April 2021 Outreach Newsletter

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

April 2021

Rev. Craig Goodrich Session Worship and Music Finance Generosity

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Missions Preschool Children & Youth Presbyterian Women Christian Education

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Personnel Membership Birthdays Staff

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor

April brings us to the Season of Easter. Beginning with Easter Day, April 4 until the Day of Pentecost on May 23, our focus is on the implications, the drama and the joy of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In worship we will tell the stories. We will see Mary Magdalene at the tomb, her grief turned to joy as we hear her exclaim “ I have seen the Lord.” We will hear Thomas declare, “I will not believe” until he sees the marks in the hands of Jesus, only to declare upon seeing Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” We will walk with the disciples on the road to Emmaus as they encounter a stranger who becomes known to them in the breaking of the bread and, on reflection, remember their burning hearts in his presence. And we will be with Peter and the others on the beach and hear the commands of Jesus, “Feed my Sheep” and “Follow Me!” And, of course, we will talk about what all this means to you and to me.

The late Eugene Peterson, a Presbyterian pastor, authored many books including one entitled “Practice Resurrection” in which he writes that as followers of Jesus we are to grow up into the “full stature of Christ,” and we do this by “practicing resurrection.” It is a phrase he borrows from writer and poet Wendell Berry. Peterson says this: “We live our lives in the practice of what we do not originate and cannot anticipate. When we practice resurrection, we continuously enter into what is more than we are. When we practice resurrection, we keep company with Jesus, alive and present, who knows where we are going better than we do, which is always “from glory unto glory.” (Practice Resurrection, page 8).

craigg@fpcnaples.org

As we enter into this Easter Season, I encourage us all, individually and together, to “practice resurrection,” to be open to the surprising presence, power and love of God in Jesus Christ.

And do be sure to read this issue of The Outreach cover to cover, to see all that has happened, and all that is yet to be. And don’t miss our Staff Spotlight, this month featuring Lisa Either.

Faithfully and Gratefully,

From the Pulpit April 4 Easter Sunday Rev. Craig Goodrich “On Easter Street” April 11 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Wounds that Heal” April 18 Earth Care Sunday Rev. Rex Childs April 25 Rev. Craig Goodrich “U-Turns Allowed”

Saralene Oldham, Clerk of Session, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

Session

We will continue to hold Sunday morning live worship service at 9:30 a.m. with all safety protocols in place. Meetings, study groups and gatherings will continue to take place via Zoom through April.

Required precautions for live worship: · All attendees must wear masks during the entire service. · Social distancing is required. Seating and dismissal will be directed by the ushers. · There will be no singing but you will be able to enjoy the soloists singing the hymns and anthems.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office at 239.262.1311 and ask for Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager. Your understanding of this decision in greatly appreciated. We wish you blessings and peace.

Worship and Music

Join us on Earth Care Sunday April 18 when we celebrate God’s glorious earth.

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.

Psalm 24:1

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Annual Meeting of the Congregation

Sunday, April 25 following the worship service

Patty Rutzler, Committee Chair, pattyw33@aol.com Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org

Easter Concert Our Chancel Choir soloists have been working hard to present a video concert of Lenten and Easter choral music. The concert will take us on a Lenten musical journey culminating with the joyful music of Easter.

Some of the highlights include:

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Gilbert M. Martin, Pilgrims’ Hymn by Stephen Paulus, Ride On, King Jesus! – arr. Howard Helvey and Alleluia by Ralph Manuel.

On Saturday, April 3, the concert will be sent out via e-mail and will be available to view on the music page of our website, www.fpcnaples.org/music. Please enjoy the concert and feel free to share it with your friends!

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Generosity

Pews

Doug Jensen, Committee Chair, d50.jensen@gmail.com Anna Focht, Director of Finance, annaf@fpcnaples.org

Playground

Revitalizing our Future Looking Ahead to our Future Here's an opportunity to help us invest in our future by donating to our Pews & Playground campaign in replacing the pew seats, choir chair cushions, and Preschool playground. We would be honored if you would consider making a gift to help us reach our goals for these projects!

Pew Seat Cushions – Donated: $25,760 Campaign goal: $50,000 Our pew seat cushions are showing their age through normal wear and tear since their initial installation when the church was built in 2002. We will be replacing our seat cushions and fabric for our pews and choir chairs. Most importantly, we will be thrilled to have you sitting on new and comfortable cushions as more of you join us for inperson worship!

Playground – Donated: $24,940 Campaign goal: $82,000 Our new playground will replace the current structure that was installed in 2009. In addition, we will replace the poured rubber absorbent surface under the structure that will ensure safe use by our students for years to come.

We’re excited to add new skill-building items to the playground along with stationary musical instruments. We look forward to introducing the new playground in August, with the beginning of our new school year!

