Masks are no longer required masks in outdoor spaces on the church campus. Masks continue to be required of all persons (over the age of two) while inside, if there is more than one person in a room. The session will revisit the policy at its October 26 stated meeting, and is deeply grateful for the patience and support that this community has demonstrated through these long months. We honor God as we care for each other.

In preparation for the October 31 All Saints’ Day service, all from our church family are invited to email photos of loved ones (members or non-members) who have died November 1, 2020 – present to Rachel Martin (RMartin@firstpressarasota.org). Please include your name and their name, their date of birth and death (if known), and your relationship to the deceased, We are planning a special slide presentation as a part of the service to commemorate those who have died in the last year.

If you are interested in membership with this vibrant congregation, please contact Margaret LaMotte Torrence, Transitional Pastor (mltorrence@firstpressarasota.org)

or call the church office (941) 955-8119.

Join us this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall to watch a short video, exploring our world from a perspective of Jesus. The video is followed by informal guided discussion and reflections, led by Michael Fingerle. Class for adults of all ages. Come and relax, renew friendships, and make new friends!  

– Continues Next Wednesday, Oct. 20 1:00 p.m. via Zoom

This in-person Sunday morning class will be taught by Dr. John Parks on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. November 7, 14, 21, and December 5, 12, and 19. More details are coming soon!

The Rev. Paul Roberts, Sr., President of Johnson C. Smith Seminary (Atlanta, GA), will be returning to FPC, Sarasota, as the keynote speaker for Faith Focus Weekend. The weekend theme will be: “Bridging the Gap: Conversations of Hope and Healing toward Racial Reconciliation.”

A special event on Saturday in the Fellowship Hall for our church and community will include a panel discussion led by members of the Manasota Interracial Book Club, a thriving group inspired by Rev. Roberts three years ago. Rev. Roberts will also offer a presentation exploring avenues everyday people can take to help build a more just and equitable society.

The Saturday event will be both in-person and live-streamed (www.firstpressarasota.org). 

Rev. Roberts will preach in both worship services on Sunday, October 24.

Molly Horner and Lydia Chapdelain are looking forward to this exciting time of fellowship with our youth. Please let them know as soon as possible if you would like to join them. The cabin at Cedarkirk must be booked this week!  

Yes, we have received good news from our mission partner, Brentwood Elementary School! Volunteers will soon be able to return to the Brentwood campus!

If you are interested in volunteering or just want to learn more about this amazing opportunity to invest some time with the Brentwood students, please contact Jinny and Ron Miller at jinnyron@gmail.com or by phone at Sunnyside Village, (941) 371-2750, extension 554. More information will be available soon, but we can get ready now. This Title 1 elementary school needs you! 

Join our fun team of volunteers and help distribute food to our community neighbors Thursday mornings, 9:15-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, November 9 at 9:30 a.m.

Hope Seeds International Inc.

Our prayers are with the family of Betty Fee. Bette, age 98, died on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. She and her husband, Paul, joined the church in 2005. Paul died ten years ago. Betty, an elder and deacon, was an active member of Presbyterian Women. Cards of condolence may be sent to Betty’s daughter, Barbara:

Sunday, October 24

The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest,

by Heather Lang, is a picture book biography telling the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking pioneer female scientist called a "real life Lorax" by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops. Young and older readers both will be fascinated by her story. Look for this new book on the book cart in the narthex this Sunday.

One of the books Meg Lowman authored, Life in the Treetops (1999), is also a part of the Cowden-Smith Library. This book is an interesting account of Meg's life, research, and discoveries. Our copy contains her personal message to First Presbyterian. The book will be on the library cart this Sunday with Leaf Detective.

 

The library book cart in the narthex offers 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.

The Data Dump will be held at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, with tents set up in the parking lot at 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236. Take advantage of this chance to safely recycle your unwanted electronics!

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.

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.

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.