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 watch the Sunday sermons on our YouTube channel

Sunday: VBS Preview Sunday School in the Courtyard!



Get ready for a fun and engaging morning as we transform our Courtyard into Snowball Mountain for a special Vacation Bible School preview! From 10:05–10:55 AM, children and families are invited to experience a taste of what’s coming at VBS through a variety of hands-on, high-energy stations.

Here’s what to expect:

· Recreation Station: Enjoy themed games and activities that get everyone moving and laughing while reinforcing the day’s message.

· Bible Story Station: Step into an interactive storytelling experience that brings Scripture to life in a memorable and age-appropriate way.

· Craft Station: Kids will create a fun, take-home craft that connects with the Bible lesson and theme of Snowball Mountain.

· Science Station: Watch exciting demonstrations or participate in simple experiments that illustrate biblical truths in a creative way.

This immersive event is designed to give everyone a preview of the excitement, creativity, and meaningful learning that VBS will offer. It’s a great opportunity for kids to invite friends, meet volunteers, and get comfortable with the format ahead of time.

Important Reminder: This special event will take the place of our regular Sunday School classes.

We can’t wait to share this adventure with you—bundle up for Snowball Mountain (no actual snow required!) and come ready for a great time together!

First Connect: Brainstorming Session & Screwtape Apocalypse Study

We just wrapped up our journey through Revelation last Sunday—thank you to everyone who joined us!

This week, we’re looking ahead and would love your input.

Join us on April 26 for a brainstorming session as we explore ideas for our next Bible study topic. Your voice matters, and we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Then, as a special conclusion to our Revelation study, don’t miss a unique three-week series on May 3, 10, and 17. Eric Robinson will guide us through a fascinating discussion based on four “lost Screwtape Letters” he wrote, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on Revelation.

Schedule:

• April 26 – Brainstorming Session (led by Doug DeCelle)
• May 3, 10, 17 – Screwtape Apocalypse Study (led by Eric Robinson)
• 
  

Time & Location: 10:05–10:55 AM in The Library

We hope you’ll join us for both the conversation and the study ahead!

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.

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.

Step into a world of imagination and fun!



Inspired Minds Leadership Academy (IMLA), a nonprofit homeschool co-op partnering with First Presbyterian Church, is excited to invite your family to two FREE community events through Remake Learning Days—made possible in partnership with The Patterson Foundation.

IMLA supports homeschool families with creative programming and encourages students to share the love of Jesus through kindness and community impact.

Location: First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota

2050 Oak St, Sarasota, FL 34237

(Accessible with wheelchair access and parking)

Happily Ever After: Music & Makers

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

4:00–6:00 PM

Step into a fairy-tale world of music and creativity! Kids will explore sound, design their own instruments, and enjoy hands-on activities inspired by beloved stories.

Kingdom of Curiosity: A Fairy Tale STEAM Adventure

Thursday, April 30, 2026

4:00–6:00 PM

Build, test, and explore! Children will take on fun engineering challenges—like designing bridges for goats and building houses strong enough to outsmart a wolf.

These events are fun, low-pressure, and full of creativity—perfect for kids who love to build, craft, imagine, and explore.

All children from First Presbyterian Church and the wider community are warmly invited to join us!

Come create, discover, and celebrate together!

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.

The Final Word: Unpacking the Mysteries of Revelation

This class invites participants into a collaborative and facilitated exploration of this profound and often challenging biblical book. Shifting from a traditional lecture format to open discourse and mutual learning, our study will delve into Revelation's rich apocalyptic, prophetic, and epistolary genres, grounding our understanding in its vital first-century context. Together, we will "unpack the mysteries" of its complex symbolism and "wild imagery", moving beyond literal predictions to grasp its original message: that Jesus Christ is truly Lord, a truth meant to inspire faithful, nonviolent resistance against systems that defy God's design. This approach aims to make Revelation both "horrifying, but also so comforting and so encouraging" as we uncover its enduring relevance for our lives and the world today.

Dates: Sunday mornings from 10:05-10:55, on going

Facilitators: Eric Robinson, Doug DeCelle, Paul Urbanick, Richard Cole and others.

Location: The Library

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 ........

National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16

Have You Signed Yours?

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is an initiative that encourages adults of all ages to plan ahead of a health crisis. When we make health decisions ahead of time and put those wishes in writing, we bring peace of mind to our families. We enable our caregivers to advocate for us when we are unable to do so for ourselves. We are more likely to avoid the difficult situations that are so common when we become seriously ill and our loved ones are left to guess what we would have wanted.

Here's a closer look at valuable documents to have in place:

Last will and testament: This fundamental estate-planning tool outlines how a person's assets should be distributed and names an executor to carry out their wishes. A will only takes effect after death and does not grant authority to make financial or health care decisions while the person is alive.

Durable power of attorney for finances: This gives a trusted person authority to manage money and property if someone becomes incapacitated. When carefully drafted, it can prevent costly court interventions and ensure day-to-day and emergency financial decisions happen smoothly.

Medical power of attorney: A medical power of attorney lets a trusted person (surrogate) make medical decisions on a person's behalf if they cannot speak for themself. Without it, doctors will default to whomever has legal authority based on state law. The role also may be called a health care proxy, although some of the terminology is state-dependent. For instance, “proxy” is used in Florida in situations where there is no dedicated surrogate decision-maker. A medical power of attorney provides flexibility to respond to changing diagnoses, new treatments, and evolving personal preferences. Having one ensures that your decision-maker can act quickly and decisively, avoiding confusion, conflict, or costly court interventions.

Living wills: These differ from medical powers of attorney in that they provide end-of-life instructions to a chosen decisionmaker and are used when a patient cannot make decisions for themself. Living wills identify medical treatments someone would or would not want to keep them alive, such as CPR, mechanical ventilators, and feeding tubes. Patients also can note whether they want their organs, tissues, or entire body to be donated.

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form: This document translates a patient's end-of-life wishes into medical orders that health care providers must legally follow. Unlike a living will, which offers general guidance, a POLST provides specific instructions on interventions such as resuscitation, intubation, and other life-sustaining treatments. A properly executed medical power of attorney can authorize a trusted person to complete or sign a POLST if the patient is unable, ensuring that care preferences are respected across hospitals, nursing facilities, and emergency settings.

To learn more, make sure to join in two upcoming workshops hosted by First Presbyterian:

Sunday, April 12, 10:05-10:55, “Your Voice, Your Choice: Taking Control Through Advanced Directives” led by Michelle Robles, Esq

Sunday, April 19, 10:05-10:55, “Peace of Mind for You, A Gift of Clarity for Your Family”, led by Anne Swartz, Licensed Pre-Planning Counselor

Taken from Brain & Life.org, December 2025/January 2026, Fallback Plan by Paul Wynn and https://www.fivewishes.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.