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.  

New Website Is Live



Our new church website is now live! The updated site features a clean, modern design with simpler navigation and quick access to worship, events, and ministries. You’ll also find member login access for online giving, as well as easy entry to our livestream services.

Please note: staff email addresses have changed. They are now formatted as first name @fpcsrq.org.

Take a look and explore everything at: www.fpcsrq.org

The Realm Log-In is located under the Connect tab, for easy access to the directory.

We’re excited to share this next step with you—more updates and features will continue to roll out soon!

You can also watch the Sunday sermons on our YouTube channel

Summer is Coming: Worship Schedule

As summer approaches, we shift to our summer worship schedule:

May 31 – 10:00 a.m. Summer schedule begins with Faith and Diversity Sunday

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



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

First Connect: Brainstorming Session & Screwtape Apocalypse Study - Updated schedule

We want to encourage everyone to attend our “Just Jesus” class, so we are postponing the Screwtape Apocalypse study for a few weeks. Join us on May 24 & 31 as Eric leads us through a riveting discussion using four “lost Screwtape Letters” he wrote about the Book of Revelation. 

Dates: May 24 & 31.
Facilitator: Eric Robinson

Time & Location: 10:05-10:55 in the library

Dear Church Family, 


I am so very thankful for all the beautiful cards and kind greetings you sent to me on my 105th birthday. It means so much to me to be part of a family that would extend themselves in such a kind way.
 
Love in Christ,

Naomi Pearson

Invest In Children

First Presbyterian is excited to expand our partnership with Brentwood Elementary School through a new book distribution project. Every student received a brand-new book, along with a handmade bookmark lovingly created by our Sunday School classes and church volunteers.



It was a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading and remind each child that they are valued and supported by their community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this special project possible.

SHARE LOVE at FIRST

Join our Sunday Fellowship Team, one Sunday a month, or every Sunday. You choose.

First shift – Arrive 8 – 8:15 to prepare drinks and treats for table in Fellowship Hall. Finish by about 8:40, cover table with white cloth. (Need 3-4 people)

Second shift – 10:00 – 10:40ish – Monitor snack table, clear any empty trays or combine. When choir arrives, put out treats saved for choir. Place used items in kitchen for washing. (Need 1-2 people)

Third shift – 10:55 – 11:20ish – Clear treats, unplug coffees, wash serving utensils, trays, etc. Spray and sanitize counters in kitchen and tables in Fellowship Hall. (Need 3-4 people)

If you have questions or are ready to volunteer, please contact Sandi Soper by text or phone (941-544-7315) or email: Strategicconsultss@yahoo.com.



Watch for upcoming “Kitchen Class”.

Painting With A Twist – Healing Through Art Event

May 7 | First Presbyterian Church

On behalf of the Sarasota Long Term Recovery Mental Health/Spiritual Care Committee, you are warmly invited to a special Healing Through Art event on May 7 at First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota. This event is funded by a grant from FLAPDAN (Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network)

This unique gathering, hosted in partnership with Painting With A Twist, offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals and families impacted by recent hurricanes to come together in a spirit of healing, creativity, and community. Participants will enjoy a two-hour guided painting experience led by a professional artist, creating a recovery-themed piece to take home.

Food and refreshments will be provided, and no prior artistic experience is needed—just a willingness to relax, connect, and express yourself.

This event is part of a broader initiative to support emotional and spiritual recovery in Sarasota County, with additional programs offered in collaboration with local churches and community organizations ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.

Space is limited, so please be sure to reserve your seat.

We hope you’ll join us for this uplifting time of creativity, connection, and renewal.

Do You Worship With Us Online?

If so, we would truly appreciate your feedback about your experience. Your insights help us continue to grow, improve, and enhance this important part of our church ministry.

We welcome your suggestions and comments—please feel free to share them with Victor Jannett at  operavic@aol.com.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help us serve you better.

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.

Nominating Committee Update

First Presbyterian’s Officer Nominating Committee has begun its annual work of assembling, in prayerful consideration, a slate of candidates for ruling elders and deacons. We continue to be blessed with a deep pool of faithful, talented, and capable members who understand the importance of serving God and the church.

Our Book Of Order describes elders as persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, with gifts for leadership, spiritual discernment, and compassionate service. Together with our pastors, they share in the leadership and care of the congregation. Deacons are called to a ministry of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ with those in need.

This year, we are seeking five elders and four deacons for the Class of 2029, each serving a three-year term. If you know someone who has been a member for at least one year and may be called to serve, please click the link below to submit a nominee

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.

