9/7/25 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

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

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Hey Friends!

This week we kicked off our Wednesday Night Live midweek dinner and classes, and I have to say it was outstanding!  Lots of new faces in the room as we caught up on conversations and made new friends. Kudos to our preschool staff as they took the lead in serving along with inviting parents and kids to come check things out.

I have to say the night went well until we had to make paper airplanes and throw them for distance. I meticulously made mine to the highest of standards, measuring each fold just right. When it came time to launch the plane I have to say, instead of a graceful trajectory, mine instead twirled in a circles and fell to the ground! I finished last.

With God, you never finish last. In fact, you are always on top because no matter how your day goes, God will lift you up! Isn’t that great?

See you Sunday,

— Pastor Bob    

13th Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

September 7, 2025

*Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

Prelude

“Peaceful Meditation II” by Paul Fey

Rick Nay, organ

*Call to Worship Rev. Carey Taylor

Leader: You are called the Prince of Peace. 

People: Only You change callous conflict to constructive conversation.

Leader: Peace is more than the absence of war. 

People: Your peace is wholeness and healing. 

All: Thanks be to God!   

*Hymn of Praise

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”     Hymn # 89

*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.

(11:00) Sacrament of Baptism  

Halston Sage Murray

Parents: Courtney Parker Murray & Robert Langdon Murray

Maternal Grandparents: Melinda Parker Comeau & John Edward Comeau

Paternal Grandparents: Roy Alexander Murray & Nancy Hixon Murray

(11:00) Anthem

“All Creatures of Our God and King” arr. Jay Althouse

Chancel Choir

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

“In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townsend

Ginny Cannon, soloist

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

“Spirit of the Living God”     Hymn # 393

Sermon

“Let’s Talk: Peace Can Bite"     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 10:34-39 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

*Hymn of Dedication

“Lead On, O King Eternal”     Hymn # 580

*Benediction

Postlude  

“The Trumpet of Faith” by James Southbridge 

Rick Nay, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Esther Ulrich’s birthday on September 7, from the Ulrich family.

Our acolytes this week are Trent & Blake Cole.

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 7, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Band

“Lion and the Lamb” 

“You Keep on Getting Better”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Holy Spirit”  

Sermon

“Let’s Talk: Peace Can Bite"     Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 10:34-39 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Good Good Father” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Esther Ulrich’s birthday on September 7, from the Ulrich 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.

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

NOTICE:  Our fire alarm system is currently offline. For your safety, the Fire Department has approved a fire watch protocol for the building. This protocol is always in place whenever the building is occupied. If you have any questions please contact Derek Weston, Sr Director of Ministry and Church Operations 727-894-4661 x2134

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.

Street Ministry Volunteers Needed

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 support this outreach, contact the church office at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.

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: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Tacos, Pineapple Slaw, Ranch-Style Beans, Cilantro Rice, Apple Crisp

Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

August 31 Worship 405  In Person / 426  Online

Groups 141

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)

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

• TONIGHT Sept 7————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 1-31—Beans & Jeans Collection for migrant workers

• 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)

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 -Library-Room 212 (on break: hoping to return soon!)

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 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

10:15 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