NEWS @ FIRST
February 12, 2021
This Sunday we welcome Rev. Dr. Clayton Thomas, guest preacher, and our former associate pastor (2006-2013). Clay is the senior pastor of Rivermont Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, TN. The wonders of technology will allow us to be led in worship by Clay,
even as he remains in Chattanooga, TN.

Clay will join us at 12:00 noon for a time to visit during our virtual Coffee Hour. Use the Zoom link below to participate.
 
We also welcome guest musician Timothy Wilds, who is a singer, actor, voice teacher, and music theater educator living in Flagler Beach, FL.
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Worship Services in the Sanctuary - February 14 & 21
The session has decided to open the sanctuary on the next two Sundays, February 14 and February 21, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, for two “trial run” viewings of our recorded worship service, which will be projected on the screen in the sanctuary.

Worshippers are asked to register in advance (through the website or News@First), and masks and social distancing will be required. Doors will be propped open to ensure optimum ventilation. The recorded service also will remain available online, for those who prefer to participate from home. 
Sign up HERE for the February 14 service.

Sign up HERE for the February 21 service.
We want to see YOU
at our virtual Coffee Hour
Sunday at 12:00 noon this Sunday.
Join us for a special visit with Clay Thomas!
Message from Scott Sabin,
CEO, and former Executive Director
of Plant With Purpose

It was so much fun to be with everyone Sunday, January 31. Thank you for the opportunity to share. Here are a couple of follow-up pieces that I promised.

Click HERE for the link to our website.
Click HERE for the video of the Eastern Congo story: Kakumba
Click HERE to read the Dominican Republic COVID response (in Spanish, but perfectly embodies the can-do spirit of our team.) An added bonus for those who have been to the Dominican Republic with us: the main presenter is Dante's daughter. (Dante was our long-time driver, and I have known Erika, his daughter since she was a toddler.)
Click HERE for an independent endorsement of our work from Excellence in Giving 
Thank you again for your partnership and support!

Blessings,

Scott
Sunday School all together at 10:00 am this week!
Please use the updated Zoom link below


Ash Wednesday
February 17 - 5:30 p.m.

“What God Can Do With Dust”

Ash Wednesday worship has been called “the most honest service of the year,” for it brings us face to face with our mortality and our humanity. In the midst of pandemic, ashes have particular freight.

You are invited to a brief service of worship at 5:30 p.m. on February 17, as we begin this year’s journey into the season of Lent. Come reflect, pray, and be blessed by the voice of soloist Syreeta Banks. 
If you would like to attend worship in the sanctuary, please let us know that you are coming by clicking below or calling the church office. Masks and social distancing will be required at the service. Ashes will be available for individual application.

If you prefer to worship remotely, a live video feed will be available from the website at 5:30. A special Ash Wednesday mailing is on its way to you with supplies, so that you may impose ashes at home, if you choose to do so. Please call the church office with any questions. 
Annual Congregational Meeting
The annual congregational meeting will be held Sunday, February 28, by Zoom at 12:15 p.m. We will receive reports of the session, deacons, and other organizations of the church. We will also transact any business of the church corporation.

The annual report will be available online (www.firstpressarasota.org under the “Stewardship” tab) and through News@First, beginning next Friday, February 19. If you would like a printed copy you can receive one at the worship service on Sunday, February 21, or call the church office (941) 955-8119 to pick one up during the week of February 22-26 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  If you need one mailed to you please let us know.
NEW Adult Education Class

Illuminating Lent: A Look at the Lord’s Prayer

For some of us, the Lord’s Prayer is easily called up from memory as we recite it in worship services. Its significance may have gotten overshadowed by its familiarity. However, this model for prayer that Jesus gave his disciples is still relevant for us today. Our Lenten class will deepen your faith and enhance your understanding as we take a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer. During each session we will discuss one part of the prayer and consider what it means for our everyday living as Christians.

Everyone—at all places of faith—are welcome to join in this exploration together.

The class begins the week after Ash Wednesday—February 23—via Zoom at 11:30 a.m. for one hour. It ends Holy Week on March 30. The sessions will be led by Elaine Barnett.

