First Presbyterian Church Sarasota

NEWS @ FIRST
October 23, 2020
You can view the worship service
beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Join us whenever is best for your schedule.
Updates from the Session
and Administrative Commission
The latest information from the Session and Administrative Commission, dated August 17, 2020, can be readily accessed on First Presbyterian’s website home page, using the weblink below:
Message from the Designated Associate Pastor
Nominating Committee

The DAPNC has begun its process. Click on the link below to read the letter from the committee to the congregation:
Simple Service of Remembrance
Sunday, November 1, 2020 - 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the weekly worship service to be broadcast on the morning on November 1, a brief and simple in-person service of remembrance will be held in the sanctuary at 4:30 p.m.

This gathering will allow congregants an opportunity to light a candle for loved ones who have died, to pray for the world, and to lift prayers for our country, as we engage in elections. Isaac Mingus' cello will enhance our worship.

We will maintain social distance and ask that all persons attending the service wear masks throughout. The service will not include congregational singing, and the side doors will be open for increased ventilation. Please know that the session respects each member's decisions as to what feels helpful and safe during these complicated days. No one should feel pressure to attend any event about which they do not feel comfortable. We continue to pray for the health and well-being of all.
Photo above:
We Care poster in the artist's workshop

Stewardship 2021
Being a loving and compassionate church family is one of the ways we carry out our faith when one of us is in need. When members of our faith community experience times of difficulty, the loss of a loved one, or illness, our pastors, Stephen Ministers, deacons and faith community nurse are present to offer prayers, support, referrals for resources, and friendship.
Photo above: Blood drive

We will celebrate Commitment Sunday
on November 1.

Please join us as we witness to God's transforming power and love.
We want to see YOU at our virtual Coffee Hour
Coming Sunday, November 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, November 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!
To Our First Presbyterian Families,

We are getting prepared for this week’s lessons:

Preschool though first grade are hearing stories of Naomi and Ruth from the Old Testament books: Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19, which explain the custom of gleaning and learn how important it is to help others and show kindness.

Second though Fifth grade are discussing Abram and Sarai. They are exploring their journey and wondering together what it must have been like for Abram and Sarai to go to a new place where they knew no one but each other and the family that moved with them. 

Middle school has begun a new journey in their faith learning. Over the next five weeks they are considering; Where is God?, Who is God, Why Did God Allow Sin into the World?, Does God Know What Will Happen Before It Happens?, Does God Cry When We Cry and Laugh When We Laugh?, Why Do People Believe (or Not Believe) In God?

Confirmation class is participating in “Breakout Rooms.” These youth have begun outlining their Faith Statements. We appreciate Elaine Barnett, George Chorba, Floyd Churn and Margaret LaMotte Torrence for guiding the Confirmands on their journey.

If you were unable to attend last week please join us this week, as we continue our journey to get to know one each other, become closer to God and make a connection with each other that will truly be discussed for years! We can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Peace and grace,
Lydia Chapdelain
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
We have placed our first order of Advent Boxes. If you did not have the chance to sign up for one, there is still time. Please use the link below and sign up by Saturday, October 31 to receive your very own Advent Season Workshop in a Box. for you to share with family and friends.
Remember:

1.   We would like everyone to participate in this event and sign up for a box! If you are unable to cover the cost, let us know. Thanks to some generous donations, we want you to know that we have you covered--just let us know.

2.   If you are unable to come to the church and pick up your box, we will deliver one to you!
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 six weeks on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom beginning November 3.

November 3:  The Difficulty of Hope
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

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:
Peace River Presbytery
PW Fall Workshop - October 31
Please join fellow women of Peace River Presbytery on Saturday, October 31 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Zoom. The theme of the meeting is "Women Interacting in a Virtual World." There will be a devotional, some mini-workshops and sharing time. Please join the meeting to learn what other PW groups are doing, get ideas for future gatherings, and have fun reconnecting with our sisters in local congregations.

