What is it about light that draws us? I think it’s because we aren’t attracted to darkness. We yearn to be in the light and that is where we find joy in life. Jesus is the light of the world and my prayer for you is that you experience His light in such a profound way so that as you traverse in life, inch by inch, you experience love, hope, peace and joy each day.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Bob

This is the third week of our Advent sermon series: The Greatest Gift. When you think of Christmas, what immediately comes to mind? Some might say it's about the gifts. If that is truly the case we miss the meaning of the greatest day ever.  

The title of Pastor Bob's sermon this week is The Gift of Community. If you have ever tried to do the journey of life alone you already know how hard that can be. In fact, many would say, “to go it alone is impossible.” Others would say, “it takes a village.” The Christmas season reminds us that God truly created community as a gift to each and every one of us. Through community we find value and worth in life. Community also means we demonstrate the love of Jesus.     

The text for this week is John 13:34-35 NLT.

Don't miss the recap and excerpts from previous messages —click here to watch.

Did you miss last Sunday's sermon? Click here to watch or listen to previous sermons.

Reminder: If you are not feeling well or if you are otherwise unable to be with us in person, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

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. We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.



Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family meal



Wednesday Night Live and dinner are on Christmas break and will be back January 8.

Upcoming Events:

• THIS SUNDAY: Dec 15—The Little Drummer Dude Kids Musical in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm
• Sat Dec 21—The Longest Night: A Service of Hope and Healing through Music in the Sanctuary at 7 pm
• Tues Dec 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Family 4 pm - Contemporary 6 pm - Traditional 8 pm
• Sun Dec 29—10 am Unity Service, followed by a Reception for Pastor Margaret
• Classes & Groups beginning Wednesday, January 8: < Click here to sign up
• Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen: Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship (9:30-11 am)
• Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (6:30 pm)
• Women’s Bible Study with Patti Martin: The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life (6:30 pm)
• Band of Brothers: Men’s Group & Bible Study (6:30 pm)

• Jan 17-19—Women’s Retreat www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat (12/31 Deadline)
• Fri Mar 14-—Organ Concert with Samuel Metzger at 7 pm



Kid’s Musical: The Little Drummer Dude (Sunday 12/15 @ 6pm):

Come out and support our Children's Music Ministry as the kids present The Little Drummer Dude on Sunday, December 15 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, please bring a non-refrigerated dessert to share.

Christmas Poinsettia orders (Deadline extended: Tuesday Dec 17)

Reservation forms are in the Info Centers, order online, or call the church office: (727) 894-4661. Your poinsettias will decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas and may be picked up after the 8 pm Christmas Eve service. Poinsettias are $17 per plant. Printed flyers listing all flower dedications through this morning will be available this Sunday; Flowers ordered after that will be added to next Sunday's flyer.



The Longest Night: A Service of Hope and Healing (Saturday 12/21 @ 7pm)

Christmas brings joy, but for some it reminds us of great grief and longing. This musical service of healing is meant to worship while remembering our pain with honesty, seeking God’s beauty in our brokenness, and reclaiming the light only found in God’s grace.

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Tuesday, December 24

4 pm Family — 6 pm Contemporary — 8 pm Traditional

Reception for Pastor Margaret (Sunday Dec 29; after 10am Worship Service)

On Sunday, December 29 we will have ONE SERVICE, a Unity Service at 10 am, followed by a reception for Pastor Margaret in the Fellowship Hall. 

Women's Retreat (Jan 17-19, 2025) < Sign Up NOW! Deadline is 12/31

Join us for St. Pete First's bedazzling Women’s Retreat the weekend of January 17-19 at Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Conference Center in Fruitland Park, Florida. Click here for more information & to register online.



Wednesday classes & groups are back on Jan 8, 2025 < Sign Up NOW!

Click here for more information & to sign up online.



Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Sue Allen (Begins Wed Jan 8: 9:30-11 am; Room 208)

Psalms: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship, an 8-session study with video authored by Sandra Richter, addresses the questions ‘What makes the Psalms so special?’ and ‘What do the Psalms have to do with me today?’ She discusses the role of Psalms in the culture and worship practices of ancient Israel. As we connect with our ancestors in faith, we’ll discover how the Psalms can empower our prayer and worship. The required study guide includes lessons to be completed independently at home. On Wednesdays, we’ll gather for the video presentation and discussion. To reserve a study guide or for more information, contact Sue Allen (sallen0903@gmail.com or 727-418-8155). Click here to sign up.

Pastor Bob’s Bible Study: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Chapel)

Our decisions don't just affect our present circumstances; they radiate into our future. Most of the time, it's impossible to know what will come of the decisions we make. But this doesn't have to paralyze you. You can train yourself to ask well-placed, appropriately timed, thought-provoking questions that will result in stronger decisions and fewer disappointments down the road.

In this six-week Bible study, author and pastor Andy Stanley gives you five key questions to ask when you have a decision to make and you're not sure what to do (or even if you think you do know what to do!). These five simple questions will empower you to:

• Pause when feeling tension over a decision
• Take the long view
• Look for the wise option
• Focus on the relational impact of decisions

Every decision we make impacts our stories and the stories of those closest to us. It's time to start deciding with our heads instead of with our guts. Click here to sign up.

Patti Martin’s Women’s Bible Study (Begins Jan 8: 6:30 pm; Room 208)

The Bible study The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life by Cindi Wood is based on Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God”. This thought-provoking, yet lighthearted, study helps women discover practical, biblical help to confront issues that otherwise leave them discouraged. It helps participants develop Biblical skills to handle stressful situations, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and ultimately experience peace, joy, and a saner lifestyle. Click here to sign up

TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.

Communion Stewards Needed

We need more Communion Stewards to help prepare and clean up after communion once a month. Contact Kendra Aumack for more information or to volunteer.

Job Openings at St. Pete First