Grounded in Jesus’ teaching to pray (Matthew 6:9–10) and the story of Nehemiah (chapters 1–2), we’ll see how deep prayer aligns our hearts with God, breaks our hearts for what breaks God’s, and gives us the courage to act when God calls. Like Nehemiah, we are invited not only to pray for God’s work in the world, but to become part of God’s answer to those prayers.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Carey

This is the second week of our sermon series, Ask, Seek, Knock. Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. These words from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:7-8) not only encourage persistent prayer, but they proclaim a faith in a loving God who responds.

Pastor Carey's sermon title this week is "As It Is In Heaven." When we pray “On Earth as it is in Heaven,” we are not asking God to do everything while we wait – we are inviting God’s reign to break in and committing ourselves to live it out. Prayer is not passive wishing, but it is active alignment with God’s will. We see this illustrated in the life of Nehemiah, when his prayer guides him and his people to collective action towards God’s will. Prayer reveals what breaks God’s heart, clarifies God’s will, and empowers us to become the answer.

The text for this week is Matthew 6:9-10, Nehemiah 1-Nehemiah 2 NIV.

We are in the process of installing new speakers in our sanctuary, so you'll see lots of evidence of that this Sunday. Please excuse the scaffolding as we work to improve our sound system!

Want to see recaps 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 traveling, not feeling well, or if you are otherwise unable to be with us in person, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

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.

Localtopia (Saturday, Feb 14; 10 am-5 pm)

We need volunteers to help out for an hour at our Localtopia booth right outside the church as we join with the community to celebrate all things local and spread our message to LOVE.ST.PETE.  CLICK HERE to volunteer for an hour. Setup is at 8 am; booth is open during Localtopia hours 10 am - 5 pm, followed by a quick breakdown. We will have reserved parking for volunteers, and you can keep your parking spot and explore Localtopia after your volunteer time is complete.

Office Volunteer Needed (Wednesday afternoons 1-5 pm)

We’re looking for a friendly face to serve as our Office Volunteer on Wednesdays from 1-5 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 the church: church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661. 

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



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

FEBRUARY 2026

Feb 8—Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 am; 1st Floor Nurse's Area

Feb 14—Localtopia 10am - 5 pm (Volunteer here)

Feb 18—Ash Wednesday

————Drive-By Ashes 11:45am – 1:15pm

————Ash Wednesday Worship 6:30 pm

Feb 22—Discover First (www.stpetefirst.org/discoverfirst)

————Chili Cook-Off 6 pm

MARCH 2026

Mar 18—No Wednesday Night Live - Spring Break

Mar 28—Spring Picnic 4-6 pm

Mar 29—Palm Sunday

Mar 31—Scholarship Deadline

SUMMER (registration begins March 8)

June 15-19—VBS

July 13-17—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 1

——————Elementary Creator’s Workshop: Experiences in Music, Theatre & Dance

July 20-24—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 2

——————Elementary Art Camp

Soup-er Bowl of Caring (through February 25)

Celebrate our Centennial by honoring the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s! Canned and dried goods sustained families through the Great Depression and World War II, representing perseverance and community care. Join us as we empower our youth to make a lasting impact by collecting 3 tons of canned and dried goods for the St. Pete Free Clinic this year. Blue collection bins are in the Fellowship Hall & WhereHouse. Together, we can turn compassion into action and serve our community in a meaningful way. 



Localtopia (Saturday, Feb 14; 10 am-5 pm) Join us from 10am-5pm at Williams Park and surrounding streets as we join with the community to celebrate all things local! We will have a booth near the front steps of the church so we can spread our message to LOVE.ST.PETE.  CLICK HERE to volunteer for an hour.



Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, Feb 18)

Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday February 18. We will offer drive-through Ashes-to-Go in our parking lot at lunchtime on Ash Wednesday from 11:45 am-1:15 pm. In addition, don't miss our Ash Wednesday Worship service that evening at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. If you can, please join us before the service at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for our regular Wednesday Night Dinner.



Discover First (Sunday, Feb 22; 10:45am-1pm)

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to sign up & for more info



Chili Cook-Off (Sunday, Feb 22; 6 pm; Fellowship Hall)

It's that time again! Start practicing your best recipes and get ready to cook on Sunday Feb. 22. Prizes for chili, corn bread, guacamole, queso, salsa, decor, & costumes. Click here for more info (and to sign your entries up).



Calling All Students! Scholarships (apply Feb 1-Mar 31)

Are you a church member who is currently attending or bound for college or vocational school? Applications for St. Pete First Scholarships will be accepted beginning February 1st. Completed applications, along with supporting documents, must be delivered to the church office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 31. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form.



Prayer Initiative

Do you have a prayer request? Let us pray for you & your loved ones!

On Sunday morning you can leave written requests at the table under the big heart (organ side). Complete an online prayer request anytime: click here to send a prayer request.

Lenten Prayer Gathering (Thursdays beginning 2/19; 12-1 pm; Parlor-Room 214)

Join us for a Lenten Prayer Gathering every Thursday in Lent, beginning February 19th. We will meet Thursdays in the Parlor from 12:00-1:00 pm to pray, reflect, and connect during the Lenten season. There will be time for guided prayer, small group prayer, and quiet reflection. We will pray for our congregation, our church, and our world.

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

(Click here to see classes & activities)

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

Adults: Lasagna, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Toast, Chocolate Mousse

Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Cookie

Job Openings at St. Pete First

JOIN OUR TEAM: Preschool Coordinator

We have an opening leading the preschool age children on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Approximately 10 hours per week plus special events. Contact Lora Ulrich at lulrich@stpetefirst.org for more information.

JOIN OUR TEAM: Director of Worship Technology (Full-Time)

St. Pete First is seeking a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven individual to serve as Director of Worship Technology. This person will lead all aspects of worship production, from audio, video, and lighting to live-streaming and digital worship media. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center

JOIN OUR TEAM: Facility Maintenance Specialist (Part-Time)

St. Pete First is seeking a dependable, motivated individual to serve as a part-time Facility Maintenance Specialist. In this essential role, you’ll tackle a wide range of tasks—from general building repairs to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems—helping support the vibrant ministries and daily life of our church campus. For more information, visit www.stpetefirst.org/job-center