NEWS @ FIRST
January 1, 2021
|
|
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 7:00 a.m.
|
Results of the Congregational Survey
Click on the Congregational Survey link below to read a report from the FPC Session and Re-Opening Task Force with the findings from the recent "Join the Conversation" survey.
|
Most Recent Message from the Designated Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (DAPNC)
The latest letter of update from the DAPNC, dated November 17, 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 December, 22 2020, can be readily accessed on First Presbyterian’s website home page, using the link below:
|
|
|
A Message from Your Stewardship Team
The pandemic has meant new patterns for all of us, but virtually every day new pledges arrive in the mail at the church office. We are so encouraged by that steady stream. Here’s where we stand as of December 21:
|
|
As you can see, we are making progress, but still have significant ground to cover. Pledges can be made online, or by calling Lisa Garcia in the finance office, or by filling out a pledge card. Please call us at (941) 955-8119, if you need one mailed to you. With so much uncertainty in the world, the faithfulness of this community means so much. We are grateful for your persistent witness. |
|
We want to see YOU at our virtual Coffee Hour |
|
No Sunday School this week |
|
Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines From Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse
I received several emails last week that long term care facilities in our area are on a priority list for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Doctors Hospital, Sarasota Memorial and Manatee Memorial Hospitals have received the first allocation of the vaccine as I write. As the general public gets closer to having the vaccine available, I think it’s important to be reviewing reputable sources about the vaccines and have a conversation with your doctor if you are unsure about receiving the vaccine.
The CDC is an excellent resource, updating the site often, and is a fluid document. (www.CDC.gov)
THE BOTTOM LINE: Getting vaccinated is one of the many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Stopping the pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps like covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.
Here are some excellent resources that I hope you will take the time to review, write down any questions you may have, and discuss with your doctor.
8 Things to Know About the Vaccine
Program:
Vaccine Types:
here? (Call-to-Action)
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Seniors
The Department of Health in Sarasota County will begin offering vaccinations to seniors age 65 and older by appointment only beginning Tues., Dec. 29.
Sarasota County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Sarasota County for their second round (28 days after the first appointment).
|
|
We all have to wear them--why not show off your church and support the youth! The blue masks with FPC logo are just $5. The proceeds go to benefit youth ministries. Contact the church office to pick one up or have it mailed
to you.
|
|
New Adult Education Classes
The Bible, God and the Future for Presbyterians
This study focuses on what the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions have believed in the past and the ways key theological understandings matter in our Christian lives in the church and world today. Theological issues include the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Using scripture, music and conversation, this 6-week series will begin via ZOOM on January 5, 2021 and for the next five Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. The classes will be led by Elaine Barnett.
January 5 - The Bible for Presbyterians
January 12 - God for Presbyterians
January 19 - Jesus Christ for Presbyterians
January 26 - The Holy Spirit for Presbyterians
February 2 - The Church for Presbyterians
February 9 - The Future for Presbyterians
Illuminating Lent: A Look at the Lord’s Prayer
Studying together for these six weeks in Lent will deepen faith and enhance knowledge through the exploration of the Lord's Prayer. Each session examines a part of the prayer, its theological understandings, and what it means for Reformed Christians in practical ways during Lent. The class begins the week after Ash Wednesday--February 23--via ZOOM at 11:30 a.m. and ends Holy Week on March 30 at 11:30 a.m. The classes will be led by Elaine Barnett.
You can sign-up for this series by emailing Elaine at
February 23 - Introducing Lent
March 2 - Upward: What We Do For God - Glorify God
March 9 - Inward: What God Does in Us - Communion with God
March 16 - Downward: What God Gives to Us - Providential Provisions
March 23 - Forward: Where God Leads Us - Discipleship
March 30 - Onward: What God Will Do - Resurrection Hope
|
|
First Presbyterian Church and
iTNSunCoast Renew Contract for 2021
For many, getting a ride is a challenge! That is why First Presbyterian has renewed their partnership with iTNSunCoast to help you get to our limited church events and the other important places you need to go.
iTNSunCoast is a dependable, local non-profit that provides rides using volunteer and paid drivers who use their own cars. Rides are available Monday through Friday until April 30, 2021, due to COVID.
Cost: If coming to a church event, you pay just one way! First Presbyterian will pay the other way and the $50 annual membership fee for First Presbyterian Church Members for 2021.
If using iTN for non-church related rides, you will be responsible to pay the cost both ways.
Looking for something to do? Make a difference in someone’s life and in your community by becoming a volunteer driver!
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.
are? (Be remaining!"
|
|
Presbyterian Women News
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the hygiene kits for Misión Peniel. We delivered 55 kits to Ruth DeYoe, mission coordinator.
Please join us on Tuesday, January 5 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom as we welcome Cindie Moore with the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development. The Mam (pronounced "mom") are a poor, indigenous group in the western highlands of Guatemala. During Cindie's last visit with us, we made tortilla shells as the Mam women do and supported the women by providing funds for safe cook stoves.
Since travel is not possible and supplies are difficult to obtain at this time, Cindie has found a unique way to support the Mam women. She will tell us about this program as well as bring us news about our Mam prayer partners. If you were assigned a prayer partner during one of Cindie's previous visits, bring your partner's picture or name to the meeting. To learn more about the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development go to https://ncpguatemala.com/partners/association/.
Meeting ID: 957 3394 2424
Passcode: 006096
The link to the Zoom meeting is:
|
|
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank
NEWS
Our distribution site will remain open through March 2021.
Thursday Mornings ONLY
8:45 - 11:30 am
(distribution 10:00 - 11:30 am)
Our partnership with All Faiths Food Bank will continue as an emergency food distribution site.
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.
Volunteer Times
Thursdays: 8:45 - 11:30 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
|
|
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 Poster Recipients
Select the link below for the names of our members who were recently in the hospital and received a We Care poster-card on behalf of the congregation. Please keep these members in your prayers for healing and consider calling or sending a note of encouragement.
|
|
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.
|
|
First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG
The preschool staff and the families are thankful to all those who have contributed to our preschool community. 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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
