NEWS @ FIRST
February 5, 2021
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This Sunday we will share in communion. Please gather your bread and cup to participate in the online worship service. |
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MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 7:00 a.m.
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Souper Bowl of Caring
This 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.
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The “Souper Bowl” is a grassroots effort to collect donations to assist organizations that feed the hungry. Last year, our “Souper Bowl” contributions totaled over $2,000. The money raised this year will help us sponsor a meal-packing event with Rise Against Hunger.
Mark your calendar for our FPC Rise Against Hunger event on Sunday, April 18!
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Worship Services in the Sanctuary - February 14 & 21
The session has decided to open the sanctuary on Sundays, February 14, and February 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, for two “trial run” viewings of our recorded worship service, which will be projected on the screen in the sanctuary.
Worshippers are asked to register in advance (through the website or News@First), and masks and social distancing will be required. Doors will be propped open to ensure optimum ventilation. The recorded service also will remain available online, for those who prefer to participate from home.
Sign up HERE for the February 7 service.
Sign up HERE for the February 14 service.
Sunday, February 14, Rev. Clayton Thomas, who was our beloved associate pastor between the years of 2006-2013, will be our preacher. The wonders of technology will allow us to be led in worship by Clay, even as he remains in Chattanooga, TN.
Clay will join us at noon for a time to visit, watch for the link to that Zoom time with Clay next week.
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Thank you, Ted Eastmoore, Jimi Camastro,
Steven Phillips--and all in the band--for the fun Goodbye Eddie concert last Saturday & the chance to see our church family!
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We want to see YOU
at our virtual Coffee Hour
Sunday at 10:30 am
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Message from Scott Sabin,
CEO, and former Executive Director
of Plant With Purpose
It was so much fun to be with everyone last Sunday morning. Thank you for the opportunity to share. Here are a couple of follow-up pieces that I promised.
Click HERE for the link to our website. |
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Click HERE for the video of the Eastern Congo story: Kakumba |
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Click HERE to read the Dominican Republic COVID response (in Spanish, but perfectly embodies the can-do spirit of our team.) An added bonus for those who have been to the Dominican Republic with us: the main presenter is Dante's daughter. (Dante was our long-time driver, and I have known Erika, his daughter since she was a toddler. |
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Thank you again for your partnership and support!
Blessings,
Scott
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Sunday School all together at 10:00am this week! |
Please use the updated Zoom link below |
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Ash Wednesday
February 17
“What God Can Do With Dust”
Ash Wednesday worship has been called “the most honest service of the year,” for it brings us face to face with our mortality and our humanity. In the midst of pandemic, ashes have particular freight.
You are invited to a brief service of worship at 5:30 pm on February 17, as we begin this year’s journey into the season of Lent. Come reflect, pray, and be blessed by the voice of soloist Syreeta Banks.
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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.
If you prefer to worship remotely, a live video feed will be available from the website at 5:30. A special Ash Wednesday mailing will provide you with supplies, so that you may impose ashes at home, if you choose to do so. Please call the church office with any questions.
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Annual Congregational Meeting
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.
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Financial Update
The session is so grateful for the congregation’s continued service, witness, and generosity. Through all the upheaval of the last year, you stayed faithful to each other, and to the mission partners and neighbors who have needed steady support during this time of crisis. Thanks to your generosity and the careful stewardship of the session and committees, we ended the year with a budget surplus which, along with your renewed pledge support, will keep us financially sound heading into 2021.
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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SURE
All SURE Network members are inviting you to join them on Zoom, Monday, February 15, 6:00 p.m. to be energized in ways to keep justice rolling. SURE network members are on teams led by team leaders George Chorba, Pat Higgins, Judy Kuebbeler, Dorothy Murphy and Ann Opdycke.
Click below for the Zoom link to the Feb. 15 SURE meeting:
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PW Annual Presbytery Gathering on Zoom
THIS Saturday
February 6, 1:00 pm
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PW Annual Presbytery Gathering
Zoom Meeting ID: 894 9070 7197
Passcode: 751637
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PW Presbytery Spring Retreat
at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center
Monday, March 8
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PW Monthly Bible Study
The monthly PW Bible study led by Jean Luker meets via Zoom on Tuesday, February 9, at 10:00 a.m. We will study the fifth lesson in the 2020-2021 Horizons study Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament. All women of the church are welcome to join the meeting. The study guide is not required to join. Deborah circle meets immediately following for fellowship and PW updates.
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Mary Martha Circle meets via Zoom on Wednesday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome to join the meeting. The lesson will be on Reformations Today led by Diana Hovorka. The study guide is “The Protestant Reformations” by Donald K. McKim and can be purchased online from pcusa.org. |
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If you would like to make a donation to support the Mam people of Guatemala, severely impacted by COVID, please make your check payable to Presbyterian Women and mail it to Mary Webb, 3016 21st 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.
To read the complete update on the Mam people, click on the link below:
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Fall Bible Study - Order Your Study Guide Now
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. The deadline for placing your order is Feb. 15!
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Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines
From Cheryl Track
Faith Community Nurse
Click HERE for a helpful "COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A" sheet. It answers questions such as:
How were the vaccines developed so fast?
Is this vaccine still considered experimental?
If I get vaccinated, why do I still need to wear a mask
and social distance?
Will the vaccines protect against other variants?
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COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Seniors, Age 65+
Appointments are filling up quickly. Manatee County is using a lottery system whereby you register and then get randomly selected to be scheduled for an appointment. Please be aware that if you have your initial shot there, you need to have your second shot there, too.)
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.
Vaccine Registration Assistance for FPC Sarasota Seniors
We are aware that many of our over-65 members are quite confident with computers and smart-phones, but some of us may be frustrated by technological hurdles to signing up for vaccines. If you find yourself in the latter camp, some of our tech-savvy members have volunteered to help.
For those who need help registering online for the 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. Several members have offered to help those needing assistance. 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.
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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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Adult Education Classes
The Bible, God and the Future for Presbyterians
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 finishes next Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. The class is led by Elaine Barnett.
February 9 - The Future for Presbyterians
Illuminating Lent: A Look at the Lord’s Prayer
Studying together for the six weeks in Lent will deepen our faith and enhance our 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
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First Presbyterian Church
and iTNSunCoast Partnership
First Presbyterian's partnership with iTNSunCoast helps you get to our church events and the other important places. 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 through April 30, due to COVID.
If coming to a church event, you pay just one way! FPC 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.
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.
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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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