NEWS @ FIRST
May 21, 2021
PENTECOST SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Come celebrate in this service that includes special music, liturgical dance, and communion 

9:00 a.m. in-person worship in the sanctuary
A vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary music

All are invited to wear RED

Online access beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The Pentecost Offering received on May 23 benefits children at risk, as well as the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program, and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. 40% of the amount received is directed to local ministries, while the remaining 60% is used to address national needs. The gifts we share equip our youth for the challenges ahead.
In-Person Worship in the Sanctuary
As the outside temperature and humidity increase this season, we are no longer leaving the doors open in the sanctuary. This helps keep attenders comfortable, the piano and pipe organ working properly, and allows the A/C system maximum efficiency. We are also using air purifiers.

Beginning May 30, and continuing through July 25,
our in-person Sunday worship service will change to 10:00 a.m.
Sunday School classes IN-PERSON
this Sunday, May 23, 10:00 a.m.
Preschool – 1st Grade:
Hallway outside of Fellowship Hall by the preschool playground

2nd-5th Grade: Fellowship Hall

Middle School: Fellowship Hall

High School: Labyrinth

This Sunday, May 23, is the last day of Sunday School before summer recess.

Thank you to the Membership and Fellowship Committee for providing treats to celebrate the end of our Sunday School year.
Stop by to enjoy snacks and beverages in the courtyard after the service.
The Future Is Coming!

A Mission Study Team has formed and is working full-steam-ahead to meet with members of our congregation in small groups to prepare for First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota’s next chapter.

A key part of the process involves church members meeting in small groups (Zoom or face-to-face) to talk about visions for the future of FPC. These meetings, lasting only 60 to 90 minutes, will take place in June and July and will lead to a report on where we stand, what we hope for, and how God is guiding us to be the Body of Christ here and now.

Watch for details and be ready to sign up for a convenient time for you to participate. We value your input and need as many members as possible to participate.
Youth Sunday in Review
Sunday, May 2

Thank you to our youth and leaders who shared their gifts and talents, presenting the wonderful Youth Sunday service.

We are grateful for Lydia Chapdelain, Children and Youth Leader, and the team of Sunday School teachers, who faithfully and creatively serve in our ministry to children, youth and their families.
The Cowden-Smith Library is open
Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
and on Sundays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Our library is located on the second floor of the administration / education building.

Look for the FPC Library Book Cart in the Narthex this Sunday! There will be 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 will be on the cart.
FPC Sarasota’s Campus Clean-Up
Saturday, June 5, 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Inside and outside tasks—something for everyone! Come and join the fun of working together to tidy up our campus. Projects will include gardening, window cleaning, and craft room organizing. Watch for more details coming soon!
INVEST IN CHILDREN
Mr. Fortner, a new second and third grade teacher at Brentwood Elementary School who works with many special needs students each day is in one of the classrooms our church recently “adopted.” He and his class send their gratitude for our support of their students.

Thank you, First Presbyterian Church, for your gifts to Invest in Children to “Adopt a Classroom” as we reach out to the hard-working teachers at our mission partner, Brentwood Elementary.
Hurricane Season Begins June 1

Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN)
Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Read these important recommendations, restock your supply kit, and be aware of our church’s communication protocol.  
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.
Resurrection House Update
Resurrection House is open each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There are still a few volunteer spots available. If interested, please contact Joe at rhlucero@verizon.net
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank

Our emergency food distribution site
continues to remain open!

Thursday Mornings: 9:15 - 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) 355-0809
or Dave Householder, dphouse47@gmail.com or (724) 462-4235

Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
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 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.
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.
Pastoral Care
When you or a loved one is hospitalized, it is imperative 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.