May 2023 Outreach Newsletter

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God: we worship, we love, we grow, we serve

Easter Sunday Courtyard Service

Rev. Craig Goodrich,

Senior Pastor,

It is hard for me to believe that it is May already! The Naples Season has wound down and we have said farewell to many of you who have headed back to the northland. We hope you will stay in touch with us through our online worship and other communications. And though it is May, the Easter Season continues until Pentecost which this year is Sunday, May 28.

Looking back over April there is so much for which to be thankful. Holy Week and Easter Sunday with meaningful worship and the glorious HallelujahChorussung by our marvelous choir, and Brice once again playing the magnificent Widor Toccata. Our fellowship groups continued to meet. We celebrated Earth Care Sunday and TheSaintJohn’sBible, and launched our “Narthex Renovation and Summer Projects Campaign” (see page 4). And we welcomed some wonderful folks into membership (see page 15).

And looking ahead to May: We return to one worship service at 9:30 a.m. beginning on Sunday, May 7. Also, on that Sunday we will recognize and give thanks for four of our staff who will celebrate five years of faithful service this year. They are Lisa Ethier, Custodian; Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance; Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth; and the Reverend Rex Childs, Associate Pastor.

Then on the Sundays that follow we will celebrate Mothers’ Day (May 14), Ascension Sunday (May 21) and finally Pentecost (May 28) on which the Holy Spirit descends and empowers those first disciples.

Sometimes I think the Holy Spirit is the forgotten person of the Trinity. So maybe a good reminder for us this month is to recall the inspiring words from TheBriefStatementofFaithwhich we often say together in worship:

“We trust in God the Holy Spirit everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, and sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ the Church….In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit we seek to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live joyful and holy lives….With believers in every time and place we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I hope you will read this edition of the Outreachcover to cover. And as you do, remember that wherever you are and wherever you may go, you are a beloved child of God called to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And yes, empowered by the Spirit.

That’s why we are here.

Blessings and peace to you and yours.

Faithfully and Gratefully,

FROM THE PULPIT

May 7

Staff Recognition

Rev. Rex Childs

May 14

Mother’s Day

Rev. Craig Goodrich

“

Mothers in the Faith”

May 21

Ascension Sunday

Rev. Craig Goodrich

“

A Fond Farewell”

May 28

Pentecost

Rev. Craig Goodrich

“

Empowered by the Spirit”

Narthex renovation & summer projects campaign

On Sunday, April 23, we kicked off our mini capital campaign to raise $250,000 for a series of summer projects including the Narthex renovation, the Jassimedes (Ushers’) room renovation, the men’s room mini renovation, and fire alarm panel replacement. Hopefully many of you had a chance to stop by the Kiss or Cookie table in Spencer Hall after service to participate in a fun event to support this campaign.

As of this printing, we are thrilled to announce that we have received $163,500 in commitments and payments from a total of 30 families. These projects have been in the planning stages for quite some time, so we are excited to see them finally coming into being. The images of the Narthex below show our current space and the newly designed space which will allow us to prominently and securely display one volume of TheSaintJohn’sBibleat a time, on a rotating basis. The other projects, once completed, will refresh those spaces with very functional updates.

These projects are outside the scope of our annual operating budget, so if you have pledged for 2023, we hope that your heart will be stirred to consider this additional campaign and to make an additional gift. Please contact Debbie Savage, Director of Finance, with any questions.

Financial update

The first quarter of 2023 was not only busy, but also exciting here at First Presbyterian Church of Naples! We launched our 2023 Generosity Campaign –GrowingTogetherJoyfully, hosted The SaintJohn’sBiblededication weekend, and watched our regular programs, events, and outreach continue to expand.

Many of you have jumped in already by sharing your time, talents, and treasure and we thank you for that. We’ve received over 230 pledges, totaling over $1.21M, and several of you have already fulfilled your 2023 pledges, which we truly appreciate. As we shared during the campaign presentations by the speakers and in the videos, your contributions play a vital role in supporting our programs and ministry here and we are excited that you share our vision and participate in such a generous way. As we wrap up this campaign and move forward, please know that it’s never too late to submit a pledge card.

Below, we have provided the summary financials through the end of the first quarter of 2023, which provides a snapshot of our current financial position. While offerings are less than what we have budgeted, we realize that the budget is based on each of the twelve months in the year coming in equally and historically we receive the largest portion of offerings towards the end of the year. We are pleased to report that our YTD expenses are well within budget.

