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 Song 9:00 a.m. Worship

Livestream Update

Live streaming of the New Song service is temporarily suspended while we work to resolve ongoing technical issues. We look forward to resuming the livestream once the issues have been resolved and the system is working reliably.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Congregational Meeting – Sunday, August 30



Please plan to join us for a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, August 30, at 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary. The congregation will gather to hear the report from the nominating committee and to elect new officers for the Class of 2029. 


Please join us as we prayerfully elect those who will help lead and serve First Presbyterian Church in the years ahead.

Ruth: An Analytical and Interactive Study



Dr. Paul Urbanick will lead an analytical and interactive study of Ruth, exploring this biblical short story from both historical and literary perspectives.

Discover what Ruth’s story has to say from a feminine perspective as the women of the Bible speak to us. Their stories and messages remain remarkably relevant today.

Be sure to read the Book of Ruth before class!

When: 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 30 & Sunday, September 6



Where: Room 203, above the church office

New Adult Sunday School Class: Aging as a Spiritual Journey



Beginning Sunday, September 13, Dent Davis and Mary Ziegler will lead a six-week adult Sunday School class, Aging as a Spiritual Journey.

As the Bible reminds us, "Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom" (Job 32:7). Aging is more than a physical process—it is also a spiritual journey filled with opportunities for growth, reflection, and deeper faith.

Together, we will explore stories from the Bible, history, and literature, drawing on insights from gerontology and psychology to discover how spirituality enriches the aging experience. Participants will also have opportunities to reflect on their own journeys and gain practical wisdom for navigating the joys and challenges that come with growing older.

Aging brings both gains and losses, joy and sorrow, meaning and uncertainty. Since aging is a journey we all share, there is much to learn from one another.

The class meets Sundays from September 13 through October 25 (no class on October 4) at 10:00 a.m. in Room 203.

All are welcome.

LOVE IS FIRST — WEAR THE MESSAGE!

Back by popular demand, Love Is First shirts are available again!

Missed out last time? Don’t miss your chance this time!

Whether you’re wearing one to church, around town, or wherever life takes you, you’ll be sharing a simple and powerful message about who we are as a church.

Love Is First.

Orders close on August 31, and shirts will arrive approximately two weeks later.

Cost varies depending on the size and style selected. Have your shirt shipped to the church for free, or choose to have it shipped elsewhere for a minimal additional fee.

Order yours and help us spread the love!

Rise Against Hunger 
Meal Packing Event

Sunday, September 20,

 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

We are getting ready for another Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event! Join us for this intergenerational opportunity to serve together as we work toward our goal of packing 20,000 nutritious meals for communities in need around the world.



This is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to roll up their sleeves, work together, and make a difference. Sign up today and be part of this exciting mission opportunity!

Sunday, September 20 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

You can also watch the Sunday sermons on our YouTube channel

Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Volunteer Day Trip



Our next volunteer day at Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma is Wednesday, August 26. Volunteers will help sort food and assist with other tasks that support 600–900 people each week. The need is greater than ever, and your help will make a meaningful difference.

FPC volunteers at Beth-El once a month, on the last Wednesday of the month. If you can’t make it this time, mark your calendar for a future volunteer day! To sign up, get additional details, or arrange a carpool, contact Wendy Miller at (941) 321-8488 or towmiller@yahoo.com.

Memorial Garden Renewed



We are pleased to announce the completion of the renovation of our Memorial Garden, a beautiful and peaceful space renewed for reflection, prayer, and remembrance.

This special area continues to provide a meaningful place to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones while offering a quiet setting for members and visitors to pause, remember, and spend time in prayer. Great care was taken in preserving the sacred nature of this space, honoring its significance as a place of dignity, peace, and spiritual connection for generations to come.



Through thoughtful planning and the dedication of many individuals who helped bring this renewal to life, the Memorial Garden has been beautifully restored as a lasting gift to our church community. We invite you to visit this sacred space and experience the beauty, serenity, and reverence it offers.

Join Our Tech Team!


We're looking for volunteers to help support our worship services by serving on our Tech Team. Opportunities include running slides, operating cameras, and assisting with sound and live streaming. No prior experience is necessary—we'll provide training.

If you'd like to use your gifts in this important ministry, or would like to learn more, please contact Jimi Camastro jimic.thesoundlounge@gmail.com

Your help can make a meaningful difference in our worship each Sunday!

