Resources

Steps along the journey through Lent and Holy Week…

Our Outreach Offering for April will go to Presbyterian Mission Agency’s One Great Hour of Sharing. Proceeds support three PC(USA) programs providing people with safety, sustenance, and hope: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People -- all work together to provide individuals and communities with access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. You may donate to One Great Hour of Sharing:

• during the worship service using the special envelopes provided in the pews,
• by mailing a check to the church office with “OGHS” in the memo line, or
• through online giving 

Our DOES It (Done On Every Sunday) project for April is collecting baby wipes for the food pantry at Our Daily Bread. 

Loaves & Fishes is a self-serve food pantry where clients can shop free once a month for fresh produce, personal care, and other food items of their choice. They are always in need of baby supplies. The Outreach Team plans to purchase diapers and formula with budgeted funds, and your donations of baby wipes will help complete their baby needs. Drop packages and containers of baby wipes (not Clorox wipes or other anti-bacterial wipes) in the bins in the Narthex or bring them to the church office by April 30th and support families in need in our local community.
 

The Lord's Prayer, Wednesdays, March 12 – April 16 at 10:30a

In their book on the Lord’s Prayer, William Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas invite readers to “Think of Christianity, not primarily as a set of doctrines, a volunteer organization, or a list of appropriate behaviors. Think of Christianity as naming a journey of a people.”

The liturgical season of Lent will often use the imagery of a journey. I invite those who worship or participate in our religious activities on a journey with Jesus that will include a cross and death but will not end there, for a new season, Eastertide, awaits us.

Our preparation for this journey starts with Ash Wednesday and the invitation to join others in a time of examination and repentance. The very first thing we hear in Lent is that we are creatures; we are mortal and finite: “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

The journey begins in solemnity – acknowledging the ways we fall short of God’s intention for us. We need a reminder, along this journey, of the promises God has made to us. We need the reassurance that God is with us even in the dark valleys of our journey. We need a companion to walk with us. I hope we will find those things in our study time together as we read and explore and discuss the Lord’s Prayer.  

After class there will be an opportunity to fellowship with one another as we share a Simple Lunch in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30a. Welcome to our journey this year!

Blessings,
Edward

On March 3, the Presbyterian Hunger Program which houses Earth Care Congregations sent us this message: “Congratulations on certification as an Earth Care Congregation! The steps your congregation has taken to care for God’s earth are inspiring! Please accept this letter and certificate affirming your status as an Earth Care Congregation until February 2026." We are now beginning our fourth year as an ECC.

PC(USA) believes that hunger, poverty, and environmental destruction are linked areas of concern, constantly interacting with, and impacting one another. The ECC program encompasses four focus areas: Worship, Education, Facilities and Outreach and each year UPC makes new efforts in these areas. This month we are planting native plants that are attractive to butterflies and birds in the area south of the Fellowship Hall. 

You may view a map of all the 2025 Earth Care Congregations here and a short video about the ECC program here.

‘Holy Strollers’ meet every Friday at 9AM in the parking lot at the north entrance of Robinson’s Preserve and walk into the southern area of the park with the man-made springy pathways. You're invited to come any Friday to meet others for exercise, conversation, and a short devotional in the great outdoors.

The Annual Community Rally of Stronger Together Reaching Equality Across Manatee (STREAM) is being held in Southeast High School Auditorium at 200 37th Ave E, Bradenton 34208 on Monday, March 10, 6:30p. Please contact Donna Lesch if you are interested in carpooling. 

Donna recently gave this Minute for Mission during worship:

"STREAM, as a faith-forward organization, has as its mission to engage people of diverse backgrounds in the process of LISTENING, REFLECTION, PLANNING, ACTION, AND EVALUATION to empower members and the community we serve to address the root causes of oppression and injustice in Manatee County. There are 17 member churches. We, United Presbyterian, joined in December 2024 with a donation of $1,500. Over the past year, we have attended 3 organization-wide informational and celebratory meetings.

Currently, STREAM is working on two active issue campaigns:

• Affordable Housing. In the fall of 2022, 200 residents participated in small group discussions throughout Manatee County. The meetings revealed urgent issues regarding affordable housing. From 2017 to 2022, only 928 affordable units were created locally.  In response, STREAM and the community urged county commissioners to address the problem. Considerable progress has been made. STREAM continues to work with the County Commissioners and local decision-makers to monitor and advocate for adequate prioritization of affordable housing resources in Manatee County.
• Youth Mental Health. During the 2023 listening process, STREAM members heard many accounts of individuals facing mental health challenges, including a lack of immediate support during a crisis, long wait times for providers, and parents of struggling children feeling helpless. STREAM is working with the school district leadership to advocate for prioritizing adequate mental health resources and support staff in Manatee County.We hear about both of these issues on the local, state, and national level news. STREAM is an opportunity for us to begin to address these critical issues on a “grassroots level." 