Thank you for your overwhelming response to our 2021 generosity pledge campaign.

Already we have received 243 pledges for a total of $1,275,461!

Our pledge goal is $1,500,000, so we are 85% of the way there.

If you haven’t already pledged, we hope you’ll do so soon. Your consideration and generosity are greatly appreciated by the entire First Presbyterian Church of Naples community!

How to Donate Please designate your gift amount to either Playground, Pew Seat, or both. You may give by check through the mail, or give online.

Checks may be mailed directly to the church office at 250 Sixth Street South, Naples, FL 34102.

Online donations may be made by going to www.fpcnaples.org/give. When asked to “Select a fund” designate the funds “Pews (Reupholster)” or “Playground (Preschool).”

Donations can also be made through the preschool website at www.fppnaples.org/support-our-school and click the “Donate Now” button.

The future of our community is promising with our ministries, students, congregation and friends through the work of God. Thank you for your continued generosity!

If you have not done so already, we encourage you to make a pledge to this year’s campaign and we thank you for your generosity!

Commitment cards are available on our website www.fpcnaples.org/give.

Cleve Cleveland, Committee Chair, Carleton_cleveland@hotmail.com Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor, rexc@fpcnaples.org

Missions

Christian Education’s

Wednesday Night’s at First

is teaming up with our Missions Committee to bring you a special educational offering beginning in April.

“Make It Your Mission to Get to Know our Mission Partners Better” (via Zoom)

Each session will consist of two 20 minute presentations each followed by 10 minutes for Q and A.

Mark your calendars:

April 21, 6 p.m.

Grace Place Shelter for Abused Women & Children April 28, 6 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Guadalupe Center May 5, 6 p.m.

Salvation Army Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance Our mission partners will discuss: • What they do for the community • How are FPCN’s donations being put to use • Their greatest needs • The impact of COVID-19 • Do they yet see a safe path to re-engaging volunteers • How they can most effectively educate and engage our youth “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they do.”

Proverbs 19:17 Contact Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant, for registration at ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org

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Teresa Doane, Elder, twdoane@hotmail.com Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Preschool The Digital Age and First Presbyterian Preschool

I’m grateful today that you have stepped away from your smart phone, computer or tablet to review our monthly newsletter. I am guilty of finding fun, mindless, time-consuming games to play on my phone any time I get a chance at home. At work, I’m logged into my email account all the time and can view our web-based student database at any point during the day. I’m always plugged in, in some form or fashion.

While this works for me, and maybe even many of you, we have chosen a curriculum path for our Preschool students that steers them away from using advanced technology during their school days. Our students are with us for only four and a half hours and we like to focus their time and attention to peer interactions and social skills.

Many families have access to technology at home, but quality learning environments and social interactions are our specialty.

This gives us the opportunity to teach important life skills such as conflict resolution, turn taking, sharing, communication, etc.

While we may not use technology in our classrooms, we do use technology to reach out to our families and advertise to new families. Our web-based student data base incorporates a parent portal where the parents and Preschool staff can communicate directly with one another. We can provide them with reminders about closings, ask them to complete a survey as to their child’s exposure to COVID while they electronically sign their child in and out each day. In addition, the Preschool hosts a Facebook (FP) page and an Instagram (IG) page. These social media avenues allow us to advertise our enrollment

opportunities, special events, and fundraising efforts. Using our FB and IG pages, we have reached many families outside those that are currently attending the program. With this outreach, we have been able to raise $250 during our recent Turco Taco fundraiser. We can also accept fundraising donations through our website (in case you’re interested in donating to our new playground!!!).

Several years ago, we built a website for the Preschool and now, families can take a virtual tour of our facility, access event calendars and parent newsletters, register for 2021-2022, and much more. We’ve made an effort to go paperless, and so far, it’s working quite well. Our website, www.fppnaples.org, had over 3,000 views in the month of February.

Have you visited our website? Check it out the next time you have a free minute and you find yourself holding your smartphone or tablet.

Children and Youth

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, nancyv@fpcnaples.org

FPC Family Faith @ Home is an outreach to our families to help equip parents to be the primary faith formers in their homes. Each month, a themed box is sent out and families are invited to participate in our FPC Family Faith @ Home Zoom Experience the third Sunday of each month. If you want to subscribe to this service, please contact Ashley Hancock at ashley.hancock@fpcnaples. org.

Joshua Myers playing his cello for a meditation for our young adult Zoom gathering.

