NEWS @ FIRST
June 3, 2022
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PENTECOST SUNDAY, JUNE 5
TWO WORSHIP SERVICES
9:00 a.m. NewSong contemporary service in the Fellowship Hall
11:00 a.m. traditional service
in the sanctuary
Meet-and-greet between services with Craig and Donna Miller
in the Fellowship Hall
All are invited to wear RED--and your name tag!
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Online access beginning at 11:00 AM |
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COVID Update
On June 3, 2022, the CDC assessed Sarasota County’s COVID risk level as “high.” In keeping with our current session policy (details at end of this e-newsletter), masks are required of all worshipers. (Worship leaders may choose to lead without masks, since being maskless makes it easier for those persons to be understood.)
Thank you for doing what we can to slow the spread of the virus. When we return to a “medium” or “low” risk assessment in the county, masks again will be optional for those who are fully immunized.
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Message from
Reverend Craig Miller
Hello, new friends at First Presbyterian Church. This Sunday, June 5, is Pentecost Sunday, and it will be my first Sunday with you as the Bridge Interim Pastor. I am looking forward to Sunday, and also to the weeks and months ahead of us as we seek to move forward in ministry and service to our risen Christ. I know some of you are out of town, but I’m hoping that those of you in town will be here on Sunday as we worship together.
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I don’t know how long I will be in this position; we’ll see what happens as the Pastor Nominating Committee continues its important work. Please remember to continue to pray for them, and for that person whom God will lead to First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota.
I plan to be at the church during most of the week, and we do plan to go up to Sun City Center for a day or two most weeks to take care of things at home.
To get in touch with me, my email address at the church is CMiller@FirstPresSarasota.org, and my cell number, if you need to get hold of me if I’m not at the church, is (919) 815-6587.
Hoping to see you wearing red on Pentecost Sunday!
Peace,
Craig Miller
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FPC Welcomes Reverend Craig Miller
The session is delighted that The Rev. Craig Miller has agreed to serve as a short-term bridge pastor/head of staff beginning June 1. We anticipate that he will serve until our new pastor is called.
Craig obtained a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1980 and recently retired from full-time ministry after serving churches in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Florida. He is a member of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay and served Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in Tampa for twelve years.
The Millers live in Sun City Center and attend Peace Presbyterian Church in Bradenton. We are grateful to have Craig and his wife, Donna, joining us for the homestretch of the Pastor Nominating Committee’s search.
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Pentecost Sunday – June 5
On Pentecost Sunday, at First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, we will
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welcome Rev. Craig Miller, our new bridge pastor, on his first Sunday at FPC,
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share in communion with individually sealed cups,
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come to the Meet-and-Greet in the Fellowship Hall between services (10:00-10:45 a.m.) to meet Craig Miller and his wife, Donna,
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and please wear RED—and your name tag!
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Pentecost Offering - This Sunday
The Pentecost Offering received this Sunday, June 5 benefits children at risk (10 percent), as well as the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program (25 percent), and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (25 percent). The remaining 40 percent allows congregations to give to local ministries that benefit vulnerable children, youth and young adults. Our gifts to the Pentecost Offering connect us with children, youth and young adults and offers them opportunities to build futures of hope, and lives of vibrant faith.
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Pavilion Construction
is Progressing!
The remaining supports from the old pavilion between the sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall have been removed and staging is in place to build the new roof. The wood from the original pergola did not hold up well in our harsh Florida conditions.
This adaptation will create a wonderful versatile outdoor covered space. We have lacked an area on our campus that offers protection from the hot sun. The new pavilion will give us a shaded place that will be used year ‘round for gatherings, receptions, and other events. It may even be a space for a class or a concert—the possibilities are endless.
This building project was funded with $25,000 from a Linnie Dalbeck grant, with the remainder from the J. Barr Trust designated account. The structure is scheduled to be completed in mid-July. You will continue to be updated on the progress. (Note this week's photo showing the progress!)
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As we donate blood at First Presbyterian, Sunday, June 12 (8:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.), please remember the 49 persons who lost their lives during a mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando June 12, 2016.
Please contact Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse, to reserve your space, 4tracks@comcast.net, (941) 320-3828.
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Monday - Friday
JUNE 13-17, 2022
Please email Molly Horner
Children and Youth Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church is excited to partner with Cedarkirk’s Traveling Day Camp! As they bring their camp programs to FPC and other Presbyterian churches in the area. You can check out Cedarkirk’s website at https://cedarkirk.org, and contact Molly Horner with questions.
These camps range from age Pre-K to 5th grade with volunteer opportunities for middle and high school youth. There are full-day camps, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ($100), half-day camps (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ($50), and other options for consideration. You can quickly access online links for registration, payment, volunteer sign-up or making a donation to the program:
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Stories of Faith and Difference: The Sequel
Friday, June 24, 6:00 p.m.
In late April a group of over sixty persons gathered for dinner and an informative, inspiring conversation around the life stories of our LGBTQ+ members. Because of the overwhelming response, we have planned a follow-up evening, sponsored by our deacons, on Friday, June 24, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This open conversation will focus on how we can better nurture and support our LGBTQ+ children and youth, and also how our congregation can better welcome persons of difference into our church. A generous time will be allotted for questions and reflections. Suggested donation for dinner is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Call the church office at (941) 955-8119 to let us know you are coming.
