Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
We are excited to announce the new pattern for COLLAGE gatherings! Join us for our Zoom meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Additionally, we will host a luncheon on the second Sunday of each month following the 11 am service. When we have a program, we will offer it as a hybrid presentation via Zoom whenever possible. ALL are welcome. This is a wonderful way to connect, catch up, and be a part of our inclusive community.
The monthly community meal that we continue to provide at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church feeds those who are hungry and in need of fellowship. Our guests are treated to a Sandy Smith home-cooked meal. The home-baked items provided by our church family add a sweet treat that is heartily enjoyed.
Our mission is to feed the hungry and offer fellowship to our guests.
Please volunteer to help prepare the appetizers and desserts and assist with setting up and serving the meal. We welcome our guests with a smile, friendly words, and a wonderful meal. Â Thank you for all you do for those in need. To volunteer and/or inquire for more details contact Carol Hagglund.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
We gather semi-monthly for a holy dialogue on issues related to the realities of racism in our country, community and church. During our gatherings, we raise awareness around issues, build trusting relationships, and commit to loving action. There is always space at the table for you to join us.
The Sarasota Brady folks have resumed their rallies at the Sarasota Bayfront and urge anyone interested in raising awareness about gun safety to attend!
Rallies are on Thursdays, probably until early April, from 4 to 5pm at the far end of the south parking lot, along U.S. 41.
There is no cost for the t-shirts or signs, and the camaraderie is the best!
Come once or come every week!
The newly established Food and Hunger Group is very pleased to sponsor the collections for All Faiths Food Bank. Collections that will take place the first Sunday of every month. There will be a basket in the narthex labeled ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK. Please place your items in the basket or next to it if the basket is full. Click on the event title for more information.
First Congregational UCC is a generous congregation. We thank you in advance for your donations.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
You are invited to the 30th Annual Choir Festival, Sunday, March 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at Church of the Palms. Singers from numerous churches throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties will present inspirational music as a gift to our community. This free musical event is under the direction of our own Jane Hunder and Rev. Genevieve Beauchamp, Worship and Music Pastor at Church of the Palms. A love offering will be taken.
First UCC Women has been in existence since 1954. All women and men of the church are welcome and encouraged to join us on the first Tuesday of each month, October through May, in Syster Hall for fellowship, lunch and program. Programs are on varied topics. We select various non profits to come and share with us what they are about. An annual favorite is the December meeting where we fill and wrap shoeboxes for seniors.Â
We hope you can join us and make some new friends.
We gather for a time of prayer in the Chapel. Join us as we drum together, letting the movement of our hands and hearts be a prayer to God. All levels of experience welcome for this opportunity. Instruction will be provided and together we will make a joyful noise to God. New drummers are welcome; drums are provided.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Ash Wednesday Service is March 5th at noon in the chapel (in person only for this service). Ashes will be available for those who wish. You are invited to center your heart/soul/life during the 40 days before Easter. There will be an online prayer service at 6 p.m. on Ash Wednesday as well. If you’d like the zoom link for the 6 p.m. prayer service, please let Pastor Wes know.
There will be an online prayer service at 6 p.m. on Ash Wednesday as well as the noon service. If you’d like the zoom link for the 6 p.m. prayer service, please let Pastor Wes know.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
You are invited to join in a meaningful conversation with Amanda Udis-Kessler at 11 a.m. on March 6th and 13th in the Oasis Center. Amanda will be talking to us about the ways words create worlds and how our language matters and makes a difference. Words have as many meanings as ears that hear. We will gather in the Oasis Center at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments. Amanda will join us on Zoom at 11 a.m. for conversation and presentation. This is a wonderful blessing for us to ponder how language shapes us. All are welcome.
Please join Glenn Priest for an Organ recital at Christ Episcopal Church (4030 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205) at noon on Thursday!! All are welcome!!
The Food and Hunger Mission Group and Church Council recently approved having our church partner with Resurrection House to provide lunch on the first Thursday of every month.
Sandy Smith has agreed to arrange the meals, and one to two volunteers are needed each month to help serve. To volunteer, please contact Carol Hagglund.
The Sarasota Brady folks have resumed their rallies at the Sarasota Bayfront and urge anyone interested in raising awareness about gun safety to attend!
Rallies are on Thursdays, probably until early April, from 4 to 5pm at the far end of the south parking lot, along U.S. 41.
