NEWS @ FIRST
March 25, 2022
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
March 27
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Online access beginning at 11:00 am
This Sunday morning we have a group of FPC walkers who will be gathering at Nathan Benderson Park for devotions, and then take part in the Walk to End Summer Hunger.
 
You can join your FPC family in helping All Faiths Food Bank kick off the 2022 Campaign Against Summer Hunger.
 
Even if you aren't participating in this Sunday's walk, you can still support this effort by making a contribution payable to First Presbyterian Church, “Summer Hunger” in the memo line.
SURE Nehemiah Assembly
Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.
Your participation is needed for the annual SURE Nehemiah Assembly on Tuesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Avenue. Face masks will be required.
 
At This Year’s Action . . .

• Help SURE influence State Attorney Ed Brodsky to create a fair and free adult civil citation program! This program will ensure that those who commit first time, non-serious misdemeanors will get a second chance and NOT be branded for life with an arrest record.
• Meet SURE’s new Executive Director, Dai Thao
• Hear about the exciting future we, together, are stepping into at SURE.
• Hear the great work our Criminal Justice Committee has been doing.
• Learn how you can get re-engaged with SURE! 

SURE is asking participating congregations to help make the greatest impact by attending in-person. However, if it is not possible for you, the rally will also be available via Zoom (link below). Be sure to register in advance through the link and then you will receive an email confirmation with Zoom instructions.

Your participation will make a difference! We are looking forward to seeing many of you at our first in-person SURE Nehemiah Action in two years!

Volunteer Day Trip to Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
Sponsored by the Mission and Justice Committee

NEXT Wednesday, March 30
Work at Beth-El: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
 
Be a part of the group from First Presbyterian, Sarasota, that gathers at Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma to volunteer sorting food or related activities on the last Wednesday of each month. This mission partner distributes food to help 600-900 folks each week. To sign up or for more information, contact Dave Householder at dphouse47@gmail.com; call or text (724) 462-4235
FPC Sarasota Blood Drive
Thank you to those who gave blood last Sunday! 16 donors registered to give—and 16 units of red blood cells were collected. Every donation can save up to three lives. That means our donors saved up to 48 lives. The many patients who benefit from your donations send their gratitude. A blood donor “honor roll” is posted on the link below.

Our next blood drive at First Presbyterian is
Sunday, June 12, 8:30 a.m.—1:15 p.m.
Plan Now for the Annual Tradition of Our Easter Cross!
First Presbyterian’s Easter Cross will be prepared for you and your family to place flowers on it before or after the services on April 17. The cross will be stationed in the courtyard near the Fellowship Hall for the 9:00 a.m. NewSong service; it will be outside the entrance to the sanctuary for the 11:00 a.m. traditional service. You are invited to bring your own flowers or use some of the flowers that will be provided. 
Lenten Devotions for Children and Families
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Dig in . . .
Today, many churches will read the Bible story called “the Prodigal Son” in Luke, chapter 15, verses 11 to 32. The story is about three people: a wasteful son, a son who followed rules, and a forgiving loving dad. Some people don’t call it “The Prodigal Son”, they call it “The Forgiving Father” because the dad in the story forgives and loves just like the way God forgives and loves, and the dad does what God wants all of us to do.    
Question . . .
What does the word “forgive” mean to you? Is it difficult or easy to forgive? Is it difficult or easy to ask for forgiveness? Keep praying to God and ask to become more forgiving.
And . . .
This story is a parable. Find out what a parable is. Does the Bible have other parables? Yes, many. Here are a few from Luke chapters 14, 15, 16: Lowest Seat at the Feast (Luke 14:7–14) Invitation to a Great Banquet (Luke 14:16–24) The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:28–33) Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4–7) Lost Coin (Luke 15:8–10) The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–8) The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)
 
 
Sunday School for Children and Youth
during the Season of Lent
For Sunday school during Lent, we are meeting all together—preschool to high school. Our youth are helping the little ones, but they are also getting some time on their own. With the leadership of all of our Sunday school teachers, we are singing, playing, creating, studying, and reflecting on the scripture for each week. We hope you can join us to “dig in” to the Lent season with your church family and become closer to God through fellowship. 


The complete Lenten devotional guide is available by clicking on the link below for your family to use at home. Printed copies are also on hand as you leave the service.
Easter Lilies and Hydrangeas
Place your order by Monday, April 11. Use the link below to print a form to complete.
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Kids Against Hunger
Food-Packing Event:
Sunday, April 24
Benefiting Ukrainian Residents
and Refugees 

1:00-4:00 p.m. - 50 Volunteers Needed
Coordinated by Carrie Mills and Emily Weitekamp

Meal-packing events have been well supported at FPCS in the past, but we’ve never attempted to pack this many meals on one day. On Sunday, April 24, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, we hope to package 20,000 meals to be transported into Poland and Ukraine. 