I hope you will join with others and attend each of the three remaining organization-wide STREAM events:

• Annual Rally, March 10th, 6:30p, at Southeast High School to unite with other leaders and network members to approve recommendations and build excitement for the Nehemiah Action,
• Nehemiah Action, March 31st at 6;30p at Southeast High School to unite with other leaders and network members to present solutions to our public officials, and
• Joshua Assembly, May 19th at 6:30p to celebrate the achievements of STREAM."

Contributions of loose change, soft money, and checks for FELT (Feeding Empty Little Tummies) are always welcome. FELT provides weekend backpacks of food for over 800 children in Manatee County who might otherwise go hungry over the weekend.  To donate, use the envelopes in the pews or mail a check to the church office with FELT in the memo line

Plant a Seed! Feed a Soul! Join with other volunteers to assemble seed packets on a Saturday from 10am-noon in Fellowship Hall. Come for an hour or stay the full period. Friends, family and visitors welcome!

Hope Seeds International is a non-profit based in Bradenton with the mission of reducing worldwide hunger by empowering people with sustainable food production skills, seeds, and resources. Since 1999, Hope Seeds has distributed over 10 million packets of quality garden seed in more than 60 countries. All seed packets include Gospel messages, and missionaries and other faith-based organizations provide discipleship and teach gardening methods, seed saving, and nutrition programs.

Giving a person good seed which is suited for their climate and culture allows them to work toward their own nutrition and welfare. When a person is empowered to grow their own food, they will not depend on someone for their daily meal. They will be stronger and more self-reliant, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community development.

Children and families are invited for a fun-filled afternoon of games, food, crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, and photos with Santa held in our Fellowship Hall. Come join in the holiday cheer. A free event, all invited.

A Savior is Born, The Christmas Story' is presented by the students of Creative Arts Academy on December 13, 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. The performance is free and open to the community. 

This program debuted in our sanctuary two years ago. The talented children of our campus partner, Creative Arts Academy, play instruments, sing, and act with costumes, stage set and props. Come enjoy the evening and show your support for this not-for-profit performing arts academy led by Director Lane Ruise. 

Presbyterians for Earth Care grieves the loss of life, the injuries, and the property damages to homes, churches and businesses caused by Hurricane Helene. We join our prayers with other individuals and churches in this time of disaster. We also urge our fellow Presbyterians to financially support the important work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance now and in future rebuilding efforts. 

Hurricane Helene was supersized in its area of destruction and the intensity of the damage because of the climate crisis. Scientists tell us that hotter oceans are causing stronger and stronger storms, resulting in greater destruction. We as individuals and congregations need to act now in doing all that we can to counter the climate crisis that will cause even worse storms in the near future. 

We can do this through funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act that help us in buying electric vehicles, adding energy-saving insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, and countless other ways that lessen adding carbon to the environment -- carbon that causes the climate crisis. PEC has many helpful webinars available on its YouTube channel for these efforts and welcomes phone calls and emails to help individuals and churches. This November we should vote for political candidates who see the danger of the climate crisis and support solutions. 

We hope we can all pray for the relief work, and support this work financially as well as do what we can to counter the climate crisis and its related supersized storms.

Grace and Peace, 

Bruce Gillette, Moderator, Presbyterians for Earth Care

Want to learn how to take and share photos on your phone? Ever wonder what a QR Code is and what you can do with it? Need to know how to store and update important
contact information on your phone? Then please join us for a How to Use Your Smartphone class on Tuesday, October 29th from 10am-noon in Fellowship Hall.

Experts in basic smartphone technology for both iPhone and Android users will be available to answer these and other questions about your smartphone device. The class is free and open to the community. Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office to reserve your spot. Open to the community; all are welcome to join in. 

The 3-year partnership between Palma Sola and Westminster Presbyterian Churches culminated on Sunday, December 17, as we officially became one church, United Presbyterian Church! Palma Sola and Westminster Presbyterian Churches began their partnership in June 2020, sharing facilities at Palma Sola and joining together in worship, service, fellowship and Christian education. Our histories have intertwined, and we are excited about the future--as we experience God's grace, learn what God asks of us, share our lives, and work towards the common good in our community.

Lane Ruise, Founder and Director of the Creative Arts Academy, a United Presbyterian campus partner, tells us that students and mentors have been preparing diligently to give us their best performance ever. Students will bring dancing, singing, rapping, and instrument playing to their native folk songs. In addition, they will share information about folk songs from Native Americans, India, Colombia, Singapore, Cameroon, Mexico, Haiti, Honduras, Samoa and the Philippines.