We remain confident that all of you will continue to partner with us and will generously support the ministries and missions of FPCN: intheHeartofNaples withtheLoveofGod:weworship,welove, wegrow,weserve.

Doug Jensen, Finance Committee Chair Debbie Savage, Director of Finance

Enjoy this article from the IFHA website...

Jean Kasten had visited the Helping Hands Ministry quilters one day in 2018, where she first met IFHA Board Member Betty Mangos, who was speaking of the heartbreaking conditions in Immokalee and the IFHA plan to build homes to overcome poverty.

“There were multiple families in the same run-down trailers, with strange men living there too! Who thought this was a good idea?” said Jean.

Then Board Member Cleve Cleveland and Betty made the presentation at First Presbyterian when both Jean and her husband Les were in attendance.

The couple was interested and truly taken with the need, but they were reluctant to commit to a donation until there was real progress on the site. They kept up to date with the status of the project, but wanted to know it was going to happen. In 2021, this dynamic couple decided the time had come, and they bought in with a donation. They were even more convinced in 2022 and donated again, and are now excited to see their contributions paying off.

“We wanted to know the project would succeed, and sure enough, the walls are going up!” they said.

Jean and Les plan to continue to provide support and they look forward to seeing the first families moving in later this year. Can you believe it? The Kastens do!

It is interesting to see where our donations are coming from and what motivated these donors to choose IFHA.

A former patent attorney with a center city Philadelphia law firm, Les retired early, but worked part time for many years, primarily teaching and mentoring younger lawyers in the firm. Most of his work during this time was done from the couple’s home outside of Philadelphia, or their second home on the Outer Banks, which they sold in 2012.

While in the Philadelphia area, Les was a regular with Habitat for Humanity. He served as an elder at their church there, and along with several other churches, they committed to building two Habitat houses from scratch. Les can tell some interesting stories about his experiences with Habitat!

The couple became snowbirds in 2014 and made Naples their primary residence in 2017. Both Les and Jean served as deacons of First Presbyterian Church of Naples.

We are proud to have this wonderful couple among our supporters!

Progress at the housing site!

Feed the 5,000

Suggested items are:

Canned tuna, ham, chicken

Baby formula (all varieties)

Soups

Pasta and pasta sauce

Missions

This month we are helping to restock the food pantry of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

Ushers will have a list available as you leave the Sanctuary the first Sunday of May. Food donations will be collected at the 6th Street church entrance on the second Sunday of the month, May 14.

If you prefer, monetary donations can be made online at www.fpcnaples.org/give or checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000" and placed in the collection plate.

Peanut butter & jelly

Juice/juice boxes

Oatmeal

Canned chili

Ketchup, mayonnaise, Mustard

Macaroni & cheese

Coffee (regular & decaf)

We will return to church by 12:30 p.m. Sign up in Spencer Hall at the Missions table or contact

Denver, Colorado. They were joined by Dr. Jovita Toledo, a dentist from Guatemala City, as well as a team of nurses, two medical students from Guatemala and medical translators. The team was able to care for 590 patients over 4 days. Our church provided the medications that were distributed to the people in the mountains of Camotàn. The team

with prenatal vitamins.

Dr. Speake is looking forward to returning again with another team in

In 2023, the Deacons are focusing on HOPE as one of the most central Christian themes, one of the fruits of the Spirit. There is perhaps no better reassurance relating to HOPE in the Bible than the wellknown language of Jeremiah 29:11, as discussed briefly below by the Editorial Board of PRAY.COM.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

This passage is a comfort to Christians facing challenging situations at any time. It is important to remember, however, that this is not a promise of immediate relief, but rather that God has a plan for our lives, despite our present circumstances. God promises to provide for us in all our situations in life, good

or bad. He will prosper us through it and bring us a future we can look forward to.

When Jeremiah speaks, he is addressing his fellow Jerusalemites who were sent into exile in Babylon. God tasked Jeremiah with delivering a message that God’s people would have to live for 70 years in a city that was not theirs before they would be delivered. By saying, “I know the plans I have for you,” God was reassuring the people that their faith in Him would be rewarded. He was not saying that He would make everything easy for them right away. He merely told them that even though it was hard at that time, they must have patience in their faith.

While Jeremiah 29:11 is the most popular verse about God’s plans for us, many other verses share similar messages:

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:20-21).

