About First Presbyterian Sarasota
Beliefs
Love is FirstAs a sister church within the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination, we ascribe to the essential tenets of all Christian fellowships, the hallmarks of the Protestant Reformation, and the historical affirmations of the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition.
As such, we believe:
- In one God, self-revealing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
- Jesus is the way God is, and the way we should be;
- The Bible to be a trustworthy guide for understanding God and self;
- We are reconciled to God solely by grace through faith in Jesus;
- God is the ultimate power and presence in the universe;
- God always takes the initiative with us;
- God has entrusted us with gifts meant to be used in service to others.
We acknowledge we are still prone to trusting in ourselves instead of God and that life is to be lived as a joyful response to God’s astonishing love.
Values
Saying Yes to God's Invitation in Jesus ChristEngaging Worship
Radical Hospitality
Extravagant Generosity
Genuine Fellowship
Humble Service
Durable Joy
Becoming a Member
We are delighted to have you attend our church. To be a Presbyterian is to join a way of life marked by the rhythm of grace and gratitude. God graciously loves and embraces us; we respond each day in gratitude.
We encourage each member to attend worship regularly, as Jesus Christ calls us into community as Hebrews 10:24-25 declares, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.”
We encourage each member to support the ministries of the church with their contributions of time, talents and financial resources. II Corinthians 9:7 proclaims “God loves a cheerful giver,” and Christian service is taught in the Scriptures as a vital part of spiritual life.
Please contact the church office if you have any questions or email membership@fpcsrq.org .
We extend an open invitation to those who are new to our congregation. Please be our guest on an upcoming Sunday for a special opportunity to get to know each other! Our program begins at 10:00 am with a open discussion with the pastoral staff. We will worship together at 11:00 am and then continue our discussion over lunch.
Click here to contact us and be placed on the list for the next open Inquirers Class.
staff
Meet the First Presbyterian TeamIf you would like to reach any of our staff, please feel free to contact the church office at (941) 955‑8119 or by emailing info@fpcsrq.org. This email will then be directed to the appropriate staff member.
Rev. Dr. Timothy Boggess
Pastor/Head of Staff
Steven Phillips
Director of Music Ministries
Clare Carter
Preschool Director
Lydia Chapdelain
Preschool Administrative Director
Lisa Garcia
Finance Manager
Rachel Martin
Operations Manager
Jim Camastro
Tech Team Leader
Cheryl Track
Faith Community Nurse
Darwin Goldsmith
SextonSession
The Session is the church governing body made up of elders, church members elected by the congregation for three-year terms to guide and direct the ministry of the church.
Elders chair various committees and ministry teams in which any member may participate. Meetings for all committees and ministry teams are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. They include:
Finance and Property
Congregational Nominating
Stewardship and Generosity
Education and Formation
- Adult Education
- Children’s Ministry
- Spiritual Formation
- Youth, College & Young Adult Ministry
Fellowship and Membership
- Fellowship
- Membership Development
- Public Outreach
Mission and Justice
- Missions
- Peace & Justice
Personnel
Worship and Music
Deacons
The Board of Deacons is a group of church members elected by the congregation and called to serve as the primary assistants to the staff for pastoral care. Deacons serve for three-year terms; five are elected each year.
Deacons provide home communion, transport members who need a ride to church, deliver flowers, create and deliver “We Care” posters, send cards for special occasions, provide assistance for memorial services, and comfort families and members.
Visiting First Presbyterian
Plan Your VisitExpect friendly people and a warm welcome! We are eager to know you and excited to share with you the marvelous ways God is working in and through our church.
Parking – We have ample parking including wheelchair-accessible spaces and designated parking for visitors.
Dress – You will see people in a variety of dress, from Sunday best to jeans and a t-shirt, so come in whatever is comfortable for you.
Children – We hope that both parents and children will feel at home in the nursery. Our primary purpose is to facilitate and enhance your family’s time of worship, study, and service by providing a safe and loving environment for your children, birth to age 5.
Older children are welcome at both services. Sunday school at 10:00 am; Worship at 9:00 am (contemporary) or 11:00 am (traditional). The 9:00 am worship service includes a special time for the children. Special worship materials for children are available at each service.
We look forward to sharing the good news with you and to hearing how the Lord has been active in your life!
We are located at 2050 Oak Street, on the southeast corner of downtown Sarasota, next to Payne Park.
We are south of Fruitville Road and one block north of the intersection of Washington Blvd. (US 301) and Mound Street (US 41). You’ll find us toward the east at the end of the red brick road.
Address: 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota FL 34237
Phone: (941) 955‑8119
Fax: (941) 957‑1782
Email: info@fpcsrq.org