First Presbyterian Church Sarasota
NEWS @ FIRST
October 30, 2020
All Saints' Day
Stewardship Commitment Sunday
November 1, 2020

MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 7:00 a.m.

SIMPLE SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
In-person at 4:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
New Update from the Administrative Commission
The latest letter from the Administrative Commission, dated October 28, 2020, informing the congregation of the activity of the Designated Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (DAPNC) can be viewed by clicking here:
All Communication from the Administrative Commission
All communication from the Administrative Commission can be readily accessed on First Presbyterian’s website home page, using the link below:
Message from the Designated Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
The DAPNC has begun its process. Click on the link below to read the letter from the committee to the congregation:
Simple Service of Remembrance
Sunday, November 1, 2020 - 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the weekly worship service to be broadcast Sunday morning, November 1, a brief and simple in-person service of remembrance will be held in the sanctuary at 4:30 p.m.

This gathering will allow congregants an opportunity to light a candle for loved ones who have died, to pray for the world, and to lift prayers for our country, as we engage in elections. Isaac Mingus' cello and Steven Phillips' piano will enhance our worship.

We will maintain social distance and ask that all persons attending the service wear masks throughout. The service will not include congregational singing, and the side doors will be open for increased ventilation. Please know that the Session respects each member's decisions as to what feels helpful and safe during these complicated days. No one should feel pressure to attend any event about which they do not feel comfortable. We continue to pray for the health and well-being of all.







Stewardship 2021
This Sunday we will celebrate Stewardship Commitment Sunday! We will bless and give thanks for all that we have received and all that we are able to give.

If you have returned your pledge card—thank you! If you have not—it’s not too late! For our church family to meet the challenges of the year ahead, we will need your prayers, your insight, your compassion, and your gifts.
Ways you can make your pledge include:
·Mail in your pledge card in the envelope sent to you.
· Drop off your pledge card to the church office, making arrangements with Lisa Garcia at (941) 955-8119.
· Pledge online through our website:
www.FirstPresSarasota.org, select Member Login, then select Pledge Now.

Please join us as we witness to God's transforming power and love.
We want to see YOU at our virtual Coffee Hour
Coming Sunday, November 8, to 10:30 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour:
Uriel Zelaya-Perez, the National Faith Coordinator with the Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) and a farmworker from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), will join us for a conversation about the conditions that farmworkers face and how we can continue to support CIW's mission.

Join us at Virtual Coffee Hour time Sunday, November 15, 10:30 a.m. to hear CEPAD's (Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua) leadership speak of CEPAD's work in breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty in Nicaragua. Learn of COVID-19's effect in Nicaragua and what CEPAD is doing to help combat the virus. FPC has been a longtime supporter of CEPAD through programs in leadership training, sustainable agricultural practices, and economic development. Hope to see you there!
Hope: The Anchor for Your Soul
New Virtual Adult Education Class
Led by Elaine Barnett

The Church confesses that Jesus Christ is its hope and is itself a community of hope. This study introduces us to the basics of Christian hope in Christ. God is making a new creation, a new beginning for human life and for all things. We live on the strength of that promised new creation even when the times are tough and hope is difficult. Through biblical and theological insights, the participants will explore the hope that is within us, the hope that does not disappoint us, and the hope in which we can rejoice.

The class meets for six weeks on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.
via Zoom beginning November 3.

November 3:  The Difficulty of Hope
November 10: Thy Kingdom Come: The Reign of God
November 17: Resurrection of the Body and Life Eternal
November 24: Christ's Return and the Last Judgment
December 1: The New Creation
December 8: Living Hope in Church and World

To register for the class
email Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@me.com
Sign up now!
Dear First Presbyterian Families.

Some of our classes have been canceled this week. Please check in with your teachers if you have any questions. We will all be back together on Zoom next week.

Keep your eyes out for exciting information about Advent activities and plans for a fun Christmas Eve. If you have any ideas, our planning team would love to hear them!

We continue our journey to get to know one another and become closer to God. I can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Peace and grace,

Lydia Chapdelain
Children and Youth Leader
Pre-K – 2nd grade
Leaders: Rebecca Clissold, Lydia Chapdelain, Haleigh Smoot
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings
3rd – 5th grade
CLASS IS CANCELED NOVEMBER 1
Leaders: Sue Nurczyk, Mariah Martin, Lauren Reasoner
9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Middle School Youth
Leaders: Darla Gulliver and Scott McLeod
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Confirmation Class
CLASS IS CANCELED NOVEMBER 1
Leaders: Jessica Armstrong and Abbey Tyrna
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
We have placed our first order of Advent Boxes. If you did not have the chance to sign up for one, there is still time. Please use the link below and sign up by tomorrow - Saturday, October 31
to receive your very own Advent Season Workshop in a Box. for you to share with family and friends.

Remember . . .

1. We would like everyone to participate in this event and sign up for a box! If you are unable to cover the cost, let us know. Thanks to some generous donations, we want you to know that we have you covered--just let us know you'd like a free Advent Box.

2.  If you are unable to come to the church and pick up your box, we will deliver one to you!
Our congregation will be supporting Family Promise by providing meals for families housed at the Family Promise Day Center on Vamo Road in Sarasota. (Until it is deemed safe, we will not be welcoming families into our church buildings to sleep, as we had in the past.) It will take about 12 people to shop for food, make and deliver meals, and launder sheets and towels when it is our week to host. As soon as the schedule is announced, you will be able to sign up for this vital project. You can always contact Joanne Simons (SimonsJC1@gmail.com or 703-798-7330) to let her know of your interest.
 
