Many of us are enjoying the option of returning to worship in person now that the COVID vaccines are available to all adults. However, not everyone is choosing to be vaccinated and the CDC still recommends that masks be worn in public places such as churches. FPC continues to require that masks be worn inside all church buildings. This policy applies to staff, volunteers, members of the congregation, and outside groups using our facilities. Thank you for your understanding in helping to keep everyone safe and healthy.

It continues to be our priority to ensure the safety of all those who participate in our in-person worship services. As the outside temperature and humidity increase this season, we will no longer be leaving the doors open in the sanctuary. This will help keep attenders comfortable, the piano and pipe organ working properly, and allow the A/C system maximum efficiency. We will also begin the use of air purifiers to sanitize the air. Masks, social distancing, and attendance reservations will continue to be in place. Your safety and well-being are our top concern.

The book of Jonah is one of the Bible’s most profound stories about faith. Join us on Zoom as we let Jonah guide us on the journey of faith. To register to participate using Zoom, please email Dent Davis at dcdavis3@gmail.com.

Preschool – 1^st Grade:

Hallway outside of Fellowship Hall by the preschool playground

2^nd-5^th Grade: Courtyard between the sanctuary and the administration building under the umbrella

Middle School: Fellowship Hall courtyard

High School: Labyrinth

Pentecost Sunday - May 23, 9:00 a.m. worship service

Come celebrate Pentecost Sunday with a vibrant service that will include special music, liturgical dance, and communion. All are invited to wear RED.

The Pentecost Offering received on May 23 benefits children at risk, as well as the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program, and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. 40% of the amount received is directed to local ministries, while the remaining 60% is used to address national needs. The gifts we share equip our youth for the challenges ahead.

at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom

The Bible study, led by Jean Luker will include the eighth and ninth lessons (the two final lessons) in the 2020-2021 Horizons study, Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament, will be discussed. We will take a break over the summer and begin the new study guide in the fall. All women of the church are welcome to join the meeting. Deborah Circle meets immediately following for fellowship and PW updates.

All women of the church are welcome. Contact Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@me.com for the link.

The Cowden-Smith Library is open

Our lovely library is located on the second floor of the administration / education building. Check out the library’s latest acquisition: Sarasota County's "One Book" for 2021 and well-timed for our county's 100^th anniversary. SUNCOAST EMPIRE: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family and the Rise of Sarasota by historian Frank A. Cassell is the story of Bertha Palmer's global exploits and then her journey to Sarasota in 1910.

On Monday, May 17, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom, you are invited to be a part of SURE network members and friends assembling to celebrate our accomplishments, honor community leaders who continue to work with us, and re-commit to working for justice in the Sarasota community. Look for the link for the Celebration in News@First in the coming weeks.

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, and craft room organizing. Watch for more details coming soon!

We continue to support our mission partner through the Box Tops for Education program. If you haven’t started this easy way of earning cash for Brentwood, now is the time!

DOWNLOAD the app — Box Tops for Education or BTFE.com — on your smartphone

SELECT Brentwood Elementary School, Sarasota to earn cash for the school

BUY Box Tops products such as Cereal boxes Ziploc products, Scott tissue, Green Giant fresh or frozen veggies, Lysol cleaning products, Nature Valley snacks, Hefty paper products or trash bags. You’ll see the label above on the 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 Box Top earns 10 cents for the school! Every Box Top helps--thank you!

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

Thursday Mornings: 8:45 - 11:30 am

Contact Bob Kirkpatrick, rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 355-0809

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.

Pastoral Care

There have been major changes at our local hospitals. When you or a loved one is hospitalized, it is imperative 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.

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.