NEWS @ FIRST
August 6, 2021
This Sunday, August 8
Blessing of the Backpacks! 
Students of all ages, educators, and volunteers!
Bring your bag or backpack for a special blessing in 10:00 am worship. Kids will receive a special personalized backpack tag or lanyard for their bag. 
Also This Sunday:
Ordination and Installation of Carrie Mills
Elder in the Class of 2022
This Sunday we ordain and install recently elected elder, Carrie Mills. Carrie will be serving as co-moderator of the Education and Formation Committee, chairing the Children and Youth Ministry Team. Thank you for keeping Carrie—and all of our church officers—in your prayers as they provide leadership for our church.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 a.m. in-person worship in the sanctuary
Online access beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Two-Service Worship Format Resumes Sunday, August 15
We will return to a 9:00 a.m. contemporary worship service in the Fellowship Hall and an 11:00 a.m. traditional service in the sanctuary, beginning Sunday, August 15. Sunday school classes for all ages will be offered at 10:00 a.m.
Updated Session COVID Policy
Last Sunday, August 1, 2021, the session met and unanimously decided to require masks of all persons (over the age of two) who are on our campus, including outdoor gatherings. This is in response to the rapidly rising COVID-19 cases in our area and evidence that the Delta variant is more easily transmitted than previous strains (even by fully vaccinated, asymptomatic persons). An exception is granted for fully vaccinated adult groups who are working outside (with no children present). Such groups may decide together whether they intend to mask.

We do this out of concern:
  • for our children, who are not able to receive vaccinations;
  • for the most vulnerable members of our community, who may be at risk, even if vaccinated;
  • for the larger community, to help to slow the spread of the virus.
 
Your session is committed to remaining flexible to respond to circumstances as they change. Together we will navigate these challenges. We will worship with joy—whether online or in person—and give thanks in all circumstances. If there is any way that the church can be helpful to your household, please don’t hesitate to call the church office. We honor God as we care for each other.

(Current session members: Dick Clapp, Rebecca Clissold, Craig Gesell, David Gulliver, Dave Householder, Bob Kirkpatrick, Denise Landers, Annette Landes, Carol Papa, Lisa Saba, Sue Hargis Spigel, Kay Steinman, and Bob Wrobel)
MESSAGE FROM OUR
CHURCH OFFICER NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Through challenging times, First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota continues to be a strong and engaged congregation. As the Mission Study Team completes its work in the process toward calling our next Pastor/Head of Staff, it is now time for the Church Officer Nominating Committee to begin discerning those God is calling to lead us as the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). As we do so, we want to hear from all voices in our church. You can help us by sharing recommendations of possible nominees for the PNC. When suggesting a name, please indicate the potential nominee’s involvement at FPC (i.e., committees, ministry teams, social activities) and why you believe the potential nominee is best suited for this important work (specific qualifications and personal qualities).

Below are basic requirements for nominees:
· Willingness to listen
· Active support of FPC with a track record of commitment to our church
· Ability to honor the confidential nature of this position
· Willingness to share ideas and thoughts with the team
· Commitment to working as part of a supportive group
 
Other specific skills we are looking for as we consider nominees:
· Proficiency in online skills
· Strong organizational skills
· The gift of hospitality
· Interviewing skills
· Writing skills
 
For additional information, a link is provided below with the position description. Prior to suggesting a nominee, please confirm with the candidate that they would be interested in serving.
 
We are grateful for your nominations. Out of love for this congregation, many people have already expressed an interest in serving on the PNC. Please know that all names submitted will be prayerfully considered as the Church Officer Nominating Committee strives to discern whom God is calling to lead us in our search. Please send your recommendations to the Church Officer Nominating Committee co-moderators: Lisa Saba riclissaba@aol.com and Dick Clapp rtclapp@gmail.com. Lisa and Dick would also be happy to speak with you about any questions you may have regarding the nomination process or the particular position description. You may also use the link below to print a recommendation form to complete and submit.
 
Please submit your recommendations to Dick or Lisa no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 16, 2021. Thank you for your participation in this important process.
NEW Video/Discussion Series
Beginning NEXT Sunday, August 15 & continuing Aug. 22, 29; Sept. 5, 12 & 19 
10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
 
Join us for six weeks, beginning August 15, in the Fellowship Hall to watch a 10-14-minute video, followed by informal guided discussion and reflections, led by Michael Fingerle. Classes for adults of all ages. Come and relax, renew friendships, and make new friends!
 
