Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Join our amazing choir at both 9am and 11am, along with the brass quartet and percussion from the Sarasota Orchestra, as we share in the mystery and marvel of new life that pours forth from the empty tomb. We celebrate how God’s light of love shines in our lives every day!
Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Join our amazing choir at both 9am and 11am, along with the brass quartet and percussion from the Sarasota Orchestra, as we share in the mystery and marvel of new life that pours forth from the empty tomb. We celebrate how God’s light of love shines in our lives every day!
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.
We hope you can join us and make some new friends.
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, Contact Pastor Wes.
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.
The Racial Justice Mission Group invites you to a free docent-led tour of EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES at Bayfront Park on Wednesday, April 3 from 1:30-2:30pm. Our church is a co-sponsor of Billboard # 30. For those who do not want to drive, the church bus will load at 11:45am and leave the church at 12 noon, returning to the church by 3pm. Lunch options are O’Leary’s Restaurant on site or taking your picnic lunch. Meet at the yellow arch entrance to the park at 1:20pm to begin the tour at 1:30pm. Our friends, the Unitarian Universalists, will join us on the tour.
During season, our choir holds holding 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.
Handbells invitation ~ beginning on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. in the chapel, you are invited to be part of our re-forming Handbell choir. We are looking for people of all levels ~ we especially welcome beginners who want to learn more. Please contact Pastor Wes for more information.
Theme: Common Ground are twofold: To normalize mental health experiences and reduce stereotypes, and to empower individuals with lived experience to serve as educators and advocates for a positive change in our attitudes about mental health.
Exhibition Dates: April 5th – April 27th | Gallery Hours |Fri, Sat, 10:00 – 2:00 or by Appt
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.
NEW Year — NEW Worship experience. Beginnmg on January 7th the 9 a.m. worship service will move to 8:45 a.m. in the chapel. This new service will allow interaction and an intimate setting. If you have questions, please see Pastor Wes.
See the worship page for information on the current week's service.
Party Option 1: For a more intimate gathering, join Greg in the Chapel after the 8:45 service on April 7th where you can mingle and share stories.
Party Option 2: For a larger gathering, join Greg in Syster Hall immediately after the 11:00 service. At this party we will include refreshments, and a PowerPoint Celebration of Greg Chestnut – a 35-year blessing. But wait, there’s more, but we don’t want to give all our secrets away! Come to honor and celebrate Greg’s 35 years of faithful, loving service.
NEW offering for 2024 ~ As we begin a New Year, we will launch twice monthly conversations centering around a book with Pastor Wes weaving insights from scripture and inspiration. You do not need to attend all the sessions, but there will be a thread that will run from sessions to session.
On each of the Mondays above, we will gather at 4 pm and finish by 5:15 pm. For more information, specific reading plan, and to register for the conversation, please contact Pastor Wes. The event will be hybrid (in the Oasis and Zoom).
The SURE (Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity) Celebration is on Monday, April 8 at First Presbyterian (2050 Oak St). The event will start with BBQ dinner at 6 p.m. As part of the Celebration, SURE will ask for individual investment. Please remember we as a church we give as part of our operations budget and Christmas Love. If you have questions about Monday, please see Pastor Wes, Laurie Etter, Nancy Taylor, or Lee Brockmann.
Calling all knitters and crocheters! The next gathering of the Prayer Shawl Ministry Group will be on Tuesday, April 9th, from 1:30pm – 3:00pm at Chris Millar’s house in Englewood. Contact Chris for directions. Refreshments will be served.
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, Contact Pastor Wes.
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 holding 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 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.
Looking for ways to renew your prayer practice in fun creative ways? Artful Prayer may be for you! No art experience required.
A variety of fun one-hour sessions may include poetry, drawing, movement, or music centered around a prayer theme such as gratitude, praise, healing, or exploring your spiritual direction.
Sessions are in person and on Zoom. Supplies are provided when attending in person. Watch the newsletter and weekly messages for specific session information and supply list.
Sgt. Robert Morrison with the Sarasota Police Department’s Community Action Team will speak at Brady Sarasota's April 11 season wrap up. This team is tasked with addressing what Sgt. Morrison describes as quality-of-life concerns, in particular, the city’s Operation Armistice program, an anti-gun violence initiative.
The meeting will be held in our Oasis Room, at 4 pm and is free and open to all. We will also have postcards on hand to send to members of Congress, urging them to support sensible gun laws.
NEW Year — NEW Worship experience. Beginnmg on January 7th the 9 a.m. worship service will move to 8:45 a.m. in the chapel. This new service will allow interaction and an intimate setting. If you have questions, please see Pastor Wes.
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, APRIL 14th 7pm Evening Choral Artists presents a performance CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD, in partnership with Embracing Our Differences and Project Pride. Location: Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd. Advance discounted tickets at $35 will be available for purchase now. Cash or checks to be made payable to Evening Choral Artists. Tickets available on Sunday.
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, Contact Pastor Wes.
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 holding 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.
NEXT UCC MEN’S BREAKFAST ON APRIL 20 ~ The UCC Men’s breakfast series continues on Saturday, April 20 and all the men of the congregation are invited to join for breakfast in Syster Hall then. Coffee will be on at 8 am and breakfast served at 8:30 am. Mike Johnston will be our chef this month and, after breakfast, Pastor Wes will provide an update on the future of our music program. You may register by Thursday, April 18 by calling Sherry at the church office at 941-953-7044. We hope to see you there!
NEW Year — NEW Worship experience. Beginnmg on January 7th the 9 a.m. worship service will move to 8:45 a.m. in the chapel. This new service will allow interaction and an intimate setting. If you have questions, please see Pastor Wes.
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.
Mark your calendars for April 21, the date of our 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff! We are recruiting Chili Chefs to offer your best batch chili on that Sunday, at 12:15 in Syster Hall. 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, please contact Sandy Smith.
Our mission is to feed the hungry and offer fellowship to our guests. Please volunteer with preparing our take-out meals while renovations are ongoing at St. Paul’s. We will be providing desert cookies this month—homemade would be extra special. We need your cookies no later than 4 p.m. Please join us on April 22nd from 4-6:30 p.m. to assemble the meals. Thank you for all you do for those in need.
NEW offering for 2024 ~ As we begin a New Year, we will launch twice monthly conversations centering around a book with Pastor Wes weaving insights from scripture and inspiration. You do not need to attend all the sessions, but there will be a thread that will run from sessions to session.
On each of the Mondays above, we will gather at 4 pm and finish by 5:15 pm. For more information, specific reading plan, and to register for the conversation, please contact Pastor Wes. The event will be hybrid (in the Oasis and Zoom).
COLLAGE is an adult LGBTQ+ social group that welcomes supporters no matter their sexual orientation. The group seeks to be a safe and supportive place of friendship and extravagant welcome. This is a wonderful way to connect and catch up. ALL are welcome.
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. Greg will provide instruction and together we will make a joyful noise to God.
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, Contact Pastor Wes.
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 holding 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.
NEW Year — NEW Worship experience. Beginnmg on January 7th the 9 a.m. worship service will move to 8:45 a.m. in the chapel. This new service will allow interaction and an intimate setting. If you have questions, please see Pastor Wes.
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 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, Contact Pastor Wes.
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 holding 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.