We are making progress with 2021 pledges received, but still have significant ground to cover. Pledges can be made online, or by calling Lisa Garcia in the finance office, or by filling out a pledge card. Please call us at (941) 955-8119, if you need one mailed to you. With so much uncertainty in the world, the faithfulness of this community means so much. We are grateful for your persistent witness.

Scott Sabin has served as CEO, and formerly Executive Director, of Plant With Purpose (www.plantwithpurpose.org) since 1995. Plant With Purpose is an international Christian organization that empowers poor farmers around the world, in places where poverty and deforestation intersect. Combining savings groups with agroforestry, regenerative agriculture and Christian outreach, Plant With Purpose operates long-term watershed-focused programs in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania, Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, and Thailand. Plant With Purpose has empowered farmers in more than 900 communities to plant 38 million trees and dramatically reduce poverty. 

Hello, First Presbyterian Families!

With the hope that we can be together soon, we are beginning the conversation with you about your family's interest in Montreat this summer.

We have been in communication with Hope Barker, Montreat Youth Conference Registrar. Montreat is planning (with some modifications) for the conference to be in session this summer.

We would like to have feedback ASAP. Rachel Martin and I are working on lodging and transportation. We need to have an idea of how many students would like to join in this adventure.

The deposit is the same as in the past: $100—and that can be sent in on or before March 1, 2021. If we submit our registration before April 1, we will receive a nice discount.

Let us know your thoughts. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

Grace and peace,

Montreat Youth Conference is a unique gathering of young people from all over the country for a week of study, worship, small groups, and recreation. 

Sunday, February 7 is Super Bowl Sunday.

Remember to make your donations toward the “Souper Bowl of Caring.” Please make your check out to First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota with “Souper Bowl” in the memo line. You can also donate online (www.firstpressarasota.org select online giving and select “Souper Bowl” for fund).

Mark your calendar for our FPC Rise Against Hunger event on Sunday, April 18!

Save these dates

and check future emails for details:  

PW Annual Presbytery Gathering on Zoom

PW Presbytery Spring Retreat

at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center

The association has partnered with a local farm to deliver egg-laying chickens. At a cost of only $40, a family receives 3 chickens, feed for a month and instructions for building a coop and caring for the chickens. Another program of the association provides a nutritious drink called incaparina that has proven very beneficial to the malnourished children.

If you want to make a donation to support either of these projects, make your check payable to Presbyterian Women and mail it to Mary Webb, 3016 21^st Court W, Bradenton, FL 34205-4300. Please put MAM DONATION in the memo line of your check. Any amount is welcomed.

Those with a Mam prayer partner are encouraged to continue to pray daily for her and to write her a letter. Send your letter to Cindie at CindieMoore@yahoo.com. If you don't have a prayer partner, send Cindie your picture so she can match you with one during her next trip to Guatemala.

Please join us on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom as we welcome a representative from the Sarasota Senior Friendship Center to our meeting. The center's mission is to promote health, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging. Their vision is to deliver comprehensive services that enrich the lives of older adults and their families by providing medical and dental services, caregiving, meals, exercise classes, lifelong learning, economic assistance and socialization. The link to the Zoom meeting is:

It's time to order PW study guides for the fall. The 2021-2022 Horizon Bible study is, What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning From Women in Matthew's Genealogy, by Merryl Blair. If you would like a study guide ordered for you, please send a check payable to Presbyterian Women for $10 (or $15 for large-print) to Mary Webb, 3016 21st Court W, Bradenton, FL 34205-4300. Please put STUDY GUIDE in the memo line of your check.

The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available quickly to both healthcare workers and older adults. It’s okay if you have some questions or concerns about the vaccine, but it’s not okay to look for correct information from the wrong sources.

Empower yourself and learn from Allecia Harley, an epidemiologist and the founder/CEO of Prevention Advisory Group, as she covers the basics - and not so basics - of the COVID-19 vaccine.

You’ll learn things like:

Allecia will also be available to answer your questions. Let’s all learn together so you can feel confident with your vaccination decision.

For more information, call: (316) 616-6288. Sponsored by The Windsor at Lakewood Ranch Senior Living. To register, click the link below:

Our speaker, Andrea Peaten, Community Immunizations Liaison of the Florida Department of Health, Pinellas County, will discuss:

Please register using the link below.

Please contact Cheryl Track, faith community nurse, for questions, 4tracks@comcast.net

The Department of Health in Manatee County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 or older, by appointment Click HERE or go to their website for more information (https://mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/coronavirus_information/covid-19_vaccine ).

The Department of Health in Sarasota County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 and older, by appointment only. Sarasota County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Sarasota County for their second round (28 days after the first appointment). Click HERE or go to sarasota.floridahealth.gov for more information. 

I know we are all anxious about getting the COVID vaccine as soon as possible. I want to caution you that states are offering vaccines for free, not the federal government. Some counties are using Eventbrite to register; please note there is NO CHARGE to register. Anyone asking for money in exchange for an appointment is a SCAM. Please report suspicious solicitation to the Attorney General's Office, 866-9N0-SCAM. 

This study focuses on key theological issues including the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit and the ways these understandings matter in our Christian lives in the church and world today. Using scripture, music and conversation, this series will continue for the next three Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. The classes are led by Elaine Barnett.

You can sign-up by emailing Elaine at ewbarnet@me.com

ewbarnet@me.com

Looking for something to do? Make a difference in someone’s life and in your community by becoming a volunteer driver!

The group meets via Zoom the third Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Email info@dysphagiadigest.com if you are interested in participating or have questions. 

Thursday Mornings ONLY: 8:45 - 11:30 am

Online: If you are interested in giving electronically through our secure e-giving process, please visit FirstPresSarasota.org and select the online giving button.

Texting: Are you interested in the convenience of contributing by text message? Text FPC2050 to 73256 to donate via text. Standard rates may apply.

Mail In: During this time when the church campus is closed, all mail, including contribution checks, securely arrive to our church office.

Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.

Lather Up: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.