The sponsoring organization, Kids Against Hunger, has worked out a special price of 34 cents / meal. All shipping costs are being donated. Volunteers will package highly nutritious, vitamin-fortified soy-rice casseroles, which require only water and heat for preparation.

This is a great event for people of all ages and all abilities. There are sitting jobs, standing jobs, and tasks that kids can easily perform. The Education and Formation Committee and the Mission and Justice Committee have teamed up to fund this event, but we need you to help pack the meals. Please hold the date, and watch for the sign-up, coming soon.
Look to the Cross: A Lenten Study
Tuesdays via Zoom
Continuing NEXT Tuesday, March 29 - April 12  

Lent is a time to focus on the cross as a central symbol of Christianity. Biblical and theological perspectives are being explored to understand why and how Jesus’ death is so crucial to our faith. This class is led by Elaine Barnett via Zoom and held Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.
Lesson titles are:
Mar 29 - Picturing the Atonement
Apr 5 - The Cross in the Tradition of the Reformers
Apr 12 - The Invitation to Live into the Way of the Cross

Join in on this class by using the link below:
"Every Living Creature:
God’s Design for Animals"
Six-Week Adult Education Class Offered via Zoom on Wednesdays
March 30 - April 3
 

The class is on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon by Zoom, taught by Doug DeCelle, retired minister, and Hal Serrie, anthropologist. They are presenting the biblical evidence that God’s intention is to preserve all living things, bringing them to perfection and a joyous, harmonious existence. .

Members and friends of First Presbyterian Church are invited to participate. For details about this unique class, visit Doug DeCelle’s website:
Click below for the Zoom link to participate in this class:
Meeting ID: 818 2573 7411
Passcode: 918542
Anyone interested in reviewing the class sessions will find all materials and recorded class sessions on the link below: 
UPDATE on UKRAINE
 
Many churches are already providing assistance with basic items for survival. PDA’s first priority is to provide funding to partners on the ground. PDA anticipates that response from its trusted partners with expertise will include both financial and technical assistance as the network of faith communities providing humanitarian assistance grows in the months ahead. 

Ukraine FAQ
What exactly is PDA doing?
PDA is in the emergency response phase, primarily supporting refugees in transit (Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ukraine in addition to refugees who have crossed borders) with food, hygiene items, potable water, baby supplies, first aid, psychosocial support and more. PDA’s partners on the ground have shared that they anticipate this crisis to require mid-term and long-term response, so the needs will change over time.

For the most up to date information, visit www.pcusa.org/PDA/Ukraine
A heartfelt thank-you goes to those who have already contributed. We sent a check this week for $3,300 from last week’s contributions—for a total of $6,050 to-date.

To support the response by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, make your check out to First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, with “Ukraine” in the memo. You can also give online via our church website or by texting giving. Please select “Psby.Dis.Asst.” fund and “Ukraine” in the optional memo.
Special Offering - OGHS: Sunday, April 17
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 during the season of Lent, 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 17. If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot!
Cowden-Smith Library Hours
Library open Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

The library book cart in the narthex offers a varied selection of our newer books from which you can choose, including some children's books. No due dates; simply return when you finish with them. A sign-out sheet is on the cart.
FPC Mission Partnership
with All Faiths Food Bank
 
Join our fun team of volunteers and help distribute food to our community neighbors Thursday mornings, 9:15-11:30 a.m.
 
The food distribution is by drive-through with volunteers loading cars as clients circle in the parking lot (between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.) Volunteers are needed each Thursday. Task options include sorting and distributing food, setting up, cleaning up, and directing traffic.
 
For information contact Bob Kirkpatrick: rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 355-0809; or Dave Householder: dphouse47@gmail.com or (724) 462-4235.

JUST COME! There is no need to sign up!
Invest in Children
Thank you notes from Brentwood Elementary School continue to arrive! The note at left is from Mr. Fortner’s class which we adopted in February. Mr. Fortner teaches a combined second/third grade class of ESE (Exceptional Student Education) students. Thank you, First Presbyterian Church, for your support of Mr. Fortner and his students with special needs.  
 
To find out ways that you can help at Brentwood through Invest in Children, contact Jinny and Ron Miller at (941) 371-2750, ext. 554 or email jinnyron@gmail.com. They would be happy to hear from you. The students and teachers at Brentwood are waiting for YOU!
Stories of Faith and Difference
April 22, 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
 On Friday, April 22 you will have a unique opportunity to come and join our deacons for conversation with members of our congregation who also identify as LGBTQ+. The evening will provide an opportunity for us to hear each other’s stories and to grow in our understanding of the myriad ways God’s love finds expression. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and a basket will be available to receive donations to defray the cost of the food.

