This Sunday . . . 

This Sunday's worship is a blended style service with leadership from the NewSong Band and the chancel choir and special instrumentalists.

Read the Latest Family Newsletter with important dates for upcoming events.

40 Hours Together ~ Join us on our Lenten journey toward Easter by committing to what matters–-each other.



40 Hours Together is Cultivate Faith's Lenten initiative for families. It’s a chance for us to take on regular spiritual practices together (rather than giving up something for the season). These resources are designed for a variety of family settings, including families that do not always live together and families that are away from home during the week a LOT. They are here to help our families live out the spiritual practices we want and need even on the busiest days. Forty hours together is the goal, not forty hours together muddling through activities that are not speaking to their souls. The Holy Spirit meets us whenever and however, so every moment truly is sacred. Folding laundry together counts. Brushing teeth together counts. Looking for the teen's lost phone charger together counts. A text thread with ridiculous memes counts. 

We invite you to take the first step by printing off the 40 Hours Tracker at home or grabbing a copy at church on Sunday. You will find resources in your inbox and at church each week to spark ideas for spending quality time together. 

Living Well Through Lent 2023

Practicing Compassion With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind

This listing is designed for both individual reflection and for group study, this 84-page daily devotional provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Lent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Easter. If you would like a printed copy please contact Rachel in the church office RMartin@firstpressarasota.org

Cuba Partnership Trip Report :

Our group of 13 visited our partner church, Juan G. Hall February 8-14. They have returned safely with new relationships and new friends. Click the link to read more about their time in Cuba.

Participants were: Tim Boggess, Michael Brown, Victoria Guenther, Jennie Harrod, Graham Hart, Linda Hart, Karen Olson, Carol Papa, Ken Papa, Sue Hargis Spigel, Candy Swick, Jay Swick,

Nancy Wellinghoff

Book Discussion Group

Join Leah Cotter and embark on a journey of spiritual and communal wellness with To Be Made Well by Amy Julia Becker.  Amy Julia Becker is an award-winning writer and speaker on personal, spiritual and social healing. A graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Becker holds a bi-vocational license with the Evangelical Covenant Church. 



Dates: March 5 - April 30 at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall



Several copies of the book will be available in the office for purchase or it can be purchased where all books are sold including electronic versions.  Beginning

February 26th we will cover the introduction as well as Chapters 1 & 2. 

Reach out to Leah via email at Leah.t.cotter@gmail.com for a copy of the study companion. She will have copies printed and available in the church office beginning in February for anyone unable to access one via email at home. 

If you would like to receive Peace River Presbytery’s NEW “News Letter”, please click on link below and register. 

You will not be able to receive it unless you register.

Peace River Presbytery will be sending out an

e-newsletter twice a month starting on February 14, 2023. To get the latest news from the Presbytery and its churches delivered straight to your inbox, fill out the form from the link below.

https://peaceriverpresbytery.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1b44f95683c4b45f310b7d696&id=ebee09c85d

Request:

We are looking for gently used chess sets and a manual typewriter for our preschool. Please contact Chris Gantert or Rachel Martin

Ushers Needed

Please contact James Jordon by calling (816)377-5666 or emailing: jej.jordan@gmail.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!

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.

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.

ACS Church Life App is Still Available

   for Download at Your App Store

We just found out that the ACS church life app is still available for download from your app store (Apple and androids). For those of you not familiar with Church Life, it is an app that is available to church members. You can search for members, view phone and  address information, photos, and family members. You can send a text or call with a simple tap on the phone number. You can even send an email. Download it now before it is no longer available through your app store.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Garcia, finance manager (941) 955-8119.

First Presbyterian Preschool

firstprespreschoolsarasota.org

Registration is now open at First Presbyterian Preschool

for the 2023-2024 school year.

If you are interested or would like more information on our play-based preschool program, please contact the preschool office.

Phone: (941)366-2000

Email: preschool@firstpressarasota.org

Prayer List

Click on the link below for the prayer list. Thank you for praying for healing and encouragement for these dear ones.

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.