NEWS @ FIRST
February 26, 2021
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Second Sunday in Lent
"Following Jesus"
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All members are asked to participate in the Annual Congregational Meeting this Sunday, February 28, at 12:15 p.m. by Zoom. We will receive reports of the session, deacons, and other organizations of the church. We will also transact any business of the church corporation. In addition, Margaret will provide an update from the presbytery on FPC Sarasota’s Administrative Commission.
Use the Zoom link below to participate in the Annual Meeting:
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Click on the link below to access the annual report through the church website (www.firstpressarasota.org under the “Stewardship” tab).
If you would like a printed copy you can call the church office (941) 955-8119 to pick one up. If you need one mailed to you please let us know.
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MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 7:00 a.m.
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Worship Service in the Sanctuary - Resumes Sunday, March 14, 9:00 a.m.
The session has approved the return to live Sunday worship services on March 14 with one service at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The worship style will continue to be a combination of traditional and contemporary elements. All are welcome!
In-person worshippers are asked to register in advance (through the website or News@First). Masks and social distancing will be required. Doors will be propped open to ensure optimum ventilation. The service will be available online through the website as a simulcast at 9:00 a.m.--and after that time as a recording, for those who prefer to participate from home.
Sign up HERE for the March 14 service.
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We want to see YOU
at our virtual Coffee Hour
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday.
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Sunday School all together at 10:00 am |
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Adult Education Class
Illuminating Lent: A Look at the Lord’s Prayer
Our Lenten class will deepen your faith and enhance your understanding as we take a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer. During each session we will discuss one part of the prayer and consider what it means for our everyday living as Christians.
Everyone is welcome to join in this exploration together.
The class is held on Tuesdays via Zoom at 11:30 a.m. for one hour. It is offered weekly through Holy Week, March 30. The sessions are led by Elaine Barnett.
You can sign-up for this series by emailing Elaine at
March 2 - Upward: What We Do for God - Glorify God
March 9 - Inward: What God Does in Us - Communion with God
March 16 - Downward: What God Gives to Us - Providential Provisions
March 23 - Forward: Where God Leads Us - Discipleship
March 30 - Onward: What God Will Do - Resurrection Hope
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Financial Update
The session is grateful for the congregation’s continued service, witness, and generosity. Thank you for remaining faithful to each other, and to the mission partners and neighbors who need our steady support during this time of crisis. We know that challenges remain, but by the grace of God and the faithfulness of God’s people, we will have everything we need to live out our calling. Thank you!
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 arrives to our church office.
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SURE Rally - Monday, March 8, 2021
6:00 p.m. via Zoom
Be among the first to register!
Register HERE to participate in this virtual gathering!
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"We've registered and have received our confirmation.
It was super-easy." - Ann and Don Opdycke
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PW Presbytery Spring Retreat
at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center
Monday, March 8
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PW Lite
The February Presbyterian Women Lite was NO YAWN! We enjoyed a Zoom visit with Robert Rodgers, a representative from the Sarasota Friendship Center. The Friendship Center is an exciting place that provides caregiving, social activities, and other day-time resources for older adults.
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It offers tap dancing classes, nourishing meals, art classes, medical care, live music, and much more (www.friendshipcenters.org).
Watch for future PW gatherings. Join in for fun, fellowship and learning!
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The monthly PW Bible study led by Jean Luker meets via Zoom on Tuesday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m. We will study the sixth lesson in the 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. |
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There will be no PW Lite Zoom meeting in March. Please attend the spring retreat instead. Mark your calendar for our next Lite Zoom meeting on April 6 at 10:00 a.m. when Joanne Simons will update us on Family Promise. |
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Fall Bible Study - Order Your Study Guide
Order your PW study guide for the fall. The 2021-2022 Horizon Bible study is, What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning From Women in Matthew's Genealogy, by Merryl Blair.
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Sisters of the Road
Sisters of the Road is a group of women who gather weekly at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays for one hour to pray and study the Bible together. We meet with joyful anticipation and pray for each other's needs. The meetings are lighthearted, but the prayer time is committed time. We support each other in any way we can.
Since COVID, we have been meeting via Zoom. In fact, we plan to continue Zoom meetings after things return to normal. Please join us. If you have prayer requests, just let us know. To learn more, please contact Pat Feeney at (941) 228-4805 or patfeeney21@gmail, or Janet Olshewsky at (941) 376-4431 or janetolshewsky@verizon.net.
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Even though COVID-19 has caused us to temporarily suspend our volunteer involvement at Brentwood Elementary School, we can continue to support our mission partner in other ways! One of these ways is through the Box Tops for Education program. It’s easy! Here’s how:
DOWNLOAD the app — Box Tops for Education or BTFE.com — on your smartphone. SELECT Brentwood Elementary School, Sarasota to earn cash for the school.
BUY Box Tops products such as
Cereal boxes, Ziploc products, Scott tissue. Green Giant fresh or frozen veggies. Lysol cleaning products, Nature Valley snacks, Hefty paper products or trash bags--with this label on the products:
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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 Box Top earns 10 cents for the school! Thank you!
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Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines
From Cheryl Track
Faith Community Nurse
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The Department of Health in Manatee County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 or older, by appointment Click HERE or go to their website for more information (https://mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/coronavirus_information/covid-19_vaccine ).
(After accessing the website, click on the purple banner)
Vaccine Registration Assistance for FPC Sarasota Seniors
If you are over 65 and would like one of our tech-savvy church volunteers to assist you with signing up online for your vaccination, you may call the church (941-955-8119) and leave a message with your request. Someone will contact you to make arrangements to assist you. Please email info@firstpressarasota.org if you would like to volunteer as well.
The Vaccine Is Free
States are offering vaccines for free, not the federal government. Some counties are using Eventbrite to register; please note there is NO CHARGE to register. Anyone asking for money in exchange for an appointment is a SCAM. Please report suspicious solicitation to the Attorney General's Office, 866-9N0-SCAM.
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SunCoast Bloodmobile
Coming to FPC This Sunday,
March 28
The bloodmobile is coming to First Presbyterian on Sunday, March 28. We are grateful to the many who give this important gift of life.
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Comfortable and attractive blue cloth masks with
the FPC logo are just $5.
Proceeds go to support our
youth ministries. Contact the church office to pick one up or have it mailed to you.
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First Presbyterian Church
and iTNSunCoast Partnership
First Presbyterian's partnership with iTNSunCoast helps you get to our church events and the other important places. iTNSunCoast is a dependable, local non-profit that provides rides using volunteer and paid drivers who use their own cars. Rides are available Monday through Friday through April 30, due to COVID.
If coming to a church event, you pay just one way! FPC will pay the other way--and the $50 annual membership fee for First Presbyterian Church Members for 2021. If using iTN for non-church related rides, you will be responsible to pay the cost both ways.
For more information or to become a member, call (941) 364-7530 and tell them you are a member of First Presbyterian Church, or register online at itnsuncoast.org. More questions? Contact Cheryl Track, (941) 320-3828.
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FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our emergency food distribution site will remain open through March 2021
Thursday Mornings ONLY: 8:45 - 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.
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
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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First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
The preschool staff and the families are thankful to all those who have contributed to our preschool community. Thanks to you, we are over halfway to our fundraising goal of $50,000.
If you have not had the opportunity to donate, 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.
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