NEWS @ FIRST
August 20, 2021
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Photo by Michael Fingerle |
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Rally Day THIS Sunday, August 22
Sunday School Classes will begin August 29
Two-Service Worship Format
Resumes This Sunday, August 22
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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
9:00 a.m. in-person NewSong worship
in the Fellowship Hall
11:00 a.m. in-person traditional worship in the sanctuary
Online access beginning at 11:00 a.m.
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Updated Session COVID Policy
Masks are required 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.
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NEW Video/Discussion Series
Beginning THIS Sunday, August 22
10:20 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Join us, beginning THIS Sunday, August 22, 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.
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Adult Education Elective:
Following Jesus Today
Final Class This Tuesday, August 24
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 24: A Costly Commitment to Love
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
2021-2022 KICK-OFF
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AUGUST 22
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!
Family Photo Op! Bring your smiles! We will have a photo op area set up to capture the moment.
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!
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AUGUST 29
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.
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PDA is responding to the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti the morning of August 14, 2021 that has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. PDA is working closely with Presbyterian World Mission, their traditional partners on the ground and ACT Alliance, PDA is responding to emergency needs such as WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), emergency power generators, shelter, food, first aid and more. PDA is relying on the generosity of Presbyterians to provide financial and hands-on support to help the whole church stand with the country of Haiti as it responds to this devastating earthquake.
We would invite you to participate in disaster relief; please make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church and put “Earthquake Relief” in the memo line. You can donate online; go to www.firstpressarasota.org, select “Give Online,” enter dollar amount, “Select a fund” will be “Prsby.Dis.Asst,” in memo type “Earthquake Relief.” We will add your gift to the funds to be
remitted.
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Volunteer Day Trip to
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
Sponsored by
the Mission & Justice Committee
Wednesday, August 25
Work at Beth-El: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Beginning August 25, a group from First Presbyterian, Sarasota, will gather at Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma to volunteer sorting food or related activities on the last Wednesday of each month.
We will meet at Beth-El at 9:00 a.m. and work until 12:00 noon. This mission partner distributes food to help 600-900 folks each week—a lot of help is needed. To sign up or for more information, please contact Dave Householder at dphouse47@gmail.com; call or text (724) 462-4235. Let us know of your interest in carpooling. Come and be a part of making a difference!
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Tech Team Members Needed!
Are you interested in learning to operate our sound equipment, cameras, or media? You can have a ministry of tech support for our in-person and live-streamed services. This is an exciting time in the life of our church as we use technology to grow our congregation’s outreach. To get involved, call or text Jimi Camastro, our Tech Team Leader, at (941) 779-6754.
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20-Year 9/11 Commemoration Saturday, September 11
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sarasota National Cemetery
9810 State Road 72, Sarasota 34241
The Sarasota Ministerial Association is offering an outdoor service to the faith community; masks are recommended.
Also use this weblink if you would like to volunteer to sing in the community chorus, be a greeter/usher, or help with setup and take down.
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Invest in Children: Appreciation from the Brentwood Staff
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The picture above and message below appeared on FaceBook August 4, the day after our church presented the Brentwood Elementary School staff with a Welcome Back breakfast:
"HUGE “thank you” to First Presbyterian Church! They gave our staff a warm welcome back with a beautiful breakfast. We are so thankful for their commitment to loving on our staff and students.“
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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American Heart CPR Course taught by LifeTech Instructional Services will be at FPC Sarasota Wednesday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Be a life saver and register for a CPR Class in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $25 for a 2-year certification from American Heart Association. Each person will have their own manikin in a socially distanced environment. Please wear a mask. Contact Cheryl Track, (941) 320-3828, to register or for questions.
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College/Continuing Education / Technical School Scholarships
Scholarship money is available for the upcoming school year. Interested students and families should go to the website www.firstpressarasota.org, go to “Grow” tab and select “Young Adult” and print application. The application and transcripts must be received by Thursday, September 30. Transcripts, including those from the spring 2021 semester, should be included or forwarded as soon as available. Returning applicants need only to update their grades and contact information. All college and technical school students are encouraged to apply.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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