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.  

Steven Phillips 
 10^th Anniversary with First Presbyterian

This year we celebrate Steven Philips’ 10^th anniversary with  First Presbyterian as Director of Music. Steven has vast musical experience that is masterfully demonstrated at both the New Song and Traditional services. The congregation is often left in awe by Steven’s organ improvisations during the 11:00 service.   

Steven is a remarkably versatile musician with several recordings to his credit as performer, composer, arranger, conductor and producer. He works in classical, jazz, popular and contemporary styles, as well as providing vocal harmony to the New Song Band. Steven also produces and directs A Celtic Christmas, an event featuring choir, folk instrumentalists, and dance. This annual concert hosts two performances which have become a favorite “can’t miss” Christmas event for our congregation and the community. 

We will recognize Steven’s 10-year anniversary on May 17^th at the 9:00 and 11:00 services. Please feel free to express your appreciation when you see Steve in and around the church.  

Pentecost

May 24

Don't forget to wear red!

Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter, marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Often called the “birthday of the Church,” it reminds us that the Spirit unites us, empowers us, and sends us out to share God’s love in the world.

Next Sunday, as we celebrate Pentecost, all children are invited to participate in a processional at the beginning of both the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. Children participating in the 9:00 service should meet in the courtyard at 8:50 a.m. Children participating in the 11:00 service should meet in the Narthex at 10:50 a.m. for instructions before the procession begins.

Artwork by Sue Pantling

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 in the Sanctuary.

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.

First Connect: Brainstorming Session & Screwtape Apocalypse Study

Join us on May 24 & 31 as Eric leads us through a riveting discussion using four “lost Screwtape Letters” C.S. Lewis wrote about the Book of Revelation. Meet Sunday, May 24 at 10:05-10:55 a.m. and Sunday, May 31 at 9:05 - 9:55 a.m. in the library, Eric Robinson will be the facilitator.

Dates: May 24 & 31.
Facilitator: Eric Robinson

Time & Location: May 24: 10:05-10:55 | May 31: 9:00-9:45 | The Library

Sarasota School District Celebrates 2026 Outstanding Volunteers with Annual Awards

Sarasota County Schools recently honored volunteers, business partners, and community partners at its annual Outstanding Volunteer Awards reception, held in April for National Volunteer Recognition Month.

Congratulation to Susan Sanderson - a member of First Presbyterian, who was awarded Outstanding Senior Adult Volunteer for the Sarasota County School District for 2026!!!

The district recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting students, staff, and school communities. This year, volunteers contributed 88,522 hours of service so far in the 2025–2026 school year—an increase of 5,598 hours from the previous year—valued at $2,815,025.04 in in-kind support.

“We are incredibly thankful for the unfailing support of our volunteers,” said Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement. “All of our volunteers make a tangible impact every day within our school communities.”

The event celebrated Outstanding Volunteers of the Year and their contributions to student success.

Ms. Susan Sanderson – Outstanding Senior Adult Volunteer (Brentwood Elementary School): Susan Sanderson was awarded Outstanding Senior Adult Volunteer for the Sarasota County School District for 2026. She has been a volunteer at Brentwood Elementary School since 2017. She, along with Lorraine, Foltz, co-chairs the Brentwood Elementary Steering Committee, which oversees: school supply drive, recruitment of volunteers, adopt a classroom, the Holiday Blessing Tree benefiting 50 students and their families and the Spring Book Project, where every Brentwood student received a book. 

She currently volunteers weekly in a third grade classroom and mentors three sweet girls. According to Susan: After much church “shopping” she was excited to find kindred spirts here at FPC and the opportunity to jump in and be a part of the various mission and outreach efforts right here in the neighborhood. Her appreciation for the work and the people who make up FPC continues to grow with each year. 

Looking for a way to help out the church in the coming weeks?


Consider volunteering in the church office—no prior experience necessary! Help is needed with simple tasks such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and light office support.

It’s a great way to serve behind the scenes and support the daily life of the church.

You can volunteer for one day or several, depending on your availability.



Available shifts:

• Monday, May 18 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 19 — 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 21 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 26 — 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 27 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 28 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 3 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 3 — 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, June 4 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 10 — 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Thanks for considering this opportunity to help. 
Contact Rachel Martin Rachel@fpcsrq.org

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.

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.

Financial Update

March          

                                                                    Actual                Budget

Revenues (pledge, non-pledge, and other receipts)       $  90,322              $  95,072 Expenditures                                                                          112,595                  109,539

Year-to-date

Revenues (pledge, non-pledge, and other receipts)          664,106                 510,458

Expenditures                                                                      $ 290,197              $ 307,602

Your generous gifts and fulfilled pledges for the first quarter of 2026 are truly appreciated. Thank you so much for your continued support.

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.

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.

First Connect Class Continues!



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 the third of four sessions of "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

Associations

A Reflection by Eric Robinson

I am taking a class called "The Roman Empire in the New Testament." One thing that has stood out to me is how much early Christians sacrificed to take themselves out of what, in the Roman World, were called guilds or associations. 

Many in the "lower classes" relied on these associations for their very livelihood, and even their burial! To leave meant loss of social status and a vital safety net. While the associations would provided community for various trades (carpenters, for example), they were also tied inseparably to Roman religion. What the Christian community did was remarkable. They created their own economic networks and association, so that Christians could leave the Roman system and still be taken care of. 

My Question for Us: While our modern careers and professional networks might not require sacrifices to Roman deities, what cultural or economic systems today pressure us to compromise our Christian values? Have you ever had to make a difficult professional or social choice because of your faith?

Want to Dig Deeper? Check out this SLIDE DECK!

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.

🏔️ Adventure Awaits at the Peak: Have You Registered for VBS Yet?

Grab your winter gear (metaphorically, of course)! The Snowball Mountain Challenge kicks off June 15-19 at First Presbyterian.

It’s going to be an epic week of navigating icy games and uncovering the incredible bravery and resilience that comes from God’s strength. We’re raising up a generation ready to shout, "Challenge accepted! With God I am strong!"

SNAG YOUR CHILD'S SPOT BEFORE THE MAY 22 DEADLINE!

REGISTER HERE + VIDEO PREVIEW

Contact Eric Robinson, Leah Cotter, or Emily Weitekamp with any trail guide questions. 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.