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.
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.
A brief congregational meeting will be held following worship on April 6th. The purpose of the meeting is to approve a minor modification to ARTICLE VI – SERVICES AND MEETINGS, section 1. ANNUAL MEETING of the By-laws of the church. The modification is requested by the Church Council and refers to the scheduling of the Annual Meeting.
Please join Pastor Wes for a time of prayer and opening our hearts to God on Monday, April 7 at 4 p.m. either in the Oasis Center or Zoom.Â
As we inch closer to our Holiest Week, join in a time of sharing grief, pain, lament, and all that we are carrying in our lives right now.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.
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 and selected by the chair of the organization’s Reading for Renewal. Our group reads the list and descriptions of approximately 30 books and votes on the ones we would like to read for the following year. Current lists of possible selections are available in the Syster Hall library as are several present and previously selected books.
Monthly selections are posted in the newsletter and the midweek message. 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.
Gun violence in America continues. Join Brady’s grassroots gun-safety chapter at 4 pm tomorrow (April 10) in our Oasis Center to talk about what’s being done, what’s ongoing and what might come next. Bring your cellphone if possible and we’ll call/email some legislators. If you’ve never attended a Brady event before, now is the time. There will be food.
Please join us on Saturday, April 12th at 8am as we spruce up the Sanctuary for Holy Week!!
We will Murphy Soap the pews, vacuum the cushions, and refresh our worship space.
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT THE WORK!
Call the church office to put your name on our list of attendees!
We will start at 8am, but you are welcome to come whenever and for however long you can.
All are welcome
BOTH Services in the Sanctuary. Pastor Wes will preach on Mark 11:1-11. We will raise our palm branches high, praying and praising God by singing “Hosanna”!! We welcome horn player Melvin Jackson for special music.
BOTH Services in the Sanctuary. Pastor Wes will preach on Mark 11:1-11. We will raise our palm branches high, praying and praising God by singing “Hosanna”!! We welcome horn player Melvin Jackson for special music.
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.
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.
Book Release Celebration ~ April 15th ~ 4-5 p.m. ~ Bookstore 1 Sarasota
Join Pat Williams Owen for a book release celebration of her most recent book of poetry. The event is free and open to all.
Register here.
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.
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.
Members of the Worship Team will share the story of the Last Supper according to St. Matthew. Dr. Marsha Kindall-Smith will offer special music. Holy Communion will be celebrated.
Pastor Wes will preach on St. Matthew’s narrative of God’s vulnerable love suffering on the cross and the tears in things. We will conclude the service outside beneath the cross of Jesus.
Join us on the third Saturday of the month (October–May) at 8:00 a.m. in Syster Hall for coffee, a hearty breakfast, and meaningful discussions. All men of the congregation are welcome for a morning of camaraderie, faith, and engaging conversation. Check the newsletter and bulletin for topics and guest speakers.
9 a.m. ~ In the sanctuary~ We sing our prayers and praise to God with a thousand Alleluias on this Easter Sunday. Our choir, brass, and percussion will participate in the service. All are welcome!
Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!! BOTH Services in the Sanctuary. We welcome special guest musicians (brass and percussion) from the Sarasota Orchestra. Our amazing choir will lead us in lifting our voices high. Pastor Wes will preach on Matthew’s resurrection narrative.
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.
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 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.
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.