9/27/26 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
This week I had the opportunity to reach out to an old friend. God had placed it on my heart to call him, as if nudging me to do something needed. When we caught up, we picked up right where we had left off. It was as if time had not trudged forward. As we spoke, he shared that his wife had died of cancer five years ago, how much he missed her, and how much it meant to him that I called.
I've come to understand there are times when the Holy Spirit nudges me to do something I might otherwise overlook. Calling my friend was one of those things, but God knew he needed that call.
What's God asking you to do today? Are you listening? Maybe it's time to hit the pause button on the busyness of life and take the hint. Who knows? You just might be Jesus to someone who has a need…
See you Sunday,
Pastor Bob
8 & 11 am Order of Service
18th Sunday after Pentecost
Classic Worship—8 & 11 AM
September 27, 2026
Prelude Rick Nay, organ
“Aria” by Eric Smith
“Nimrod” from Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar arr. Diane Bish
(11:00) Choral Introit Chancel Choir
“May Jesus Christ Be Praised” by David T. Clydesdale
Welcome Rev. Carey Taylor
* Call to Worship
Pastor: God calls us not only to receive, but to give; not only to be blessed, but to become a blessing.
People: Open our eyes to the places where You are calling us to serve.
Pastor: May our stewardship be more than what we put in an offering plate. May it be the way we live, work, serve, and love.
People: Take all that we are and all that we have, O God, and use it for Your purposes. So send us out to give ourselves away— generously, joyfully, and faithfully.
Pastor: We worship God, the Giver of all, and we offer ourselves in return. Amen.
* Hymn of Praise
“Amazing Grace” Hymn #378 (verses 1, 2, 3, 6)
* Passing the Peace of Christ
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Hymn #557
* Affirmation of Faith Rev. Elyse Nielsen
“Apostles’ Creed” #881
Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
(11:00) Anthem Chancel Choir
“The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” by Tom Fettke
Directed by Dr. Marion Smith, Director of Music 1990-2010
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
“Irish Tune from County Derry” arr. James Galway & Phillip Moll
Kelly Bonyata, flute; Rick Nay, organ
* Doxology Hymn #95
* Hymn of Preparation
“Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” Hymn #175
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“What If We Gave Ourselves Away?”
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
* Hymn of Dedication
“O God, Our Help in Ages Past” Hymn #117
* Benediction
Postlude Rick Nay, organ
“Triumphal March” by Theodore Dubois
The flowers are given to the glory of God in celebration of Pastor Bob’s birthday with love from his family.
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor and celebration of Dr. Peggy Reynolds for her 17 years of dedicated service as Director of our Counseling Center.
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Dr. Marion Smith from the St. Pete First family.
Our acolytes this week are Christopher Dean & Oliver Pilliod.
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 27, 2026
Praise & Worship
“Everlasting God”
Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ
Confirmation Bible Presentation
Praise & Worship
“Lead Me to the Cross”
“New Wine”
Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings
Sermon Rev. Bob Martin
“What If We Gave Ourselves Away?”
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
Praise & Worship
“Goodness of God”
Benediction
The flowers are given to the glory of God in celebration of Pastor Bob’s birthday with love from his family.
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor and celebration of Dr. Peggy Reynolds for her 17 years of dedicated service as Director of our Counseling Center.
The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving honor of Dr. Marion Smith from the St. Pete First family.
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 ***
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.
Final Sleeping Mat Making Workshop (Tuesday, Sept 29; 6–7 pm; Chapel) Join us to help prepare materials and make sleeping mats out of recycled plastic bags for our unhoused neighbors! Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org with questions.
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
Help Us Fill Our Centennial Time Capsule! (Now through Oct 18; Library, Room 212) As we celebrate 100 years of faith, fellowship, and service, help us preserve a glimpse of who we are in 2026 for generations to come. Bring photos, artwork, letters to the future, and other meaningful items to the Library (Room 212) any Sunday — deadline October 18. Questions? Contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Blanket & Sleeping Bag Drive (Oct 1–31) Donate new or gently used blankets, sleeping bags, and hoodies to help our unhoused neighbors stay warm this winter through Common Grounds. Drop off outside the Fellowship Hall.
Pastor Appreciation Month (Sunday, Oct 4–Friday, Oct 23; First-Floor Hallway) October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and it's a perfect time to let our pastors know how much they mean to us! Starting Sunday, October 4, mailboxes for Pastor Bob, Pastor Elyse and Pastor Carey will be set up at the end of the first-floor hallway. Grab a card there or bring your own, write a note of thanks or encouragement, and drop it in. We'll collect cards through Friday, October 23. Show your love to our pastors! Questions? Contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.
Trunk or Treat (Friday, Oct 23; 6–8 pm) Our family-friendly Trunk or Treat is free and open to the community! Trunk-to-trunk candy, music, bounce houses, free popcorn & cotton candy, face painting, a balloon artist, a petting zoo, an outdoor movie, and preschool-age activities. Food trucks and Kona Ice available for purchase. Family-friendly costumes encouraged — all ages welcome! 👉 More info or volunteer
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 20 In Person 498 Online 505
Groups 238
Upcoming Events (At a Glance)
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Prayer of the Week email
Ends Tuesday—Plastic Grocery Bag Collection (bins outside Fellowship Hall)
Through Oct 18—Fill the Centennial Time Capsule (Library, Room 212) → More info
SEPTEMBER
Sundays—Christmas Kids Musical Rehearsals (9:30 am; 4th floor) → Sign up
Sept 27—Retirement Reception for Dr. Peggy Reynolds (12 pm; Fellowship Hall)
Sept 29—Sleeping Mat Making Workshop (6-7 pm; Chapel)
OCTOBER
Oct 1-31—Blanket & Sleeping Bag Drive (bins outside Fellowship Hall)
Oct 4-23—Trunk or Treat Candy Collection (outside 1st floor elevator)
Oct 4-23—Bring your Pastor Appreciation cards/letters (Mailboxes-1st Floor)
Oct 11—Small Group Fall Launch Lunch (12-1 pm; Room 101) → RSVP
Oct 17—Fall Church Work Day (8–11:30 am) → Sign up
Oct 18—Centennial Time Capsule submission deadline (Library, Room 212)
Oct 23—Trunk or Treat (6-8 pm) → More info or Volunteer
Oct 25-Nov 8—Angel Tree (Sundays 9-11 am; return gifts by 11/22; Fellowship Hall)
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 22—Christmas Decorating (12 pm; Sanctuary)
Nov 26—Thanksgiving Dinner (1 pm; Fellowship Hall) → RSVP
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.
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.
Trunk or Treat Volunteers & Trunk Hosts (Friday, Oct 23; 6–8 pm) Help us Love St. Pete at Trunk or Treat! Decorate your car and pass out candy as a trunk host, or sign up for a 30-minute shift helping with popcorn, cotton candy, parking, or welcoming guests. We also need a big crew for cleanup from 8–8:30 pm. Candy donations are welcome too — collection bin outside the 1st floor elevator beginning Oct 4. 👉 Click here to volunteer your car and/or your time or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org.
Angel Tree Volunteers Needed (Sundays, Oct 25 – Nov 8; return gifts by Nov 22) We're once again partnering with the Salvation Army to provide gifts for local families in need. Angels will be available for "adoption" in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, Oct 25 – Nov 8, 9–11 am, and we need volunteers to help make this happen! We need Angel Tree workers for 1-hour shifts between 9 and 11 am on Sundays, Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15 & 22. To volunteer, 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: Beef Stroganoff, Egg Noodles, Roasted Brussels, Apple Crisp
Kids: Chicken Tenders, Tater Tots, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie
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
