NEWS @ FIRST
June 11, 2021
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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 a.m. in-person worship in the sanctuary
A vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary music
Online access beginning at 10:00 a.m.
(Sunday School for all ages is in summer recess.)
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COVID Safety Practices at FPC Sarasota
Those who are fully vaccinated may attend meetings and events without a mask or social distancing. Per CDC guidelines, unvaccinated persons should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart. Any who feel more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. Every other pew is blocked off on one side of the sanctuary for those who need or prefer to maintain distance. We will be happy to see you!
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Children and Youth Ministry
Parents’ Meeting THIS SUNDAY at 11:15 a.m.
Please join us in the fellowship hall after this Sunday's worship service as Lydia and Margaret host a conversation on the calendar, structure and vision of Sunday School and youth group.
Come and share your vision and preferences as we move into this next season of education, mission and fellowship.
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The Future Is Coming!
The Mission Study Team 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.
Listed below are 16 sign-up dates, times, and locations. Please sign up for a convenient time to participate by selecting one of the links below, visiting the table in the sanctuary narthex on Sunday, or calling the church office during the week (941) 955-8119.
We value your input and need as many members as possible to participate.
Your Mission Study Team,
Elaine Barnett, Chair
Ed Clissold
Michael Fingerle
Frank Frey
Janet Olshewsky
Joanne Simons
Emily Weitekamp
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Congratulations!
High School Class of 2021 Graduating Seniors
Congratulations to our amazing seniors! May you fly high, chase your dreams, work hard, never give up, and know your church family will always be here for you! You are in our prayers!
Sean Boudarga, Manatee Community College
Landon Cook, University of Pittsburgh
Sawyer Dunn-Matrullo, Washington and Lee University
Lauren Reasoner, University of South Carolina
Ella Schwab, Bucknell University
Haleigh Smoot, University of Florida
Tara Track, University of Florida
Jack Young
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On Tuesday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. SURE, along with other statewide affiliates, invites SURE network members and friends to join the Florida Criminal Justice Collaborative's Virtual Call to Justice on Zoom.
Accomplishments across the state will be highlighted, along with local law enforcement officials who are leading the way. Our Sarasota County Sheriff Hoffman has agreed to attend. So, let’s log on to show our enthusiasm for making adult civil citation a reality—not only in Sarasota County—but statewide.
All SURE members and First Presbyterian Church members and friends are invited to attend. Please pre-register using the link below:
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FPC Sarasota Hosts
Free Community Event
Florida Studio Theatre’s
Live Performance
On the Road Again:
A Family Musical Roadtrip
Sunday, June 27, 7:00 p.m. outdoors on FPC’s campus, Florida Studio Theatre is taking the whole family on a one-of-a-kind musical road trip in On the Road Again. The performance will feature favorite songs like “Country Roads,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”
Guests are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets, and umbrellas. Reservations are recommended, but not required. To make a reservation, please call (941) 366-9000 or register online using the link below:
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Family Promise has moved five more families out of temporary shelters and into permanent housing! Our congregation has made cash donations and has contributed household goods and children’s summer clothing. At left is a photo of the latest delivery, made June 1, to be distributed to even more families. Every donation helps these families toward safe, stable housing situations.
Thank you for blessing Family Promise with your support.
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Presbyterian Women
All women are invited to attend the annual summer luncheon for a time of fellowship and reconnection at Der Dutchman Family Restaurant, 3713 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota on Tuesday, July 13. Please plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. Reservations not required.
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The Cowden-Smith Library News
Library open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
and on Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
There is a library book cart in the narthex with 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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INVEST IN CHILDREN - School is Out!
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The school year for Sarasota County School students ends today. Though the 2020-21 school year was a difficult one in the middle of a pandemic, the year ends with joy!
Your support for the Brentwood students and staff during COVID-19 and the tragic death of one of their students has lifted their spirits in so many ways. Thank you for investing in the Brentwood children!
As you and the children enjoy God’s fantastic summer opportunities, please look out for all kids as they walk, ride their bikes and scooters, and run after loose balls. You’ll continue to make a difference in their lives! Thanks be to God!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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!
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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:
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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.
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FPC Sarasota Hosts DBSA Support Group
First Presbyterian Church is looking forward to hosting Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA Tampa Bay Inc.). This free weekly peer-led support group provides an opportunity for individuals to share personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies about depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and other mood disorders. Family and loved ones may attend for support or to learn more about the disorders. The group will start meeting Monday, June 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in room 203. There are some restrictions and limited seating; call (727) 410-1569 to register. https://dbsatampabay.org
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Senior Friendship Centers
Offer Free Meals for Seniors in Need
The staff of SFC are working to identify any seniors aged 60+ in Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte and Lee Counties who may be interested in receiving nutritious home-delivered meals. If you or someone you know aged 60+ would like to receive home-delivered meals, please call their Meals Hotline for Sarasota County: (941) 584-0048
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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: All mail, including contribution checks, securely arrives to our church office.
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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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