Click below for the Zoom link, using Meeting ID: 848 5542 2199
Passcode: 946512
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 
Monthly PW Gathering - November 2
The next gathering is on Monday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. We will dedicate our annual Thank Offering. Matthew Shick, the acting executive director at Cedarkirk will join us and tell us how their Thank Offering grant money will be used. We will also present the lifetime membership award. You are welcome to linger after the meeting for a time of fellowship.
The Zoom link is
PW Christmas Stockings for Brentwood Children
Presbyterian Women will make Christmas stockings for the Brentwood Elementary school children again this year. You can help by donating Christmas fabric suitable for a child's stocking or money to purchase fabric. We also need volunteers to sew the stockings. A pattern, supplies and simple instructions will be provided. Please contact Pamela Lamb at 941-210-7478 if you wish to donate or construct some stockings.
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our partnership with All Faiths Food Bank as an emergency food distribution site is 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:
 8:45-11:30

Second and fourth Thursdays:
3:45–5:00pm 6:30 pm - distribution

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
Invest in Children

Even though COVID-19 has caused us to temporarily suspend our volunteer involvement at Brentwood Elementary School, we can show our support for our mission partner in other ways. One of these ways is through the BoxTops for Education program. It’s easy! 

Here’s how:
DOWNLOAD the app — BoxTops for Education or BTFE.com — 
       on your smartphone.
SELECT Brentwood Elementary School, Sarasota to earn cash
      for the school.
BUY BoxTops products such as
 
Cereal      
Green Giant fresh or frozen veggies 
Lysol cleaning products
Nature Valley snacks   
Scott tissue
Lysol cleaning products
Hefty paper products or trash bags
Ziploc products

SCAN your grocery store receipt using the app to snap a photo of your receipt within 14 days of purchase, and you’ll EARN cash for Brentwood! Each BoxTop earns 10 cents for the school. Every BoxTop helps.

Thank you!
Preschool News
At First Presbyterian Preschool, we Stretch Strong to #GrowStrong! Sensory play is a huge part of what we do here and it stretches our preschoolers to build their vocabularies, their scientific thinking, and even increase the nerve connections in their brains!

 
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:
We Care Posters
We Care Posters are for those in our congregation who have been hospitalized, that they might be encouraged by the support and prayers of their church family. Posters also are made to welcome newborns of our members. We Care posters are a part of the Deacons' ministry.

We are grateful to our creative team of artists who design these lovely, personalized posters. Prior to COVID-19, our congregation signed the posters with special messages on Sunday mornings and deacons delivered the posters. While we are unable to meet in-person and need to maintain social distancing, artists are designing and mailing out a smaller-sized poster-cards on behalf of the congregation.

Click on the link below for the list of those who have been hospitalized and received posters in recent months. Please keep these dear members of our church family in your prayers and consider sending them a note of encouragement.
Our Condolences
Our prayers are with the family of Jo Weiss, Jo died Friday, October 9, 2020, at Landis Homes, Lititz, PA. Jo and her husband, Bill (who died in 2016), were active members of our church since 2005. The family will have a small, private memorial service.

Donations in memory of Jo may be made to Caring Fund at Landis Homes, First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota or Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Jo’s daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Ken Miller, 544 Gralan Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Jo’s obituary may be accessed with the following weblink:
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
NAMI Sarasota – Two Free Educational Opportunities

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week education program beginning October 26 (6:30-9:00 p.m.) for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness. Learn how best to support your child at home, at school and when they’re getting medical care. The course is taught by a trained, experienced team. The program provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery. For more information or to register for NAMI Basics, click below: 
NAMI Family & Friends is a free 90-minute seminar on October 28, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. It informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. It’s also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support. The seminar is led by trained, experienced people who will walk you through the following topics:
 
· Understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery
· Effective communication strategies
· The importance of self-care
· Crisis preparation strategies
· NAMI and community resources
 
For more information or to register, click below:
You may also contact Taylor Walker, Program Coordinator, at info@namisarasotacounty.org or (941) 444-3428.
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.

Hurricane Preparedness
We are in the midst of Hurricane season. Be sure to check your hurricane supplies and fine tune your evacuation plans.

For information and resources check out Sarasota County Emergency Services.