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.  

This Sunday is 
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.

Faith & Diversity Sunday - May 31

Join us for the second annual Faith and Diversity Sunday on May 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Diversity is a gift from the infinite creativity of Creator God, and this blended service celebrates the rich variety of our human family, including gender, ethnicity, age, and orientation.

Arts ministry will be offered by vocalist Maicy Powell, Omar Urbina, Thomas Thai, and Matt Jarvis; violinist Sean O’Neil; dancer James Jordan; the New Song Band; the Chancel Choir; and others.

First Connect: 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

Current Status in Cuba 

by Carol Papa

It was reported recently in the news that Cuba has completely run out of oil. In response to reading this, I reached out to Yamilka Gonzales to see how this is affecting the people in Cárdenas. Yamilka is the solo pastor of El Fuerte and also currently serves as the interim pastor at our sister church - Juan G. Hall. The following is her response.

Hello dear Carol. Yes, that is what our government has announced. They said there's only a very small oil reserve left. It affects us because we go days without electricity, schools are going to finish early, there's very little transportation, and the costs of food and medicine are very high. The solar panels and solar powered generator at JGH are very good, which allows the congregation to get clean drinking water, food, and to charge phones, thank God! In El Fuerte, we only have enough for the water filtration system and a refrigerator, but at least it's something.

Please continue to keep the people of Cuba in your prayers.

Clusters

Last fall, you may remember the maps on easels in the Fellowship Hall and Foyer filled with pins and colorful notes. Those maps helped us begin organizing our congregation into neighborhood groups so we can better connect with one another and strengthen our life together as the Body of Christ.

We have now divided the congregation into seven neighborhood clusters and are seeking leaders from both New Song and the 11:00 service to help organize and connect members within each area.

Cluster One: South Sarasota County — Clark Road south, from Sarasota Bay to I-75

Ron and Linda Snow will serve as leaders from the 11:00 service. We are still seeking New Song leadership.

Cluster Two: Clark Road north to Siesta Key Drive, and Beneva to US 41

Leadership is still needed from both services.

Cluster Three: Beneva Road east to Cattleman Road, and Fruitville south to Clark Road

Hans and Kim Schmeits will serve as leaders from the 11:00 service. We are still seeking New Song leadership.

Cluster Four: Downtown area — US 41 to 301, Siesta Drive north to 7th Street, including Plymouth Harbor

Leadership is still needed from both services.

Cluster Five: West of 301 and north of 7th Street, including Longboat Key, and Manatee County east of 301 and north of Tallevast Road

Shelley Watson from New Song and Dave and Denise Landers from the 11:00 service will serve as leaders.

Cluster Six: East of I-75, from Bee Ridge north through Lakewood Ranch

Bob and Judy Knutson from New Song will serve as leaders. We are still seeking leadership from the 11:00 service.

Cluster Seven: Fruitville Road north to Tallevast, from I-75 to Tuttle

Stan and June Romero will serve as leaders from the 11:00 service. We are still seeking New Song leadership.

Cluster leaders will gather for training on May 31 at 10:00 a.m. following our first combined summer worship service. After that, each cluster will begin scheduling gatherings so neighbors within FPC can get to know one another, share interests and gifts, and explore ways to serve Jesus together in our community.



If you are interested in volunteering as a cluster leader, please contact the church office at 941-955-8119 or Janet Olshewsky at 941-376-4431.

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:

• 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.

Community Concert – Diversity Choir

First Congregational UCC will host the Diversity Choir on Friday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of music and community to kick off PRIDE Month.

The concert is free and open to all; a freewill offering will be received to support the choir. The program will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception.

All are invited to attend this special event.

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

April                                                                                                         
 Actual                   Budget

Revenues (pledge, non-pledge, and other receipts)                  $  84,328              $  83,129

Expenditures                                                                                95,379                  115,320

Year-to-date

Revenues (pledge, non-pledge, and other receipts)                748,434                 593,587

Expenditures                                                                             $ 385,576              $ 422,922

Thank you for your generous gifts and for continuing to fulfill your pledges — your support helps sustain our ministries all year long.

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.