Come enjoy a concert, and celebrate the accomplishments of these talented and dedicated young people!

This program led, by Pastor Edward, will help you plan the details of your memorial service or Celebration of Life and have a written record to keep on file for when the time comes. The program is free, open to the community, and refreshments will be served. Please sign up in the Narthex or call the church office (941-792-3141) if you would like to attend to ensure we have materials for everyone.

Mayberry Bible Study begins this Sunday for 4 consecutive days. We watch an episode of the Andy Griffith Show, and then spend time discussing its meaning as connected by scripture. Each day has a different theme: service, peace, mercy and commitment. Included is a ‘dee-licious’ treat like the kind Aunt Bee would make.

Sunday, Feb 25, 11am:         Service - ‘Andy’s English Valet’ - Ephesians 6:7

Monday, Feb 26, 6pm:          Peace - ‘Class Reunion’ - Psalm 85:8

Tuesday, Feb 27, 6pm:         Mercy - ‘Dogs, Dogs, Dogs’ - Matthew 5:7

Wednesday, Feb 28, 6pm:    Commitment - ‘The Darlings Are Coming’ - Proverbs 16:3
 

Saturday, February 17, we are hosting a Rise Against Hunger meal packing event from 10:30am-12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall, and we want as many people as possible to participate. 

We have once again partnered with Rise Against Hunger to sponsor and pack over 10,000 rice and soy-based meals to help fight hunger all around the world. These nourishing meals go to locations such as schools, care homes, and areas that have experienced environmental disaster or devastating human-conflict.

Everyone is invited. The event is free, and there are a variety of jobs--sitting, standing, and walking--with something suitable for everyone from age 5 and up. The packing is done in an educational assembly-line process, guided by an event leader from Rise Against Hunger. It’s a great event for friends, family, and our campus partners.

To reserve your space, please call the church office (941-792-3141), or sign up before or after the Sunday Service at the Outreach table.

What's in a Rise Against Hunger meal, and where are they served? The meals provide caloric intake and 20 essential vitamins and minerals. They are served in medical clinics, vocational training programs, elder care facilities and schools. Research has shown that one in three people in developing countries is adversely affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The meals address the top micronutrient deficiency concerns (iodine, iron and vitamin A), and work to prevent other common deficiencies that lead to blindness, poor immune function, and other disorders. 

What is Rise Against Hunger? Rise Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to ending hunger by providing nourishing meals, responding to emergencies, and empowering communities. Through a global network based in the U.S. and with six international offices, the organization provides immediate nourishment for those facing hunger, and implements sustainable solutions to lift entire communities. In 2022, Rise Against Hunger has facilitated volunteer meal packaging of more than 600 million meals to be distributed to countries around the world. 

To learn more about Rise Against Hunger, visit their website and read stories from the field.

Work on the 2023-2024 Habitat for Humanity Faith Build is well under way! We have scheduled a workday for United Presbyterian Church members and friends on Saturday, January 13th from 7:30 am to noon. The home for Theresa and her son Brandon is located in the Poling Gardens site in Samoset. We need 8-10 volunteers, and all the equipment needed is provided. No experience is necessary and there will be competent leaders to guide you in any task. Please sign up in the Narthex or by calling the office (941-792-3141) and fill out the waiver form to reserve your spot.  

Trick or Treaters! Join in our family 'Trunk & Treat' event on church grounds. Wear your costumes, enjoy hot dogs and chili in our Fellowship Hall, and visit the decorated trunks of cars in our parking lot to collect yummy treats. All community families, and congregation members and their guests, are invited.

The Palms Sola and Westminster congregations are hosting an Earth Day Fair, Saturday, April 22, 10am-12pm in the Palms Sola Fellowship Hall. The Fair will carry out the theme of this year’s international Earth Day, “Invest in the Future.” The public is invited to drop in, browse displays, watch videos, pick up information sheets, sample foods, and consider future actions they might take in caring for the Earth.

There will be stations covering topics, including: 1) why this is the critical decade for addressing climate change; 2) Florida's energy profile now and planned for the future; 3) how to calculate your carbon footprint and the best things you can do to reduce it, including making use of the Inflation Reduction Act; 4) planting Florida native plants and landscapes, and why that is important to sustain wildlife; 5) eating for a healthy planet; and 6) books to sustain and inform you while caring for Earth.

Learn about why rainforests are important, what's being done to save them, and how you can help. Also learn about easy-care native and other Florida-friendly plants for your yard that support birds, butterflies, and bees. This is a special program on Friday, October 21, 7:00-8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall, presented by church members Amy Pedon and Betty Bashaw. Refreshments will be served and children are most welcome.