Did you know that the shape of the

poinsettia flower and leaves are

sometimes thought of as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus and the red-colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ?

It is customary at First Presbyterian Church to decorate with poinsettias for Christmas. Plants may be ordered in memory of or in honor of loved ones. 

All orders need to be submitted by Wednesday, December 13. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church with ‘poinsettia’ in the memo. Order forms with payment may be placed in the offering or turned into the office. Each poinsettia is $12.00

Thoughtful Giving

Each year we look forward to giving financial gifts in honor of our family members or friends to one or more of our mission partners. These booklets will be available for you to consider your giving opportunities. You may pick them up as you exit the services.

Children & Youth

OHHHH what fun we had at the Advent Workshop!!!

The DCE search committee continues to make progress toward finding and calling a Director of Christian Education. After posting the job description in several local and national outlets, inquiries from some interested candidates have been received. The search process is still in its early stages. The search committee is confident that God will lead us to the right candidate. Please pray for the work of committee members Elaine Barnett, Leah Cotter, James-Allen McPheeters, Carrie Mills, Joanne Simons, Seth Stottlemyer, and Emily Weitekamp as they seek the person whose education, experience, and sense of call will bless our family of faith.

Bible Study

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things”. What an appropriate lesson for this busy time of year. Do you take time to listen to the meaningful sounds of Christmas? Join us for PW Bible study of Sacred Encounters, Lesson 4, “Mary and Martha Encounter Jesus. This lesson will be lead by Harriette Humphreys via zoom on December 13, at 10. Join us for some lively discussions and contemplative moments. For example, “Who do you identify with Mary or Martha? How would you feel if Jesus was visiting your home? This lesson should help guide us to to understand the need to help caregivers. All are invited to join us in this study of sacred encounters. If you would like a copy of the lesson and/or Zoom invite please contact Elaine Barnett at ewbarnet@me.com.

 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.

2024 Offering Envelopes

If you no longer want to receive offering envelopes, please contact Lisa Garcia, Finance Manager, by calling (941) 955-8119 or emailing her Lgarcia@firstpressarasota.org.    

Beginning Sunday, December 3, through Sunday, December 17, there will be a table set up for you to pick up your 2024 offering envelopes. To save on the cost of mailing, please make every effort to pick up your envelopes.

YEAR END GIVING

As the end of the calendar year approaches, thoughtful planning can benefit both you and First Presbyterian Church. Gifts to the church’s Foundation made before December 31^st can reduce your income and estate taxes while providing long-term financial support for the mission and ministry of the First Presbyterian Church. When contemplating year-end giving, please consider making a gift to The Foundation using any of the following methods, or by another manner chosen by you.

Upcoming adult Education Classes

Six Themes in the Bible- God’s Word

Adult Bible Study Class via ZOOM

Tuesdays 11:30 a.m.

January 9- 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 9 “The Great Arc of Creation: From Garden to Garden City”

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,

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.

First Presbyterian Preschool

from the desk of Clare Carter,

FPC Preschool Director

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you grow.”

~E.L. Doctorow 

Cheryl's November Health Awareness ........

How to Maximize Your Joy & Savor the Holidays

‘Tis the season to be jolly! 

At least, that’s what they say. But for many of us, the holiday season can feel more like the season of stress, long lines, and countdowns. Whether we’re worried about meeting deadlines or in-laws, many of us muddle through the holidays and return to work wondering where the time went.

While some of the events to come over the next few weeks are inevitable, there’s a helpful technique you can use to help maximize your joy this holiday season — it’s called savoring.

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.