Communion in Kidz Lab with Pastor Rex

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Presbyterian Women

Barbara Heissner, Moderator, khh0725@atlanticbb.net Carolyn Smith Bennett, Moderator Elect, cjosmith341@gmail.com

Congratulations to Saralene Oldham who received the Honorary Life Member Award from the Presbyterian Women’s Organization. Saralene is very active in the Sew and Sews group who make dresses, personal hygiene kits, and other items that are donated to the Tumaini Fund USA assisting thousands of AIDS orphans and widows and allowing girls to be able to attend school. Always willing to lend a hand, Saralene is always busy in the kitchen, as well. We thank her for her tireless efforts on behalf of Presbyterian Women. In her persistent and humble way she has given her gifts of time, talent and love: Always willing to step in wherever needed. She is currently serving as the leader of our Stephen Minister program. She is a deacon, elder, and currently serving as Clerk of Session. Saralene also is a well-loved and appreciated volunteer in the church office.

Our four Circles are enjoying Zoom Bible studies.

Below is a list of Circles and contact information.

Please call the Circle leader of your choice and we will make sure you get the link for the meeting.

Grace Circle April 7 at 10 a.m.

Andie Goodrich 404.317.5850 Coke Evans 559.978.5898 Love & Friendship Circle April 21 at 9:30 a.m.

Martha Waddell 507.581.1480 Sunshine Circle April 21 at 11:30 a.m.

Janet Root 239.963.9838 Peace with Honor Circle April 21 at 1:30 p.m.

Betty Mangos 239.254.9883 Please call the Circle leaders if you have questions about the Circles or Bible study.

Everyone is welcome.

At the last Coordinating Team meeting, it was voted to disperse $7,000 of our budget to Local Missions. We thank everyone who has sent in their pledge to PW. Almost all monies in our budget are given to our mission work. If you have not sent in a pledge, please do so by making your check out to “Presbyterian Women” and mailing it to the church.

PW thanks you for your continued support.

Andie Goodrich, Bible Study Coordinator, has announced that our next study will feature the book What My Grandmothers Taught Me,

by Merryl Blair.

We’ve missed the opportunity to gather during 2020-2021, but we look forward and are grateful our programs that were signed up for this past year will available next year.

The Prayer Shawl ministry continues and if you are knitting at home, we thank you for this gift which is distributed by our Stephen Ministers to those who have had loss or illness. For more information, contact Dorie Tichenor at 202.412.0799.

April Gathering We are excited to meet again in-person for our April Gathering, “Love Set In Stitches: 5 Generations of Quilters.” There are stories in quilts. Martha Waddell is a prolific, ribbon-winning quilter and a member of the Naples Quilt Guild and the Minnesota Quilt Guild. She will share stories and examples of the American Art in a bed-turning format with over 80 years worth of her families’ creativity, from her great-grandmothers, Sara and Lucy, to her grandson, Edison, and what this grandmother is sharing with the next generation.

There will be no luncheon, but we will have the opportunity to hear Martha speak about and show her magnificent quilts. All precautions and social distancing will remain in place, but we will be able to view in person her beautiful work. Join us on Wednesday, April 14 at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Martha will be offering 5 or 6 of her quilts “for sale” with the proceeds going to Collier Harvest, a local non-profit organization feeding the hungry of Collier County. Checks may be made payable to Presbyterian Women.

Christian Education

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

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This past year, FPCN applied to become a "Green Church" under a PC(USA) Program.

This required an audit to be completed by the church along with a signed pledge as a commitment that we would care for God's earth and encourage others to do the same. With many thanks and much gratitude to Roni Haggart, Rex Childs, Nancy Van Fleet and Sandy Poore’s diligence and dedication to this plan, FPCN has received confirmation from the PC(USA) that we have fulfilled all of our obligations and have been CERTIFIED as an Earth Care Congregation. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! Below is the issued press release.

First Presbyterian Church is Certified as a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation First Presbyterian Church was certified as an Earth Care Congregation by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2022. This honor speaks to the great commitment that First Presbyterian Church has made to care for God’s earth.

To become an Earth Care Congregation, this congregation affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.

The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.

Started in 2010 by the PC(USA), the goal of this program is to inspire churches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way, through integrating earth care into all aspects of their church life. The Earth Care Congregation certification honors churches that make that commitment and encourages others to follow their example.

“It is exciting that First Presbyterian Church is one of the 276 churches that chose to dedicate themselves to intentional care of God’s earth this year. Particularly in a time of much uncertainty and worry about the future, this congregation’s activities and commitment even in the midst of navigating limitations, brought about by COVID-19, brings hope to their community. We believe that First Presbyterian Church will inspire others to respond intentionally to God’s call to care for the earth,” says Jessica Maudlin, Associate for Sustainable Living and Earth Care Concerns for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

For more information about First Presbyterian Church’s earth care program contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org or Roni Haggart at vhaggart@gmail.com For more information on the Earth Care Congregations program visit www.pcusa.org/

earthcarecongregations.

Wednesday Morning Men Join other committed men in our congregation on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Following the presentation there will be a time for questions and discussion. We will gather via Zoom, at 8 a.m.

