NEWS @ FIRST
June 18, 2021
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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 a.m. in-person worship in the sanctuary
A vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary music
Online access beginning at 10:00 a.m.
(Sunday School for all ages is in summer recess.)
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COVID Safety Practices at FPC Sarasota
Those who are fully vaccinated may attend meetings and events without a mask or social distancing. Per CDC guidelines, unvaccinated persons should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart. Any who feel more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. Every other pew is blocked off on one side of the sanctuary for those who need or prefer to maintain distance.
If additional safeguards would allow you to participate more fully in the life of the church, please contact Margaret Torrence or Rachel Martin and let us know what would be helpful. We want everyone to feel welcome in God's house!
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Guest preacher this Sunday, June 20
Rev. Laurie Haas
Laurie has lived in Sarasota for the past 24 years. She has been happily serving at Church of the Palms for 13 years, primarily in Family Ministry roles. Following a call to attend seminary, she was ordained and installed as a Teaching Elder just three years ago!
Laurie has been married to her best friend and partner in life, Bryan, for almost 15 years. They have a big, blended family of five adult daughters, two son-in-laws, one grandson and one husky named Malachi. Laurie enjoys reading, walking, tennis, meaningful conversations and anything outdoors!
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IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PARTICIPATE!
The Mission Study Team needs you! Please join a one-session small group meeting to share your thoughts. What does First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota mean to you?
How do we hope to be the Body of Christ here and now? What qualities are we praying for in our next pastor? The Mission Study Team has planned a series of small group meetings over the coming weeks to discuss these questions. Your voice will be important as God leads us to a new pastor.
Some of these meetings will be via Zoom; others will be face-to-face gatherings in the Fellowship Hall. Each meeting will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Listed below are 15 sign-up dates, times, and locations. Please sign up for a convenient time to participate by selecting one of the links below, or by calling the church office during the week (941) 955-8119. Join your voice with others in the congregation as we imagine First Presbyterian's future.
We thank you for your input and your prayers as we go forward.
Your Mission Study Team,
Elaine Barnett, Chair
Ed Clissold
Michael Fingerle
Frank Frey
Janet Olshewsky
Joanne Simons
Emily Weitekamp
Margaret LaMotte Torrence, ex-officio
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SURE Meeting: Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 pm
Join SURE network members and friends as we Zoom in to be updated regarding adult civil citation as it is happening within our state. Mark your calendars for and pre-register through the easy-to-use link below.
This justice issue, "We do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6.8), is why we are participating. Accomplishments across the state will be highlighted, along with local law enforcement officials who are leading the way.
Working together, we will create a high quality adult civil citation program which will ensure some people won't be branded for life with arrest records.
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Presbyterian Women
All women are invited to attend the annual summer luncheon for a time of fellowship and reconnection at Der Dutchman Family Restaurant, 3713 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota on Tuesday, July 13. Please plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. Reservations not required.
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The Cowden-Smith Library News
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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INVEST IN CHILDREN - School is Out!
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The school year for Sarasota County School students ended June 11! Though the 2020-21 school year in the middle of a pandemic was a difficult one, the year ended with joy!
Your support for the Brentwood students and staff during COVID-19 and the tragic death of one of their students has lifted their spirits in so many ways. Thank you for investing in the Brentwood children!
As you and the children enjoy God’s fantastic summer opportunities, please look out for all kids as they walk, ride their bikes and scooters, and run after loose balls. You’ll continue to make a difference in their lives! Thanks be to God!
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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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FPL Assistance
CARITAS is offering FPL assistance up to $100
for Sarasota County residents.
The CARITAS office is currently closed for in-person interviews, but you may call (941) 366-5620
Monday through Friday
from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for assistance.
Please have your SSN
and your FPL account number ready.
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Resurrection House Update
Resurrection House is open each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There are still a few volunteer spots available. If interested, please contact Joe at rhlucero@verizon.net
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FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our emergency food distribution site
continues to remain open!
Thursday Mornings: 9:15 - 11:30 am
(distribution 10:00 - 11:30 am)
The food distribution is by drive-through with volunteers loading cars as clients circle in the parking lot during the allotted time. Volunteers are needed each Thursday. Task options include sorting and distributing food, setting up, cleaning up, and directing traffic.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Bob Kirkpatrick, rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 355-0809
or Dave Householder, dphouse47@gmail.com or (724) 462-4235
Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
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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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FPC Sarasota Hosts DBSA Support Group Beginning Monday, June 28
First Presbyterian Church is looking forward to hosting Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA Tampa Bay Inc.). This free weekly peer-led support group provides an opportunity for individuals to share personal experiences, coping strategies, and feelings about depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and other mood disorders. Family and loved ones may attend for support or to learn more about the disorders. The group will start meeting Monday, June 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in room 203. There are some restrictions and limited seating; call (727) 410-1569 to register. https://dbsatampabay.org
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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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