First Presbyterian Church Sarasota

NEWS @ FIRST
October 16, 2020
You can view the worship service
beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Join us whenever is best for your schedule.
Updates from the Session
and Administrative Commission
The latest information from the Session and Administrative Commission, dated August 17, 2020, can be readily accessed on First Presbyterian’s website home page, using the weblink below:
Message from the Designated Associate Pastor
Nominating Committee

The DAPNC has begun its process. Click on the link below to read the letter from the committee to the congregation:
Photo above: Harrington family
Backpack Blessing

Stewardship 2021
Faith development is a life-long journey — from the very youngest to our older members.. Our faith is nurtured through experiences with our church family. To participate in a church community is to know the love of Christ. We grow spiritually from our teachings and intergenerational experiences, and by sharing our faith journeys.
Photo above: Grace and Gratitude adult education online class

We will celebrate Commitment Sunday in two weeks on November 1. Please join us as we witness to God's transforming power and love.
We want to see YOU at our virtual Coffee Hour
Coming Sunday, November 8 to 10:30 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour:
Uriel Zelaya-Perez, the National Faith Coordinator with the Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) and a farmworker from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), will join us for a conversation about the conditions that farmworkers face and how we can continue to support CIW's mission.
Congregational Survey - Join the Conversation
Our Reopening Task Force continues to discuss options for in-person services and other gatherings. The Session is inviting all in our congregation to join this conversation by completing a survey. We value your voice. Please open the link below to share your ideas as we plan ahead together.
Happy Friday First Press Families,

We are getting prepared for this week’s lessons:

Preschool though first grade will be hearing the stories of Naomi and Ruth from the book: Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19, which explain the custom of gleaning and learn how important it is to help others and show kindness.

Second though Fifth grade will be discussing Abram and Sarai. They will explore their journey and will wonder together what it must have been like for Abram and Sarai to go to a new place where they knew no one but each other and the family that moved with them. 

Middle school begins a new journey in their faith learning. Over the next six weeks they will be asking; Where is God?, Who is God, Why Did God Allow Sin into the World?, Does God Know What Will Happen Before It Happens?, Does God Cry When We Cry and Laugh When We Laugh?, Why Do People Believe (or Not Believe) In God?

Confirmation class this week will be participating in “Breakout Rooms” and begin outlining their Faith Statements. Thank you to Elaine Barnett, George Chorba, Floyd Churn and Margret Torrance for guiding the Confirmands on their journey.

If you were unable to attend last week please join us this week, as we continue our journey to get to know one each other, become closer to God and make a connection with each other that will truly be discussed for years! We can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Peace and Grace,

Lydia Chapdelain
Pre-K – 2nd grade
Leaders: Rebecca Clissold, Lydia Chapdelain, Haleigh Smoot
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings
3rd – 5th grade
Leaders: Sue Nurczyk, Mariah Martin, Lauren Reasoner
9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Middle School Youth
Leaders: Darla Gulliver and Scott McLeod
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Confirmation Class
Leaders: Jessica Armstrong and Abbey Tyrna
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
We have just placed our first order of Advent Boxes and if you did not have the change to sign up for one, there is still time. Please use the link below and sign up by 10/31/2020 to receive your very own Advent Season Workshop in a box. for you to share with family and friends.
Remember:

1.   We would like everyone to participate in this event and sign up for a box!!! If you are unable to cover the cost, let us know, thanks to some generous donations, we want you to know that we have you covered, just let us know.

2.   If you are unable to come to the church and pick up your box, we will deliver one to you!
A Place for You! Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl artisans meet on Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m. via Zoom. If you can knit, crochet,  or use other means to make small blankets or shawls consider sharing your talent. The prayer shawls are given to comfort those from our congregation in need, whether through illness or bereavement.

As a way of honoring the legacy of Marti Clapp, long-time prayer shawl coordinator and knitting contributor, we would like to keep this unique ministry active. If you are interested, please contact Becky Fingerle, deacon liaison (phone: 423-280-5561 or email: becky.fingerle@gmail.com). To receive the weblink for the Zoom meeting, contact Meg Larrabee (phone: 703-581-2713 or email: meglarrabee@hotmail.com).
Mary-Martha Circle Meets October 21
Mary-Martha circle meets via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome to join the meeting. The lesson will be on Martin Luther and Lutheran Traditions led by Jinny Miller. The study guide, The Protestant Reformations by Donald K. McKim, can be purchased online from pcusa.org and costs $8.95 (product# 624000). Contact Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@tampabay.rr.com to request the Zoom meeting invitation. 


Peace River Presbytery PW Fall Workshop - October 31
Please join fellow women of Peace River Presbytery on Saturday, October 31 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Zoom. The theme of the meeting is "Women Interacting in a Virtual World." There will be a devotional, some mini-workshops and sharing time. Please join the meeting to learn what other PW groups are doing, get ideas for future gatherings, and have fun reconnecting with our sisters in local congregations.

Click below for the Zoom link, using Meeting ID: 848 5542 2199
Passcode: 946512
Presbyterian Women's Thank Offering
The PW Thank Offering is received annually in the fall. This offering is a tangible way to express gratitude for the special blessings in our lives. The offering has made possible projects addressing issues including agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence and women's concerns. At least 40 percent of this offering supports health ministries throughout the world. The remaining 60 percent funds new creative ideas for mission. 

