We are a curious, inclusive, and diverse gathering of imperfect people united by our common hope in Jesus Christ. Through worship, study, and service we seek to know and show the transformative love of God found in the pages of scripture and revealed in the person of Jesus. No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, know that you are welcome here.  

A Fond Farewell to Eric – Join Us for Cake at 9:00 a.m. This Sunday!


This Sunday will be Eric’s final Sunday serving as our Director of Children and Youth Ministries. During the past two years, Eric has faithfully shared his gifts, energy, and heart with the children, youth, and families of First Presbyterian Church.

Through Sunday School, youth group gatherings, mission projects, retreats, conferences, Vacation Bible School, and countless meaningful conversations, Eric has helped young people grow in their faith and strengthen their connection to God and one another. His enthusiasm, creativity, and genuine care have left a lasting impact on our church family.

While we are saddened to see him go, we are deeply grateful for the ministry he has shared with us and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. We thank Eric for his faithful service and pray that God will continue to guide and bless him in this next chapter of his journey.

Please plan to join us for cake during coffee hour at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. This will be an opportunity to thank Eric personally, share your well wishes, and sign a farewell card.



We invite the congregation to keep Eric in your prayers as he begins this new adventure. He will be greatly missed, and we are thankful for the many ways he has enriched the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church.

You can also watch the Sunday sermons on our YouTube channel

Summer Worship Schedule

Reminder

This Sunday is our last Summer Sunday worshiping in the Sanctuary.

Beginning next week, our worship services will move to the Fellowship Hall for the remainder of July.

We will gather for worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall on July 5, 12, 19, and 26.

We look forward to sharing this summer season of worship with you.

Before worship, join us for fellowship time from 9:00–9:50 a.m. each Sunday. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and time to visit with friends and fellow members as we prepare for worship together.

Letter was received from Juan G Hall 
by Carol Papa on Thursday, June 25.

Fraternal Greetings. May God continue to use us for His work. We give thanks to God for the ways in which He shows His love and His grace, which always bring hope and comfort in the midst of present difficulties.

We ask for your prayers for the people of Cuba. Today we face severe trials ranging from food shortages, the high cost of basic products, the lack of electricity and fuel, to social tensions and the deterioration of spiritual and civic values. All this has strongly affected the daily life of our families and communities, increasing insecurity and the number of vulnerable people, who are no longer only the elderly but also professionals whose average salary is not enough to cover basic needs.

We ask for your prayers for our people, that God may give us strength of spirit and lift the spirits of so many desperate and afflicted. We ask for your prayers for daily provision to sustain life in the midst of such precariousness. We ask for your prayers for the restoration of hope. We ask for your prayers for unity, so that in the midst of so many difficulties we may remain united and firm in fraternal communion, supporting one another.

May our churches remain steadfast to be a testimony of God’s work in His people. We trust that your prayers and supplications will be like pleasing incense before God, and that together, as the body of Christ, we will see a new time for our land.

Receive a fraternal embrace in the love of Christ. We thank God for your spiritual companionship and for your help, which sustains the life and mission of our church.

A strong fraternal embrace.

Blessings.

PP Josué Montejo Bayola

Juan G. Hall

Usher Training – July 5

All current and prospective ushers are invited to attend an usher training session on Sunday, July 5, at 11:15 a.m. following worship. An additional training will be held in October.

This training will review hospitality practices, worship procedures, safety protocols, and the important role ushers play in welcoming people to First Presbyterian Church.

Whether you are a longtime usher or interested in serving for the first time, we encourage you to attend. For more information or to sign up, contact James Jordan jej.jordan@gmail.com  or call the church office.

College/Continuing Education/Technical School Scholarships



Interested students should go to the website www.fpcsrq.org, go to “Connect” tab and select “Youth & Families” and print an application. The application and transcripts must be received by Monday, July 27. Returning applicants need only to have a current transcript sent in along with any updated contact information. All college and technical school students are encouraged to apply.

A Celtic Christmas 2026 Planning Team



Do you love A Celtic Christmas as much as we do? This cherished annual event is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, and we'd love to have you join us!

If you're interested in helping plan this year's concert, please contact Kim Schmeits at 941-284-0001 or outreachandevents@vianovachorale.org.

