NEWS @ FIRST

October 14, 2022

All are welcome at

First Presbyterian Church!


We hope that you experience

the love of God

and of this congregation

as we worship, celebrate,

and serve with one another.


Two Sunday Worship Services

9:00 am NewSong contemporary

Fellowship Hall

11:00 am traditional - Sanctuary

Called Congregational Meeting THIS Sunday!

The session of First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, is calling a congregational meeting this Sunday October 16, 2022, at 12:00 noon in the sanctuary for the election of elders and deacons in the class of 2025, a deacon filling an unexpired term in the class of 2024, and members of the church officer nominating committee for 2023. Church members who are able are asked to be present for the election to meet a quorum. All persons are welcome to attend. Thank you for your support and prayers for all our church leaders.

Stewardship -

Commitment Sunday


On Sunday, October 23,

we will:

· Present our 2023 pledges during both services

· Present painted and unpainted rocks to share information about FPC with the community

· Have a potluck luncheon following the 11:00 a.m. service


- Suggestion:

Those with last names A - I :

bring fruits and salads of all kinds


   Last names J - Q: bring breads muffins, coffee cakes, etc.

     Last names R - Z: bring “main dishes” or proteins such as casseroles,

              quiches, ham, tofu, etc.


Sunday, October 30

Intergenerational rock painting during the 10:00 a.m. coffee hour. As a part of this stewardship season, we can help to continue the tradition of welcoming those who seek to grow in God’s love and grace. There will be a rock painting activity October 30 for all ages.


· Paint pens and rocks will be provided.

· All levels of talent welcome!

· Each rock will be labeled with our church logo, QR code, and “All are welcome here!”

· Once painted and labeled, the rocks will be placed around town, inviting those who find them to discover FPC.

This Sunday . . . 

View THIS Sunday's Service 
See THIS Sunday's 9:00 am Worship Bulletin
See THIS Sunday's 11:00 am Worship Bulletin
October 9 Bulletin Announcements
View Officer Nominee Biographies Booklet

New Member Class

A New Member Class is being planning for Sunday, November 13.

If you are interested in learning more about this dynamic congregation, contact the church office (941) 955-8119.

Hurricane Ian Relief: Hands-on Ways

We Can Help!

Our Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) program is actively working to provide relief to people affected by Hurricane Ian. We support this agency in many ways, especially through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering in the season of Lent. We have also given extra support for specific projects—most recently, aid for Ukraine. PDA is now seeking extra support for Hurricane relief. 


You may give online at https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/hurricane-ian 

or make your donation through our church by marking your donation as

“Ian relief” on your check memo line, or via the church website / online giving; select Prsby.Dis.Asst. with “Ian Relief” in the memo.


Please email Dave Householder (dphouse47@gmail.com) or call the church office (941) 955-8119 to share how you would like to help or if you, or someone you know, has specific needs that have risen from the Hurricane Ian damage.

Children and Youth News 


Click on the link below to read the latest Family Newsletter.  Mark Your fall calendar:


Pumpkin Carving Party - Sunday, October 30

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Outside in the courtyard by the Fellowship Hall - *BYOPumpkin*


Why make the mess at home? Join us for this festive fellowship and gooey, goopy gathering to decorate and/or carve your pumpkin.

 

Family Newsletter
FPC Children’s Info and Permission Form
FPC Youth Info and Permission Form

Adult Education Opportunities


Tyranny and the Founding Fathers

Led by Hendrick “Hal” Serrie, Ph.D.

- Begins THIS Sunday, October 16, and continues through November 20, 2022 - 10:00 a.m. in room 203

"On Tyranny..." Class Description

Enough: God’s Blessings in Abundance

Led by Elaine Barnett via Zoom

Begins NEXT Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

October 18 - November 8

Sign-up by emailing Elaine at ewbarnet@me.com

"God's Abundance" Class Description

· FPC Reads, led by Leah Cotter - Discussion postponed to January

- Leah will facilitate the discussion in the Fellowship Hall during 10:00 a.m. coffee hour

- Contact Leah at Leah.t.cotter@gmail.com to express your interest in this book discussion

"FPC Reads" Class Description

Good News!