To allow us to plan appropriately, we would be grateful to know if you hope to attend. Please call the church office at (941) 955-8119. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All interested persons are welcome. Margaret Torrence will moderate the conversation and we will conclude the gathering with a brief time of worship.
Presbyterian Women
On Tuesday, April 5 at 11:30 a.m. all women of the church are invited to meet for lunch at the Breakfast House for a time of fellowship. You need not be an active member of PW to attend. Guests are welcome, too. The restaurant is located at 1817 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. There is ample parking and both inside and outside seating is available. No reservation is needed to attend. The Breakfast House menu featuring soups, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items can be found on their Facebook page.
Remembering Our Church Family in Prayer
Please pray for those who are experiencing particular health needs and consider sending a note of encouragement. Click on the link below for the prayer list:
We Care Poster Recipients
We appreciate our team of We Care poster artists who creatively design poster-cards for our church members when they are hospitalized. Special notes, prayers, and well wishes are written on the cards by our congregation on Sunday mornings, and the cards are mailed out.

On the link below is a list of those who have recently received a We Care poster-card. Consider how you might support them through a prayer, a card, or a phone call. Thank you for being family for one another!
Mark your calendar:
 
Sunday, April 24, All Ears Mobile Hearing Services will be at First Presbyterian from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. providing hearing evaluations at no charge. Appointments are required.

Please contact Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse, for questions and to reserve your space, 4tracks@comcast.net,(941) 320-3828.
Current COVID Guidelines On-Campus
Due the significant decline in COVID rates in our area, masks are now optional for worship and while in any buildings on campus for those who are fully vaccinated.
NAMI is receiving registrations for their next Family to Family Education Class, Thursday, April 7 - May 26, 5:45-8:00 p.m. The program is a free 8-week online course for family and caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Family and peer support groups also continue.
 
There are family support groups, both online (via Zoom) and in person (Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice), for particular support needs. The groups are free and confidential, and you don’t have to be a NAMI member to participate.
Link for Family Support Groups:
Upcoming Online Meetings:
2nd Thursday, April 14: 6:30-8:00 pm. Zoom meeting ID: 854-2511-6349. Zoom (Manatee County Group)
4th Monday, April 25: 6-7:30 pm Zoom meeting ID: 411-700-5178. Or call in: +1 301-715-8592. Zoom
Loss by Suicide Support Group: For family members and caregivers who have lost a loved one to suicide: Every 1st Wednesday April 6, 6:30-8:00pm: Meeting ID, 843-4349-5942
P.O.W.E.R Support Group: (Parents offering wisdom, education, & Resources), for parents and caregivers with children 25 or young who are experiencing mental health symptoms or have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. April 12, Every 2nd Tuesday, 6-7:30: Meeting ID, 841-4675-6975

Please note: The location of each group is included only for reference, no location restrictions are placed on Zoom attendees.

Joining via Zoom
Visit Zoom.us (click below), click on “join a meeting” in the top menu bar, and enter meeting ID (For mobile phones, you may have to download the Zoom app.)
Upcoming In-Person Meetings
If you have an adult family member living with mental illness, join us for our peer-led Family Support Groups. They are free and confidential, and you don’t need to be a NAMI member to participate.

Lakewood Ranch- Every 1st Tuesday, April 5, 7:30-9:00pm: Our Lady of The Angels, 12905 SR-70 W, Lakewood Ranch

Venice- Every 1st Wednesday, April 6, 7:00-8:30pm: Venice United Church of Christ, NAAR Hall, 620 Shamrock Blvd, Venice

Sarasota- Every 3rd Thursday, April 20, 6:30-8:00pm: First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL

More About NAMI Family Support Groups:
NAMI Family Support Groups, offered by NAMI Affiliates in communities across the country, are free, confidential and safe groups of families helping other families who live with mental health challenges. In NAMI Family Support Groups, families join a caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective lived experiences and learned wisdom. Family members can achieve a renewed sense of hope for their loved one living with mental health challenges.

NAMI Connection will meet online:
Every Thursday, 6-7:30 pm. Zoom Meeting ID: 871-4261-7389.
Young Adult Support Group, Ages 18-35. Register for Zoom link below: 
NAMI Connection will also meet in person:
Every Monday- 10am-11:30am, YANA Sarasota North County, 240b South Tuttle Ave, Sarasota

Every Tuesday-6:00-7:30pm, YANA Sarasota North County, 240b South Tuttle Ave, Sarasota

Face masks will be required for in-person groups.

 Young Adult Support Group: Ages 18-30. February 3, 3-4pm. 240b South Tuttle Ave, Sarasota. Register below:
Masks are optional for all support groups. A support group is for adults living with mental illness and working towards recovery. In this free, peer-led group, participants will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. It's led by NAMI-trained facilitators who've been there.

By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope and develop relationships. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community.
Run for the Turtles 5K and Fun Run
Saturday, April 2, at Siesta Beach
 
All are invited to participate in the Run for the Turtles sponsored by Mote Marine Laboratory Saturday, April 2. Adults $40, children $30. For questions, contact Sue Hargis Spigel at hargisspigel@yahoo.com or (941) 735-8786. Links to the run signup and Mote’s program are below:
Pastoral Care
When you or a loved one is hospitalized, it is important 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.

We’re Here for You!
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.