There is no cost for the t-shirts or signs, and the camaraderie is the best!
Come once or come every week!
The Church of the Palms is excited to invite you to our Faith & Society Speaker Series featuring Eugene Cho, the President and CEO of Bread for the World and Bread Institute. Eugene has been a passionate advocate for ending hunger and advocating for social justice, and we are honored to have him share his insights with us. The event is free and open to the public.
Bread for the World & Bread Institute is a prominent non-partisan Christian advocacy organization urging both national and global decision makers to help end hunger – both in the United States and around the world.
This will be an excellent opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in the fight against hunger and poverty. Eugene Cho will discuss the critical work being done through Bread for the World, along with the organization’s advocacy efforts to create systematic change at the national and global levels.
Support Project 180 with a sponsorship, or by attending the March 7th Strong Voices luncheon at Michael’s on East.
The luncheon features national workforce development and prison education expert, Dr. Craig Miller (Pennsylvania College of Technology, affiliated with Penn State University), who promotes addressing our labor shortage (especially in the trades), through workforce development education among incarcerated and recently released returning citizens. According to the RAND Corporation, “incarcerated people who participate in education programs are 48 percent less likely to recidivate than those who do not.” These findings are based on a recently updated, comprehensive study that analyzed rigorous research published from 1980 through 2017.
To purchase individual luncheon tickets, go online to Project180reentry.org, click on "Lecture Series", then "Buy Tickets" for “Constructing a New Workforce” on March 7, 2025 at 11 AM. ~ ~ Questions? Contact: Barbara Smith-Bacon
FREE Florida State University Singers Concert on March 8th at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.
From the FSU Singers Instagram and Facebook: "It’s that time of the year, y’all! Our spring tour across Florida begins in just a few short weeks! We have been working hard on our music all year, and we cannot wait to finally share our music with you! All shows on this tour are free and open to the public, so please come out and support the amazing work our singers have done!"
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
COLLAGE will have a luncheon meeting on the second Sundays of each month in the Oasis Center immediately following the 11 o'clock service. We will have a free box lunch, so please RSVP to Sara Little in order to know how many lunches to order. Please indicate if you have food allergies. We will try to accommodate them.
NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON March 9th, Noon ~ Oasis Center. Are you considering joining our church? Please join us for a light lunch and conversation. All are welcome. Please RSVP by calling the church office.Â
The Wayless Way Offering ~ On March 10th and 17th in the Oasis Center and Zoom at 4 p.m., we will be discussing Brian McLaren’s book, Faith After Doubt. This is a wonderful book to help you explore your faithfulness and commitment to justice these days.
March is Women’s History Month. Lucy Hedrick will be chatting and signing copies of her debut novel, Six Weeks in Reno, on Monday evening, March 10th, at the Sarasota Bookstore, 117 S. Pineapple. Her book tells the story of the little-known “divorce colony” in Reno, NV in the 1930s where a woman strives to live on her own terms.Â
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
We gather semi-monthly for a holy dialogue on issues related to the realities of racism in our country, community and church. During our gatherings, we raise awareness around issues, build trusting relationships, and commit to loving action. There is always space at the table for you to join us.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
You are invited to join in a meaningful conversation with Amanda Udis-Kessler at 11 a.m. on March 6th and 13th in the Oasis Center. Amanda will be talking to us about the ways words create worlds and how our language matters and makes a difference. Words have as many meanings as ears that hear. We will gather in the Oasis Center at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments. Amanda will join us on Zoom at 11 a.m. for conversation and presentation. This is a wonderful blessing for us to ponder how language shapes us. All are welcome.
Ready Readers is a book discussion group that meets on the second Thursday of every month at noon in the Oasis Center. The books we read are chosen from a yearly list provided by the Florida UCC Women. Our group reads the list and descriptions of approximately 30 books and votes on the ones we would like to read. We welcome and encourage the participation and input of new members even if you are not able to attend every meeting.
Discover creative and meaningful ways to enrich your spiritual practice through "Artful Prayer." Each month features a unique workshop exploring imaginative approaches to prayer, gratitude, and community connection. Whether through art, song, or other practices, these sessions inspire reflection and foster a deeper sense of thanksgiving and togetherness.
For those joining via Zoom, have paper, crayons, markers, or colored pencils handy. Contact Pastor Wes for the Zoom link.
The Sarasota Brady folks have resumed their rallies at the Sarasota Bayfront and urge anyone interested in raising awareness about gun safety to attend!