Our next meeting is scheduled for 
Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. 
Zoom will be available!


We hope you'll be part of making this special tradition another success!

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Hurricane season is here, and now is the time to prepare your family, home, and neighborhood. Create an emergency plan, know your evacuation level, and stock a disaster supply kit with enough essentials to last at least seven days, as extended power outages are possible and emergency responders cannot assist once winds reach 45 mph.

No two storms are alike, so preparation is essential. Find preparedness guides, checklists, and evacuation information at scgov.net/beprepared.

Chapel News

“Solitude is the place where our own hearts discover our deep yearning to be loved unconditionally and to love with our whole beings… it is the place of the great encounter from which all other encounters derive their meaning.”

-Henri Nouwen

 The Chapel is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-planning Your Memorial Arrangements

Taking a moment to plan your memorial service is a profound gift of love to your family and friends. By making these decisions now, you provide your loved ones with the clarity and peace they need to celebrate your life without the burden of difficult choices during a time of grief.

Whether it is selecting a favorite scripture, a meaningful hymn, or simply sharing your heart's final message, documenting your wishes ensures that your service truly reflects your faith and your journey.

We invite you to begin this thoughtful process by requesting a "Memorial Arrangements" packet from our church office. (or clicking the link below) This packet contains helpful information, as well as a form to complete with your plans and wishes, so you may make sure your legacy is honored exactly as you envision.



The completed form will be kept on file in our church office. Prayerfully consider making this final gift to your loved ones.

We Need Your Help!



Each week, First Presbyterian Church’s All Faiths Food Bank distribution serves more than 200 families—and volunteers are essential to making it possible. As many of our regular “snowbird” volunteers head out for the season, we especially need extra helping hands right now.

Join us on Thursday mornings in the south/back parking lot. We begin packing food at 8:00 a.m., and distribution runs from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. You don’t need to stay the entire time—any amount of help is truly a blessing.

Our drive-through food distribution continues to grow as we respond to increasing needs in our community. Each family receives a generous mix of dry goods, fresh produce, bakery items, dairy, and meat.

Ways you can help:

Volunteer:

We would love to have you join us Thursday mornings to help pack bags and serve our neighbors. No experience is needed—we’ll show you everything. Individuals, couples, families, and students needing service hours are all welcome.

Donate:

Every gift makes a difference. Donations may be made to FPC with “Food Bank” in the memo line.

Thank you for helping us be the hands and feet of Christ as we serve our neighbors with compassion and care.

🗓 When: Thursday mornings

⏰ Food packing begins: 8:00 a.m.

🌟 Distribution: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

📍 Where: First Presbyterian Church, south/back parking lot

Even an hour of your time can make a real difference.

The Loneliness of Jesus

A Missive by Sue Spigel

After Palm Sunday this year, I began to wonder about the loneliness of Jesus during Holy Week. Do I dare make this audacious claim? We know he was deeply troubled during the night called Maundy Thursday.

How lonely Jesus must have felt all that night and on “Good” Friday. I imagine every nerve throbbed while he awaited the betrayal and the sham trial. Jesus was alone in the wide world even though surrounded by friends as well as Pharisees, Romans, and mockers.

Peter ran into the night and wept beyond weeping. He must have felt abandoned while knowing he had abandoned the only true selfless agape—as we all have done.  

Imagine how utterly, truly alone Jesus was on the cross all those anguished hours. No one could take his pain away or endure it with him. No one could go with him into the darkness ahead; no one could alleviate the physical suffering and dehydration. He bore the brutal weight of our sins and pain while knowing how utterly awful we humans are and always will be until the new heaven and earth come.

I believe Jesus felt a soul loneliness, or a spirit loneliness. Is this accurate? I imagine this was far beyond those dreams in which we find ourselves standing alone in utter darkness without stars or moonlight. Yet the One who became lonely for all of us ransomed himself for all: for the emotive, weeping ones, for those who feel hard as a stone inside, for those who cry one day and feel nothing another day.

I felt so sad on Good Friday as I thought about this. Yet, Easter came, and the dark night failed. The light overcomes every darkness because Jesus endured the worst night and day for all of us (undeserving) humans.   

