Traditional Service in Chapel - 8:15 am
Contemporary in Fellowship Hall - 9:00 am
Servicio en Espaņol en la Capilla - 9:30 am
Traditional Service in Sanctuary - 11:00 am
Nursery & Child Care - 8:00 to 12:00
Whether you are in Sarasota for a vacation or you are looking for a church home, you are most welcome at First Presbyterian Church.
We are at 2050 Oak Street, which is one block north of the junction of Washington Street (Route 301) and Tamiami Trail (Route 41). The church is at the end of the red brick road running to the east of Washington Street. If you would like to use Goggle Maps: Click here. If you would prefer MapQuest: Click here.
Turn right from the red brick road into the parking lot. If you are handicapped, there are a number of spaces marked Handicapped and accessibility from any of them lead into the church campus. Should this parking lot be filled one may park in the smaller lot to the left of the brick road or along the road itself.
Which Service Should I Attend?
Traditional services are held in the main Sanctuary. Our early service begins at 8:30 a.m. and the second service is at 11:00 a.m. The organist provides music at both services and the program is the same. The Chancel Choir and organist are at the 11:00 service and frequently are accompanied by The First Brass, The Bell Choir or other musicians. Music is important in our church and we have both contemporary and traditional. We have had guest jazz groups, special guest instrumentalists, world renowned vocal soloists and even bagpipers! We enjoy musical gifts from the many traditions and cultures of our world.
Join us for coffee and fellowship after the services in the Courtyard and please visit our Hospitality Center outside of the main Sanctuary doors to receive a gift. A member of the church is there to answer any of your questions.
New Song Contemporary Service is a more informal service held in Fellowship Hall. It begins at 9:00 a.m. and is followed by coffee and snacks in the Courtyard. The New Song Musical Group is featured at this service and this service often features the Drama Team and other audio-visual presentations. The congregation sings modern hymns and listens to the message and often enjoys interactive prayer activities.
Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana ministerio Hispano services are held in The Chapel. Service begins at 9:30 a.m. Horario de Actividades.
Summer Services (June through August)
9:00 a.m. New Song, Contemporary Service, in Fellowship Hall
9:30 a.m. Spanish Service, Chapel
10:30 a.m. Traditional Service, Sanctuary
What Do You Have for Children?
Children are welcome here! We believe that worship is the response of the whole people of God and that includes children. As a part of our ministry, there is a Crib Nursery for infants up to two years of age in Room 133. For children ages two through Kindergarten "Wee Circle" meets in Room 128 immediately following the "Children's Moment" in worship.
Sunday School for all ages meets from 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. K-5th grade classes meet in the children's wing, middle school youth in room 222 and the senior high youth in the loft. The middle school and senior high youth meet for dinner and youth group on Sunday evenings.
We invite you to wear what is comfortable for you. In the summer, most people are much more casual. In the winter at the Traditional services many of the men wear jackets, shirts and ties, but not everyone. There really is no dress code. What you wear is not important to God or to us. What does matter is that you are here.
How Do You Address Special Needs?
First Presbyterian Church is handicapped accessible. There are special places in the Sanctuary where a wheelchair will fit, personal hearing devices are available from an usher, and there are large type bulletins and hymnals in the Narthex. Please ask one of the ushers to assist you with any special needs that you may have.
Our church includes people of various physical abilities and we invite you to stay seated at any time during worship if that is more comfortable for you.
Does the Church Serve Communion?
On the first Sunday of each month and on some special occasions we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ is welcome to participate regardless of your religious denomination or church membership. We partake of the elements as soon as they are served.
We sincerely hope that you will! First Presbyterian is a friendly church. Members of our congregation will greet you at the door. Ushers will show you to your seat. Do talk to those around you - we welcome that interaction prior to the Pastor's Welcome. The Prelude offers everyone that quiet time in which to reflect, as does the remainder of the service. At the end of each pew there is a red book - sign in and pass it along to others. That way, those around you can greet you by name.
Join us for coffee following the services, if you have time. Check each of our links frequently to see what is taking place thoughout each week - you are welcome to join us!
You will be able to speak to the Pastors as you exit the main doors or if you wish to have a more in-depth visit or a personal telephone call, please call the church (941-955-8119) and make an appointment.
The church office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our staff can be found at Who We Are.
Many more questions and answers can be found at FAQ's.