Sometimes all it takes is a steady star, a small light in the chaos, to reveal that He has been with us all along.

Come ready to be encouraged, strengthened, and reminded that God’s perfect love doesn’t just calm our fears… it drives them out.

Don't miss this hope-filled finale. Invite someone who needs courage for their journey. Together, let’s step boldly into a future where fear does not have the final word.

In Christ,

Pastor Elyse

This is the last week of our Advent sermon series, Fear Not! We live in a time that seems to be playing off our fears. Families are being separated, a widening economic gap in classes is growing, questions of truth versus reality are some of the many things leading many to approach the Christmas season with fear. The Christmas story is quite the opposite. The angels of heaven come and proclaim a message of hope calling for life’s fears to abate. It’s time to Fear Not!

Pastor Elyse's sermon title this week is "Fear Not! Jesus Holds Your Future." Often we are fearful of the success or failure in our future. Fear causes us to freeze, fight, or take flight! In this sweeping epiphany story we are invited to a new way of thinking, a new way of being in a brand new world. We, like the figures in the story, fight against powers that seek to destroy. Even when the world seems topsy turvy, danger at every turn, darkness seems to overwhelm, Jesus is always there, sometimes it just takes a steady star to see it.

The text for this week is Matthew 2:1-15 NRSV.

Offering envelopes for 2026 (for those who requested them) are on the table behind the sanctuary (2nd floor hallway). In alpha order by last name.

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.

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 the church office: church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661

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



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

Jan 1—Church office closed - New Year’s Day

Jan 11—Grand Centennial Celebration 6-8 pm

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

Jan 14—Wednesday Night Live returns

Jan 19—Church office closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan 23-25, 2026—Women’s Retreat (www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat)

Grand Centennial Celebration (Sunday, January 11; 6-8 pm; Fellowship Hall)

Join us for a grand Centennial Celebration of our historic church building. We'll have supper with jazz music, dancing, and more! Cost is $8 per person or $30 for a family. Please RSVP by Thursday Jan 8. Click here to RSVP and pay.



2026 Women's Retreat: Joy in the Journey (January 23-25, 2026)

Join us for St. Pete First's second annual women's retreat January 23-25, 2026 at Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Conference Center in Fruitland Park, FL. Registration is open at www.stpetefirst.org/womensretreat

Historic Photos & Stories Needed

We’re getting ready for our Centennial Celebration and we need stories and photos! If you have old or historic photos or stories about St. Pete or the life of our church, we’d love to have a copy for our archives. Contact the church office: church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661.



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



Ladies of Light (LOL) (Tuesdays 9-10:30 am; Room 208)

Christian author Nancy Gainor is leading a women’s Bible study group entitled Ladies of Light (LOL). Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. Whether you are a beginner who has never read scripture or a seasoned believer with a frayed Bible, you are welcome in this class. You do not have to be a member of St. Pete First to attend so feel free to invite friends. Join us when you are able and experience Christian fellowship while immersing yourself in God’s Word.

Echo the Word of God is an eight-week course written by Nancy Gainor. This study reveals insights, messages, circumstances, and characteristics of four women and four men who are major and minor prophets in the Bible. God’s truth echoes through the generations and as we read the Bible, His words leap off the delicate page and into our hearts. These chosen individuals have shaped Biblical history, and their fascinating stories allow us to delve into their lives and understand God’s will as it applies to each one of us. The only material necessary is a Bible and a smile.

Click here to Sign Up

Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study—Parables: The Greatest Stories Ever Told (Wednesdays 9:30-11 am, Room 208)



In this 12-session Bible study, led by Sue Allen, we will explore twelve of the most remarkable stories ever told. We all love a good story. But the parables of Jesus are even better than that. They sneak up on us, catching us off guard and toppling our easy assumptions. When the familiar takes an unexpected twist, we find our secret thoughts exposed to the healing light of Jesus. This twelve-session LifeGuide Bible Study introduces twelve of the greatest stories ever told. How might your life be changed through them? For more information, contact Sue Allen (sallen0903@gmail.com or 727-418-8155).

Sign Up Here or call the church office to sign up and reserve a book. Class will begin January 7.

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 14.  See below for info on the upcoming classes beginning in January.



Cracking the Code-a Study in Revelation with Pastor Bob

(Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Chapel)

Fact or fiction? End times or a letter written to raise hope within the church? Many believe the Book of Revelation is a book of mystery and one whose message is of impending doom upon the world. For centuries, people have tried their best to unlock the code. But what if it’s simpler than we think? Maybe instead of hype and hearsay the Book of Revelation isn’t what you think?

Join Pastor Bob for a historical critical breakdown of Apocalyptic writing and its effect on the church as we understand what is really going on.

Materials needed: Bible, writing pen and an open mind to what this book is all about.

Sign up Here. Class will begin January 14.



Deepen Your Prayer. Strengthen Your Practice. (with Pastor Carey)
(Wednesdays @6:30 pm; Room 208)

Are you longing for a richer, more meaningful connection with God? Join Pastor Carey for a special class designed to help our church community curate a spirit of deepening prayer and practice. Together, we’ll explore fresh ways to encounter God, cultivate stillness, and grow in spiritual depth—both personally and as a congregation.

✨ What to Expect:

• Practical tools for deepening your prayer life

• Guided reflections and shared experiences

• Inspiration for sustaining spiritual rhythms in daily life

👥 Open to everyone—whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to renew your practice. Come ready to listen, learn, and be transformed. Let’s create space for the Spirit to move among us.

Sign Up Here. Class will begin January 14.



Discover Faith. Strengthen Foundations. Begin the Journey.

(with Pastor Elyse) (Wednesdays @6:30 pm; location TBA)

Whether you’re new to Christianity or ready to take a fresh look at what you believe, Beginnings is the perfect place to start. This engaging class helps you explore key scriptures and timeless Christian truths through honest conversations and thought-provoking questions like, “Who is Jesus, and why should I care?” Come ready to grow, ask questions, and build a stronger foundation for your faith. Your journey begins here! 

Sign Up Here. Class will begin January 14.



Band of Brothers Men’s Bible Study

(Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm; Room 214-Parlor)

Our focus — get to know Jesus better and grow closer to each other as we grow close to Christ. We try hard to determine during every session… what does it say…what does it mean…and what does it mean to me (a life application)? We will be studying the Gospel of Mark. All men are welcome!

Sign Up Here. Class will begin January 14.

Job Openings at St. Pete First