April 7 - Rev. Bill Crawford with the topic ”Abraham” April 21 - Cleve Cleveland with the topic “Ruth” For Zoom instructions contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org or Bill Kearney at skearney239@comcast.net.

A men’s

Bible Discussion Group All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us via Zoom each Thursday from 10:45 a.m. - noon For Zoom instructions contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org

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Barb Weiss, Committee Chair, bweiss1952@gmail.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

Personnel

Stephen Ministers

Lisa Ethier Custodian Lisa is a very special person and appreciated in so many ways. She is always willing to assist anyone in need. She works hard at keeping our preschool and church looking top notch. Lisa continues to work every Sunday and weddings too!

Thank you Lisa for being a great teammate to all of us!

Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities

Originally from a small town, Dunkirk, NY, outside of Buffalo, Lisa’s family moved to Naples in 1984. She attended Lely High School and graduated in 1987. After graduation, Lisa took nursing assistance at Lorenzo Walker Technical School.

Lisa’s family owned a Pet Sitting business here in Naples for 19 years. She loved caring, playing and walking the dogs each day. Her favorite breed of dogs are sheltie collies and chihuahuas. One of the clients could not continue to care for her collie so Sophie became part of Lisa’s family until she passed away. Lisa enjoyed working closely with her parents. After many years they sadly closed their business due to her parents health issues.

While working for a temporary employment agency Lisa was sent to interview at First Presbyterian Church. She met with Sandy and Sharman and knew this was a great place to work. I began her employment here

in April 2018 as a temporary, fulltime custodian. To her delight, she was offered a permanent position after her temporary contract ended. Lisa enjoys working with the staff and on Sundays. It allows her time to get to know the members of the congregation and say “hello” to all the people she has met over the past few years.

Lisa has a daughter Ashley, 26, younger brother Ron and mother, Mary. Her father Ron passed away in 2015. Her cat, Mia, is Lisa’s pride and joy.

During her time away from the church Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, going to dinner, shopping and walking.

Membership

Deborah Meeson-Vige, Committee Chair, Deborah.meeson@gmail.com Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

April 11 Deborah Wight Sue Shenk Ruth Klementik April 12 Ron Malstrom Lucy Koll April 13 Donna Fiala April 14 Tom Gahagan Susan McComsey Linda Moreno Joan Wilson Donna Tincu Jackson Haire

February Birthdays April 1 Edie Smallwood Cathy Batcher April 2 Jackson Barton Jeanie Weigel Doug Johnson

April 6 Patty Rutzler April 7 Tom Decker April 8 John Marshall Martin Hudtloff Sue Robertson Les Kasten

April 3 Judy Herb Cooper Garcia Bill Colville April 4 Mary Armstrong April 5 Muffy Autera Hailey Holmberg

April 9 Macey Scerba April 10 Liz Psota Barbara Laswell

MEMBERSHIP

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April 15 Mary Lowe Bonita Krauss Abigail Quinn Keira Brady April 17 Mary Gahagan C.J. Bussell April 18 Bob Race Sheila Johnson Carolyn Lee April 19 Rusty Batcher Kim Wilmore Mike Hulsen Roger Kuhl

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April 20 Alison Henley April 21 Barb Shineman Christopher Fernstrom Steve Magennis Loralee Brandt April 22 Pat Collins Deon Van Vuuren April 23 Jerry Lanz April 24 David Witman April 26 Marge Martin Carolyn Mollers Annabel Doane April 27 Keith Gahagan Deb Wiswell April 28 Patrick Fraley April 29 Kathy Brennan April 30 Linda Byrd Tom Benson

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Membership at First Presbyterian Church 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 on Sunday, April 18 following the worship service in the Sanctuary. Information packets are available at the exit doors. Please register by contacting the church office 239.262.1311 or Angie Johnson angiej@fpcnaples.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Naples

Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8

250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311

STAFF LISTING Name Phone: 239.262.1311 Ministers Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor

Ext.

E-mail

2035 2027

craigg@fpcnaples.org rexc@fpcnaples.org

Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries

2039

briceg@fpcnaples.org

Christian Education Jack Fogelman, Kidz Lab Teacher Audrey Gordon, Childcare Provider Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth

2012 2029

ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org nancyv@fpcnaples.org

Office Anna Focht, Director of Finance Angie Johnson, Office Assistant/Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager

2042 2000 2013 2036

annaf@fpcnaples.org angiej@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org sharmanp@fpcnaples.org

Facilities Lisa Ethier, Custodian Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities

2016 2014 2028

lisae@fpcnaples.org eduardom@fpcnaples.org sandyp@fpcnaples.org

Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Lindsay Willkomm, Assistant Preschool Director

2009 2038

ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lindsayw@fpcnaples.org