The book of Jonah is one of the Bible’s most profound stories about faith. It’s also one of the shortest books in the Bible. And maybe the funniest.

Jonah tells the story of a reluctant prophet and how he learns what faith is about.

Join us on Zoom as we let Jonah guide us on the journey of faith. To register to participate using Zoom, please email Dent Davis at dcdavis3@gmail.com.

Sunday School classes continue by Zoom this Sunday, April 25

“Put-In” at Jiggs Landing Preserve at 12:30 p.m.

After kayaking we will a time for fun and fellowship. Jiggs Landing has a snack bar and live music from 3:00 p.m. until sunset.

If you own kayak, please join us. (Sorry it to too late to rent one) Please bring your own snacks and beverages. Wear water shoes, clothes that can get wet, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

Check out Jiggs Landing - https://jiggslanding.com/ or on Facebook at Jiggs Landing Outpost, 6106 63rd St. East, Bradenton, FL 34203. For the best driving directions, please use your GPS or Google.

"Reflections on Perseverance" 

1.   Children's Underwear, NEW IN PACKAGES - Children coming into Family Promise’s care have been staying in situations where they have had limited access to laundry facilities. Parents and case managers see this as a critical need. Looking for all sizes and genders of new, in-package underwear.

2.   Gently Used Children's SUMMER Clothing - The majority of children in shelters have only one change of clothing. Gently used summer clothing (no jackets, blankets, stuffed animals or toys, please) will fill another important need for children experiencing homelessness.

3.   Family Promise would like gender-neutral birthday cards, suitable for kids ages 4 to 14. Cards can be handmade, computer-printed, or store purchased. Each greeting card should include a nominal gift card, such as from Walmart, Target, McDonalds, etc., for $5 or $10. Cards should be in an UNSEALED envelope containing the greeting card and the gift card. Be as creative as you'd like! It will delight a child.

The next PW gathering is Tuesday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. The speaker is Margi Dawson, the Director of Development at Turning Points. Turning Points provides basic needs, rent and utility assistance, and a medical/dental clinic. Margi's presentation will include testimonials.

We will also dedicate our annual birthday offerings. You are welcome to linger after the meeting for a time of fellowship. Click on the link below to participate:

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.

Our congregation continues to support Brentwood Elementary School as they mourn the death of 8-year-old student, Sophia.

Thanks to your generous contributions, several grief-related books have been purchased in Sophia’s memory and donated to her classroom and the classroom of her twin sister, Adriana. We have adopted both classrooms for the rest of the school year so the teachers can purchase appropriate supplies in honor of Sophia.

The Brentwood staff is very appreciative of all First Presbyterian does to help the school. When Principal John Weida was told of the gifts in Sophia’s memory, his response was, “Wow! Your church community is truly a blessing.”

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

We are not an unfinished story! With hope in the power of God and in the abundance of love, SURE goes forward. Thank you to the 104 members and friends of First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, who attended SURE's recent Nehemiah Action. We continue to work toward strengthening our community to be a place of justice and grace for all.

Thursday Mornings : 8:45 - 11:30 am

Contact Bob Kirkpatrick, rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 355-0809

We invite you to COLOR - US - STRONG on APRIL 29th! An amazing in-home wine- and food-tasting experience, courtesy of Rosemary & Thyme will be presented, along with a live virtual auction.

We look forward to celebrating with you and are excited to COLOR - US - STRONG!

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.