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.  

Sunday, August 4

Our new Director of Christian Education, Eric Robinson, has arrived in Sarasota!

Eric’s first day in the office was Tuesday, and he has been hard at work remotely for the last few weeks, gearing up for what undoubtedly will be an exciting year in the life of our church. 

A reception to welcome Eric will be this Sunday, August 4th, at 10:00 a.m. Please join us! Eric and his wife, Letarshia, look forward to meeting you.

Please keep an eye out in News at First and the bulletin in the coming week for a "Meal Train" sign-up for Eric. We are doing this to show our love and appreciation for him as he transitions into his new role and into his new home. 

Now Is A Great Time…

To add your voice to our Chancel Choir! This welcoming group will give you spiritual encouragement, artistic growth, and a place to serve. And Celtic Christmas music starts soon. Not only do we sing in weekly services, we also create special times of celebration. No audition is required, although some rudimentary music-reading skills are needed. Give us a try starting Wednesday, August 7, from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. in the Forum. Call Steven at (850) 567-3197 if you need that last little nudge to get you in the door!

The Summer Book Read for First Presbyterian

A Long Walk to Water

by  Linda Sue Park 

Based on a true story, this bestselling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others.



A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay.

Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way. Includes an afterword by author Linda Sue Park and the real-life Salva Dut, on whom the novel is based, and who went on to found Water for South Sudan.

Celebration of Life for James R Smith  



The family of James R. Smith, who passed away in Bradenton, FL, on January 7th, 2024, will be holding a Celebration of Life for him on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at 1:15 pm ET, on the campus of Earlham College in Richmond, IN. 

Virtual participation will also be possible via Zoom. 

The Zoom link (see button below) will open at 1:00 pm for the 1:15 pm start and will be accompanied by pictures and music from special moments in Jim’s life.

Please join us in sharing memories and reflections on your connection with Jim.

 We need

your help!

We serve over 150 families per week!

Volunteer at FPC's Weekly

All Faiths Food Bank Distribution

Join us on Thursday mornings to volunteer. We start packing food at 8:30 a.m. and serve from 9:30 A.M.-11:00 a.m.

You don't need to stay the whole time -- any help is welcomed.

PROVIDE A SHOWER AND SHOES FOR SOMEONE

The Resurrection House needs men’s athletic (tennis) shoes that are clean and in good repair. They also need hotel-size toiletries for the folks who come in for showers and supplies. If you have some unused shoes in the back of your closet or can collect some unused toiletries as you travel please bring them to church. There are collection bins at the entrances of the Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary, and at the office. Someone will be grateful.  

First Presbyterian Church Sarasota is now live-streaming on YouTube every Sunday.

First Presbyterian Preschool

from the desk of Clare Carter,

FPC Preschool Director

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

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.

Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep, and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications.

It Is Hurricane Season!

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and runs through November 30, with the historical peak beginning in September. Residents and visitors are reminded that it only takes one storm to impact a community and that preparations should be made ahead of time.

Check out the links below and be prepared!

Please Consider Donating Used Hearing Aids to the Lions Club

The Lions Club is an active community of individuals who strive to live up to their motto, “We are here to serve.” The club is known for the Eyeglass Recycling Program, but some chapters also have a hearing assistance program.  

Lions Club offers free hearing screenings to people concerned about their hearing and free vision screenings monthly. If the hearing screening detects a hearing loss, Lions Club will connect the person to a funding source called Starkey Neighbors in Need. Once prequalified and the income eligibility requirements are met, Lions Club will provide brand-new hearing aids for $300 per pair. If the $300 is unaffordable, Lions Club will cover the fee. Lions Club has funds to do this due to the generosity of hearing aid donations from people in the community. If the hearing aids are old, the Lions Club can sell them to Starkey for parts. The funds are then added to the $300 fund or for hearing aid repair fees if the aids are still relatively current (2-5 years). 

If the income requirements for Starkey or Lions Club are not met, Lions Club will fit the person with donated hearing aids from the community at no charge. A Lions Club member and audiologist provide this service.



So, if you inherit a pair of hearing aids and don’t know what to do with them, please consider donating them. You can donate hearing aids and glasses in the Lions Club drop box located in the church office or via any “Lion” you may know. Jill Cardinal has been taking the donations dropped at First Presbyterian to the Lions Club for us. Thank you, Jill!

If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Track, Faith Community Nurse, 4tracks@comcast.net.

ACS Church Life App is Still Available

   for Download at Your App Store

We just found out that the ACS church life app is still available for download from your app store (Apple and androids). For those of you not familiar with Church Life, it is an app that is available to church members. You can search for members, view phone and  address information, photos, and family members. You can send a text or call with a simple tap on the phone number. You can even send an email. Download it now before it is no longer available through your app store.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Garcia, finance manager (941) 955-8119. LGarcia@firstpressarasota.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, 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, at (941) 320-3828 or call the church office at (941) 955-8119 if we can support you.