April 24, 2026

Dear Families,


This Sunday, we will have a special combined Sunday School to preview our 2026 VBS, Snowball Mountain Challenge! We'll have crafts, recreation, Bible stories, and science stations. You won't want to miss it!


Sunday Notes


April 26

  • Combined Sunday School (VBS Preview with Fun Stations in the Courtyard)
  • VBS Volunteer Meeting at 12:00 in the Fellowship Hall (Lunch will be provided!)


May 3, 10, 17

  • Regular Sunday School


May 24

  • Combined Sunday School


Word or Phrase of the Week: I am with you always.

This week, we are reminded of the promise of Jesus in Matthew 28. After Jesus calls us to go and share the good news, He reminds us that he is always with us, and that we can do all things through Christ's strength.

Where might we "go" to share the good news today?


Inspired Minds Family Event

Families are invited to two special community events at the church on April 29 and 30 from 4:00-6:00 PM. See the announcement below for more details!


VBS Registration Open (June 15-19, 2026)

See more details below, and register HERE. We also need volunteers! Click the volunteer form HERE to learn more!


Don't Forget! Pentecost Art Call

The Liturgical Arts Committee is excited to invite all children and youth to contribute artwork for Pentecost Sunday. Please see the flyer below for more details!


We look forward to seeing you Sunday!


Blessings,

Eric

Thank you to our youth and 5th graders for leading our worship service on Sunday! Your gifts, talents, and joy are a blessing to the congregation. And thank you to our youth mentors who helped them prepare for today.

 

This 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!

Are you interested in volunteering for VBS? Please join us for a volunteer interest meeting this Sunday, April 26 from 12:00-1:00 in the Fellowship Hall! We can't wait to see you there!

Special Free Event for Families!


Inspired Minds Leadership Academy (IMLA) is thrilled to invite your family to two FREE community events through Remake Learning Days, made possible with The Patterson Foundation. Join us as we support homeschool families, celebrate creativity, and encourage students to share the love of Jesus through kindness!


📍 Location: First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota | 2050 Oak St. (Wheelchair accessible with parking)


  • 🎵 Happily Ever After: Music & Makers Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM Step into a fairy-tale world! 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 tackle fun engineering challenges—like designing bridges for goats and houses strong enough to outsmart a wolf.


These low-pressure events are perfect for kids who love to build, craft, and imagine. All children from the church and wider community are warmly invited. Come create, discover, and celebrate together!

Don't Forget to Register for 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!"



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!

Updated Spring Sunday School Calendar!

 

Below, you will find resources to review what your child learned this Spring in Sunday School!

🏠 Parent Cue

April and May


This guide is designed to help your family connect with what your child is learning in Sunday School. Each week, you'll find a quick summary of the lesson, a conversation starter for the dinner table, and a simple, no-prep activity to do together.


🌱 Parent Cue: Spring Lessons 🌷

This guide is designed to help your family connect with what we are learning in Sunday School. Each week, you'll find a quick summary of the lesson, a conversation starter for the dinner table, and a simple, no-prep activity to do together that is perfect for all ages.



❓ April 12: Doubting Thomas

  • 📖 Scripture: John 20:19-31
  • 🎯 Focus: It's time for you to believe.

💡 Quick Summary: Jesus appears to the disciples after his resurrection, but Thomas isn't there. When Thomas hears the news, he doubts it's true until he can see and touch Jesus for himself. Jesus gives Thomas what he needs to believe and lovingly tells us all, "Do not doubt but believe."

🍽️ Dinner Table Discussion: > "Thomas had a hard time believing something he couldn't see. What are some things in our world that we know are real, even if we can't see them with our eyes?" (e.g., the wind, love, gravity, God)

🎲 Family Activity (The Unseen Guessing Game): Find a small, opaque bag or pillowcase and hide a common household object inside. Pass it around the family and let everyone feel the outside of the bag to guess what it is without looking. Discuss how we can know something is there and trust what it is, even without seeing it!


🚶‍♂️ April 19: The Road to Emmaus

  • 📖 Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
  • 🎯 Focus: Jesus walks with us.

💡 Quick Summary: Two disciples are walking on the road to Emmaus, feeling sad and confused about Jesus' death. Jesus joins them on the road, but they don't recognize him until they sit down to break bread together! We learn that Jesus is always walking with us on the road of life, even when we don't realize it.

🍽️ Dinner Table Discussion: > "Think about the 'road' you walked this week. Who is someone that helped you, listened to you, or showed you kindness? How was Jesus walking with you through that person?"

👟 Family Activity (The Emmaus Family Walk): Take a 15-minute family walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Leave all phones and distractions at home. Use the time to simply talk, listen to one another, and look for beautiful things God created along your path.


🏠 May 3: God's House

  • 📖 Scripture: John 14:1-14
  • 🎯 Focus: There is room for everyone in God's house!

💡 Quick Summary: Knowing he will soon be leaving them, Jesus comforts his disciples by telling them not to worry. He promises that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father's house, which has many, many rooms. He reminds them that he is "the way, and the truth, and the life."

🍽️ Dinner Table Discussion: > "If you could design your very own perfect room in God's house, what would it look like and what would be in it?"

⛺ Family Activity (The Big Blanket Fort): Work together as a family to build a giant blanket fort in the living room. Make sure you build it big enough so that there is "room for everyone" inside! Once you're all in, eat a snack or read a story together in your special, shared space.


🕊️ May 10: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

  • 📖 Scripture: John 14:15-21
  • 🎯 Focus: Faith leads to love!

💡 Quick Summary: Jesus promises his disciples that even though he won't be on earth forever, they will never be left alone. God will send the Holy Spirit to be with them. Jesus reminds us that if we love him, we will keep his commandments—and our faith naturally leads us to show love to others through our actions.

🍽️ Dinner Table Discussion: > "Jesus says that love isn't just a feeling we have; it's something we do. What is one action we can take this week to show love to a neighbor or a friend?"

💌 Family Activity (Random Acts of Love): Brainstorm a list of "Random Acts of Love" you can do as a family this week. Pick one to do in secret tonight or tomorrow—like leaving a nice note on a neighbor's door, doing a chore for someone else in the house without being asked, or chalking a happy message on the sidewalk.


☁️ May 17: The Ascension

  • 📖 Scripture: Acts 1:6-14
  • 🎯 Focus: The Spirit guides us in times of change.

💡 Quick Summary: Jesus ascends into heaven right before the disciples' eyes! A cloud takes him out of their sight. Though the disciples are surprised and unsure of what's next, Jesus promises they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We learn that God's Spirit guides and comforts us, even when life changes.

🍽️ Dinner Table Discussion: > "Change can sometimes make us feel nervous or confused, just like the disciples felt. How can our faith and our family help us when we face a big change?"

✨ Family Activity (Look to the Heavens): The disciples stood gazing up toward heaven after Jesus ascended. Grab a blanket, head out to the backyard, and lie down to look up at the sky together. If it's daytime, find shapes in the clouds; if it's nighttime, look at the stars. Take a moment to pray together, thanking God that His Spirit is always with us.



Faith Formation at Home Digital Library


Check out our growing digital library where you can find numerous faith formation at-home resources. These include:

  • Weekly Worship Bulletins
  • Curriculum Overviews
  • Media Guides
  • Parent Cues
  • Much more!


Check out what we have so far by clicking here!