Sunday, January 14

The first Annual Chili Cook-Off

was a delicious success!

With a total of $703 raised for Family Promise

Thank You!

Cheryl Track’ Tenth Anniversary 

In March of 2007, Cheryl and Ellen Forbes established a Health and Wholeness Ministry at First Presbyterian Its purpose was to provide education to the congregation and community that focused on promoting health and wellness. The ministry continued to be refined and developed under Cheryl’s guidance. In 2011, a volunteer position called Parish Nurse was formalized. In 2014, the position of Faith Community Nurse was established. It is through Cheryl’s leadership, drive, effort, creativity, and personal dedication that we have a very successful wellness program at First Presbyterian Church today. We would like to thank Cheryl for her devotion to the church members and community for the past ten years. 

Oak Street Stage presents the Dave Meder Band this Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Dave represents the best of a new generation of jazz pianists, winning awards and accolades as a composer and performer. He has appeared at the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center and was a Fulbright Scholar in Egypt. Still in his 20’s Dave is currently a professor of jazz piano at the University of North Texas, which for many years has maintained a reputation as one of the best jazz schools in the world. Surrounded by a band of virtuoso players, Dave presents music from his newest album called Hymn, exploring the spiritual values that bring the human family together.

The performance will take place in the FPC sanctuary. Admission is $20 and tickets are available at the door, or click the link below e/davemederquartetinsarasota.eventbrite.com

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK DONATION NEEDS

Boxes for donations are available at the entrance to worship

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Canned meats, Tuna, Chicken, etc.

Canned Vegetables and Fruit

Canned entrees, soups, stews, pasta etc

Cereal

Shelf stable milk

Dry mixes for cooking or baking

Rice and Beans

Specialty items for “walkup” neighbors

Peanut butter and Jelly in small containers

Canned meat with pop-up lids, Tuna, Chicken, Vienna sausage, Spam, Sardines

Snack packs, Crackers, Granola bars, Protein bars, cookies

Shelf stable Drinks

Canned or packaged entrees with pop-up lids

Canned fruit with pop-up lids

Financial donations can be made to the church designated to All Faiths.  

Children & Youth

Sunday School resumes this Sunday, January 14

See you then!

A Star Shall Guide Them

By Victoria Guenther

 My humble cardboard star selected on Epiphany Sunday meets its first challenge on January first: Kayaking 

 I begin the loading, looking forward to restorative time spent on water with friends.

Self-doubt interjects: You’ll be late, kayak is too heavy to lift onto the car, too old, too weak, lag behind the crowd, ad nauseum. It says pick up the phone, call with the flabby excuse they half expect and kid me about. My fickle brain continues: Tie downs wrong, the car will turn a corner and kayak will careen off on its own trajectory. They’ll be waiting in their boats for the truant, drumming impatient mental fingers.

Every step my internal quitter warns of my shortcomings, and I counter with my star’s promise: ABILITY. It whispers “you can do this Victoria…just this next step”. Repeatedly the star buoys my sagging resolve, giving me the boost I need to move on to the next task. I think of the previous years' stars, enshrined in my desk drawer, their lessons contributing to my faith in the current challenge’s possibility.

Kayak teetering precariously atop the car, trunk full of accoutrements: life jacket, folding transport dolly, water, snacks, extra tie downs, mat to protect car, gloves, oars, togged in layers for every capricious twist of weather, I cautiously back into the street, just two minutes left to navigate the five-minute drive to the put in point.

Oh, ye of little faith, my star speaks, losing its sotto voce timbre, beginning our yearlong trek through challenges yet to come. My soul breathes: “Thank you,

God.”

If you did not receive your Star Word for 2024, they are still available.

Pick one up on Sunday, or in the church office during the week, or we can mail one to you. Click the button to email the church office.

HOPE SEEDS 

Thursday, February 8 

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

“Plant a seed! Feed a soul!

Over 870 million people in the world, don't have enough to eat, and 25,000 people die of hunger every day. At Hope Seeds International, we believe this is the Worlds Most Solvable Crisis. “

Hope Seeds International, located in Bradenton, is a charitable Christian ministry that seeks to improve the nutrition of the poorest in the world by providing quality garden seed and agriculture education. Hope Seeds strives to help as many people as possible to grow food for themselves to help end hunger and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with every seed shipment.

Join us for another fun seed-packing event on February 8, at 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome! Instructions are given and the task is easy, all done while sitting. You can come for the entire time or drop in for an hour. Come and go as your schedule allows. Contact Flossie Paul at way2goflo@gmail.com so that we can get an approximate count of the number of packers. We need your helping hands.

 We need your help!

We serve over 100 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.

Starting THIS Sunday

Adult Education Class

10:00 a.m. in Room 203

Six Themes in the Bible- God’s Word

Adult Bible Study Class via ZOOM

Tuesdays 11:30 a.m.

Through - February 13, 2024

This class offers a wide-angle look at the Bible, rather than focusing on a specific biblical book. Here the great arc of God’s mission is traced from the Garden to the Garden City. The study will look at the six themes that begin in the pages of Genesis, span the pages of Scripture, and end with the glorious vision in the book of Revelation- of the new Jerusalem, the city of the redeemed of God.