What's in a name?
 Plenty, it turns out. The Interim Unified Agency is now know as Presbyterian Life and Witness.

Click the link below to learn more.

We are now serving an average of 200 families every week!



Our drive-through continues to evolve as we work to meet the growing needs in our community. Each family goes home with a mix of dry goods, fresh produce, bakery items, dairy, and meat.

Looking for ways to help? Here’s how:

• Volunteer: We’d love to have you on Thursday mornings to help pack and hand out food. It’s a great way to make a real difference, and we’ll have everything ready for you!
• Donate: Every dollar helps. You can send donations to FPC with “Food Bank” in the memo line.

Thank you for helping us be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve our neighbors!

🗓 When: Thursday mornings

⏰ Time: Food packing begins at 8:00 a.m.

🌟 Serving time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

📍 Where: First Presbyterian Church (FPC), back parking lot.

You don’t have to stay the whole time—even an hour of your time makes a difference. We welcome all helping hands—individuals, couples, families, and even teens looking for service hours.



No special skills are needed—just a willing heart.

We’ll show you everything you need to know.

New First Connect Class!



Are you looking for a space to deepen your faith while connecting more meaningfully with your church family? We would love for you to join us for "Just Jesus," a special four-week gathering designed to help us grow closer to Christ—and to one another.

Using a beautiful curriculum created in partnership with Union Presbyterian Seminary, this class is less about lectures and more about journeying together. We will sit down each week to take a fresh, honest look at the scriptures that tell the story of Jesus's life and ministry.

Through open conversation and shared reflection, we’ll explore Jesus’s deep passion for building God’s justice right here on earth. As we support one another in these discussions, our hope is to gently move past the comfortable, familiar pictures of Christ we might be used to, and uncover a deeper, life-changing understanding of who he is calling us to be today.

Whether you’re a lifelong student of the Bible or just looking for a welcoming place to ask questions and share your thoughts, there is a seat at the table for you. We can’t wait to share this time together!

Facilitators: Susan DeWyngaert and Dave Householder

Dates: April 26, May 3, 10 &17

Time: 10:05 AM – 10:55 AM

Location: Room 203

First Connect is our new Adult Education Newsletter! Find class announcements, Scripture study, and opportunities to grow in faith. Regular adult education updates are now moving here.

Click here to sign up to receive it in your inbox on Fridays! Check out a sample resource below from this week's newsletter!

Please contact Eric Robinson if you'd like to learn more.

Trade the Summer Heat for a Winter Wonderland: VBS 2026 is Here! ❄️

Registration is officially open for Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS, happening June 15-19 at First Presbyterian!

This year, your children will become "Challengers," discovering bravery and resilience through God’s strength. Expect an unforgettable week of frosty games and hands-on Bible lessons where kids learn to boldly say, "Challenge accepted! With God I am strong!"

• Ready to join the adventure? REGISTER HERE
• Want a sneak peek? Check out this VIDEO PREVIEW

If you have any questions, please reach out to Eric Robinson, Leah Cotter, or Emily Weitekamp. We can't wait to see you on the mountain!

Check out our Sunday School Calendar!

First Presbyterian Preschool

from the desk of Clare Carter, 

FPC Preschool Director

❤️With Full Hearts—

We Thank You, First Presbyterian Church ❤️

First Roots was truly unforgettable—an evening filled with laughter, connection, and the joy of this incredible community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to everyone who supported us from afar. Your generosity is appreciated and reaches far beyond one night, touching our classrooms, teachers, and most importantly, our students.

A heartfelt thank you to First Presbyterian Church for being our preschool’s home for nearly 80 years, for believing in this important ministry, and for the many ways you continue to support our community.

We are so grateful to our sponsors, especially Candy Swick & Company, and the many hands who brought this beautiful evening to life. And to our teachers and families—thank you for the love you pour into our students, the trust you place in us, and the partnership that makes our preschool community so strong.

Here’s to strong roots, meaningful growth, and a community that continues to flourish together.

With love and gratitude,

Clare Carter and Lydia Chapdelain

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

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, often has no noticeable symptoms, but it can seriously affect your health over time. When blood pressure remains elevated, it puts extra strain on your heart and damages your blood vessels, increasing the risk of major health problems.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can contribute to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and even dementia. It may also affect sexual health, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced sexual arousal in women.



The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through healthy lifestyle choices, regular monitoring, and, when needed, medication. Please see the attached infographic for an easy guide to understanding blood pressure readings and practical tips for keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range.

Taken from heart.org/lifes8

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.