T h e F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h o f N a p l e s
July 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Leaders and students at Montreat
From Dr. Browne Finance
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Congregational Care Preschool
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Children and Youth
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Calendar
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Missions News & Events
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Rev. Dr. Will Browne, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff
Psalm 24 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
willb@fpcnaples.org
independence on July 4th. It is right and proper to give God thanks for this nation of which we are a part. But the killings in Charleston, SC remind us that we are an imperfect nation. A part of us is violent and racist and criminal. The good news is that grace is not just for individuals. It is for us as a people gathered to be the church. It is for us as a people gathered to be a civil society. It is for us when we are the nation, the United States of America.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation. Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. The first half of Psalm 24 is a celebration of our identity in the Lord. We are reminded that all belongs to God for God created the world and everything in it including us! We are asked a question of our acceptability and then of our character. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Those who have a character that is clean, pure, devoid of falseness and deceit. Finally there is the promise of blessing and salvation for the company of those with appropriate character and with the desire to see the face of God.
O God, forgive us our sin against you even as we ask forgiveness for those we make victims of our worst character and inclinations. Grant us that in grace, we might become the land of the free and the brave – the land to which we aspire. Help I have to confess that as I consider this psalm, I read it first as Will Browne. What is required of us become better people, inclusive of all in the nation, especially our brothers and me in order that I might stand in God’s holy place? But as I read it more carefully I realize the sisters in Christ of every race. We ask this ‘you’ is plural not singular. The offered blessing in Jesus name. Amen. that leads to seeing the face of the Lord is for those who come in worthy company.
I lift Psalm 24 up because one set of company in which we live and have our being is that of our nation. This month we celebrate our collective
Finance
Natalie Duff, Director of Finance, natalied@fpcnaples.org
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Pledge Summary as of June 22, 2015
Endowment Committee Have you considered having your legacy continue at First Presbyterian Church after your lifetime? If so, please consider a current gift, a gift in your will or trust, or a gift by a beneficiary designation in a life insurance policy, a retirement account, or a bank or investment account. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help First Presbyterian Church of Naples, please contact Dr. Will Browne or Natalie Duff at 239.262.1311 or Endowment Committee members Linda Gadkowski at 508.778.6126 or Fred Garner at 239.434.2438. Remember please, these thoughts are general in nature and are not meant to be specific as to your personal situation or to take the place of your professional advisors.
225 pledges received, totaling $617,697. This represents 96.7% of our goal of $637,000.
132 Pledges were increased
24 pledges were decreased
69 pledges stayed the same
Online Giving Did you know you can make your gifts online? You can pay for Chancel flowers, make a donation to the Benevolence Fund, Feed the 5000, Wish List, Birthday Fund, Stewardship Tithe, Season of Music and more. Visit our website at www.fpcnaples.org and look for the “GIVE online” link at the bottom of the home page. Here you will be able to establish a secure online account. For those who pay their pledge online PLEASE NOTE: Although you may have set up an account last year with a recurring gift, you will need set up a new gift for 2015. For more information or if you need help setting up your account, please contact Natalie Duff at 239.262.1311 ext. 242 or at natalied@fpcnaples.org.
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Congregational Care
Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net
STEPHEN MINISTRY by Betsy Grant
Who is Betsy Grant??? A question I ask myself often. First I am BLESSED and I know it. My life is a journey that extends through years of amazing things that I thought I could not do or experience...Just ask me! It is the bad, the hard and the ugly that humans remember. They seem to be the things that Please help us keep track of parishioners make who are in the hospital, at rehabilitation, in us grow and expand. My story is probably assisted living or a nursing facility. yours. At 75 years old (I am shocked) I like myself...I know I have lots to give and share. Hopefully I do that every day. I have an open personality according to my friends and colleagues. I can accept and deal and help a vast variety of people. Things I have done that I feel great about are my children, grandchildren, my ability to create beautiful things, i.e. flower arrangements and running and owning a business or two. I know that who I am is a woman who uses her skills and humor to navigate the world. I feel and share JOY. SMILE. That is how I hope the world sees me. Just come and ask me...Betz
We would like to care for you as best we can and it is difficult for the Deacons, Stephen Ministers and the pastor to do visitations or give assistance if we can’t locate our members.
Please call Sharman Pfaus at 239.262.1311 or Shirley Hagerson at 239.596.3125. Thank you for your assistance in this important ministry.
Preschool
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
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The end of the year was full of fun and excitement. To celebrate, we invited the City of Naples Fire Department to visit and also enjoyed water day. We hope that these memories will follow our students into Summer and that they are all looking forward to building more memories next year.
Ashley Houk Preschool Director
Carmine loved the sprinkler.