Friends,

When Tim talked about the difference between a rowboat church and a sailboat church in his sermon on Sunday (I encourage you to go back and listen if you missed it!), it made me wonder: do we approach theology and Bible study the same way?

Sometimes, we open scripture looking for neat, tidy answers, operating under the assumption that if we just work hard enough, we can completely figure God out. We grab the oars of our intellect and paddle furiously, treating Bible study like a rowboat, believing that our own human effort, strict methodologies, and sheer determination will produce the "right" answers.

But when we reduce scripture to a series of intellectual problems to be solved, we risk missing the entire point of the journey. In our rush to map every coordinate and secure every conclusion, we easily neglect the beauty of holy mystery. The deep things of God are not a puzzle to be mastered, but a reality to be encountered.

When we insist on rowing, we also tend to close our ears to the wind. We miss where the Holy Spirit is actively trying to take us. A "sailboat" approach to studying scripture requires a posture of surrender. It means letting go of the need for total control, hoisting the sails of faith and curiosity, and allowing the Spirit to breathe fresh insights into our hearts. Our study ceases to be a grueling exercise in self-reliance and becomes an adventure of divine movement, one where we are carried into deeper waters than our own strength could ever reach.

My question for us: The next time you open your Bible, notice your posture: Are you gripping the oars of your own understanding, or are you hoisting a sail to see where the Wind will take you?

Blessings on the Journey!

Eric

Spread a Little Joy: Don’t forget to Contribute to our VBS Wish List! 

How would you like to play a part in creating an unforgettable week for the 45+ campers joining us for Vacation Bible School? We are so excited to welcome these young hearts, and you can help make the magic happen by checking out our VBS Wish List. Whether it’s craft supplies or snacks, your contribution directly impacts their experience and lets them know they are part of a community that truly cares.

Click the button below to access our Sign-Up Genius!

First Presbyterian Preschool

from the desk of Clare Carter, 

FPC Preschool Director

Congratulations

First Presbyterian Preschool

Class of 2026!

Dear First Presbyterian Church Preschool Friends and Families,

What a year it’s been. As we wrap up another beautiful chapter, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your children with us. Your trust, support, and partnership have made it a joy and an honor to be part of your child’s early childhood education.

Our Senior Send-Off and Butterfly Balls were full of love and laughter. Thank you to our amazing staff for making it all come to life. Your creativity and devotion shine brightly, and we're grateful to work beside each of you.

Thanks to Olivia Prater and Live it Up Events for the stunning balloon arch! It created the perfect photo backdrop and added a special touch to our celebration.

And to Nichole Niffenegger, who captured our graduates so beautifully—the photo link is coming soon, and we can’t wait for our senior families to see their photos! We are so grateful you have a gift for preserving these precious moments. And, we can’t wait to see the graduation highlights that Mimi Gilbert and Behind the Memories have for us soon. Look for them on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you to Olivia Craig for creating our senior slideshow. What a gift you’ve given us. Watching it through the eyes (and tears!) of our families was truly a gift. You combed through countless photos and captured their wonder, wisdom, joy, and one-of-a-kind spirit.

To our Seniors: as your preschool journey comes to a close, we want you to know that we are so proud of you and that we love you very much. Your wings are strong, and you are ready to fly. We’ve watched you grow into curious, kind, strong, and empathetic humans. You have learned to help each other, cheer each other on, and fill each other's buckets with kindness. Whether it was a smile, a helping hand, or kind words, you've made our school a place where everyone feels loved. Your preschool family loves you more than words can say.

We’d also like to thank Scott McLeod and Rachel Martin, our audio-visual technicians extraordinaire. There wasn't a dry eye in the sanctuary when the commencement music began. And Eric Robinson, Director of Christian Education, for making our preschool families feel so welcome. We are incredibly grateful to First Presbyterian Church for being the home of our preschool and for the love and care shown to our children, families, and staff.

Finally, thank you to all our families, whether this was your first year or one of many. Thank you for being part of our community. You are what makes our school so special, and we are deeply grateful for you. You've welcomed us into your lives; we hold that gift with love and deep gratitude. We wish you a summer full of sunshine, laughter, and sweet moments of rest. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!

With love and gratitude,

Clare, Lydia, and your First Pres. Preschool Family

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.