsule (Library, Room 212) → More info
SEPTEMBER
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 pm; Fellowship Hall)
Sept 29—Sleeping Mat Making Workshop (6-7 pm; Chapel)
OCTOBER
Oct 11—Small Group Fall Launch (12-1 pm; Room 101)
Oct 17—Fall Church Work Day (Saturday, Oct 17; 8–11:30 AM)
Oct 23—Trunk or Treat & Fall Festival (6-8 pm)
Oct 26—Pipe Screams Organ Concert (7 pm; Sanctuary)
NOVEMBER
Nov 1—Discover First 10:45 am → More info & sign up
Nov 7—Centennial Car Show (10 am-2 pm; parking lot)
Nov 8—Centennial Celebration Sunday Worship Services
Nov 26—Thanksgiving Dinner (1 pm; Fellowship Hall)
JANUARY 2027
Jan 29-31—Women's Retreat (register here)
Serve & Get Involved
Office Volunteer Needed (Wednesday mornings, 9 am–1 pm) We're looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Wednesdays. Duties include answering the door and phones, light filing, and assisting staff with simple tasks. Contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.
Sleeping Mat Making Workshop (Tuesday, Sept 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.
Fall Church Work Day (Saturday, October 17; 8–11:30 AM)
Join us for a morning of fellowship and service as we spruce up our campus together — light breakfast at 8, projects run 8:30–11:30 AM. We'll have indoor and outdoor projects for all abilities so come enjoy a light breakfast and then help make things a little nicer for our guests. Many hands make light work!
👉 Sign up here or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Computer Center Ministry Help others with resumes, job searches, food stamp applications, and online applications at the Salvation Army Computer Center on 4th Street South. Join us Monday–Thursday from 9:30–11:30 am. No experience is needed—come once a week or more. Full training is provided. Be part of something that changes lives—including your own. Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org to sign up or learn more.
👉 Explore more opportunities → Volunteer Page
Wednesday Night Live
— Dinner ($6 kids, $10 adults, $35 family meal)
Adults: Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Collard Greens, Cornbread, Banana Pudding
Kids: Hotdogs & Chips, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Sandwich
Kids Music 5 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm ($6 kids, $10 adults, $35 family meal)
Kids/Students 6 pm
Adults 6:30 pm
Adult Chancel Choir 7:30 pm
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 Grade) Kids Church - 4th Floor
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL Rehearsal (1st-8th Grade) - 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 Grade) Sunday School - 4th Floor
CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) Room 404
WEDNESDAYS
5:00 pm KIDS PRAISE TEAM 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
STUDENTS
SUNDAYS
9:30 am MODERN WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary
10:45 am STUDENTS (7th – 12th GRADES) 3rd Floor
11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404
6:00 pm STUDENTS PM (6th – 12th GRADES) 3rd Floor, 4th Sundays
WEDNESDAYS
5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall
6-7:30 pm WNL Student Group - 3rd Floor
Weekly & Monthly Events
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:00 am Classic Worship -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
9:30 am Modern Worship -Sanctuary
Common Grounds Worship (Livestream) -Chapel
11:00 am Classic Worship -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 -Online & Room 208
11:00 am BECOMERS -Online & Room 206
11:00 am THE GAP - Room 101
11:00 am PROMISED LAND -Online & Room 212 (Library)
11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208
TUESDAYS
9:00 am Ladies of Light Bible Study -Room 208
WEDNESDAYS
5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm 7 Major World Religions -Chapel
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 -Room 208
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 -Online
MUSIC
SUNDAYS
8:45 am PRAISE TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary
10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310
TUESDAYS
6:30 pm PRAISE TEAM -Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS
7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312
CARE & SUPPORT
WEDNESDAYS
12:00 Noon CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP -Online
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
11:00 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