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Reusable Grocery Bags Needed
for Weekly Food Pantry
We are grateful to our faithful team of volunteers that distributes food for All Faiths Food Bank to our community neighbors each Thursday on our campus. One year ago an average of 35 family units received food; currently, an average of 80 individuals or families are served.
You can support this ministry by contributing sturdy reusable grocery bags with handle straps. Please drop your donations off at the church office.
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Francis House News
Blessings abound! Several months ago, the first mother-to-be and her 10-year-old son moved into Francis House, Family Promise’s home for pregnant homeless women. Soon after, she gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy. With support and guidance, the family planned to eventually leave Francis House and secure their own living quarters and employment.
Success! The mother arranged for childcare and is working two jobs. Several Family Promise volunteers helped the family move to their new home over Memorial Day weekend. Family Promise gave the mother the bassinet/changing table she used at Francis House, ensuring ongoing comfort for the baby. First Presbyterian Church members were extremely generous, providing additional gifts including an air purifier, sheets and comforters, flatware, a dining table and chairs, and lamps. The Mother and son were overjoyed with your love and care!
June – First Presbyterian Church Weekly Hot/Healthy Meals! Francis House will be deep cleaned while new mothers-to-be are being identified to live at Francis House. Our church will provide the hot/healthy meal each week the house is occupied during the month of June. Please contact Pam Mathes if you wish to help: pjmathes@hotmail.com
Thank you! Your kind spirit and good hearts have given mother and her family a brand-new start. May God bless you!
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PW Triennial Gathering
The Synod of South Atlantic (SOSA) Epworth PW Triennial Gathering is Friday, October 21, through Sunday, October 23. Located in St. Simons Island, GA, Epworth by the Sea is a beautiful and peaceful retreat center.
The gathering theme is “Plug In and Recharge.” There will be some exciting speakers, plenary leaders, and a special Saturday night guest, along with time for shopping, learning, worship, and fellowship.
Our PW has funds available to cover the cost of transportation and registration fees as well as lodging and meals while at the event. If interested in attending, contact Pamela Lamb at (941) 210-7478. More information can be found at pwsosa.com.
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Adult Education Zoom Class:
“Only By God’s Grace”
Continuing Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
June 7 through June 21
As Christians, our worship, theology and way of life all emerge in response to the grace of God. The Church proclaims the grace of God; and as members of the body of Christ, we endeavor to share God’s grace with others: by word and deed, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In this class we are exploring what it means to live out the grace of God
and perceive God’s amazing grace around us. This class is is led by Elaine Barnett via Zoom and held Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Please contact Elaine to register for the class: ewbarnet@me.com
Lesson titles are:
June 7 - Gracious Lives of Others
June 14 - Practicing God’s Grace
June 21 - God’s Amazing Grace
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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.
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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:
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Our Condolences
Our brother, Andrew Millar, son of Cindy and Glenn Millar, died May 17, 2022. The memorial service will be Saturday, June 18. The details are yet to come. Click HERE for the obituary. Notes of condolence may be sent to
Glenn and Cindy Millar
736 Shorecrest Drive
Sarasota, FL 34232-2490
Our brother, Charlie Proctor, died May 29. The memorial service will be June 23 at 11:00 a.m. in the FPC chapel. Notes of condolence may be sent to Charlie’s wife:
Ann Proctor
6852 Corral Court
Sarasota, FL 34243-3857
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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!
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Session COVID Policy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a tool which assesses COVID-19 risk on a county-by-county basis. According to the CDC, “Levels . . . are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.” They then assign a low, medium, or high risk.
At its April 26 meeting, the session decided to adopt the CDC’s community-level risk assessment tool as our guide for masking requirements on the FPC campus.
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If Sarasota County’s risk is determined to be “high,” masks will be required of everyone who is indoors on campus, unless that person is alone in a room. (An exception will be granted to the preschool, which determines its own policy regarding masking.) Communal meals/receptions will not be held indoors when Sarasota County’s risk level is considered “high.”
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If the risk level for the county is considered “low” or “medium,” masks will be optional for all who are fully vaccinated. (As of May 27, Sarasota County is rated “high.”)
Regardless of assessed risk-level, it is the session’s desire to create a mask-friendly environment, in which anyone who chooses to wear a mask will feel supported in that decision.
Here’s the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
Thank you for the flexibility and concern for your neighbors that you have demonstrated since the earliest days of the pandemic. You continue to be an inspirational community!
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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.
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Get Easy Access to Church Member Information
Church Life is an app that is available to church members with iPhones or Androids. You can search for members, view phone and address information, photos, and family members. You can send a text or call with a simple tap on the phone number. You can even send an email. Here are two simple steps:
1) Download ACS Church Life from your App Store using either iPhone or Android (Blackberry and other mobile devices can enter www.churchlife.mobi from any mobile browser).
2) Log in. Use the same username/email and password you use for your member login on our website.
You can bring your phone into the church office and Lisa Garcia, Finance Manager, would be happy to help you navigate getting Church Life on your phone. Please call (941) 955-8119 to set up a time.
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