Rallies are on Thursdays, probably until early April, from 4 to 5pm at the far end of the south parking lot, along U.S. 41.
There is no cost for the t-shirts or signs, and the camaraderie is the best!
Come once or come every week!
Join us for the Men's Breakfast, held on the third Saturday of every month from October through May. It's a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, great food, and engaging discussions. All men of the congregation are welcome. Come and enjoy a morning of camaraderie and meaningful conversation!
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Sunday, March 16, after worship in Syster Hall
COME and ENJOYÂ food, drinks and fellowship
ENGAGE with staff and volunteers from non-profit organizations
LEARN about their mission ~ volunteer opportunities, ways to support their work
The Wayless Way Offering ~ On March 10th and 17th in the Oasis Center and Zoom at 4 p.m., we will be discussing Brian McLaren’s book, Faith After Doubt. This is a wonderful book to help you explore your faithfulness and commitment to justice these days.
We gather for a time of prayer in the Chapel. Join us as we drum together, letting the movement of our hands and hearts be a prayer to God. All levels of experience welcome for this opportunity. Instruction will be provided and together we will make a joyful noise to God. New drummers are welcome; drums are provided.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Calling all knitters and crocheters!
Experience the joy of knitting and crocheting while making a meaningful impact in our community. Create prayer shawls that offer warmth and solace to those in need.
Refreshments will be served.
You are invited on March 19th at 2 p.m. to Embracing Community: Moving Through Fear toward Resilience in our Sanctuary.  Leadership from SRQ Strong, Samaritan Counseling Center, ALSO Youth, ASALH, and congregations will come together to listen, learn, and love one another in this tumultuous time of transitions, grief, and trauma.  Please plan to attend and bring a friend!!
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
The Sarasota Brady folks have resumed their rallies at the Sarasota Bayfront and urge anyone interested in raising awareness about gun safety to attend!
Rallies are on Thursdays, probably until early April, from 4 to 5pm at the far end of the south parking lot, along U.S. 41.
There is no cost for the t-shirts or signs, and the camaraderie is the best!
Come once or come every week!
Singing our Prayers During Lent, March 20th ~ 4 p.m. ~ Chapel, Led by Greg Chestnut.
Throughout the wilderness of Lent, you are invited to surrender to the wild leadings of the Spirit. Join us in singing our prayers, with moments of silence and reflection. Â Beautiful prose will allow us to wonder and wander into the wilderness to meet God's love.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join us every Sunday as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person in the sanctuary and via livestream.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Join All Faiths Food Bank to kick off the 2025 Campaign Against Summer Hunger with a walk around Nathan Benderson Park. Please register using the link below and also let Ellen Marsey know you will be walking. Our church group will meet at 8:00 and walk 1 mile. The $30 cost includes a t-shirt. A light breakfast will be available.
Register
We are excited to announce the new pattern for COLLAGE gatherings! Join us for our Zoom meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Additionally, we will host a luncheon on the second Sunday of each month following the 11 am service. When we have a program, we will offer it as a hybrid presentation via Zoom whenever possible. ALL are welcome. This is a wonderful way to connect, catch up, and be a part of our inclusive community.
The monthly community meal that we continue to provide at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church feeds those who are hungry and in need of fellowship. Our guests are treated to a Sandy Smith home-cooked meal. The home-baked items provided by our church family add a sweet treat that is heartily enjoyed.
Our mission is to feed the hungry and offer fellowship to our guests.
Please volunteer to help prepare the appetizers and desserts and assist with setting up and serving the meal. We welcome our guests with a smile, friendly words, and a wonderful meal. Â Thank you for all you do for those in need. To volunteer and/or inquire for more details contact Carol Hagglund.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
We gather semi-monthly for a holy dialogue on issues related to the realities of racism in our country, community and church. During our gatherings, we raise awareness around issues, build trusting relationships, and commit to loving action. There is always space at the table for you to join us.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
The Sarasota Brady folks have resumed their rallies at the Sarasota Bayfront and urge anyone interested in raising awareness about gun safety to attend!
Rallies are on Thursdays, probably until early April, from 4 to 5pm at the far end of the south parking lot, along U.S. 41.
There is no cost for the t-shirts or signs, and the camaraderie is the best!
Come once or come every week!