Long-time member, Beth Knopik, has published a memoir, Beyond the Rainbow, A Mother’s Journey Through Grief to Grace being released on Tuesday, October 18. Beth is holding her first author event on October 20 at Bookstore1, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. To buy the book then, register in advance at www.sarasotabooks.com. The story of Beth’s book is about the loss of her teenage daughter, Leanna Mae, and Beth’s journey through grief.

 

Rev. Margaret LaMotte Torrence wrote: “Leanna Mae’s death forced a reckoning; in its wake the author discovered a deeper connection to her God, her daughter and her community. Beth’s account invites readers to discover the life to be found on the other side of loss.” Another reviewer wrote: “Beyond the Rainbow is Beth Knopik’s . . . story of her journey through heartbreak and hopelessness to true healing. 



Her tale is a must-read, not only for those finding their way through insurmountable grief, but for anyone seeking profound and valuable lessons in Faith, Hope and Love.” Let’s support Beth’s efforts by buying a book and spreading the word! 

Presbyterian Women Bible study meets Wednesday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Merle Chorba is leading the second lesson in the Horizons Bible Study, Celebrating Sabbath. The study guide is not necessary to join, and all women are invited! Contact Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@me.com for the Zoom link.

FPC's Weekly All Faiths Food Distribution 

 We have expanded our food offering and are now averaging over 100 families per week!


Join us on Thursday mornings to volunteer. We start packing food at 8:30 a.m. and serve from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Invest in Children - Brentwood Elementary School

More volunteers needed!


To join the FPC group of volunteers, contact Jinny or Ron Miller at church or call them at their Sunnyside home, (941) 371-2750 (ext. 554), or by email at jinnyron@gmail.com


Click on the link below to view the flyer with all the details!

Read all the details

Family Promise Casual Luncheon and Recognition Event

- Saturday, October 22, 2022, 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. on grounds of St. Boniface Episcopal Church. No charge. Register by October 8; email Joanne Simons, SimonsJC1@gmail.com

Read More About the Luncheon / Registration

Join the FPC Mission Trip

to Our Partner Church in Cárdenas, Cuba

February 9 – 15, 2023

 

Interested individuals and families may now sign up for the planned trip to Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church in Cárdenas, Cuba, in the province of Matanzas. A planning group (Dave Householder, Rachel Martin, Jay Swick, Sue Hargis Spigel, Karen Olson, and Graham Hart) is working out the details. Talk to any of these folks to learn more. We will need both “senders” (folks to pray, help get things ready, and provide transportation to and from the airport, etc.) and “goers” to make the trip possible. To sign up, send a note to Dphouse47@gmail.com with what you would like to do. 

Cuba Trip Details and Itinerary
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.

Prayer List

Click on the link below for the prayer list. Thank you for praying for healing and encouragement for these dear ones.

Prayer List
We Care Poster-Card 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!
We Care Recipients

First Presbyterian Preschool Website firstprespreschoolsarasota.org
Preschool Website

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.


Our Condolences

Our brother, Harold "Hal" Davidson, died Thursday, October 13, 2022. Hal and his wife, Pat, (pre-deceased) became members in 1990 and were a beloved part of this congregation. Details regarding the memorial service are being planned. Notes of condolence may be sent to the Davidsons' daughter, our member,

Cindy Millar

736 Shorecrest Drive

Sarasota, FL 34232-2490

Be a Congregational Health Promoter

with Our Health Team!

If you are interested in working with the Health Ministry Team to implement health care programs, education and events, you can apply to register for the virtual training course held on Wednesday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. through the link in News@First. Please contact Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse, for more information, 4tracks@comcast.net or (941) 320-3828.

CHP Application

Changes to Church Life App

 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.

 

Beginning November 1, 2022 the Church Life app will no longer be available in your cellphone’s App Store. If you want to use the online directory via the Church Life app, please download it now from your App Store for your IOS and Android’s phones. If you have the Church Life app now on your phone you will not lose the app, but you cannot reinstall it once it has been deleted after November 1. After the November deadline you can go to Churchlife.mobi using the search engine of your choice and you can log in using your email address and password. 

 

 Here’s how to access church member information:

 

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.

Link to Church Life app
Visit our Website