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23)

DEACONS

Class of 2023

Pat Collins

Tedi and Gene Fraley

Lucy Koll

Betty Plum

Barbara and Roger Simons

Susan Sonderby

Deb & Harry Streamer

Class of 2024

Mary Armstrong

Marti Beard

Norman Brown

Pam Fisher

Amy Manley

Sylvia and Jack Marsh

Melissa McClayton

Sarah Nichols

Ali Norris

Gary Root

Liz Speake

Class of 2025

Cindy Esler

Gary Nordbrock

Karen and Roy Parker

Cari Rieder

Sue Shenk

Nancy Walkenhorst

Janice and David Witman

Janet Yanushefski

Christ Caring for People through People

It is sometimes very difficult for Stephen Ministers to practice our primary function which is to listen and to help guide those suffering, to be more at peace and to look to God for comfort and support. Below is an article published in a blog called “Ten Percent Happier” which describes a healthy approach to the death of a loved one. The message is clearly that there are times when we can do nothing but be there with love. While the perspective of this article is not necessarily from a Christian perspective, there are certainly clear, Christian messages here.

Bearing Witness to Suffering by KoshinPaleyEllison,ZenMonk

A few years ago, my cousins called me to talk about their father, Jonah, who was ninety-two and had advanced dementia. He had rallied from sepsis in the hospital and had returned to his assisted living facility. But now he had stopped eating and drinking and wouldn’t take his medication.

My cousins were understandably anxious and scared, and since I’ve been with hundreds of people as they die as part of my work at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, they wanted me to come out to his assisted living community to give my opinion about how he was doing.

I arrived at the facility, and there he was in the bed. His breath was labored and he was staring at a random spot in the ceiling. It’s a scene I’ve seen many times; it’s how some people look when they are dying.

My cousins, who loved their father so much, were practically shouting at him, as many people speak to the dying, in desperation.

“Dad . . . Dad! Koshin’s here! Do you want us to put on some music? DAD!” He was not responding at all, and throughout his life, he had never been hard of hearing. My cousin turned to me and asked, “Well, what do you think?”

I told him I thought his father was doing great which, of course, seemed to make my cousins totally uncomfortable. How could I say he was doing great? He was dying. My cousins knew that, too, even if they hadn’t yet been able to fully come to terms with his dying.

But when I sat down and looked at Jonah, he actually seemed quite peaceful. He didn’t appear to be in any pain; in fact, he was almost radiant. His room was covered with beautiful symbols from his life: emblems from his military service, awards for his groundbreaking pharmaceutical work, photos of him doing magic tricks and dancing with the wife he loved, and so many pictures of their kids and grandkids.

And he was surrounded by his loving family.

My cousins were used to their father being very energetic and jocular, so to them, who they were seeing in that moment was not the father they had known. It was this other father, a father who was dying, and it’s not what they really wanted to see.

“What should we do?” they asked me. “He’s not eating. Should we feed him?”

“Let’s take a moment to be quiet together,” I responded. When it seemed like some of the anxiety and discomfort had dissipated from them, I asked, “Does it look like he needs to eat right now? Does he look like he needs to drink?”

The answer was clear. “No,” they said.

I said, “I think that whatever he needs to do, he’s just doing that. You can talk to him at a normal level and spend some loving time with him.”

To me, this is what bearing witness is: just relaxing, and settling down, and learning to be in, as Carl Jung would say, “the time of your life.” When we’re rushing around constantly, or when we’re resistant to whatever is in front of us, we’re not really doing good even when, like my cousins, we have the best of intentions. And as with my cousins, it’s good to know what we don’t know and ask for help.

So much of doing good is really just about learning how to relax in the face of whatever is in front of us. Each of us does this in our own particular way. I wonder: how does it feel to bear witness to your experience and not have to react in the same habitual way? How do you learn how to pause? Can you practice responding to your own reactivity in a nonhabitual, present way?

Life becomes alive only when we are expansive, and we can expand only when we learn how to relax: into our seat, into our feet on the floor, into our breath and our belly. From this place of relaxation, we can bear witness to anything.

This is how we do good by bearing witness.