Sue Hargis Spigel

hargisspigel@yahoo.com

Please enjoy two collages below from Montreat along with a collective collage of our VBS pictures! Thank you to Mariah Martin for putting the Montreat collage together. Also, if you would like to view our VBS video, you can find it HERE.

First Presbyterian Preschool

from the desk of Clare Carter, 

FPC Preschool Director

Congratulations

First Presbyterian Preschool

Class of 2026!

Dear First Presbyterian Church Preschool Friends and Families,

What a year it’s been. As we wrap up another beautiful chapter, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your children with us. Your trust, support, and partnership have made it a joy and an honor to be part of your child’s early childhood education.

Our Senior Send-Off and Butterfly Balls were full of love and laughter. Thank you to our amazing staff for making it all come to life. Your creativity and devotion shine brightly, and we're grateful to work beside each of you.

Thanks to Olivia Prater and Live it Up Events for the stunning balloon arch! It created the perfect photo backdrop and added a special touch to our celebration.

And to Nichole Niffenegger, who captured our graduates so beautifully—the photo link is coming soon, and we can’t wait for our senior families to see their photos! We are so grateful you have a gift for preserving these precious moments. And, we can’t wait to see the graduation highlights that Mimi Gilbert and Behind the Memories have for us soon. Look for them on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you to Olivia Craig for creating our senior slideshow. What a gift you’ve given us. Watching it through the eyes (and tears!) of our families was truly a gift. You combed through countless photos and captured their wonder, wisdom, joy, and one-of-a-kind spirit.

To our Seniors: as your preschool journey comes to a close, we want you to know that we are so proud of you and that we love you very much. Your wings are strong, and you are ready to fly. We’ve watched you grow into curious, kind, strong, and empathetic humans. You have learned to help each other, cheer each other on, and fill each other's buckets with kindness. Whether it was a smile, a helping hand, or kind words, you've made our school a place where everyone feels loved. Your preschool family loves you more than words can say.

We’d also like to thank Scott McLeod and Rachel Martin, our audio-visual technicians extraordinaire. There wasn't a dry eye in the sanctuary when the commencement music began. And Eric Robinson, Director of Christian Education, for making our preschool families feel so welcome. We are incredibly grateful to First Presbyterian Church for being the home of our preschool and for the love and care shown to our children, families, and staff.

Finally, thank you to all our families, whether this was your first year or one of many. Thank you for being part of our community. You are what makes our school so special, and we are deeply grateful for you. You've welcomed us into your lives; we hold that gift with love and deep gratitude. We wish you a summer full of sunshine, laughter, and sweet moments of rest. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!

With love and gratitude,

Clare, Lydia, and your First Pres. Preschool Family

Cheryl's Monthly Health Awareness ........

June is Men’s Health Month: Learn How You Can Close the Lifespan Gender Gap


Since the Industrial Age, women in the U.S. have outlived men. The current six-year difference (women: 79, men: 73) marking the largest disparity in nearly 30 years.

Why do women consistently outlive men? The answer lies in a complex interplay of genetics, healthcare access, and lifestyle choices. While some biological differences may contribute to the lifespan gap, research suggests that many of the factors shortening men’s lives are modifiable.

I hope you will download, “The Gap Guide: How Men Can Close the Lifespan Gap”. The guide isn’t about forcing a perfect diet or never skipping leg day at the gym- it’s about showing you that small, scalable changes can make a substantial difference.

The guide will share six lifestyles to overcome the stats:

Prioritizing cardiovascular health and exercise, weight management with a healthy diet, finding balance, building a team of healthcare providers, not smoking and limit recreational substances, and building strong social connections.

I look forward to hearing about progress!

Cheryl Track, RN-BC, Faith Community Nurse



Taken from menshealthmonth.org

Pastoral Care

When you or a loved one is hospitalized, it is important that you contact the church or the pastor to inform us directly and inform the hospital that you are a member of our congregation and would welcome a visit. Hospitals will not contact the church. We have also discovered that some will no longer list a patient as our church member on their internal records unless the patient carefully notes their relationship with our congregation. Thank you for your assistance.

We’re Here for You!

The FPC care team, deacons, elders, and church staff continue to be available for you. Please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse, at (941) 320-3828 or call the church office at (941) 955-8119 if we can support you.