You can sign-up for this series by emailing Elaine at 
 
February 23 - Introducing Lent
March 2 - Upward: What We Do for God - Glorify God
March 9 - Inward: What God Does in Us - Communion with God
March 16 - Downward: What God Gives to Us - Providential Provisions
March 23 - Forward: Where God Leads Us - Discipleship
March 30 - Onward: What God Will Do - Resurrection Hope
Souper Bowl of Caring
Even though the game is over it is not too late to make a contribution for the Souper Bowl of Caring. Please make your check out to First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota with “Souper Bowl” in the memo line. You can also donate online (www.firstpressarasota.org select online giving and select “Souper Bowl” for fund).

The “Souper Bowl” is a grassroots effort to collect donations to assist organizations that feed the hungry. Last year, our “Souper Bowl” contributions totaled over $2,000. The money raised this year will help us sponsor a meal-packing event with Rise Against Hunger to be held Sunday, April 18. Mark your calendar!


Financial Update
The session is so grateful for the congregation’s continued service, witness, and generosity. Through all the upheaval of the last year, you stayed faithful to each other, and to the mission partners and neighbors who have needed steady support during this time of crisis. Thanks to your generosity and the careful stewardship of the session and committees, we ended the year with a budget surplus which, along with your renewed pledge support, will keep us financially sound heading into 2021.
     
We know that challenges remain, but by the grace of God and the faithfulness of God’s people, we will have everything we need to live out our calling. Thank you!


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 arrives to our church office.
SURE
This Monday, February 15, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom, SURE (Sarasota United for Responsible Equity) members are meeting to be energized in ways to keep justice rolling.

All FPC members and friends are invited—SURE membership is not required. Join us through the link in News@First. Come and discover what SURE is doing to make Sarasota more like the community God wants it to be.

“This is what the Lord requires of us: To do justice, love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God.” - Micah 6:8

Click below for the Zoom link to the February 15 SURE meeting: 
Please mark your calendar for the SURE Rally on March 8, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Register HERE to participate in this virtual gathering!


PW Presbytery Spring Retreat
at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center
Monday, March 8
Mary Martha Circle meets via Zoom on Wednesday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome to join the meeting. The lesson will be on Reformations Today led by Diana Hovorka. The study guide is “The Protestant Reformations” by Donald K. McKim and can be purchased online from pcusa.org.
Fall Bible Study - Order Your Study Guide Now
Order your PW study guide NOW for the fall. The 2021-2022 Horizon Bible study is, What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning From Women in Matthew's Genealogy, by Merryl Blair. If you would like a study guide ordered for you, please send a check payable to Presbyterian Women for $10 (or $15 for large-print) to Mary Webb, 3016 21st Court W, Bradenton, FL 34205-4300. Please put STUDY GUIDE in the memo line of your check. The deadline for placing your order is this Monday, February 15!
Sisters of the Road
Sisters of the Road is a group of women who gather weekly at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays for one hour to pray and study the Bible together. We meet with joy and anticipation of seeing familiar faces and speaking in small community about our faith. We pray for the needs we see in others and the needs we feel for ourselves. The meetings are lighthearted, but the prayer time is committed time. No need to speak out! Just be in quiet time with God. We support each other in any way we can. 
 
Since COVID, we have been meeting via Zoom. In fact, we plan to continue Zoom meetings after things return to normal.
 
Please join us. And if you have prayer requests, just let us know. To learn more, please contact Pat Feeney at (941) 228-4805 or patfeeney21@gmail, or Janet Olshewsky at (941) 376-4431 or janetolshewsky@verizon.net.
Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines
From Cheryl Track
Faith Community Nurse

NEW INFORMATION: COVID-19 Vaccines
Available at Select Local Pharmacies

The Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Response website provides a link to pre-register for the vaccine. Beginning today (Friday, February 12) Floridians also have access to COVID vaccines at 755 pharmacy locations across 52 counties.

The state has developed a pre-registration system to schedule priority COVID-19 vaccinations for persons 65 years of age and older and health care personnel with direct patient contact, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Some locations are only serving very specific populations, such as frontline health care workers.

Click HERE to pre-register, to access vaccination sites near you, and to find a list of pharmacies also offering the vaccine. In addition, you can register with Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn Dixie pharmacies through this FL Department of Health website.


COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A Sheet
Click HERE for a helpful "COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A" sheet. It answers questions such as:
How were the vaccines developed so fast?
Is this vaccine still considered experimental?
If I get vaccinated, why do I still need to wear a mask
and social distance?
Will the vaccines protect against other variants?
COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Seniors, Age 65+
Appointments are filling up quickly. Manatee County is using a lottery system whereby you register and then get randomly selected to be scheduled for an appointment. Please be aware that if you have your initial shot there, you need to have your second shot there, too.)

The Department of Health in Manatee County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 or older, by appointment Click HERE or go to their website for more information (https://mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/coronavirus_information/covid-19_vaccine ).

The Department of Health in Sarasota County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 and older, by appointment only. Sarasota County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Sarasota County for their second round (28 days after the first appointment). Click HERE or go to sarasota.floridahealth.gov for more information. 

Vaccine Registration Assistance for FPC Sarasota Seniors
We are aware that many of our over-65 members are quite confident with computers and smart-phones, but some of us may be frustrated by technological hurdles to signing up for vaccines. If you find yourself in the latter camp, some of our tech-savvy members have volunteered to help.  

For those who need help registering online for the vaccination, you may call the church (941-955-8119) and leave a message with your request. Someone will contact you to make arrangements to assist you. Several members have offered to help those needing assistance. Please email info@firstpressarasota.org if you would like to volunteer as well.

The Vaccine Is Free
States are offering vaccines for free, not the federal government. Some counties are using Eventbrite to register; please note there is NO CHARGE to register. Anyone asking for money in exchange for an appointment is a SCAM. Please report suspicious solicitation to the Attorney General's Office, 866-9N0-SCAM. 
SunCoast Bloodmobile
Coming to FPC March 28
The bloodmobile is coming to First Presbyterian on Sunday, March 28. Save the date! More details to come. We are grateful to the many who give this important gift of life.
Comfortable and attractive blue cloth masks with
the FPC logo are just $5.

Proceeds go to support our
youth ministries. Contact the church office to pick one up or have it mailed to you.
First Presbyterian Church
and iTNSunCoast Partnership
First Presbyterian's partnership with iTNSunCoast helps you get to our church events and the other important places. iTNSunCoast is a dependable, local non-profit that provides rides using volunteer and paid drivers who use their own cars. Rides are available Monday through Friday through April 30, due to COVID.

If coming to a church event, you pay just one way! FPC will pay the other way--and the $50 annual membership fee for First Presbyterian Church Members for 2021.
If using iTN for non-church related rides, you will be responsible to pay the cost both ways. 
For more information or to become a member, call (941) 364-7530 and tell them you are a member of First Presbyterian Church, or register online at itnsuncoast.org. More questions? Contact Cheryl Track, (941) 320-3828.
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank

Our emergency food distribution site will remain open through March 2021

Thursday Mornings ONLY: 8:45 - 11:30 am
(distribution 10:00 - 11:30 am)

The food distribution is by drive-through with volunteers loading cars as clients circle in the parking lot during the allotted time. Volunteers are needed each Thursday. Task options include sorting and distributing food, setting up, cleaning up, and directing traffic.

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

Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
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
Click on the list below for a list of those who have recently, or are currently, hospitalized from our congregation who have been sent a personalized We Care poster-card on behalf of our church family. Please keep them in your prayers and consider sending a message of encouragement.
Our Condolences
Our prayers are with Betsy Marshall and her family. Betsy's mother, Elizabeth Law Clemons, died peacefully on February 10 in Tallahassee. 
The family is holding a graveside service in Tallahassee on Saturday, February 13. 
 
Notes of condolence may be sent to: 
Betsy Marshall
1334 Harbor Drive
Sarasota, FL 34249
 
Thank you for the ways you love one another through sorrow and joy, and for the ways you pray each other through each threshold place.

Jesus said: Come to me, all you that are weary 
and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 
First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG

The preschool staff and the families are thankful to all those who have contributed to our preschool community. Thanks to you, we are over halfway to our fundraising goal of $50,000.

If you have not had the opportunity to donate, 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.