NEWS @ FIRST
March 19, 2021
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MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 9:00 a.m.
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Worship Service in the Sanctuary
THIS SUNDAY, March 21, 9:00 a.m.
FPC Sarasota now offers live Sunday worship services with one service at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The worship style is a vibrant combination of traditional and contemporary elements. All are welcome!
In-person worshipers are asked to register in advance (through the website or News@First). Masks and social distancing is required. Doors are propped open to ensure optimum ventilation. The service is available online through the website as a simulcast at 9:00 a.m.--and after that time as a recording, for those who prefer to participate from home.
Sign up HERE for the March 21 service.
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We want to see YOU
at our virtual Coffee Hour
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday.
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Coming Sunday, April 11 - Coffee Hour Guest:
Tara Maffel, New Family Promise Sarasota Director
Tara Maffei, a New Jersey native, recently relocated to the Sarasota area, and became the Director at Family Promise of Sarasota to lead the reopening in the fall of 2020. She has a master's degree in Social Work and International Community Development. Over the past 22 years, she has worked extensively as a nonprofit consultant, and earned recognition in the fields of disaster response and recovery at the American Red Cross where she led SuperStorm Sandy efforts.
Tara has served as Vice President for two United Way chapters. Read her complete story of how she interned for Interfaith Hospitality Network right out of college, and now has come full circle 15 years later to Family Promise, the organization she loves so dearly as they revitalize their chapter.
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Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am
* no classes Palm Sunday (March 28) or Easter (April 4)
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All Sunday School classes are focusing on John 12:20-33 this Sunday. The youth will also discuss details of their service project. The youth will also begin to structure YOUTH SUNDAY! |
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Cuba Partnership – Immediate Need
Our Cuba Partners Network has alerted the presbytery and session that the Cuban Presbyterian Church (IRPC) is facing the most desperate economic crisis that the network has witnessed in its more than twenty years of existence.
Effects of the pandemic, interruption of family remittances, the collapse of tourism, sanctions, and rising cost of living all have contributed to the crisis. Our congregation anticipates sending $5,000 to the IRPC, and $1,000 to our partner church (Juan G. Hall Church).
If you would like to augment these funds with a personal donation, please make your check to First Presbyterian Church, with “Cuba” in the memo line, or make an online donation through our website (www.firstpressarasota.org) to Mission-Designate General with “Cuba” in the memo. The network has secured a legal and very low-cost way to transfer the funds, but time is of the essence, as funds will be transferred by Easter (April 4). Please contact Elder Dave Householder or Finance Manager Lisa Garcia with any questions.
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An Invitation to Help Grow the Ministry
of FPC Sarasota
First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota strives to be a strong, member-led congregation. Please help us continue to grow our ministry by sharing recommendations of possible nominees for the office of elder, deacon and Church Officer Nominating Committee (to serve beginning in January 2022) with our current Church Officer Nominating Committee. When suggesting a name, please indicate for which office you believe the potential nominee is best suited, the nominee’s involvement at FPC (i.e., committees, ministry teams, social activities) and the reasons you feel they would be a good leader (specific qualifications and personal qualities). Below are basic requirements for nominees:
- Attend worship regularly
- Support FPC with time, talent and treasures
- Faithfully attend committee and session meetings (elders), board of deacon meetings (deacons) or committee meetings (nominating committee)
- Actively participate as a session committee co-moderator (elders)
- Participate in serving in-person communion (when we resume this practice) on the first Sunday of each month (elders – although deacons are welcome)
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Commit to working as part of a supportive group
For additional information, the links below give more detailed information on the position description for each office.
All names submitted will be prayerfully considered. Please send your recommendations to the Nominating Committee co-moderators:
Lisa and Dick would also be happy to speak with you about any questions you may have regarding the nomination process or the particular officer position descriptions.
Please submit your recommendations to Dick or Lisa no later than April 5, 2021. Thank you for your participation in this important process.
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Faith through Service
The High School youth group, along with their leaders Jessica Armstrong and Abbey Tyrna, have been planning and executing mission projects over the past several months. Their actions began with a simple question: "What moves you to serve God?"
The youth responded with many wonderful ideas, but the strongest drivers of faith were service to the environment and service to the community. The group developed a schedule to put their plan into action. Over the past several months the high school youth group has been:
· Distributing supplies to our homeless community
· Cleaning up our beaches and parks
· Planning tree-planting service
· Planning an Easter meal project
· Joining the Great American Clean Up
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"Growing in Faith through Service" Community Project
While the youth were distributing supplies to the homeless in Sarasota they discovered a GREAT need in the community:
STRONG / DURABLE BACKPACKS
We are asking the congregation to support the youth and their mission by donating strong / durable backpacks or money so that the youth can purchase these essential tools and distribute them.
