9/21/25 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 senior pastor.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Elyse Nielsen, Associate Pastor

Rev. Carey Taylor, Pastor of Community Life

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey Friends!

Someone once said, "The two hardest words to say are, 'I'm sorry'" and the three hardest words are, "I was wrong." Why is that? To own when we miss the mark isn't an insult to who we are; it can actually be something holy because in so doing, we are reminded we can be forgiven when we fall short in life. 

Another phrase you may recognize is, "To err is human; to forgive is divine." Forgiveness can liberate the most tortured soul. It can also address wounds whose scabs never seem to heal. This week is a time for each of us to circle the wagons in our head and heart and examine where we have said or done something to harm another and to seek forgiveness. That is the err side of being human. When we are harmed, that is when the image of God enters us as we work through the situation to forgive. Forgiveness doesn't agree with the harm done. Forgiveness frees the harmed to no longer live under the thumb of what went wrong. That is why there is truth to the second part of the saying I mentioned above: "To forgive is divine."

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob    

15th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

September 21, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“Through Cathedral Windows” by Helen Stover Guthals

Rick Nay, organ

(11:00) Choral Introit

“I Was Glad” by John Walters

Chancel Choir

*Call to Worship Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Leader: “For there is nothing hidden that will not become evident, 

People: “Nor anything secret that will not be known and come out into the open.”

Leader: Remove our reasons for avoiding tough conversations. 

People: O great Redeemer, restore our relationships. 

All: All glory and honor is Yours!   

*Hymn of Praise

“My Hope is Built”     Hymn # 368

*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.

(11:00) RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS 

Sally Baynard

Nick Nicholson

Sandy Nicholson 

Amy Possidente

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

“As the Deer” arr. Lloyd Larson

Chancel Choir

Worship with our Tithes and Offerings  (Click here to GIVE)

“God Be Merciful” by Donald Callender

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

“Open My Eyes That I May See”     Hymn # 454

Sermon

“Let’s Talk: Tough Conversations"     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 18:15-20 NLT

*Hymn of Dedication

“Depth of Mercy”     Hymn # 355

*Benediction

Postlude  

“Fanfare And Trumpeting” by David Paxton 

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George Campbell’s birthday, from Pam Campbell.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Judy Longshore, from John & Sheri Longshore.

Our acolytes this week are  Emory Wood & Oliver Pilliod.

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.

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

September 21, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“At Your Name” 

“Yes and Amen” 

“Reckless Love”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Reception of New Members

Blake Samples

Joanna Schottler

Eric Svendsen

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Tethered”  

Sermon

“Let’s Talk: Tough Conversations"     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 18:15-20 NLT

Worship Song

“The Blessing” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George Campbell’s birthday, from Pam Campbell.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Judy Longshore, from John & Sheri Longshore.

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.

*** Click here for this week's newsletter ***

St. Pete First Day at the Tampa Bay Rowdies (Saturday, Oct 18; 7:30 pm)

Join us on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 pm at Al Lang Stadium as the Rowdies play the Hartford Athletic. We have seats reserved in section 300—get your tickets in the Fellowship Hall on 10/5 or 10/12 or order online at www.stpetefirst.org/upcoming-events. $25.00 per person (lap children 2 or under are free)

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 Lunch Ministry Volunteers Needed

This ministry, in partnership with Christ UMC & Metropolitan Ministries, serves a hot meal on Thursdays at Christ UMC (467 1st Avenue N) for those in need. We need volunteers from 11 am - 1 pm to help set up for food service and serve a meal to the unhoused. To get more information or to volunteer, contact Kendra at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

Evening Dinner Volunteers Needed to Cook or Serve Meals

For over 20 years, our Street Ministry has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) CARES to serve our homeless neighbors in St. Pete. We serve five nights each month, with separate teams to prepare and serve meals. Most volunteers join a cook team or serve team one night per month. Cooking begins in the St. Pete First Fellowship Hall at 4:00 PM, and meals are served at SVdP starting at 6:30 PM. This ministry reflects our mission to “Love St. Pete.” To get more information or to volunteer, contact Kendra at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

Click here to visit our Volunteer Bank & connect with opportunities that interest you

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu ($5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal)

Adults: Maid Rite Sandwich, Curly Fries, Broccoli Kale Slaw, Banana Pudding

Kids: Wing Dings, Tater Tots, Carrots & Celery, Apple Sauce, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!

Weekly Groups      241

September 14 Worship    529  In Person; 309  Online

Groups     231

Church Finances

August 2025 Year to Date

Income $252,463 $2,142,184

Expense $345,274 $2,220,614

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (check out the full list here)

• Sept 1-30—Personal Items Collection for St. Pete Free Clinic (collection bin in Fellowship Hall)

• Oct 1-31—Beans & Jeans Collection for Farmworkers Self-Help

• 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)

• Nov 2—All Saints Sunday

• Nov 9—Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

• Nov 11—Church office closed - Veteran’s Day

• Nov 16—Night of Worship w/Jeremy Hearn 6 pm; Sanctuary

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

MUSICAL REHEARSAL (1st- 8th Gr) -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

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  

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7:30 pm Youth Group WhereHouse

 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

10:45 am THE GAP -Room 101  

11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103

11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Room 206 (on break: hoping to return soon!)

11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208  

TUESDAYS 

9:00 am Ladies of Light Bible Study -Room Admin 105                          

WEDNESDAYS   

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE - Chapel

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214 

6:30 pm DOING LIFE WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN -Room 101 

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

10:25 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312 

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310

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