Teresa Doane, Preschool Committee Chair, twdoane@hotmail.com

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Fun at the Preschool

Chloe and Emmett “PJ Day”

Mrs. Monique’s class wearing their FPP t-shirts

Evelyn and Henry “Wacky Tacky Day”

Cole with silly hair

Mrs. Kennedy’s class book character

“Silly Sock Day” Preschool VPK class with Mrs. Finman

Our Presbyterian Women’s Gathering for Wednesday, May 3 will provide us with an opportunity to share with each other what the JourneyintotheHeartofSabbathand the CelebrationofSabbathmight be for each of us. What have we learned this past year? Are we going to continue to set aside time to maintain some of the Sabbath practices we have learned?

In the final chapter of this year’s PW study the author, Carol Bechtel, states, “Sabbath seekers need to find ways to join hands with others who are on the same journey. That is especially important for those of us who have made a strong start and would like to continue well.”

The Coordinating Team (CT) of Presbyterian Women have met 3 times since our March Gathering to address the invitation of others to serve on our Coordinating Team. The group of wonderful and dedicated women on our CT definitely recognize and support the above statement: “. . .a strong start and would like to continue well.” PW is such a valuable organization within our church community. We join hands with others seeking the same journey as we would enjoy: Fellowship that form supportive friendships with the women of our church through study, mission outreach, and hospitality.

The Coordinating Team of PW is busy planning six Gatherings for next year beginning with our welcome back Gathering on Wednesday, November 1.

Our traditional “Circle Groups” for next year will be a Tuesday Morning Fellowship & Study on the first Tuesday of the month and then a Wednesday afternoon Fellowship and Study on the third Wednesday of the month. We will be combining the former three Wednesday Circle Groups into one group for the upcoming year. Our punch and cookies table will become more inclusive. We are going to call it “Fellowship Time”. Our PW group strongly feels that this hospitality outreach is so important to the warm & welcoming spirit that occurs in Spencer Hall. We will be extending an invitation to others within our church to help host this table.

In the past three years as Moderator of PW I have witnessed what Christian service is all about. Month after month the women of this church reach out to others in love through their hospitality; mission giving and projects; programs; and/or the gathering each month for fellowship & study. This group of women demonstrate that being a Christian is not a solo endeavor. May God continue to grow and sustain the wonderful sisterhood and mission of Presbyterian Women. I thank God for the growth and support I have attained by being a part of this terrific circle of women.

Blessings to all of you for a safe and inspirational summer.

Carolyn Bennett

THE BOOK OF ACTS

Women’s Ministry Bible Study

All women are invited to join us for a weekly Bible Study held on Mondays at 1 p.m. in the Parlor. Please bring your Bible. We look to covenant with each other week by week as we delve into God’s Word.

For more information contact Janeen McClure at jrmc@airmcclure.com.

A Men’s Bible Discussion Group

All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us in Spencer Hall each Thursday at noon.

Bring a Bible and your lunch! If unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom. Please contact David Fister at davidf@fpcnaples.org for Zoom instructions and a link to the meeting.

"The Aging Process: Are We Prepared?" and looking at the roles of Friends and Family. We begin with coffee and pastry and some informal social/sharing time. Participants will then have an opportunity to share their thoughts and responses to questions.

Contact Bill Kearney at skearney239@comcast.net if you have a comment or questions. You may also join us via Zoom.

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor, rexc@fpcnaples.org

Easter Egg Hunt

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Nancy Van Fleet, Dir. of Children & Youth, nancyv@fpcnaples.org

GenWE Sunday, May 7

GenWE Sundays, held on the first Sunday of each month during the school year, encourage us to gather across generations to worship together.

After the service, we will have a special breakfast in Spencer Hall and share some of the experiences of the Growing Young Initiative.

All generations will be invited to make pinwheels to remind us of God’s Spirit working though this church as we Grow Young!

Young Adult Gathering

We seek to be a refuge for those who are spiritually hungry and looking for meaningful connection rooted in our faith tradition.

Young Adults will meet in May via Zoom.

Please contact Nancy Van Fleet nancyv@fpcnaples.org for date and Zoom details.

Graduation Milestone 2023

Join us on Sunday, May 21 as we celebrate all our graduates from–preschool, elementary, middle school, high school and college.

A reception will follow in Spencer Hall. Please let us know if you have a child or grandchild that is celebrating this important milestone and we can honor them in the service!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

June 26-30 9 a.m.—12 p.m.