Our Relationship with 
Juan G. Hall is so Important

Providing Food: Thank you for the incredible support you, our congregation, have shown for our sister church in Cuba. Especially with the recent funds to buy food through Supermarket 23. Josué Montejo Bayola, the new pastor of Juan G. Hall, sent the following message after our last food order:

The June shipment from Supermarket23 was a great blessing for the projects of our church. Thanks to it, we were able to provide breakfasts, snacks, and lunches to the people in our church and in our neighborhood. This allows us as a community, not only to share the Word of God as spiritual nourishment, but also to offer the material food that strengthens the body.

The reality of Cuba is harsh: the prices of basic products have increased considerably in just one month, and vulnerability reaches us all. The weight of days without electricity, without water, and without essentials is greatly exhausting. That is why your help is so important for our church. We ask for your prayers, for we have before us - the mission to console, guide, teach, and help in everything within our reach. Personally, I thank God for all that you do. I know you also face your own battles, and yet you remain alongside us - to sustain us.

Cuba Partners Network: Approximately every four years, The Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba hosts a Gathering with members of Cuba Partners Network. This network facilitates connections with congregations and presbyteries between Cuba and the United States. This year’s gathering will take place at The Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas.

Provided that things remain relatively stable, a member of our church, Sue Hargis Spigel, will be one of the representatives from the Network who will travel to Cuba this October. Sue serves on the Network’s advocacy committee. We hope to send two 50-pound bags of supplies with Sue and will share more information in the coming weeks about how you can help us prepare for her trip.

Our Next Mission Trip: We are looking into the possibility of sending our next mission team for a visit to Juan G. Hall this coming February. Please join us on Sunday, September 6 at 10:00 am in the church parlor if you would like information about the mission trip or want to know more about the current situation in Cuba. You may also reach out to Graham Hart or Carol Papa if you have questions.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN RECIEVES GRANT FROM ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK

FPC recently received a grant to cover the costs of repairing and maintaining a commercial freezer used to keep food for distribution during our Thursday operation. This allows us to continue to order enough food to ensure everyone is served while reducing waste. This grant means we can use our existing funds to purchase food and increase the variety we hand out. Thanks AFFB!

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.

Dear First Presbyterian Colleagues,

Just when our pantry had really run dry, despite weeks of rain, Carol arrived with a car FULL of lovely food + hygiene products! And our guy Mike helped haul it all in.

Thank you so much for your generous gifts. We are delighted to be partners with you in the work of Food 4 Our Neighbors/ Comidas para Nuestros Vecinos. Almost every item in every bag and box pictured here has already been packed for the 15 or more needy families waiting for a delivery next week. And your amazing financial donation will buy $75 worth of perishable fresh foods for every one of them.

We are on our way to 700 deliveries since Sept. 2025. Each delivery is a minimum of 63 lbs. non-perishables, $75 perishables and diapers to order. And the message that neighbors CARE.

!Gracias infinitas! for your gifts of unconditional love.

Maria Robayo and Louise Machinist 

Immigration Justice Coalition of SWFL, UUSRQ    

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.

Dear First Presbyterian Church Family,

This week, we welcomed our families to the brand-new school year, and we are beyond grateful to you all and to First Presbyterian Church for all of the support you provide for our school!

While our classrooms, playgrounds, and activities are important, it's really the relationships we build with children, families, and one another that make our preschool feel like home.

This year, our theme is Building Our Village, because we believe children thrive when they are surrounded by caring adults who work together to support their growth. Raising young children was never meant to be done alone. It takes all of us: families, teachers, and our preschool community, working together to help children feel safe, confident, curious, and deeply loved.

We are grateful for many things and for countless people who make it possible for our village to be here. First and foremost, we thank First Presbyterian Church for being our home and for building our village. First Presbyterian Preschool has served the children and families of our Sarasota community since 1947, when Sarasota didn't yet have a kindergarten. Nearly eighty years ago, the church saw a need and opened its doors, creating a safe and loving place where young children could learn, play, and grow. What began as a small but important ministry has become a lasting part of our community and the lives of generations of families.

We are deeply grateful to the church for believing in children and families then, and for continuing to believe in them today. Because of that vision and generosity, First Presbyterian Preschool has had the privilege of welcoming thousands of children through our doors, helping them build their first friendships, discover the joy of learning, and take their first steps into the wider world. We are honored to carry that legacy forward.

Before welcoming your children back to school this year, our staff gathered for our back-to-school in-service training. Together, we explored this year's theme, Building Our Village: Relationships at the Heart of Our Work. We reflected on the four relationships that support every child in the classroom: teacher and child, child and child, child and their environment, and teacher and family. These relationships are the foundation for everything we do and the heart of every meaningful preschool experience.

