First Presbyterian Church Sarasota
NEWS @ FIRST
November 6, 2020
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 7:00 a.m.
New Message from the Designated Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (DAPNC)
A new letter of update from the DAPNC dated November 3, 2020, may be accessed by clicking on the link below:
All Communication from the Administrative Commission
All communication from the Administrative Commission, including the most recent letter dated October 28 2020, can be readily accessed on First Presbyterian’s website home page, using the link below:







Stewardship 2021

If you have returned your pledge card—thank you! If you have not—it’s not too late! For our church family to meet the challenges of the year ahead, we will need your prayers, your insight, your compassion, and your gifts. Ways you can make your pledge include:

·Mail in your pledge card in the envelope sent to you.

· Drop off your pledge card to the church office, making arrangements with Lisa Garcia at (941) 955-8119.
· Pledge online through our website:
www.FirstPresSarasota.org, select Member Login, then select Pledge Now.

Please join us as we witness to God's transforming power and love.
We want to see YOU at our virtual Coffee Hour
Coming THIS SUNDAY, Nov 8, to 10:30 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour:
Uriel Zelaya-Perez, the National Faith Coordinator with the Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) and a farmworker from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), will join us for a conversation about the conditions that farmworkers face and how we can continue to support CIW's mission.

Join us at Virtual Coffee Hour time Sunday, Nov 15, 10:30 a.m. to hear CEPAD's (Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua) leadership speak of CEPAD's work in breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty in Nicaragua. Learn of COVID-19's effect in Nicaragua and what CEPAD is doing to help combat the virus. FPC has been a longtime supporter of CEPAD through programs in leadership training, sustainable agricultural practices, and economic development. Hope to see you there!
Hope: The Anchor for Your Soul
New Virtual Adult Education Class
Led by Elaine Barnett

The Church confesses that Jesus Christ is its hope and is itself a community of hope. This study introduces us to the basics of Christian hope in Christ. God is making a new creation, a new beginning for human life and for all things. We live on the strength of that promised new creation even when the times are tough and hope is difficult. Through biblical and theological insights, the participants will explore the hope that is within us, the hope that does not disappoint us, and the hope in which we can rejoice.

The class meets for five more weeks on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.
via Zoom continuing this Tuesday. It's not to late to join in!

November 10: Thy Kingdom Come: The Reign of God
November 17: Resurrection of the Body and Life Eternal
November 24: Christ's Return and the Last Judgment
December 1: The New Creation
December 8: Living Hope in Church and World

To register for the class
email Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@me.com
Sign up now!
Dear First Presbyterian Families.

Keep your eyes out for exciting information about Advent activities and plans for a fun Christmas Eve. If you have any ideas, our planning team would love to hear them!

We continue our journey to get to know one another and become closer to God. I can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Peace and grace,

Lydia Chapdelain
Children and Youth Leader
Pre-K – 2nd grade
Leaders: Rebecca Clissold, Lydia Chapdelain, Haleigh Smoot
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings
3rd – 5th grade

Leaders: Sue Nurczyk, Mariah Martin, Lauren Reasoner
9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Middle School Youth
Leaders: Darla Gulliver and Scott McLeod
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Confirmation Class
Leaders: Jessica Armstrong and Abbey Tyrna
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings via Zoom
Our congregation will be supporting Family Promise by providing meals for families housed at the Family Promise Day Center on Vamo Road in Sarasota. (Until it is deemed safe, we will not be welcoming families into our church buildings to sleep, as we had in the past.) It will take about 12 people to shop for food, make and deliver meals, and launder sheets and towels when it is our week to host. As soon as the schedule is announced, you will be able to sign up for this vital project. You can always contact Joanne Simons (SimonsJC1@gmail.com or 703-798-7330) to let her know of your interest.
 
In celebration of National Family Promise week, Family Promise reminds all of their partners that homelessness is a serious issue in our community. It is estimated that in Sarasota County alone, more than 1,000 children are part of a family experiencing homelessness. Family Promise provides case management, transportation, career development, and other critical services to help families remain in sustainable housing. 

Anyone may help these efforts by donating at www.familypromisesarasota.org or by purchasing an item from their Amazon Wish List below:
Presbyterian Women's Thank Offering
The PW Thank Offering is received annually in the fall. This offering is a tangible way to express gratitude for the special blessings in our lives. The offering has made possible projects addressing issues including agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence and women's concerns. At least 40 percent of this offering supports health ministries throughout the world. The remaining 60 percent funds new creative ideas for mission. 

To contribute to this year's Thank Offering, send your check made out to Presbyterian Women, with “Thank Offering” in the memo line, to the attention of Mary Webb. This year's grant recipients include Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center.

For a complete list of grant recipients go to 
PW Christmas Gathering - Dec. 1
Tuesday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. via zoom. All women of the church are welcome to attend. We encourage you to show everyone a Christmas item that has special meaning for you such as an ornament, a creche, a Christmas decoration and tell us the story behind it or you can share a special family Christmas tradition. Watch for the Zoom link in News@First.

