NEWS @ FIRST
March 12, 2021
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS THIS SUNDAY
Please be sure to set your clocks one hour ahead this Saturday night in preparation for the start of Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 14. You won’t want to miss the 9:00 a.m. in-person worship service, beginning also this Sunday!
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Online access beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Resumes THIS SUNDAY, March 14, 9:00 a.m.

FPC Sarasota returns to live Sunday worship services THIS SUNDAY, March 14, with one service at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The worship style will continue to be a combination of traditional and contemporary elements. All are welcome!

In-person worshipers are asked to register in advance (through the website or News@First). Masks and social distancing will be required. Doors will be propped open to ensure optimum ventilation. The service will be available online through the website as a simulcast at 9:00 a.m.--and after that time as a recording, for those who prefer to participate from home. 

Sign up HERE for the March 14 service.

Sign up HERE for the March 21 service.
We want to see YOU
at our virtual Coffee Hour
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday.
Join us every Sunday at 10:00 am
* no classes Palm Sunday (March 28) or Easter (April 4)
Youth News

Faith through Service
 
The High School youth group, along with their leaders Jessica Armstrong and Abbey Tyrna, have been planning and executing mission projects over the past several months. Their actions began with a simple question: "What moves you to serve God?"

The youth responded with many wonderful ideas, but the strongest drivers of faith were service to the environment and service to the community. The group developed a schedule to put their plan into action. Over the past several months the high school youth group has been:

·       Distributing supplies to our homeless community
·       Cleaning up our beaches and parks
·       Planning tree-planting service
·       Planning an Easter meal project
·       Joining the Great American Clean Up
"Growing in Faith through Service" Community Project
 
While the youth were distributing supplies to the homeless in Sarasota they discovered a GREAT need in the community: 
 
STRONG / DURABLE BACKPACKS

We are asking the congregation to support the youth and their mission by donating strong / durable backpacks or money so that the youth can purchase these essential tools and distribute them. 
 
We will have a box outside the church office from March 14 to April 10 for your backpack donations--or you can give a donation online labeled "Youth Backpack Mission."
"Growing in Faith through Service" Church Family Project
 
The high school youth have been working to develop a tree service project as part of their service to the church. Church members who would like a tree planted in their yard can sign up to receive a tree. The youth are partnering with UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Sarasota County to get the trees, learn about their care, and how to properly plant them. 

Trees serve as a wonderful way to commemorate and honor loved ones while also providing a great number of environmental services. Members who are interested in having a tree planted in their yard can contact the church office. Be on the lookout for a youth-created flyer and online ordering form. Trees will be planted during the first two weeks of May. 

The trees that are available include Red Maple, Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Slash Pine, and Mahogany. Information on how large these trees get is available on the Treejuvenation Florida page. Before you select a tree please be sure to pay close attention to the information on how much space each tree will need and how often new trees need to be watered (e.g., daily for the first two weeks and weekly thereafter, in the absence of rainfall). 

Youth will pick up, deliver, and plant trees in the yards of members who request them.

Adult Education Class

Illuminating Lent: A Look at the Lord’s Prayer

Our Lenten class will deepen your faith and enhance your understanding as we take a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer. During each session we are discussing one part of the prayer and considering what it means for our everyday lives. All are welcome to join in this exploration together.

The class is held on Tuesdays via Zoom at 11:30 a.m. for one hour. It is offered weekly through Holy Week, March 30. The sessions are led by Elaine Barnett.

You can sign-up for this series by emailing Elaine at 
 
March 16 - Downward: What God Gives to Us - Providential Provisions
March 23 - Forward: Where God Leads Us - Discipleship
March 30 - Onward: What God Will Do - Resurrection Hope
Register NOW for
In-person Easter Service!
Please let us know if you would like to attend in-person worship on Easter, Sunday, April 4.

Currently, there is one service scheduled at 10:00 a.m. If anticipated demand exceeds our capacity for safe-distancing, we will consider adding a second service at 8:00 a.m.

