NEWS @ FIRST
July 30, 2021
Communion this Sunday will be with individual pre-packaged combination bread-and-juice cups that may be picked up in the narthex upon entering. Gluten-free elements are also available. Those worshiping online may gather communion supplies from their home.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 a.m. in-person worship in the sanctuary
Online access beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Two-Service Worship Format Resumes Sunday, August 15
We will return to a 9:00 a.m. contemporary worship service in the Fellowship Hall and an 11:00 a.m. traditional service in the sanctuary, beginning Sunday, August 15. Sunday school classes for all ages will be offered at 10:00 a.m.

Please wear your FPC name tag to church services for the benefit of our worship guests.
ON-TARGET WITH OUR MISSION STUDY PROCESS
Our Mission Study Report will be completed in the coming month and presented to the session for approval at the August stated session meeting. Then it will go to the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry for review in September.

Our Congregational Nominating Committee will present a slate of candidates for a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to be elected by the congregation, likely in October.

The PNC will develop a Ministry Information Form (the MIF, or “position description”)—which will be informed by what we have learned in our mission study. Your input provided this past month through small group feedback helps the Mission Study Team and PNC accurately reflect this congregation’s history, faith, and sense of calling.

We are grateful for the many of you who shared your valuable input in this process through being a part of one of the 18 small group meetings, either face-to-face or via Zoom.
 
We thank you for your prayers as we go forward.
Adult Education Elective
Following Jesus Today:
Challenges and Opportunities

Continuing This Tuesday, August 3
at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom

Participants are considering what following Jesus means—in our personal lives and for the church. We are reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities of modern-day discipleship. Elaine Barnett, an elder and a Certified Christian Educator, is the class leader. You can sign-up by emailing Elaine at: ewbarnet@me.com
 
Aug 3: Worshiping God by Walking Backwards
Aug 10: What is Truth?
Aug 17: Show and Tell
Aug 24: A Costly Commitment to Love
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
2021-2022 KICK-OFF
AUGUST 8
BACKPACK BLESSING
10:00 am Service
 
Students of all ages, educators,
and volunteers!
 
Bring your bag or backpack for a special blessing in worship beginning at 10:00 a.m. Kids will be able to craft a special personalized backpack tag or lanyard for their bag.
AUGUST 15
RALLY DAY
 
All children, youth, volunteers, and their families (and all who want to experience the excitement) are invited to join us for RALLY DAY to kick off the beginning of Sunday School Season 2021-2022. Please meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:10 a.m. Meet your teachers, tour your classroom, and enjoy sweet treats!
 
YOUTH Sign-Up - Come and build your
activities for the year. Your opinion matters. Let us know what mission, fellowship and activities are important to you—sign-up!
AUGUST 22
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS
 
All Sunday School classes begin.

Please meet your
teachers in the Fellowship Hall at
10:10 a.m. All students will meet their teachers and walk upstairs together.
 
*Parents will sign in all
elementary students at this time.
THANK YOU for the generosity and love you have shared with our mission partner, Brentwood Elementary School, by providing school supplies for the students! In addition to the many supplies brought to the church, checks and cash for over $1,500 made it possible to purchase even more of the needed supplies. Your gifts have made an impact!

This Sunday is the last day to make donations for school supplies for Brentwood students for delivery on Monday, August 2. Watch for additional information in the weeks to come. Thank you, First Presbyterian Church. You are appreciated!
Presbyterian Women Service Project
Tuesday, October 12
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Come and go as you are able

We are making breast surgery recovery pillows (that go underneath the arms or over the breast area to protect incisions) and fidget blankets (small tabletop or lap blankets with activities for dementia and Alzheimer patients to provide sensory and tactile stimulation for restless hands). All items will be donated to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. There is plenty to do in addition to sewing; no special skills required. Bring a sack lunch if you want to stay during the lunch break.

Donations of construction materials are needed. Click on the link below for a complete list. Please leave donations in the large PW bin in the mail room at the church office by Sunday, October 10. Be sure to call the church office to let us know you intend to attend (941) 955-8119. Come for some fun, fellowship and service! Questions? Contact Pamela Lamb at bmalp54@gmail.com.
Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN)
Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Read these important recommendations, restock your supply kit, and be aware of our church’s communication protocol.  
Remembering Our Church Family in Prayer
Thank you for upholding members of our congregation with special prayer needs during this time. Click on the attached link for a complete list:
We Care Posters
Click on the list below for a list of those who have recently, or are currently, hospitalized from our congregation who have been sent a personalized We Care poster-card on behalf of our church family. Please keep them in your prayers and consider sending a message of encouragement.
SunCoast Blood Drive at First Presbyterian Sunday, August 29, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Contact Cheryl Track at 4tracks@comcast.net or (941) 320-3828 to reserve your space. Masks are required. The Quick Pass allows you to begin the blood donation process at home the day of donation. Access Quick Pass at scbb.org/donor-quick-passhtml.
 
American Heart CPR Course taught by LifeTech Instructional Services will be at FPC Sarasota Wednesday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; more information coming soon.
The Cowden-Smith Library
Library open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
and on Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

There is a library book cart in the narthex with a varied selection of our newer books from which you can choose, including some children's books. No due dates; simply return when you finish with them. A sign-out sheet is on the cart.
Giving Options
Please continue to mail your contributions to us at the church or donate online. Your gifts make a great difference during this challenging season.

Online: If you are interested in giving electronically through our secure e-giving process, please visit FirstPresSarasota.org and select the online giving button.

Texting: Are you interested in the convenience of contributing by text message? Text FPC2050 to 73256 to donate via text. Standard rates may apply.

Mail In: All mail, including contribution checks, securely arrives to our church office.
Pastoral Care
When you or a loved one is hospitalized, it is important that you contact the church or one of the pastors to inform us directly and inform the hospital that you are a member of our congregation and would welcome a visit by one of our pastors. Hospitals will not contact the church. We have also discovered that some will no longer even list a patient as our church member on their internal records unless the patient is careful to note their relationship with our congregation. Thank you for your assistance.

We’re Here for You!
The FPC care team, Stephen Ministers, deacons, elders and church staff continue to be available for you. Please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse (941) 320-3828 or call the church office (941) 955-8119 if we can be of support to you.