At our Christmas gatherings, we traditionally adopt an organization for mission giving and this year is no exception. Misión Peniel is requesting items for adult hygiene kits. Please note, items must be new and unopened and trial or single-use size. No large shampoo bottles or bars of soap please. A kit consists of the following 8 items placed in a gallon-size plastic Ziplock bag:

1. Toothbrush
2. Toothpaste
3. Shampoo
4. Bar soap
5. Deodorant (men's or women's scent)
6. Disposable razor
7. Socks
8. Washcloth

You may create one or more kits or donate items for some kits. We will also accept money and purchase the items for you. Items may be dropped off weekdays at the church in the bin provided Tuesday, Nov. 16 or 23 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. or Wednesday, Nov. 17 or 24 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Checks may be mailed to the church office to the attention of Mary Webb. Make checks out to Presbyterian Women and write hygiene kit in the memo line. Contact Flossie Paul at (941) 779-6055 or Pamela Lamb at (941) 210-7478 if you have questions.


PW Bible Study - Tuesday, November 10
The monthly PW Bible study led by Jean Luker meets via Zoom on Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. We will study the second lesson in the 2020-2021 Horizons study, Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament. All women of the church are welcome to join the meeting. The study guide is not required to join. Deborah Circle meets immediately following for fellowship and PW updates. The information to join the Zoom meeting is as follows:
PW Lifetime Membership Awards
Congratulations to Flossie Paul and Pamela Lamb who were awarded the PW Lifetime Membership at last Tuesday's gathering.

Mary-Martha Circle - November 18
Mary-Martha Circle meets via Zoom on Wednesday, November 18, at 10:00 a.m. for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome to join the meeting. The lesson will be on Anabaptist and Anglicanism lead by Mary Ellen Miller. The study guide, The Protestant Reformations, by Donald K. McKim and can be purchased online from pcusa.org. Contact Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@tampabay.rr.com to request the Zoom meeting invitation. 
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our partnership with All Faiths Food Bank as an emergency food distribution site has now completing its second month. The food distribution is by drive-through with volunteers loading cars as clients circle in the parking lot during the allotted time.
Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
Sign up NOW to volunteer at First Presbyterian's
ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK
EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITE  
   
Volunteers are needed each Thursday.
Task options include sorting and distributing food, setting up,
cleaning up and directing traffic.

NEW Volunteer Times

First, third and fifth Thursdays:
 8:45 am - 11:30 pm

Second and fourth Thursdays:
3:45 – 6:30 pm

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

TO SIGN UP, click the link below
Preschool News
At First Presbyterian Preschool, we Choose Strong to #GrowStrong! Our classrooms are set up with a variety of activity centers, allowing children to choose what engages them most. When children make their own choices, their feelings of autonomy grow together with their self-confidence and problem-solving. We see that persistence and completion improves when children choose an activity themselves.
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 arrive to our church office.
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:
Our Condolences
Our prayers are with the family of David Muir. David died last Saturday, October 31, 2020. During his 23 years at FPC, David served as a deacon, Stephen Minister, usher in the 8:15 a.m. Sunday morning chapel service, and member of the Church Officer Nominating Committee. David leaves behind his wife, Francesca, and his daughter, Nicole, a member of FPC. Plans for a memorial service are to be determined.

Notes of condolence may be sent to:

Francesca Muir
100 Central Avenue, Apt. #511
Sarasota, FL 34236-5719

Nicole Muir
7754 Club Lane
Sarasota, FL 34238-5644

Thank you for keeping the Muir family in your prayers.
Connecting with Your Church Family
Our church family is much like any family--we need each other, and we flourish by staying in touch, sharing love and care. The restrictions due to COVID-19 have made it more challenging to keep up with our extended family and friends-and with our church family. It is a time to find creative ways to stay connected.

Think of your church friends you were accustomed to greeting at Sunday morning worship services--the people seated right near you. You can brighten their day by calling, sending a note, email or text message. Let's join together to live into new avenues for fellowship and care. You will help another feel cared for--and you'll enjoy having reached out as well.
Preparing for Flu Season During COVID-19
Getting a flu vaccine this fall can reduce your risk of getting the flu and help save medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19. It’s important for everyone to do their part to stay healthy this flu season.

Prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses by reminding each other to:

Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.
Lather Up: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.

CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

Flu season peaks between December and February.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.

Children (aged 6 months to 8 years) who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner, because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.
FPC Blood Drive - SAVE THE DATE

The next blood drive is Sunday, December 6—mark your calendar!
First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
We have had an amazing start to the Grow Strong campaign. Over $15,000 has been given to First Presbyterian Preschool.
The staff and the families are very grateful to the individuals and families who have contributed to our preschool community. 
If you have not had the opportunity to donate, please consider how you can help offset the anticipated decrease in needed income due to lowered enrollment this fall (from the impact of COVID-19). 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.