Lucy saying hello to Fireman Dan.
Miss Leslie got in the spirit and dressed as a fireman!
Summer Preschool Schedule: Office closed: June 15-August 3 Ashley Houk, Director, can be reached by e-mail at ashleyh@fpcnaples.org at any time. Preschool tours are available by appointment.
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Children and Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Montreat 2015
Children and Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
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Montreat was a place to connect with God. It included friends, worship, close small groups, music and moving sermons. I want to thank you all for helping me to go as I wouldn’t have been able to if it wasn’t for you. Cole Breton Montreat was a time for me to be further educated and come closer to God. It was an amazing experience for my first time there and I can’t wait to go next year. I would finally like to thank the congregation for your generous contributions that let all of us go to a wonderful camp. Jack Breton
Montreat was the first thing I did this summer. However, I’ve been getting ready for it for months. The theme of our week of the conference was “This is our story.” It was all about how ours and God’s stories were intertwined. I learned so much and I met so many new friends. I can’t wait to go again next year. Thanks so much! Abby Canfield I woke up on Saturday morning at the late hour of 6 a.m., excited, but honestly incredibly nervous. I heard things would be changing in the next week for me, but how exactly and by who? Fast forward three days, and I’m singing my heart out during worship, crying during small groups, and laughing at night with the new friends I've made. Montreat is a very special place, to say the least. It is a place where God can be found around every corner, at every meal. Even the most disbelieving person would succumb to the feverish intensity and love that Montreat fills every man and woman present. I saw some incredible acts of love, of change and of faith on this trip. I’d like to thank this church from the bottom of my heart for allowing me and my friends this amazing opportunity to grow in our faith, and to find God even more than we had before. Billy Canfield
Montreat was such an eye-opening experience for the group and for me. The bonds and relationships I made with other conferees, both familiar and new, were incredible. We appreciate so much anyone who made it possible for us to go and anyone who supports our youth group. We can’t thank you enough. Marie Canfield I absolutely adored Montreat. It has been the best camp I’ve ever been to in my life. I made some amazing friends and experienced something I haven’t in a long time, true friendship. Thank you all so much for giving me that amazing part of my life. Gabe Cleveland
I normally don’t get to experience God’s amazing beauty through mountains and forests. I enjoyed a feeling of shared belief and community through singing and fellowship. I realized that my story was not my own but it was God’s story for me, OUR story. Even though I went last year, this year was a new experience for me as I was on the work crew which allowed me to feel like I was giving back to the organization and contributing to the experience of those who were at Montreat for the first time. Thank you for making this trip possible through your donations. Bethany Gordon Thank you to the congregation for making it possible for me to go to Montreat. Montreat is a beautiful place and I had lots of fun. I feel that Montreat has improved my faith tremendously. Josh Gordon Well, first I’d like to thank the congregation not only for just Montreat, but for all of the trips that have brought a new experience to our lives. Montreat for me was a time of laughter and joy. It not only brought me closer to God but the people in my youth group as well. We couldn’t have been able to grow in our faith and in ourselves without your gracious support. Thank you. Melanie Jones Montreat was an amazing experience for me. It was my first time there and I can’t wait to go back next year. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to go. Ashlee Murray Montreat is an open and accepting place where you can worship God in the beautiful mountains. Montreat taught me how to be accepting of everyone else and their flaws. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Hayley Reid
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Calendar SUNDAY
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
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1
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4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
11 a.m. Hazel Freeman Memorial 1 p.m. Cookie Baking 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
Church office closed
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5
6
7
8
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8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
9 a.m. VBS
9 a.m. VBS 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
9 a.m. VBS 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
9 a.m. VBS 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9 a.m. VBS 1 p.m. Cookie Baking
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13
15
4
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location)
8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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16
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OUTREACH DEADLINE location) 4:30 p.m. PNC 9 a.m. CE Committee Committee 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee
7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
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Youth at Cedarkirk 8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
Youth at Cedarkirk
Youth at Cedarkirk 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
Youth at Cedarkirk 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
Youth at Cedarkirk Youth at Cedarkirk 10 a.m. Sew & Sews 9:30 a.m. Cookie 7 p.m. Cumberland Baking Church
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4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 10:45 a.m. New Member Orientation 10:45 a.m. Teacher Training 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
SATURDAY
location)
8 a.m. Facilities Committee 3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons
28 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)
4 p.m. Session
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Missions
Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Their mission is to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to meet human needs in His name. It is the Salvation Army food pantry that receives our July collected food. Please take a Publix bag from an usher on the first Sunday of the month, and return it with food to the Sixth Street entrance before church on the second Sunday of the month.
