A combined in-person and Zoom congregational meeting took place following last Sunday’s worship service. Church officers (elders and deacons), congregational nominating committee members, and a seven-member Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) were elected. A booklet with their biographies is available through News@First and on the church website. Thank you for your support and prayers for our current and newly elected officers.

In response to falling COVID-19 rates in our area, the session will no longer require masks in outdoor spaces on the church campus.

Masks will continue to be required of all persons (over the age of two) while inside, if there is more than one person in a room.

We do this out of concern:

For our children, who are not able to receive vaccinations;

For the most vulnerable members of our community, who may be at risk, even if vaccinated;

For the larger community, to help slow the spread of the virus.

The session will revisit the policy again at its next stated meeting, October 26, 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.

MISSION STUDY TEAM REPORT 

The report is available on the church website: https://firstpressarasota.org/ You may receive a paper copy of the report after the worship services, or request a copy by calling the office at (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. 13 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!

Be among the many who have attended a SURE House Meeting. If you haven't as yet, Team leaders Judy and Phil Kuebbeler look forward to you joining their group via ZOOM next Monday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m. Register on the link below: 

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

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

Peace River Presbyterian Women’s autumn retreat is on Saturday, October 16, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers.

NEXT Tuesday, October 12

The Sarasota Music Club is happy to announce that this season, on the third Friday of each month, October 2021 through March 2022, all are invited to their FREE performances at First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, in the Fellowship Hall.

The first program will be NEXT Friday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. with a performance of Broadway show tunes.

Mark your calendar for our next SunCoast Blood Drives, October 24 and December 19. 

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.

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.