We will have a box outside the church office from March 14 to April 10 for your backpack donations--or you can give a donation online labeled "Youth Backpack Mission."
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"Growing in Faith through Service" Church Family Project
The high school youth have been working to develop a tree service project as part of their service to the church. Church members who would like a tree planted in their yard can sign up to receive a tree. The youth are partnering with UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Sarasota County to get the trees, learn about their care, and how to properly plant them.
Trees serve as a wonderful way to commemorate and honor loved ones while also providing a great number of environmental services. Members who are interested in having a tree planted in their yard can contact the church office Trees will be planted during the first two weeks of May.
The trees that are available include Red Maple, Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Slash Pine, and Mahogany. Information on how large these trees get is available on the Treejuvenation Florida page. Before you select a tree please be sure to pay close attention to the information on how much space each tree will need and how often new trees need to be watered (e.g., daily for the first two weeks and weekly thereafter, in the absence of rainfall).
Youth will pick up, deliver, and plant trees in the yards of members who request them.
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Adult Education Class
Illuminating Lent: A Look at the Lord’s Prayer
Our Lenten class will deepen your faith and enhance your understanding as we take a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer. During each session we are discussing one part of the prayer and considering what it means for our everyday lives. All are welcome to join in this exploration together.
The class is held on Tuesdays via Zoom at 11:30 a.m. for one hour. It is offered weekly through Holy Week, March 30. The sessions are led by Elaine Barnett.
You can sign-up for this series by emailing Elaine at
March 23 - Forward: Where God Leads Us - Discipleship
March 30 - Onward: What God Will Do - Resurrection Hope
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Register NOW for
In-person Easter Service!
Please let us know if you would like to attend in-person worship on Easter, Sunday, April 4.
Currently, there is one service scheduled at 10:00 a.m. If anticipated demand exceeds our capacity for safe-distancing, we will consider adding a second service at 8:00 a.m.
Please register by calling the church office (941) 955-8119, or by clicking on the link below, to let us know if members of your household would like to attend in-person worship on Easter Sunday morning. Please respond by Monday, March 22 so that we can make adequate preparations.
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Easter Lilies & Hydrangeas
If you would like to purchase lilies or hydrangeas for the Easter worship service, please click on the link below to print and complete the form and return it with your check (marked with ‘Easter flowers’ in the memo) to the church office. The order final deadline is Friday, March 26.
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OGHS Easter Offering – April 4
In Isaiah 58, God issues a call and a challenge—to love one another more deeply by sharing what we have with those in need. Together, we become the household of God where those seeking shelter, food and renewed hope are welcome.
Received on Easter, One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is the single, greatest way that Presbyterians come together every year to build God’s household and welcome our neighbors in need around the world. We provide relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. Each gift to OGHS helps to improve the lives of people in challenging situations through three impactful programs:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters.
Presbyterian Hunger Program: Takes action to alleviate hunger and the systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed.
Self-Development of People: Invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills.
This special offering will be received on Easter, April 4.
If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot!
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Good Friday Pilgrimage Down Main Street
With COVID Protocols
Everyone who is comfortable, feeling well and is not with a weakened immune system is invited to Walk Your Faith this Holy Week by experiencing The Stations of the Cross, Good Friday, April 2, outside.
Twenty-plus churches will gather at 7:15 a.m. in front of Hollywood 11 Theatre with temperature checks, mask and sanitizer distribution tables. The final Station is at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. at 8:30 a.m.
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Financial Update
The session is grateful for the congregation’s continued service, witness, and generosity. Thank you for remaining faithful to each other, and to the mission partners and neighbors who need our steady support during this time of crisis. We know that challenges remain, but by the grace of God and the faithfulness of God’s people, we will have everything we need to live out our calling. Thank you!
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 arrives to our church office.
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We serve a God of justice and mercy.
Use the ZOOM link below to register for SURE's Nehemiah Action, Monday, March 29, 6:30 p.m.
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Family Promise Sarasota is back after a temporary hiatus to reorganize and rebuild. First Presbyterian continues to support this organization which assists children and their families facing homelessness.