Suggested items are: canned beans: kidney, pinto, baked cans of tuna, chicken and/or ham peanut butter jelly or jam canned fruit canned vegetables boxed macaroni and cheese dry pasta pasta sauce rice Checks are welcome, should be payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000," and placed in the collection plates during the service.
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
We have a new motto in this church:
“We are not on vacation”. Definitely the people we serve in this community are not on vacation. Please remember that children being home from school pose an extra burden on many working families. These children have been eligible for free breakfast/lunch at school, and many were recipients of the “backpack” program where teachers sneaked food into their backpacks while they were at recess. I have heard many times that the family takes turns eating meals because there is not enough. And during summer the pantries at the agencies we serve (St. Matthews, Grace Place, Helps Outreach, Shelter for Abused Women and Children) become almost bare. Our church has sent money from our mission budget to these agencies in May in hopes of alleviating some of this hardship. It is especially important that we support Project 5000 during this time. Looking ahead: we have been given two dates for workdays at Mision Peniel in Immokalee-October 16, 2015 and February 16, 2016. If you have not been part of our mission work there, please consider one of these dates. Pastor Miguel does beautiful work, not only with those who come with their heads down--dirty, hungry, exhausted, but he also ministers to those who try to take advantage, the unchurched and nonChristians. It’s simple and meager work, and something that we,
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living on the coast, may forget exists. The Missions Committee will be meeting during the summer and planning ways to involve our church in more mission work. It is an important part of our Christian lives, but easy to ignore, rationalize, and postpone. We wonder if we (the Committee) have been vigilant enough about involving and training our membership, and it is our hope that every church member will feel a calling to participate in some area of the FPC mission work. We believe that it is good for the individual and good for the church. Not long ago, I was having coffee with one of our church members when a gentleman, a former church member, came over to chat. It was amazing that in such a short time, we had come up with great ideas to work together with his new church and other churches in mission work. We will discuss that at meetings and I look forward to seeing where it will go and telling you about it. It’s true that in community we become better people. We are a community here at FPC, brothers and sisters in Christ. And together we can help people. Get rid of all the junk mail in your mailbox--(you know they are selling your name on a mailing list, right?) and send your charitable contributions here to the church. You will know that every dime is used in a responsible, substantiated, reliable way to assure that the agencies we support further the spread of God’s word and love. And you will save some trees!
Betty Mangos Mission Committee Chair
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
A WORK IN PROGRESS! The west Chancel air conditioner compressor has been replaced! We are waiting to receive the main balcony second air conditioner and dehumidifier units which will be installed during the summer months. Did you know that we have a total of 33 air conditioner units between both buildings? Thank you for your patience while we update our facility.
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Thank You We would like to thank Pat Stevens for her recent donation to the Wish List for a new commercial grade vacuum cleaner. We would also like to thank Jerry Harvatt for fulfilling Wish List item: Dri Dek floor covering in the Preschool, in honor of her 93rd birthday. Dear Friends in Christ, A word of thanks for your prayers and support. Very happy to be home and on that road to recovery. Walt Korntheuer
1 commercial grade vacuum cleaner—$900 Locked cabinet for audio/visual equipment in the Youth Room—$600 Pulpit and Lectern (See Will Browne) - $1,200 Dri-Dek floor coverings for the boys and girls bathrooms (public restrooms in Preschool) - $450 Preschool Bye Bye Buggy Tire Replacements $332.45 x 2 = $664.90 Commercial grade office shredder—$1,000
Donations for the above items would be welcomed and appreciated. Please contact Sharman Pfaus 239.262.1311 with any questions on the items for the wish list.
In Memoriam John Huston May 28, 2015
Mimi Straub June 1, 2015
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Christian Education Training for those who work with our children On Sunday, July 26 following the worship service, we will hold our annual teacher training and recertification.
If you ever work with children here at the church, this brief informational meeting is for you. Even if you are a substitute, please plan to attend. We will cover procedures, protocols and teaching material. We will also be discussing our new fall education launch. Please fill out the volunteer packet ahead of time and bring it with you to the meeting. Packets can be picked up in the education office. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Director of Children and Family Ministries, Shana Dublan, at 239.262.1311 ext. 229 or shanad@fpcnaples.org
Presbyterian Women’s Summer Luncheon Join us on Wednesday, August 5 at noon in Spencer Hall for our
“Bring a Piece of Salad Luncheon” All you need to do is sign up in Spencer Hall and bring in some of your favorite salad fixin’s.
First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8
Back to School Supplies During the month of July the Presbyterian Women will be collecting school supplies for Grace Place. Please bring your donations to Spencer Hall throughout the month.