Peace and Justice invite you to join us on a private tour of ECHO Global Farm on March 28th at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the church to carpool to the farm in Fort Myers. The cost of the tour is $12.50. You are invited to bring your lunch. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Nancy McElroy by February 28th. ECHO global Farm researches and teaches small-scale, sustainable farming methods. Click here to learn more.
Join us every Sunday for the early service as we raise our prayer and praise to God in person. Beginning January, 2025, the 9am early service will take place in the Chapel. Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
March 30th is BRING a FRIEND to Church Sunday. You are invited to bring a neighbor, family member, or friend with you on March 30th. As part of the service, we will honor our guests. We are blessed by a Jazz Trio of Don & Deb Smith and Gary Dowty playing during worship, as well as during the chili cookoff after worship.
Please see the worship page for information on the current week's service.
3rd Annual Chili Cook Off, March 30th! We are recruiting Chili Chefs to offer their best batch of chili on that Sunday, at 12:15 p.m., in Syster Hall. Let's have some new challengers to compete with our talented veteran chefs! The congregation will vote on their favorite, and the winner will receive a modest prize and lots of praise! If you would like to participate as a chef, please contact Sandy Smith.
Please join us for the Nehemiah Action on March 31st at 6:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church (7750 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota). Please plan to attend as we seek to do justice, show loving kindness, and walk humbly with God. You will hear updates on out of school suspensions and affordable housing, meet the new Lead Organizer, Michelle Jewel, and commit to making Sarasota more just.
First UCC Women has been in existence since 1954. All women and men of the church are welcome and encouraged to join us on the first Tuesday of each month, October through May, in Syster Hall for fellowship, lunch and program. Programs are on varied topics. We select various non profits to come and share with us what they are about. An annual favorite is the December meeting where we fill and wrap shoeboxes for seniors.Â
We hope you can join us and make some new friends.
We gather for a time of prayer in the Chapel. Join us as we drum together, letting the movement of our hands and hearts be a prayer to God. All levels of experience welcome for this opportunity. Instruction will be provided and together we will make a joyful noise to God. New drummers are welcome; drums are provided.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. For more information and to join in the conversation, please contact the office.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Join us for an enriching journey through the Scriptures in our Bible Study sessions. Guided by Pastor Wes and surrounded by a supportive community, our Bible Study offers a space for deep exploration, meaningful discussion, and personal growth. This is a hybrid session ~ in the Oasis Center and on ZOOM. For more information and to join in the conversation, contact Pastor Wes.
There is always room at the Bible Study table for you.
Racial Justice Mission Group is sponsoring a free docent-guided tour of the 2025 Embracing Our Differences exhibit on Wednesday April 2 at Baypark. Our church is a co-sponsor of the art panel titled “DUMPYARD FOOTBALL”.
For those who wish to ride the church bus, we will board at the church at 12:45pm and leave at 1pm, returning by 3pm. Pauline Geary will be our driver.
Please text Sheila Gossett to make a bus reservation as space is limited or to tell her you will attend independently. Please tell Sheila if you are able to drive people from the church if we have an overflow on the bus. Eat lunch before you come as we will not be eating lunch together. Everyone will meet at the entry arch to the park at 1:20pm as the tour begins at 1:30pm. Questions? Call Lindsey Huddleston.
During season, our choir holds regular Wednesday Night rehearsals. We welcome new members with a variety of musical experience to rehearse with us each week. Come and join in the fun, fellowship, spirit, and challenge of singing with our choir.
The Food and Hunger Mission Group and Church Council recently approved having our church partner with Resurrection House to provide lunch on the first Thursday of every month.
Sandy Smith has agreed to arrange the meals, and one to two volunteers are needed each month to help serve. To volunteer, please contact Carol Hagglund.
The Sarasota Brady folks have resumed their rallies at the Sarasota Bayfront and urge anyone interested in raising awareness about gun safety to attend!
Rallies are on Thursdays, probably until early April, from 4 to 5pm at the far end of the south parking lot, along U.S. 41.
There is no cost for the t-shirts or signs, and the camaraderie is the best!
Come once or come every week!
The Choral Artists of Sarasota will be doing an encore performance of Considering Matthew Shepard in our sanctuary on Saturday, April 5 at 4 p.m. Tickets ($40) can be purchased by clicking here.
This haunting modern-day cantata tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man from Wyoming who was brutally beaten and left to die on a fence. The story is both gut-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time, offering hope for a better world where love and acceptance are the norm.