Please join us for our Zoom program on Tuesday, April 6, at 10:00 a.m. when our church's new liaison, Joanne Simons, shares how the organization has changed and the challenges faced by Family Promise during this pandemic. All members and guests of the church are welcome to any of the PW activities.
Click on the Zoom link below to participate:
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Sisters of the Road
Sisters of the Road gathers weekly at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom for one hour to pray and study the Bible together. We support each other in any way we can. Please join us. If you have prayer requests, just let us know. To learn more, please contact Pat Feeney at (941) 228-4805 or patfeeney21@gmail, or Janet Olshewsky at (941) 376-4431 or janetolshewsky@verizon.net.
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In a recent letter from Brentwood Elementary School Principal John Weida, our congregation received heartfelt praise for adopting two classrooms for this school year. An excerpt from his letter says,
“You have increased the opportunity for student success by providing these teachers with additional funds to purchase resources for their classrooms, such as books, items for learning centers, technology and classroom supplies. Thank you for sharing your resources to help our teachers continue to provide our students with outstanding school experiences.”
Each teacher in a classroom we adopted received $100 to use for their most needed resources. You may support other classrooms by sending a check for $100 to the church with Brentwood ‘Adopt a Classroom’ in the memo line. This is another unique way to support Brentwood while our volunteer program is on hold. Thank you!
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Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines
From Cheryl Track
Faith Community Nurse
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New York Times and ABC-7 News have introduced a website--hidrb.com-- that allows persons to register for last-minute notification of “extra” vaccine doses that become available in one's area. A response to the text is needed within 15 minutes to qualify for the vaccine.
More than one million people have signed up for the service. It is free to use, and any American over the age of 18 can sign up. This service matches individuals with clinics struggling to equitably dole out extra doses before they expire.
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Click on the link below to sign up to receive notification of "extra" vaccine doses as they become available: |
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Those Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines
In addition to long-term care facility residents and staff, persons 60 years of age and older, and health care personnel with direct patient contact, health care providers may also administer COVID-19 vaccines to K-12 school employees, sworn law enforcement officers 50 years and older, and firefighters 50 years and older, and persons under the age 65 deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by a physician. These individuals with a physician certification may be vaccinated by a physician, pharmacist or advanced practice registered nurse. The Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability form must be completed and signed by a physician. Click HERE to access this form.
For a helpful daily COVID-19 vaccine report provided by the Florida Department of Health click HERE
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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 ).
Vaccine Registration Assistance for FPC Sarasota Seniors
If you are over age 60 or older and would like one of our tech-savvy church volunteers to assist you with signing up online for your vaccination, you may call the church (941-955-8119) and leave a message with your request. Someone will contact you to make arrangements to assist you. Please email info@firstpressarasota.org if you would like to volunteer as well.
The Vaccine Is Free
States are offering vaccines for free, not the federal government. Some counties are using Eventbrite to register; please note there is NO CHARGE to register. Anyone asking for money in exchange for an appointment is a SCAM. Please report suspicious solicitation to the Attorney General's Office, 866-9N0-SCAM.
Vaccines for Homebound Seniors
Governor DeSantis has announced that the state of Florida has developed strike teams to vaccinate homebound seniors statewide. Seniors and/or their caregivers can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in their home by sending their request by email to: HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com
Senior Friendship Centers is also organizing a program to connect seniors who have a scheduled vaccination appointment with volunteers who can drive them to their appointment. Anyone interested in being a volunteer driver or who needs a ride to their vaccination appointment should contact Lillian Cleveland, Volunteer Coordinator, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at lcleveland@friendshipcenters.org or (941) 556-3223.
Senior Friendship Centers is not scheduling or administering vaccination appointments at this time. To find and schedule a vaccination appointment, call the Department of Health or click below:
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SunCoast Bloodmobile Coming to FPC NEXT Sunday, March 28
The bloodmobile is coming to First Presbyterian on Sunday, March 28. We are grateful to the many who give this important gift of life.
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Comfortable and attractive blue cloth masks with
the FPC logo are just $5.
Proceeds go to support our
youth ministries. Contact the church office to pick one up or have it mailed to you.
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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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FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
Our emergency food distribution site will remain open through March 2021
Thursday Mornings ONLY: 8:45 - 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.
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
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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First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
The preschool staff and the families are thankful to all those who have contributed to our preschool community. Thanks to you, we are over halfway to our fundraising goal of $50,000.
If you have not had the opportunity to donate, 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
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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.
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