Over the past week, we've already begun building those connections through Orientation, our Boo Hoo-Yahoo Breakfast (a heartfelt and enormous thank you to our Preschool Board members, Lauren Bridges, Lyndee Smuts, and Shelley Watson, and our brand new Director of Christian Education, Tim Walsh, for helping make it such a special morning), and our first days together on our beautiful campus and in the classrooms. Watching our students walk through our doors with excitement, courage, and wonder is always one of the greatest gifts of the new school year.

Our teachers always greet our students with warm smiles, celebrate little victories, comfort big feelings, encourage new friendships, and help each child know they are loved, capable, and important. In the first few weeks of school, they will build relationships with each child and with your family, because we know that all learning happens in the context of relationships, and children learn best when they feel safe, seen, connected, and valued. Those everyday moments may seem small, but they are the foundation for everything else children learn.

Throughout the year, we build this partnership in many ways. Our classroom whiteboards will give parents a glimpse into what their child will be exploring each day. Through Brightwheel, we'll share meaningful moments from their child's day, not just what they did, but what they were discovering and learning. Our student's portfolios tell the story of their growth throughout the year, celebrating friendships, creativity, confidence, curiosity, and the many milestones that make their preschool journey unique. These are more than communication tools. They help us stay connected, celebrate our students' growth, and share a little piece of their day with their families.

The preschool years are such a short season, and they leave a lasting imprint on a child's heart. During these early years, children begin to discover who they are, how to be a friend, how to solve problems, and how exciting it is to learn something new. We don't take the privilege of being part of that journey lightly, and we are so grateful that our families have chosen to share it with us.

Thank you for being part of our village, and thank you for allowing us to be part of the stories of so many families.

We are honored to be part of the First Presbyterian Church village, and we look forward to a year filled with learning, laughter, friendships, and joyful memories.

With love and heartfelt gratitude,

Clare Carter, Lydia Chapdelain, and your First Pres. Preschool Family

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

Friends -

As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, now is the perfect time to help your family start the year healthy. Annual checkups, vision and hearing screenings, and staying up to date on recommended vaccinations are all important steps in keeping children healthy, in school, and ready to learn. Here are a few reminders about back-to-school health and the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages.



~ Nurse Cheryl

Back to School Health

Where did the summer go? We have a few more weeks to enjoy travels and time with family and friends. Don’t forget to schedule a medical, eye, and ear exam for your child. During these visits, it’s a good time to ask the doctor questions about your child’s health and get recommended vaccinations. Recommendations may change as we age, but the need for protection does not.

Here are ten reasons to get vaccinated:

Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away Viruses and bacteria that cause disease still exist and can be passed on to those who are unvaccinated and unprotected. While many preventable diseases are no longer common in the US, global travel makes it easy for diseases to spread

Vaccines help keep you healthy The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccines throughout your life to help protect against many infections. If you skip vaccines, you may be at risk for diseases including flu, measles, and HPV and hepatitis B–both leading causes of cancer.

Vaccines are as important to your overall health as diet and exercise Like eating healthy and exercising, vaccines help play a vital role in protecting your health.

Vaccination can mean the difference between life and death Vaccine-preventable diseases can be deadly. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 50,000 adults died from vaccine-preventable diseases in the US each year. Routine childhood immunizations are estimated to have prevented more than 1 million deaths in US children between 1994–2023

Vaccines are safer than the diseases they prevent The US has a robust approval process in place to ensure the safety of all licensed and approved vaccines. Potential side effects associated with vaccines are uncommon and much less severe than the diseases they prevent.

Vaccines do not cause disease Vaccines contain either killed or weakened viruses, making it impossible for vaccines to give you the diseases they are designed to prevent

Young and healthy people can get very sick, too Although infants and older adults are at increased risk for serious complications, vaccine-preventable diseases can strike anyone, at any time. If you are young and healthy, getting vaccinated can help you stay that way.

Vaccine-preventable diseases can be expensive Diseases have a direct impact on individuals and families, and also carry a high price tag for society as a whole, exceeding an estimated $10 billion per year. An average flu illness can last up to 2 weeks, typically with 5 or 6 missed work or school days. And adults who get hepatitis A lose an average of one month of work. Vaccination is a cost-effective way to save lives.

When you get sick, your children, grandchildren, and parents may also be at risk Adults are the most common source of pertussis (whooping cough), which can be deadly in infants. Staying up to date on all recommended vaccines helps protect you and your family as well as those in your community who are unable to be vaccinated.

Your family and co-workers need you In the US, millions of adults get sick from vaccine-preventable diseases each year, causing them to miss work and leaving them unable to care for those who depend on them, including children and/or aging parents.



Taken from: www.nfid.org, letsgetrealaboutvaccines.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.