First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota
NEWS @ FIRST
October 2, 2020
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You can now watch the worship service
any time, starting at 7:00 am on Sunday morning.
No more waiting until 11:00 am!
Join us whenever it works for your schedule - just join us!
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World Communion Sunday - This Sunday, October 4
On World Communion Sunday, we gather in unity with believers around the world to break the bread of life and drink from the cup of salvation. We gather in suffering, celebration, and hope, remembering that in a broken and fearful world, God’s call for justice and healing continues to give life and purpose to the church.
World Communion Sunday draws the global community of believers together to proclaim God’s reign over the powers that threaten the world. As we gather around a table that knows no bounds, we remember our communal commitment to live boldly, with courage and hope, as witnesses to the resurrection.
This Sunday we gather in our own homes, each supplying our own bread, our own cup. Jesus used what was common to his culture, what was close at hand. He wanted us to know that the ordinary stuff of life carries God’s blessing and provision to us. God’s invitation, through Jesus, is simultaneously universal and particular. As you bring what you have, join our service of worship at the moment you feel called, participating joyfully in a feast that will be happening all day, all night, all over the globe.
Peace and Global Witness Special Offering
A gift to the Peace and Global Witness Offering supports the efforts of the church at every level and provides witness to God’s gift of peace in the world. Gifts to the offering are divided as follows: 25% is retained by FPC Sarasota for support of our own peacemaking ministry and 25% is used to support presbytery and synod peacemaking efforts. The remaining 50% is forwarded to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program to be used to advocate for peace and justice.
Our church’s 25% portion will be sent to Second Chance - Last Opportunity in the Newtown area of Sarasota. We are receiving this special offering this Sunday on World Communion Sunday, October 4, and in the week ahead. We hope everyone will give generously.
Second Chance - Last Opportunity’s Vital Service
to the Community
Second Chance - Last Opportunity (SCLO) was featured last month in the online Suncoast.com news. The article tells that on Wednesdays and Fridays, a purple building off Martin Luther King Way in the Newtown community is buzzing with activity. The office of SCLO is serving hot plates and handing out groceries and basic supplies for those in need. The non-profit founder and CEO, April Glasco, says that the Coronavirus has caused an increased demand for food. The organization is now serving families from North Port all the way to Palmetto. April says, "We want to help and give hope to these individuals . . . to make a change for our community as a whole." When you give to the Peace and Global Witness Offering this week, you help support the work of Second Chance - Last Opportunity.
Updates from the Session
and Administrative Commission
The latest information from the Session and Administrative Commission can be readily accessed on First Presbyterian’s website home page, using the weblink below:
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Stewardship 2021
As people of faith, we continue to praise God as we discover new ways to worship. Out of love for one another, we have worshipped from our living rooms. We will celebrate Commitment Sunday on November 4. In the next several weeks more stewardship information will be sent out. Please join us as we witness to God's transforming power and love.
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SURE Community Problems (Virtual) Assembly
This Monday
Monday, October 5—hundreds of people of faith from 24 area congregations working for justice and fairness within the Sarasota community will convene for the SURE Community Problems Assembly. Be updated regarding affordable housing, criminal justice, restorative practices and caring for creation. We will listen to stories of community problems that surfaced during this year's listening process, review the progress of ongoing issue work, set our priorities for the upcoming year, and welcome new member congregations to our justice ministry organization. Join us—your voice makes a difference!
Join the Zoom meeting by clicking on the weblink below:
To join the meeting by phone, dial:
1-929-436-2866 (New York)
Meeting ID: 867 5722 2289
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We want to see YOU at our virtual Coffee Hour
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Pre-K – 2nd grade
Leaders: Rebecca Clissold, Lydia Chapdelain, Haleigh Smoot
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings
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3rd – 5th grade
Leaders: Sue Nurczyk, Mariah Martin, Lauren Reasoner
9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
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Middle School Youth
Leaders: Darla Gulliver and Scott McLeod
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
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Confirmation Class
Leaders: Jessica Armstrong and Abbey Tyrna
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
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Fall Adult Education Classes |
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GRACE AND GRATITUDE
Elaine Barnett, Facilitator
This class continues through October 13, exploring two important terms of Reformed and Presbyterian identity and conviction: "Grace and Gratitude.” We see ourselves as receivers of grace daily, and express gratitude to God for this grace in Christ by our actions and commitments.
The class is offered via ZOOM teleconference on Tuesdays, at 11:30 a.m. for one hour.
October 6: God's Law - Guide for Grateful Living
October 13: Living Gratitude
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WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
ABOUT RACISM
Rev. Doug DeCelle, Facilitator
This subject of this class is Racial Justice. We are examining our Christian beliefs in light of today's concern.
This virtual class is on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon for one hour.
It continues October 7 & 14.
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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).
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Presbyterian Women
New Bible Study Series Begins October 13
The monthly PW Bible study led by Jean Luker meets via Zoom on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. We will begin with the first lesson in the new 2020-2021 Horizons study, Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament. All women of the church are welcome to join the meeting. The study guide is not required to join. Deborah circle meets immediately following for fellowship and PW updates.
Join the Zoom meeting by clicking on the weblink below:
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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 has now completed its first 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!
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Sign up NOW to volunteer at First Presbyterian's new
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
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Invest in Children
Special Thanks from Brentwood Elementary School
Dear First Presbyterian Members,
The staff at Brentwood Elementary wants to sincerely thank you for bringing fun, warmth and excitement to our first official day of school with teachers, August 24. This day helped to reconnect our staff from what has been a long and sometimes lonely hiatus.
We know many of you contributed supplies to classrooms and monetarily to supply a delicious breakfast, not to mention the well wishes during this very stressful time. Teachers were thrilled to walk into the cafeteria with a beautiful display of supplies and a perfectly packed breakfast box. We are very grateful to be the center of such generosity.
Please know how much we appreciate all you’ve done and continue to do to support Brentwood Elementary. You’ve helped to rebuild our small community by extending your community to include us. Thank you again for your hard work and generosity. We are humbled by your kindness.
Sincerely,
John Weida, Principal
Holly Brody, Assistant Principal.
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Preschool News
At First Presbyterian Preschool, we Create Strong to #GrowStrong! Creating with clay, playdough, sand, and small objects provides opportunities to practice planning, ideation, collaboration, and resilience—all while getting in some fine motor practice.
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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: During this time when the church campus is closed, all mail, including contribution checks, securely arrive to our church office.
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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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FPC Blood Drive - SAVE THE DATE
The next blood drive is Sunday, December 6—mark your calendar!
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First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
We have had an amazing month of 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.
We still have a long way to go. 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
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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.
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