NEWS @ FIRST
May 28, 2021
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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Remember that summer worship moves to
10:00 a.m. beginning this Sunday, May 30!
10:00 a.m. in-person worship in the sanctuary
A vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary music
Online access beginning at 10:00 a.m.
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Sunday School for all ages is in summer recess. |
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The Future Is Coming!
A Mission Study Team has formed and is working full-steam-ahead to meet with members of our congregation in small groups to prepare for First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota’s next chapter.
A key part of the process involves church members meeting in small groups (Zoom or face-to-face) to talk about visions for the future of FPC. These meetings, lasting only 60 to 90 minutes, will take place in June and July and will lead to a report on where we stand, what we hope for, and how God is guiding us to be the Body of Christ here and now.
Listed below are 15 sign-up dates, times, and locations. Please select one of the links to sign up for a convenient time for you to participate. We value your input and need as many members as possible to participate.
Your Mission Study Team,
Elaine Barnett, Chair
Ed Clissold
Michael Fingerle
Frank Frey
Janet Olshewsky
Joanne Simons
Emily Weitekamp
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FPC Sarasota’s Campus Clean-Up
Saturday, June 5, 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Inside and outside tasks—something for everyone! Come and join the fun of working together to tidy up our campus. Projects will include gardening, window cleaning, craft room organizing, and returning Bibles and hymnals into the sanctuary. Sign up below or call the church office (941) 955-8119.
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The Cowden-Smith Library News
Library open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
and on Sundays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Our library is located on the second floor of the administration building. There is now 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.
Three highly rated books for children about grief have recently been donated to our library from Jinny and Ron Miller. They can be found on the narthex book cart on Sunday.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief, by Joanna Rowland
"I’m scared I'll forget you..." The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos of a loved one or even a pet. A parent’s guide is in the back.
The Invisible String, by Patricia Karst. The “invisible string” (made of love) is the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss and grief.
For Heaven’s Sake, by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. When told his grandfather had gone to heaven, little Isaiah wonders where and what heaven is. He seeks answers from many people. Multicultural, nondenominational, nonsectarian endorsed by Protestant, Catholic and Jewish religious groups.
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On this Memorial Day weekend, as we remember heroes who have served our country in the armed forces, a quote from Mister Rogers has significance. He said:
We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.
You are heroes as well, First Presbyterian Church! You have seen the needs at Brentwood Elementary School, a Title 1 school, and you have responded. Thanks be to God for the many ways you have shared the responsibility of reaching out to bless the children and staff at Brentwood. You are heroes, indeed!
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Hurricane Season Begins June 1
Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN)
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Read these important recommendations, restock your supply kit, and be aware of our church’s communication protocol.
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FPL Assistance
CARITAS is offering FPL assistance up to $100
for Sarasota County residents.
The CARITAS office is currently closed for in-person interviews, but you may call (941) 366-5620
Monday through Friday
from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for assistance.
Please have your SSN
and your FPL account number ready.
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Resurrection House Update
Resurrection House is open each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There are still a few volunteer spots available. If interested, please contact Joe at rhlucero@verizon.net
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FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our emergency food distribution site
continues to remain open!
Thursday Mornings: 9:15 - 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Bob Kirkpatrick, rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 355-0809
or Dave Householder, dphouse47@gmail.com or (724) 462-4235
Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
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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:
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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.
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Our Condolences
Our dear sister in Christ, Joan Scott, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the age of 104. Joan's membership at FPC Sarasota spanned 55 years, as she actively served as elder and a member of Presbyterian Women. Thank you for remembering Joan's family in your prayers.
A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, June 9th at 11:00am in the sanctuary.
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NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ new P.O.W.E.R Support Group (Parents Offering Wisdom, Education, and Resources) is geared towards parents with children 24 and under who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or whom have already been diagnosed. This free support group is facilitated by trained parents with lived experience. P.O.W.E.R meets virtually via Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
The group can be accessed using Zoom meeting ID: 841 4675 6975.
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NAMI also offers other helpful support groups:
Young Adult Support Group: Peer support for ages 18-30; second Tuesday of every month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. via Zoom
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Peer-to-Peer Course: Wednesdays, through June 9; 1:00-3:30 p.m. |
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Suicide Support Group: For those who have a loved one who has attempted suicide or have lost a loved one to suicide; first & third Wednesday of the month; 6:30-8:00 p.m. |
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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: All mail, including contribution checks, securely arrives to our church office.
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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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