In celebration of National Family Promise week, Family Promise reminds all of their partners that homelessness is a serious issue in our community. It is estimated that in Sarasota County alone, more than 1,000 children are part of a family experiencing homelessness. Family Promise provides case management, transportation, career development, and other critical services to help families remain in sustainable housing. 

Anyone may help these efforts by donating at www.familypromisesarasota.org or by purchasing an item from their Amazon Wish List below:
Peace River Presbytery
PW Fall Workshop
This Saturday, October 31
Please join fellow women of Peace River Presbytery on Saturday, October 31 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Zoom. The theme of the meeting is "Women Interacting in a Virtual World." There will be a devotional, some mini-workshops and sharing time. Join the meeting to learn what other PW groups are doing, get ideas for future gatherings, and have fun reconnecting with our sisters in local congregations.

Click below for the Zoom link, using Meeting ID: 848 5542 2199
Passcode: 946512
Presbyterian Women's Thank Offering
The PW Thank Offering is received annually in the fall. This offering is a tangible way to express gratitude for the special blessings in our lives. The offering has made possible projects addressing issues including agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence and women's concerns. At least 40 percent of this offering supports health ministries throughout the world. The remaining 60 percent funds new creative ideas for mission. 

To contribute to this year's Thank Offering, send your check made out to Presbyterian Women, with “Thank Offering” in the memo line, to the attention of Mary Webb. This year's grant recipients include Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center.

For a complete list of grant recipients go to 
Monthly PW Gathering - Next Monday, November 2
The next gathering is on Monday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. We will dedicate our annual Thank Offering. Matthew Shick, the acting executive director at Cedarkirk will join us and tell us how their Thank Offering grant money will be used. We will also present the lifetime membership award. You are welcome to linger after the meeting for a time of fellowship.
The Zoom link is
PW Christmas Stockings for Brentwood Children
Presbyterian Women will make Christmas stockings for the Brentwood Elementary school children again this year. You can help by donating Christmas fabric suitable for a child's stocking or money to purchase fabric. We also need volunteers to sew the stockings. A pattern, supplies and simple instructions will be provided. Please contact Pamela Lamb at (941) 210-7478 if you wish to donate or construct some stockings.
PW Christmas Gathering - Dec. 1
Tuesday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. via zoom. All women of the church are welcome to attend. We encourage you to show everyone a Christmas item that has special meaning for you such as an ornament, a creche, a Christmas decoration and tell us the story behind it or you can share a special family Christmas tradition. Watch for the Zoom link in News@First.

At our Christmas gatherings, we traditionally adopt an organization for mission giving and this year is no exception. Misión Peniel is requesting items for adult hygiene kits. Please note, items must be new and unopened and trial or single-use size. No large shampoo bottles or bars of soap please. A kit consists of the following 8 items placed in a gallon-size plastic Ziplock bag:

1. Toothbrush
2. Toothpaste
3. Shampoo
4. Bar soap
5. Deodorant (men's or women's scent)
6. Disposable razor
7. Socks
8. Washcloth

You may create one or more kits or donate items for some kits. We will also accept money and purchase the items for you. Items may be dropped off weekdays at the church in the bin provided Tuesday, Nov. 16 or 23 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. or Wednesday, Nov. 17 or 24 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Checks may be mailed to the church office to the attention of Mary Webb. Make checks out to Presbyterian Women and write hygiene kit in the memo line. Contact Flossie Paul at (941) 779-6055 or Pamela Lamb at (941) 210-7478 if you have questions.
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our partnership with All Faiths Food Bank as an emergency food distribution site has now completing its second month. The food distribution is by drive-through with volunteers loading cars as clients circle in the parking lot during the allotted time.
Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
Sign up NOW to volunteer at First Presbyterian's
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 Volunteer Times

First, third and fifth Thursdays:
 8:45 am - 11:30 pm

Second and fourth Thursdays:
3:45 – 6:30 pm

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
Preschool News
At First Presbyterian Preschool, we Stretch Strong to #GrowStrong! Sensory play is a huge part of what we do here and it stretches our preschoolers to build their vocabularies, their scientific thinking, and even increase the nerve connections in their brains!

 
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.
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
We Care Posters are for those in our congregation who have been hospitalized, that they might be encouraged by the support and prayers of their church family. Posters also are made to welcome newborns of our members. We Care posters are a part of the Deacons' ministry.

We are grateful to our creative team of artists who design these lovely, personalized posters. Prior to COVID-19, our congregation signed the posters with special messages on Sunday mornings and deacons delivered the posters. While we are unable to meet in-person and need to maintain social distancing, artists are designing and mailing out a smaller-sized poster-cards on behalf of the congregation.

Click on the link below for the list of those who have been hospitalized and received posters in recent months. Please keep these dear members of our church family in your prayers and consider sending them a note of encouragement.
Connecting with Your Church Family
Our church family is much like any family--we need each other, and we flourish by staying in touch, sharing love and care. The restrictions due to COVID-19 have made it more challenging to keep up with our extended family and friends-and with our church family. It is a time to find creative ways to stay connected.

Think of your church friends you were accustomed to greeting at Sunday morning worship services--the people seated right near you. You can brighten their day by calling, sending a note, email or text message. Let's join together to live into new avenues for fellowship and care. You will help another feel cared for--and you'll enjoy having reached out as well.
Preparing for Flu Season During COVID-19
Getting a flu vaccine this fall can reduce your risk of getting the flu and help save medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19. It’s important for everyone to do their part to stay healthy this flu season.

Prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses by reminding each other to:

Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.
Lather Up: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.

CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

Flu season peaks between December and February.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.

Children (aged 6 months to 8 years) who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner, because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.
FPC Blood Drive - SAVE THE DATE

The next blood drive is Sunday, December 6—mark your calendar!
First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
We have had an amazing start to 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. 
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
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.