For children entering Kindergarten through grade 5

*Cost: $25 per child

$40 for families of 2 or more children

* Scholarships available

From a whimsical lighthouse on an enchanted island, Explorers are guided by the Lighthouse Keeper and Beacon the Puffin on an exciting quest to find five mysterious Infinity Lanterns to help light their way. Using map coordinates from their Reference Book (the Bible), children discover clues to finding each lantern while learning how God’s light shines in the lives of familiar B ible characters from Old and New Testament stories.

We are looking for volunteers to help with snack time, games, Bible lessons, group leaders, arts and crafts. Only have a day or two that week? That’s ok! We would love to have you!

Sign up in Spencer Hall or contact Ashley Hancock at ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org.

CHURCH TOUR

All are welcome to join a "Behind the Scenes" church tour on Sunday, June 4.

The group will assemble at the front of the sanctuary following the worship service, after a 15 minute break. The guided walking tour will cover the church grounds in 30 minutes and provide information about the layout, activities, and history of FPCN.

Please contact Sarah Nichols for additional information, sarahsnichols@gmail.com 615-268-5407.

Rev. Rex Childs Lisa Ethier Eduardo Martinez

Stay Connected

There are several ways you can stay connected to First Presbyterian Church this summer. Scan

When worshiping with us online be sure to fill out the Friendship Pad Registration. You can find it on the “Worship with Us” page along with worship service videos and links to the bulletins.

The Memorial Garden

A place of beauty and peace to house the columbarium for the interment of ashes for our loved ones.

The Memorial Garden is available for interment for members of The First Presbyterian Church of Naples and their families. Others may use the Memorial Garden based on availability and approval by the Facilities Committee.

Anyone desiring to purchase a Burial Right in the Memorial Garden must submit a written application. Based upon the information contained in the application and the conditions outlined in the Rules and Regulations, the Facilities Committee will approve applications that meet the required credentials. If you would like additional information, please contact Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager.

May 2

Tom Ryerson

Bev TenCate

May 3

David Fister

May 4

Darlene Evans

May 5

Vicki Jessopp

Jerry Miller

May 6

Barbara Church

May 7

Jenny Haire

Frank Kiningham

May 8

Kathy Grandi

Judith Humphrey

May 9

Mike Calyore

Craig Goodrich

Barbie Kellam

Tom Norris

May 10

Pete Debbink

Sandy Johnson

May 11

Cathy Trampe

May 12

Mike Del Campo

Tina Gulliford

Jim Lutz

May 13

Norman Brown

Mozelle Padgett

May 14

Tom Grady

Marv Herb

Terry Storter

Linda Wood

Melinda Younkin

May 15

Susan Sonderby

AWarm Welcome to our New Members

May 16

Michael Holmberg

May 18

Roxanne Hanks

Robin Huffman

Dan Mac Lea

May 19

Christine Brady

Kathie Doerbaum

Dellie Nevins

Tom Tichenor

May 20

Howard Anker

Jan Jeckel

May 21

Kristin Brandt

Pam Karll

Steve Richards

May 22

Paul Corwith

Al Hilde

May 23

Kay Pfouts

May 24

Bob Fultz

May 25

Jeff Camp

Deb Taylor

Sallie Wright

May 26

Sue Guyett

Karen Parker

Susan Pratt

Nancy Walkenhorst

May 27

Madison Connell

Taylor McGinn

Betty Plum

May 28

Dick Banko

Barbara Gibson

May 30

David Gunning

Bob VanderPolder

May 31

Edith Andrew Rich Miller

Dick Barton

Richard and Louise Jensen

The Membership Committee is pleased to offer you an opportunity to purchase a First Presbyterian Church mug. These beautiful blue ceramic mugs are a generous 12 oz., have a large handle and feature our logo and mission statement.

The cost is only $10 and proceeds will be given to the Power Pak program of the Missions Committee. The Power Pak program provides meals/snacks for Big Cypress Elementary School students who would not otherwise have enough to eat over the weekend. For information about the Power Pak Program, contact Betty Plum at bplum.790@gmail.com.

Visit the table in Spencer Hall on Sunday mornings, beginning May 14, to purchase one or more mugs!

Seekers & Joiners Class

Do you want to know more about our faith, this congregation and how to become a member of our dynamic church?

We want to encourage you in your journey of faith. A Seekers and Joiners class will be held in the Parlor on Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Information packets are available at the exit doors or at the class. Please register by calling the church office at 239.262.1311 or by e-mailing Sandy Knight at sandyk@fpcnaples.org.