Please register by calling the church office (941) 955-8119, or by clicking on the link below, to let us know if members of your household would like to attend in-person worship on Easter Sunday morning. Please respond by Monday, March 22 so that we can make adequate preparations.
Easter Lilies & Hydrangeas
If you would like to purchase lilies or hydrangeas for the Easter worship service, please click on the link below to print and complete the form and return it with your check (marked with ‘Easter flowers’ in the memo) to the church office. The order final deadline is Friday, March 26. 
OGHS Easter Offering – April 4
 
In Isaiah 58, God issues a call and a challenge—to love one another more deeply by sharing what we have with those in need. Together, we become the household of God where those seeking shelter, food and renewed hope are welcome.
    
Received on Easter, One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is the single, greatest way that Presbyterians come together every year to build God’s household and welcome our neighbors in need around the world. We provide relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. Each gift to OGHS helps to improve the lives of people in challenging situations through three impactful programs:
 
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters.
 
Presbyterian Hunger Program: Takes action to alleviate hunger and the systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed.
 
Self-Development of People: Invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills.
 
This special offering will be received on Easter, April 4.
If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot!
Financial Update
The session is grateful for the congregation’s continued service, witness, and generosity. Thank you for remaining faithful to each other, and to the mission partners and neighbors who need our steady support during this time of crisis. We know that challenges remain, but by the grace of God and the faithfulness of God’s people, we will have everything we need to live out our calling. Thank you!

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: During this time when the church campus is closed, all mail, including contribution checks, securely arrives to our church office.

Choose to be
the Change You Want to See! 

We serve a God of justice and mercy. FPC, Sarasota answered the call to keep justice rolling by having the highest attendance at SURE’s March 8 Rally! 

SURE congregations voted to approve the questions State Attorney Brodsky will be asked at the Nehemiah Action, via Zoom, March 29, 6:30 p.m. Below is the SURE Nehemiah Action registration link.

Register EARLY for the March 29 Nehemiah Action! Click on the link below:
Mary Martha Circle
Mary Martha Circle will be discussing for the next two months The Creeds and Confessions of the PC(USA), the work of people through the ages to state what the church believes and what the church resolves to do about those beliefs. When we gather on Wednesday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom, we will focus our time on the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Westminster Confession and Catechisms.

The Bible Study is led by Elaine Barnett. If you would like to join us and receive the materials for reading ahead contact Elaine at ewbarnet@me.com. Everyone is welcome.
There will be no PW Lite Zoom meeting in March. Please attend the spring retreat instead. Mark your calendar for our next Lite Zoom meeting on April 6 at 10:00 a.m. when Joanne Simons will update us on Family Promise.
Sisters of the Road
Sisters of the Road gathers weekly at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom for one hour to pray and study the Bible together. We support each other in any way we can. Please join us. If you have prayer requests, just let us know. To learn more, please contact Pat Feeney at (941) 228-4805 or patfeeney21@gmail, or Janet Olshewsky at (941) 376-4431 or janetolshewsky@verizon.net.

INVEST IN CHILDREN
In a recent letter from Brentwood Elementary School Principal John Weida, our congregation received heartfelt praise for adopting two classrooms for this school year. An excerpt from his letter says,

“You have increased the opportunity for student success by providing these teachers with additional funds to purchase resources for their classrooms, such as books, items for learning centers, technology and classroom supplies. Thank you for sharing your resources to help our teachers continue to provide our students with outstanding school experiences.”

Each teacher in a classroom we adopted received $100 to use for their most needed resources. You may support other classrooms by sending a check for $100 to the church with Brentwood ‘Adopt a Classroom’ in the memo line. This is another unique way to support Brentwood while our volunteer program is on hold. Thank you!


Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines
From Cheryl Track
Faith Community Nurse

New This Week!
New York Times and ABC-7 News have introduced a website--hidrb.com-- that allows persons to register for last-minute notification of “extra” vaccine doses that become available in one's area. A response to the text is needed within 15 minutes to qualify for the vaccine.

More than one million people have signed up for the service as of Wednesday morning, March 10. It is free to use, and any American over the age of 18 can sign up. This service matches individuals with clinics struggling to equitably dole out extra doses before they expire.
Click on the link below to sign up to receive notification of "extra" vaccine doses as they become available:
Those Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines
­
In addition to long-term care facility residents and staff, persons 65 years of age and older, and health care personnel with direct patient contact, health care providers may also administer COVID-19 vaccines to K-12 school employees, sworn law enforcement officers 50 years and older, and firefighters 50 years and older, and persons under the age 65 deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by a physician. These individuals with a physician certification may be vaccinated by a physician, pharmacist or advanced practice registered nurse. The Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability form must be completed and signed by a physician. Click HERE to access this form.

For a helpful daily COVID-19 vaccine report provided by the Florida Department of Health click HERE
The Department of Health in Manatee County is offering vaccinations to seniors, age 65 or older, by appointment Click HERE or go to their website for more information (https://mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/coronavirus_information/covid-19_vaccine ).

Sarasota County Website: scgov.net
(After accessing the website, click on the purple banner)

Vaccine Registration Assistance for FPC Sarasota Seniors
If you are over 65 and would like one of our tech-savvy church volunteers to assist you with signing up online for your vaccination, you may call the church (941-955-8119) and leave a message with your request. Someone will contact you to make arrangements to assist you. Please email info@firstpressarasota.org if you would like to volunteer as well.

The Vaccine Is Free
States are offering vaccines for free, not the federal government. Some counties are using Eventbrite to register; please note there is NO CHARGE to register. Anyone asking for money in exchange for an appointment is a SCAM. Please report suspicious solicitation to the Attorney General's Office, 866-9N0-SCAM. 
SunCoast Bloodmobile
Coming to FPC Sunday, March 28
The bloodmobile is coming to First Presbyterian on Sunday, March 28. We are grateful to the many who give this important gift of life.

Please contact Cheryl Track, 4tracks@comcast.net to register. 
Comfortable and attractive blue cloth masks with
the FPC logo are just $5.

Proceeds go to support our
youth ministries. Contact the church office to pick one up or have it mailed to you.
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.
FPC’s Mission Partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank

Our emergency food distribution site will remain open through March 2021

Thursday Mornings ONLY: 8:45 - 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.

All safety measures are in place: Masks and closed-toe shoes required
for volunteers; gloves and hand sanitizer provided; masks required for walk-up food recipients

FOR MORE INFORMATION
contact Bob Kirkpatrick, rkirkhv@aol.com or (941) 761-2455
or Dave Householder, dphouse47@gmail.com or (724) 462-4235

Please consider becoming a part of this exciting ministry
to our community!
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:
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.
Our Condolences
We have received word that Nancy Rodriguez’ husband, Bob, died on February 15, 2021.
 
Click HERE for a link to Bob's obituary.
  
Notes of condolence may be sent to: 
Nancy N. Rodriguez
8090 Stirling Falls Circle
Sarasota, FL 34243
 
Thank you for the ways you love and encourage each other through sorrow and joy. 
First Presbyterian Preschool GROWING STRONG

The preschool staff and the families are thankful to all those who have contributed to our preschool community. Thanks to you, we are over halfway to our fundraising goal of $50,000.

If you have not had the opportunity to donate, you can be a part of helping our preschool continue to GROW STRONG with gifts over-and-above your regular church offering. For online donations, use the weblink below. Thank you again for keeping our church / preschool community STRONG!

Grace and peace,

Clare Carter, Preschool Director
We’re Here for You!
The FPC care team, Stephen Ministers, deacons, elders and church staff want you to know we are here for you. Please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Track, faith community nurse (941) 320-3828 if we can be of support to you.