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NEWS @ FIRST
January 6, 2023
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Epiphany Sunday with Communion THIS SUNDAY!
9 a.m. NewSong and 11 a.m. traditional worship services
Receive your “star” with a word on it to inspire you throughout the year ahead. Be like the wise ones long ago who followed the special star that led them to Jesus. Those who are not able to receive their star in-person may call the church office (941) 955-8119 to have a star mailed to them.
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New Adult Class led by Dr. John Parks
starts THIS SUNDAY, January 8, at 10:00 a.m. in room 203
The class will read six short stories and discuss them to discover what they reveal about the human condition. The first story is Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” and is available by clicking on the link below. Please read the story prior to the first class. We hope you’ll join us for good discussion!
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Taking Down the Greens
THIS Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
Helping hands are needed this Sunday, January 8, to take down the lovely greens we have enjoyed this season. Join us!
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Important SURE Meetings THIS Monday, January 9
SURE members welcome you to attend this Monday's first 2023 meetings to be held regarding Restorative Practices and Mental Health.
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: Monday, January 9, 1:00 p.m.
- At the SURE office, 1031 South Euclid
- Led by Nancy Taylor of First Congregational United Church of Christ
MENTAL HEALTH: Monday, January 9, 5:00 p.m.
- At the SURE office, 1031 South Euclid
- Led by Dr. Margaret McGladrey of St. Andrews United Church of Christ.
(The SURE office is located on the campus of First Congregational Church.)
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Stewardship
Thank you to those who have stepped forward in faith with your 2023 pledge. If you have not made your pledge, it’s not too late! All pledges are needed—you can return your pledge card to the church office or pledge online through the church website:
www.FirstPresSarasota.org and select member login.
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From the Invest in Children Steering Committee
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing such an abundance of love for the Brentwood Elementary School children and their families! Because of your generosity, we were able to increase the grocery store gift cards to $200 for each family. What a helpful, amazing gift! All of the gifts through the Blessing Tree project will bring joy and support to these families in such difficult times. The Invest in Children Steering Committee sends heartfelt thanks and wishes for a Happy New Year for all!
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Read the Latest Family Newsletter! | |
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Supplies Needed for
February Cuba Trip Partnership
FPC has been planning a trip to Cuba for Partnership Relationships with the Presbyterian Church in Cuba. This country struggles with a lack of normal supplies, electricity, and day-to-day means for earning money. Each one planning to go on this trip will be traveling with a second suitcase to leave in Cuba. Do you have one you would like to donate? Yes? Please bring to the church office.
Items that support the Matanzas Presbytery churches and programs:
Fever reducers and pain relievers: aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen
Anti-diarrhea medications; Anti-nausea pills
Antihistamines, allergy medications: Benadryl, Claritin
Antibiotic creams and ointments
Cough syrup, drops, lozenges
Cetaphil (sensitive skin care), oral antiseptics
Antacids, e.g., Tums, Pepto Bismol tablets
Vitamins, iron supplements; Band-aids, bandages
Power outage supplies:
Rechargeable lights—such as solar-charging Luci lights or hand-crank power lights (available on Amazon or other online sites)
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Campus Clean-up Day - Saturday, January 21, 2023
Save the date on your calendar to join in on sprucing up our church campus. There will be a variety of projects--something for everyone!
More details are coming soon!
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Ushers Needed
Please contact Denise Landers by calling (941) 587-7992 or emailing: davidanddenise@tampabay.rr.com if you are interested in being a part of the new rotating team of ushers. Training will be provided. It’s a great way to serve!
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Salt Shakers
One wonderful way for members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to get to know each other better is to break bread together. Groups of 6-8 people,
(couples or singles) meet once a month from February through April or May.
Each Salt Shaker group decides whether they want to have a potluck at a member’s home, dine at a restaurant, have a picnic, or brunch or something
else, groups are encouraged to be creative! Sign up through the end of January.
Questions?
Diane Bittner: (941) 755-2268 or
Marcia Schaper: (941) 922-5245
Pick up a registration form this in the narthex or in the Fellowship Hall foyer.
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FPC's Weekly All Faiths Food Distribution
We have expanded our food offering and are now averaging over 100 families per week!
Join us on Thursday mornings to volunteer. We start packing food at 8:30 a.m. and serve from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
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Stop the Bleed Training
Stop the Bleed encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. You never know when YOU will be the one needing to help a loved one or someone else.
Our Health and Wholeness Ministry will be hosting Stop the Bleed trainers from Blake Hospital Tuesday, January 17, 6:00-7:30 p.m. and Friday, January 20, 12:00-1:30 p.m. (Choose either time.)
Take Action. Sign up for a Bleeding Control Class by contacting Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse, 4tracks@comcast.net, (941) 320-3828 by next Monday, January 9, 2023.
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Cowden-Smith Library Hours
Library open Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
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.
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Our Condolences
Our dear brother, Jim Barnett, died Monday, December 26. Jim and his wife, Elaine, have been members since 1999, actively leading and serving in our congregation. The memorial service will be Sunday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m. Notes of condolence may be sent to Elaine:
Elaine Barnett
1904 31st Avenue W
Bradenton, FL 34205-8911
Our dear sister, Jane Bartruff, died peacefully Friday, December 30. She has been a member of FPC for nearly 50 years. Memorial service details are yet to be announced. Please keep Jane's family in your prayers. Notes of condolence may be sent to Jane's son:
Gregg Bartruff
4616 Meadow Lake Drive
Apex, NC 27502-9373
Our dear brother, Ted Beattie, died Friday, January 6. Please keep Ted’s wife, Jill, and their family in your prayers. The Beattie's recently joined FPC. A memorial service date is to be determined. Notes of condolence may be sent to Jill:
Jill Beattie
165 Sugar Mill Drive
Osprey, FL 34229-9073
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Prayer List
Click on the link below for the prayer list. Thank you for praying for healing and encouragement for these dear ones.
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We Care Poster-Card Recipients
We appreciate our team of We Care poster artists who creatively design poster-cards for our church members when they are hospitalized. Special notes, prayers, and well wishes are written on the cards by our congregation on Sunday mornings, and the cards are mailed out.
On the link below is a list of those who have recently received a We Care poster-card. Consider how you might support them through a prayer, a card, or a phone call. Thank you for being family for one another!
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New Beginnings, and Happy New Year from Our Preschool
The New Year brings hope, reflection, and goals. When a few of the preschool children were asked what their goal was for this new year they replied, "to run faster and win every race,” “to go super-fast (on his bike),” and “learn to ride my new bike without training wheels.” When Mrs. Carter, First Presbyterian Preschool Director, was asked the same question, she replied, “to continue to teach friendship and kindness to our students, and to support our staff with the most current play-based curriculum training to grow our mission. We are looking forward to serving the families of Sarasota and Manatee counties for another 75 years.” Here’s to an awesome start to 2023!
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Care Notes are short, 5–6-page inspirational booklets aimed at helping people in a wide variety of difficult life situations. In addition to the narthex, parlor, and office hallway, there are booklets for youth and teens in the fellowship hall. The entire collection of over a hundred different booklets are also available in the library. These are for you to keep, but can be returned to the library if no longer needed. During the holiday season please see the selection of Care Notes that are unique for the season.
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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