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.  

You can also watch the Sunday sermons on our YouTube channel

Summer Worship Schedule

We have shifted to our summer worship schedule:

June 7, 14, 21, 28 – 10:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

July 5, 12, 19, 26 – 10:00 a.m. Worship in the Fellowship Hall



Lets look forward to sharing this summer season of worship together!

Join us for fellowship time from 9:00–9:50 a.m.

Enjoy coffee, light snacks, and time to visit with one another before the worship service begins.

Supporting Our Sister Church in Cuba

Conditions in Cuba continue to be challenging, and food insecurity remains a growing concern. Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church in Cárdenas is blessed to have four U.S. sister churches that remain connected through mission partnerships, prayer, spiritual encouragement, financial support, and donations of essential supplies such as food and medicine.



For the past several years, these sister churches—First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, Lakeview Presbyterian Church (New Orleans), Idlewild Presbyterian Church (Memphis), and Church of the Mountain (Pennsylvania)—have worked together to provide food assistance through Supermarket 23, a Havana-based business that delivers food and household items throughout Cuba. Deliveries are made using electric vehicles.

The food purchased through these orders supports several important ministries at Juan G. Hall, including:

• Bethlehem Light Ministry – providing meals three times each week for elderly members of the congregation
• Sunday Community Meal – serving neighbors and families in need
• Children and Youth Programs – offering nourishment and support for young people

Juan G. Hall is also fortunate to have solar panels and a solar-powered generator, which help provide refrigeration during frequent power outages and keep perishable food items safe for ministry use.

We are placing another food order this month. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we have been able to provide ongoing support to our Cuban sisters and brothers. However, the cost of food has risen dramatically over the past year, making continued assistance especially important.

If you would like to contribute toward this effort, please send a check to the church office and write “JGH Food” on the memo line.

Thank you for helping us share Christ’s love and care with our partners at Juan G. Hall.

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.

Clusters

Last fall, you may remember the maps on easels in the Fellowship Hall and Foyer filled with pins and colorful notes. Those maps helped us begin organizing our congregation into neighborhood groups so we can better connect with one another and strengthen our life together as the Body of Christ.

We have now divided the congregation into seven neighborhood clusters and are seeking leaders from both New Song and the 11:00 service to help organize and connect members within each area.

Cluster One: South Sarasota County — Clark Road south, from Sarasota Bay to I-75

Cluster Two: Clark Road north to Siesta Key Drive, and Beneva to US 41

Cluster Three: Beneva Road east to Cattleman Road, and Fruitville south to Clark Road

Cluster Four: Downtown area — US 41 to 301, Siesta Drive north to 7th Street, including Plymouth Harbor

Cluster Five: West of 301 and north of 7th Street, including Longboat Key, and Manatee County east of 301 and north of Tallevast Road

Cluster Six: East of I-75, from Bee Ridge north through Lakewood Ranch

Cluster Seven: Fruitville Road north to Tallevast, from I-75 to Tuttle

Each cluster will begin scheduling gatherings so neighbors within FPC can get to know one another, share interests and gifts, and explore ways to serve Jesus together in our community.



If you are interested in volunteering as a cluster leader, please contact the church office at 941-955-8119 or Janet Olshewsky at 941-376-4431.

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 first planning meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25. 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.

Report from the

Nominating Committee 
May 28

First Presbyterian’s Officer Nominating Committee is prayerfully and thoughtfully continuing its work to fill officer positions for next year. We have made good progress and can report that we have filled the four positions on the Session for the Elder Class of 2029. Our task has now turned to filling positions for the role of Deacon, which is also a three-year term. Additionally, we are seeking regularly attending members who are knowledgeable about the congregation to serve on the Church Officer Nominating Committee next year, this is a one year position, eligible to be renewed for two additional terms.

If you know someone who might be interested, please reach out to Co-chairs Victoria Guenther or Seth Stottlemyer directly. 

The willingness of members to serve as officers for our vital committees and in leadership is integral to the life of our church. Many current officers have served multiple times before, and their experience is important for the continuity of church administration. We also wish to see what newer members can bring to FPC Sarasota and encourage them to consider getting involved as well. We are grateful to all who serve and volunteer their time and effort. Thank you for your prayers and support. 

We ask for your prayers that the Spirit of Jesus Christ and God’s wisdom will guide this important work in the life of the church.

Rachel Martin recently returned from a week-long Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) mission trip to Maui, where she joined volunteers supporting communities recovering from the devastating wildfires. To learn more about the trip, the work that was accomplished, and the ongoing recovery efforts, please read the attached article.

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.

Financial Update 
May   

                                                                              Actual                Budget

Revenues (pledge, non-pledge, and other receipts)       $  62,479              $ 101,720
Expenditures                                                                          105,369                 130,432

Year-to-date

Revenues (pledge, non-pledge, and other receipts)           810,912                  695,307

Expenditures                                                                      $ 490,945              $ 553,354

Summer is here, a time when giving often slows down. Every gift, big or small, helps us continue serving, connecting, and making an impact.

Realm Directory

Check out the directory — all you need is your login.

Need help? Call the church office for more information.

Friends,

I pray your week has been a good one. 

I had an opportunity in my seminary class on the Roman Empire to write a fictional story. This story is told in the first person and helps us imagine some of the stark choices faced by the earliest Jesus followers. The fresco to the left is of a carpenter's association processional in ancient Pompeii, which centers our story. 

Check out my story, "Lucius's Choice." 

~ from Eric Robinson

Spread a Little Joy: Don’t forget to Contribute to our VBS Wish List! 

How would you like to play a part in creating an unforgettable week for the 45+ campers joining us for Vacation Bible School? We are so excited to welcome these young hearts, and you can help make the magic happen by checking out our VBS Wish List. Whether it’s craft supplies or snacks, your contribution directly impacts their experience and lets them know they are part of a community that truly cares.

Click the button below to access our Sign-Up Genius!

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.