NEWS @ FIRST
June 4, 2021
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Photos from Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021 |
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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
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.
(Sunday School for all ages is in summer recess.)
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Update from Session on COVID Safety Practices at FPC Sarasota
Our main concern continues to be the well-being of all who work, worship, and meet at our facility. Upon the recommendation of our Re-opening Task Force on May 25, 2021, the session updated our COVID safety policy. Beginning this Sunday, June 6, those who are fully vaccinated may attend meetings and events without a mask or social distancing. Per CDC guidelines, unvaccinated persons should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart.
Any who feel more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. Every other pew will be blocked off on one side of the sanctuary for those who need or prefer to maintain distance. We will be happy to see you!
The Lord’s Supper This Sunday!
This Sunday we will share the Lord’s Supper. For those worshiping in-person, we will continue to use the individual pre-packaged combination bread-and-juice cups that may be picked up in the narthex upon entering. Gluten-free elements will also be available. Those worshiping online may gather communion supplies from their home.
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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
This Saturday, June 5, 7:00 a.m. – 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. Or just come on over
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Congratulations! Class of 2021 High School Graduating Seniors
Congratulations to our amazing seniors! May you fly high, chase your dreams, work hard, never give up, and know your church family will always be here for you! You are in our prayers!
Landon Cook, University of Pittsburgh
Sawyer Dunn-Matrullo, Washington and Lee University
Lauren Reasoner, University of South Carolina
Ella Schwab, Bucknell University
Haleigh Smoot, University of Florida
Tara Track, University of Florida
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Family Promise has moved five more families out of temporary shelters and into permanent housing! Our congregation has made cash donations and has contributed household goods and children’s summer clothing. At left is a photo of the latest delivery, made June 1, to be distributed to even more families. Every donation helps these families toward safe, stable housing situations.
Thank you for blessing Family Promise with your support.
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The Cowden-Smith Library News
Library open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
and on Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
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.
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Last weekend, as we remembered heroes who have served our country in the armed forces, a quote from Mister Rogers had significance. It continues to inspire as the Sarasota County Schools conclude their school year on June 11! Mister Rogers 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.
Teachers and administrators are heroes as well — especially during the COVID -19 pandemic. Be sure to thank them for the heroic work they did during this past school year.
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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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 long-time member, Joan Scott, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021. A memorial service giving thanks for her life will be Wednesday, June 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Thank you for remembering Joan’s family in your prayers.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Joan's niece, Jeri:
Jeri Wentz
4705 Village Gardens Drive
Sarasota, FL 34234
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Senior Friendship Centers
Offering Free Meals for Seniors in Need
The staff of SFC are working to identify any seniors aged 60+ in Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte and Lee Counties who may be interested in receiving nutritious home-delivered meals. If you or someone you know aged 60+ would like to receive home-delivered meals, please call their Meals Hotline for Sarasota County: (941) 584-0048
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NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ Support Groups:
P.O.W.E.R 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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