Scott Sabin has served as CEO, and formerly Executive Director, of Plant With Purpose (www.plantwithpurpose.org) since 1995. Plant With Purpose is an international Christian organization that empowers poor farmers around the world, in places where poverty and deforestation intersect. Combining savings groups with agroforestry, regenerative agriculture and Christian outreach, Plant With Purpose operates long-term watershed-focused programs in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania, Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, and Thailand. Plant With Purpose has empowered farmers in more than 900 communities to plant 38 million trees and dramatically reduce poverty. 

This week in our Sunday school classes are going to focus on Mark 1:21-28--the lesson about how Jesus used his authority to overpower evil. The people were amazed by his teachings. Some aspects of this lesson might be more than younger ages are be able to understand, but we can emphasize that God loves us and is present and powerful in all that happens in our daily lives. Jesus' teachings and actions are powerful. As followers of Jesus, we can treat others in a positive way that is powerful and we can be a powerful example to our family and friends.

Ask your family at home:

When was the last time you were astounded and amazed?

Can you recall a time in the recent past when the presence of God in your life caught your attention and held it?

In this pandemic, where might we experience awe, wonder, astonishment, and surprise?

How does it make you feel when people are unkind? What can you do to help someone whose feelings are hurt?

Is there someone in your life who you look up to who teaches about God's goodness--someone who helps you see the good in people and teaches you how to stay positive by trusting in God's care?

Begin the conversation.

Grace and peace,

Lydia Chapdelain

Children and Youth Leader

Join in our conversation--your input is needed!

The deposit is $100 to be sent in on or before March 1.

Let us know your thoughts. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Lydia Chapdelain, Children and Youth Leader.

Montreat Youth Conference is a unique gathering of young people from all over the country for a week of study, worship, small groups, and recreation. 

Sunday, February 7 is Super Bowl Sunday.

Remember to make your donations toward the “Souper Bowl of Caring.” Please make your check out to First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota with “Souper Bowl” in the memo line. You can also donate online (www.firstpressarasota.org select online giving and select “Souper Bowl” for fund).

Mark your calendar for our FPC Rise Against Hunger event on Sunday, April 18!

If your family would like to participate in promoting this event by taking a picture with a large cooking pot, we will be using these pictures in a slide show during the February 7 worship service. Please contact lydiaopal@yahoo.com; (941) 914-6244.  

If you would like to attend worship in the sanctuary, please let us know that you are coming by clicking here or calling the church office. Masks and social distancing will be required at the service. Ashes will be available for individual application.

The annual congregational meeting will be held Sunday, February 28, by Zoom at 12:15 p.m. We will receive reports of the session, deacons, and other organizations of the church. We will also transact any business of the church corporation.

The annual report will be available online (www.firstpressarasota.org under the “Stewardship” tab) and through News@First, beginning on Friday, February 19. If you would like a printed copy you can receive one at the worship service on Sunday, February 21, or call the church office (941) 955-8119 to pick one up during the week of February 22-26 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  If you need one mailed to you please let us know.

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.

PW Annual Presbytery Gathering

on Zoom

PW Presbytery Spring Retreat

at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center

Cindie Moore, of the Association of Mam Christian Women Development, has shared that COVID has severely impacted the Mam people, indigenous to Guatemala. The Association has partnered with other programs to help feed Mam families. If you want to make a donation to support them, make your check payable to Presbyterian Women and mail it to Mary Webb, 3016 21^st Court W, Bradenton, FL 34205-4300. Please put MAM DONATION in the memo line of your check. Any amount is welcomed.

Be sure to pray for your Mam prayer partner. Send your letters to your partner via Cindie at CindieMoore@yahoo.com. If you don't have a prayer partner, send Cindie your picture so she can match you with one during her next trip to Guatemala.

Please join us on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom as we welcome a representative from the Sarasota Senior Friendship Center to our meeting. The Friendship Center delivers comprehensive services that enrich the lives of older adults and their families by providing medical and dental services, caregiving, meals, exercise classes, lifelong learning, economic assistance and socialization. The link to the Zoom meeting is:

It's time to order PW study guides for the fall. The 2021-2022 Horizon Bible study is, What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning From Women in Matthew's Genealogy, by Merryl Blair. If you would like a study guide ordered for you, please send a check payable to Presbyterian Women for $10 (or $15 for large-print) to Mary Webb, 3016 21st Court W, Bradenton, FL 34205-4300. Please put STUDY GUIDE in the memo line of your check.

Our speaker, Andrea Peaten, Community Immunizations Liaison of the Florida Department of Health, Pinellas County, will discuss:

Please register using the link below.

Please contact Cheryl Track, faith community nurse, for questions, 4tracks@comcast.net

The Department of Health in Manatee County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 or older, by appointment Click HERE or go to their website for more information (https://mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/coronavirus_information/covid-19_vaccine ).

The Department of Health in Sarasota County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 and older, by appointment only. Sarasota County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Sarasota County for their second round (28 days after the first appointment). Click HERE or go to sarasota.floridahealth.gov for more information. 

This study focuses on key theological issues including the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit and the ways these understandings matter in our Christian lives today. Using scripture, music and conversation, this series continues the next two Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. The classes are led by Elaine Barnett.

You can sign-up by emailing Elaine at ewbarnet@me.com

ewbarnet@me.com

For more information or to become a member, call (941) 364-7530 and tell them you are a member of First Presbyterian Church, or register online at itnsuncoast.org. More questions? Contact Cheryl Track, (941) 320-3828.

The Dysphagia Support Group, called "The Digest," is currently meeting via Zoom. The group is supported by the National Foundation of wallowing Disorders. It meets via Zoom the third Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Email info@dysphagiadigest.com if you are interested in participating or have questions. 

Thursday Mornings ONLY: 8:45 - 11:30 am

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.