NOOMA is a series of short films, by Rob Bell, exploring our world from a perspective of Jesus. The series promotes spiritual reflections on our own individual experiences. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. The name NOOMA comes from a Greek word meaning wind, spirit, or breath.
 
Rob Bell is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven books, including Drops Like Stars, Love Wins, and Everything Is Spiritual, and produces a podcast, The Robcast. In 2011 Time Magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. He lives with his family in Los Angeles.
Adult Education Elective
Following Jesus Today:
Challenges and Opportunities

Continuing This Tuesday, August 10
at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom

Participants are considering what following Jesus means—in our personal lives and for the church. We are reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities of modern-day discipleship. Elaine Barnett, an elder and a Certified Christian Educator, is the class leader. You can sign-up by emailing Elaine at: ewbarnet@me.com
 
Aug 10: What is Truth?
Aug 17: Show and Tell
Aug 24: A Costly Commitment to Love
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
2021-2022 KICK-OFF
AUGUST 15
RALLY DAY
 
All children, youth, volunteers, and their families (and all who want to experience the excitement) are invited to join us for RALLY DAY to kick off the beginning of Sunday School Season 2021-2022. Please meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:10 a.m. Meet your teachers, tour your classroom!
 
YOUTH Sign-Up - Come and build your activities for the year. Your opinion matters. Let us know what mission, fellowship and activities are important to you—sign-up!
AUGUST 22
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS
 
All Sunday School classes begin.

Please meet your teachers in the Fellowship Hall at 10:10 a.m. All students will meet their teachers and walk upstairs together.
 
Parents will sign in all
elementary students at this time.
Invest in Children
Thank you for the generosity and love you have shared with our mission partner, Brentwood Elementary School, by providing school supplies for the students! In addition to the many supplies brought to the church, checks and cash for over $1,500 made it possible to purchase even more of the needed supplies. Your gifts have made an impact!
Presbyterian Women Service Project
Tuesday, October 12
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Come and go as you are able

We are making breast surgery recovery pillows (that go underneath the arms or over the breast area to protect incisions) and fidget blankets (small tabletop or lap blankets with activities for dementia and Alzheimer patients to provide sensory and tactile stimulation for restless hands). All items will be donated to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. There is plenty to do in addition to sewing; no special skills required. Bring a sack lunch if you want to stay during the lunch break.

Donations of construction materials are needed. Click on the link below for a complete list. Please leave donations in the large PW bin in the mail room at the church office by Sunday, October 10. Be sure to call the church office to let us know you intend to attend (941) 955-8119. Come for some fun, fellowship and service! Questions? Contact Pamela Lamb at bmalp54@gmail.com.
Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN)
Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Read these important recommendations, restock your supply kit, and be aware of our church’s communication protocol.  
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:
We Care Posters
Click on the list below for a list of those who have recently, or are currently, hospitalized from our congregation who have been sent a personalized We Care poster-card on behalf of our church family. Please keep them in your prayers and consider sending a message of encouragement.
SunCoast Blood Drive at First Presbyterian
URGENT NEED
Sunday, August 29, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This month’s blood drive is in honor of our member, Cullen Sabin. Contact Cheryl Track at 4tracks@comcast.net or (941) 320-3828 to reserve your space. Masks are required. The Quick Pass allows you to begin the blood donation process at home the day of donation. Access Quick Pass at scbb.org/donor-quick-passhtml.
American Heart CPR Course taught by LifeTech Instructional Services will be at FPC Sarasota Wednesday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; more information coming soon.
The Cowden-Smith Library
Library open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
and on Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

There is a library book cart in the narthex with a varied selection of our newer books from which you can choose, including some children's books. No due dates; simply return when you finish with them. A sign-out sheet is on the cart.
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: All mail, including contribution checks, securely arrives to our church office.
Pastoral Care
When you or a loved one is hospitalized, it is important that you contact the church or one of the pastors to inform us directly and inform the hospital that you are a member of our congregation and would welcome a visit by one of our pastors. Hospitals will not contact the church. We have also discovered that some will no longer even list a patient as our church member on their internal records unless the patient is careful to note their relationship with our congregation. Thank you for your assistance.

We’re Here for You!
The FPC care team, Stephen Ministers, deacons, elders and church staff continue to be available for you. Please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse (941) 320-3828 or call the church office (941) 955-8119 if we can be of support to you.