To contribute to this year's Thank Offering, send your check made out to Presbyterian Women, with “Thank Offering” in the memo line, to the attention of Mary Webb. This year's grant recipients include Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center.

For a complete list of grant recipients go to 
Monthly PW Gathering - November 2
The next gathering is on Monday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. We will dedicate our annual Thank Offering. Matthew Shick, the acting executive director at Cedarkirk will join us and tell us how their Thank Offering grant money will be used. We will also present the lifetime membership award. You are welcome to linger after the meeting for a time of fellowship.
The Zoom link is
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank Is Going Strong!
Our new partnership with All Faiths Food Bank as an emergency food distribution site is now into its second month. The food distribution is by drive-through with volunteers loading cars as clients circle in the parking lot during the allotted time. It is exciting to serve our many community neighbors who are receiving food. Dave Householder and Bob Kirkpatrick, Co-moderators of the Mission and Justice Committee, are liaisons for this ministry.
Please consider becoming a part of this exciting new ministry
to our community!
Sign up NOW to volunteer at First Presbyterian's
ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK
EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITE  
   
Volunteers are needed each Thursday.
Task options include sorting and distributing food, setting up,
cleaning up and directing traffic.

New times for volunteers!

First, third and fifth Thursdays:
Now 2 shift options:
 8:30-10:00 am – set-up
10:00-11:30 am - distribution

Second and fourth Thursdays:
Now 2 shift options:
3:30–5:00 pm - set-up
5:00-6:30 pm - distribution

All safety measures are in place:
Masks and closed-toe shoes required for volunteers;
gloves and hand sanitizer provided;
masks required for walk-up food recipients

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact
Bob Kirkpatrick, rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 761-2455
or Dave Householder, dphouse47@gmail.com or (724) 462-4235

TO SIGN UP, click the link below
Invest in Children

Even though COVID-19 has caused us to temporarily suspend our volunteer involvement at Brentwood Elementary School, we can show our support for our mission partner in other ways. One of these ways is through the BoxTops for Education program. It’s easy! 

Here’s how:
DOWNLOAD the app — BoxTops for Education or BTFE.com — 
       on your smartphone.
SELECT Brentwood Elementary School, Sarasota to earn cash
      for the school.
BUY BoxTops products such as
 
Cereal      
Green Giant fresh or frozen veggies 
Lysol cleaning products
Nature Valley snacks   
Scott tissue
Lysol cleaning products
Hefty paper products or trash bags
Ziploc products

SCAN your grocery store receipt using the app to snap a photo of your receipt within 14 days of purchase, and you’ll EARN cash for Brentwood! Each BoxTop earns 10 cents for the school. Every BoxTop helps.

Thank you!
Preschool News
At First Presbyterian Preschool, we Stretch Strong to #GrowStrong! Sensory play is a huge part of what we do here and it stretches our preschoolers to build their vocabularies, their scientific thinking, and even increase the nerve connections in their brains!

 
Giving Options
Please continue to mail your contributions to us at the church or donate online. Your gifts make a great difference during this challenging season.

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.
Remembering Our Church Family in Prayer
Thank you for upholding members of our congregation with special prayer needs during this time. Click on the attached link for a complete list:
Our Condolences
Our prayers are with the family of Jo Weiss, Jo died Friday, October 9, 2020, at Landis Homes, Lititz, PA. Jo and her husband, Bill (who died in 2016), were active members of our church since 2005. The family will have a small, private memorial service.

Donations in memory of Jo may be made to Caring Fund at Landis Homes, First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota or Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Jo’s daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Ken Miller, 544 Gralan Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Jo’s obituary may be accessed with the following weblink:
FPC Blood Drive - SAVE THE DATE

The next blood drive is Sunday, December 6—mark your calendar!
First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
We have had an amazing start to the Grow Strong campaign. Over $15,000 has been given to First Presbyterian Preschool.
The staff and the families are very grateful to the individuals and families who have contributed to our preschool community. 
If you have not had the opportunity to donate, please consider how you can help offset the anticipated decrease in needed income due to lowered enrollment this fall (from the impact of COVID-19). You can be a part of helping our preschool continue to GROW STRONG with gifts over-and-above your regular church offering.
 
For online donations, use the weblink below. Thank you again for keeping our church / preschool community STRONG!

Grace and peace,

Clare Carter, Preschool Director
NAMI Sarasota – Two Free Educational Opportunities

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week education program beginning October 26 (6:30-9:00 p.m.) for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness. Learn how best to support your child at home, at school and when they’re getting medical care. The course is taught by a trained, experienced team. The program provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery. For more information or to register for NAMI Basics, click below: 
NAMI Family & Friends is a free 90-minute seminar on October 28, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. It informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. It’s also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support. The seminar is led by trained, experienced people who will walk you through the following topics:
 
· Understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery
· Effective communication strategies
· The importance of self-care
· Crisis preparation strategies
· NAMI and community resources
 
For more information or to register, click below:
You may also contact Taylor Walker, Program Coordinator, at info@namisarasotacounty.org or (941) 444-3428.
We’re Here for You!
The FPC care team, Stephen Ministers, deacons, elders and church staff want you to know we are here for you. Please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Track, faith community nurse (941) 320-3828 if we can be of support to you.

Hurricane Preparedness
We are in the midst of Hurricane season. Be sure to check your hurricane supplies and fine tune your evacuation plans.

For information and resources check out Sarasota County Emergency Services.