This class will be via ZOOM and led by Elaine Barnett, a member of FPC, an Elder and Certified Christian Educator. Register by calling the church office or by emailing Elaine at ewbarnet@me.com.

January 16 “Creatures of God: Finite and Flourishing”

January 23 “Creatures of God: Mutually Dependent”

January 30 “Creatures of God: God Does Not Clone”

February 6 “Sin and Redemption: God Doesn’t Go Back”

February 13 “Sending, Gathering, Sending Again: The Heartbeat of the Mission of God”

Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke-Acts



Sundays February 18 - March 24, during lent.

10:00 a.m. in person at FPC

Sacred Encounters invites us to consider Jesus and Jesus’ disciples who shared the Good News through sacred encounters with everyday people. The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles demonstrate the unfolding of God’s redemptive purposes in human history and present a distinctive perspective on the person and work of Jesus Christ. The message to the early Christian community (and to us) is joyous, life-changing, inclusive, and hope-filled. 

This class will invite us into a deeper and more compassionate engagement with the world. The author asks: “What are the potential implications for the church if we treat our interactions as sacred encounters that demonstrate the transformative love of Christ Jesus?” 

Discussion leaders for this class are R.C. Smith, a retired minister originally from Pennsylvania, and Susan DeWyngaert, also a retired minister who served FPC from 1997-2011.

Have you made your New Year's resolutions? Here's one for you. Let's make an effort in the New Year to overcome our prejudices embrace all and invite them into our faith community. In Lesson 5 of the PW Bible study, Sacred Encounters, we will be studying the passage in Luke when Jesus healed the lepers. Dorothy Murphy will lead the discussion “ A Person with Leprosy Encounters Jesus”. Join us via Zoom on January 17 at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to join us in this study of sacred encounters. The study guide is optional. However, Elaine Barnett can scan you a copy if you would like one. Also contact Elaine at ewbarnet@me.com to get the Zoom info, if this is your first lesson.

Cuba Partnership

The next Cuba Partnership trip is scheduled for February 22- 27 with a ten-member team – Graham Hart, Linda Hart, Ken Papa, Carol Papa, Sue Hargis Spigel, Elaine Moffitt, Dick Clapp, Rick Foltz, Nancy Wellinghoff, and Jay Swick. The primary purpose of the trip is to strengthen the relationship with our sister church, Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church in Cárdenas. Additionally, we will take much-needed supplies.

The congregation can support this partnership by praying for both the team and the congregation of Juan G. Hall, and by donating supplies. High-priority items include cooking oil, spices, rice, flour, coffee, dried black beans, tuna (foil package pouches), peanut butter, powdered milk, cake and brownie mixes, and snacks (candy, cookies, crackers) for children’s activities. Also needed are new or gently used athletic shoes, multivitamins, and pain relievers for both children and adults, as well as cephalexin (Keflex), amoxicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. Specific medications needed are Levetiracetam, Memantine 10mg, Clopidogrel 75mg, Losartan 100mg, Hidroxiurea 500g, Magnesium valproate, Venaton (OTC), Diosmine (OTC), Ocuvite (OTC). Full and carry-on-sized suitcases are also needed. Monetary donations will be accepted for worship audio equipment and craft and soap-making supplies for the artisan’s store. 

SURE’s Community Organizer is With Us Again!

Join us as SURE Community Organizer Mackenzie Grimes shares “Here’s What’s Happening” regarding SURE’s continued quest for fairness and justice. We will be meeting on Thursday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 203. As well as SURE Network members, all interested in learning more about SURE are invited to attend. If needed, please contact SURE Team Leaders Ann Opdycke, 941.350.6126 or Dorothy Murphy, 941.221.2257.

Hosted at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota

2050 Oak St, Sarasota, FL 34237

January, 18-19 at 6:30 p.m.

January, 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Prepare to be enchanted by James and the Giant Peach, the extraordinary musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale performed by our 6 to 11-year-old performers! Follow young James on an unforgettable journey as he stumbles upon a colossal, magical peach and, along with a quirky crew of insect companions, sets out on an epic adventure. With a captivating blend of catchy songs, whimsical characters, and mesmerizing stagecraft, this musical will transport you to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Join James in a story of courage, friendship, and boundless imagination, and experience the wonder of ‘James and the Giant Peach’ for a magical theatrical experience that will delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this larger-than-life adventure!

Our own Alice Mills, is playing the part of Ladahlord. Ladahlord is a mysterious character who seems to have a hand in the magical things that are happening. Though it may seem a bit off, Ladahlord carefully watches over James.

First Presbyterian Preschool

from the desk of Clare Carter,

FPC Preschool Director

Baby Basics provides hygienic essentials to babies and a system of emotional support and referrals for families, thereby increasing their opportunity to succeed. It is well documented that early intervention with infants is one of the best preventatives for their failure to thrive.

Baby Basic is renting space in an unused office on the first floor of the administration building for storage and as a twice-a-month distribution site.

FPC is excited to partner with this wonderful organization.

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

First Presbyterian Church Sarasota is now on YouTube

Prayer List

Click on the link below for the prayer list. Thank you for praying for healing and encouragement for these dear ones.

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.

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 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.