April outreach newsletter

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

April 2015

By his great mercy he has given us a new birth...

1 Peter 1:3

IN THIS ISSUE From Dr. Browne

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Session

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PNC update

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Worship and Music Music

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Finance Congregational Care

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Presbyterian Women

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Calendar

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Children and Youth Preschool

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Missions

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News & Events

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Rev. Dr. Will Browne,

Interim Pastor/Head of Staff

The words of Psalm 66 provide a wonderfully appropriate background for our worship as the Easter Season begins with the services of Holy Week.

It is a daring psalm because it calls for joy and awe in a week where the drama takes us to the depth of despair as Jesus is crucified and buried. Yet we are the fortunate ones who live after the resurrection. Our memories and imaginations can stumble, caught in the harsh realities of death.

But those memories and imaginations are outpaced by the larger picture of the wonder God has performed in defeating death and raising Jesus. So despite it all we sing: 1

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.

3 Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds!

Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.

4 All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.’’

5 Come and see what God has done…

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There is one note of caution here. We find it in the first and dependent/conditional clause in the 18th verse.

“18

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

All the wonder that happens in Holy Week and Easter is the Lord’s doing, not our doing. Yet still God requires of us that we be in relationship, that we be yearning toward God and reject iniquity and evil in our own hearts and souls. We are still to know ourselves as God’s children who live in God’s love.

willb@fpcnaples.org

Our Executive Presbyter, Graham Hart, shares a most beautiful image from his sermon for his daughter’s wedding. He compares a wedding to trees planted in good soil but in a place where there is limited light. The trees survive and thrive because they lean toward the light as they grow.

We survive and thrive because we have learned where to find the light and we lean toward the light with all we have. Thanks be to God.

Come and see what

God has done...

Session

Libby Biehl, Clerk of Session, libbykb629@gmail.com

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Highlights of Session March 24, 2015     

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Opening Prayer and Devotions from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 1 were given by Dr. Will Browne.

A Congregational forum will be scheduled in the future to discuss the Definition of Marriage as outlined by the General Assembly.

Minutes of the February 24, 2015 stated meeting were approved.

Approval was given to participate in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on March 29 (Palm Sunday) and April 5 (Easter Sunday).

Approval was given to hold a church-wide appeal for donations to send two youth members on Mission trips this summer. Katelynn Boot will travel to Haiti on a medical mission and Collin Weigel is traveling to Jamaica.

Approval was given to support the Cumberland Church’s Mission Project in Golden Gate via the offering on Maundy Thursday as we hold a joint service with them.

Approval was given to hire John Mercier as a stewardship consultant and to grant the Stewardship Committee authority to establish a contract with him.

Joanne Slager will serve as Elder representative at the April meeting of the Deacons.

A status report of pledges received was given.

The finance report was approved.

Approval was given to hire a Sunday School Teaching Lead for 230 hours per year at the rate of $15 per hour.

Approval was given to allocate $1,500 for nursery care from the present date through October at which time the Personnel Committee will review the nursery care needs.

Approval was given to refrain from serving communion on Easter Sunday.

The Membership Committee will send letters to “new” households in the area inviting them to First Presbyterian Church.

Report of the February 26, 2015 Peace River Presbytery meeting was given.

The next meeting of Session will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 4 p.m. in Room 203.

From Your PNC Committee It has been almost one and a half years of reviewing potential pastor candidates' lengthy resumes, listening to dozens of sermons, calling on so many references, etc., etc, and our dear congregation is asking the question, "Why hasn't a pastor for First Presbyterian Church been found yet?" As your Pastor Nominating Committee members diligently work through this process, we ask ourselves the same question!

Once again, we can tell you that we have a handful of viable candidates that we are looking at closely.

However, we also know that God has set aside the right person to lead us. Now, your PNC comes to you again requesting that we all open our hearts and sincerely seek God's will through earnestly and consistently praying for His guidance and direction.

In the meantime, we are so thankful that God has blessed us with a wonderful interim pastor. Rev. Dr. Will Browne has indeed stirred our hearts and united us week after week.

With God's Blessings, Your PNC Member, Cris Crider

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Worship and Music

Lenten Wednesdays Study, Music and Lunch, A Lenten study will take place at 11 a.m. in the Youth Room. Dr. Will Browne will lead a class on “Comparative Religions� Islam/ Christianity.

Join us at noon on Wednesday, April 1 for a half hour organ concert at noon by Dr. Brice Gerlach and then you are welcome to join us for lunch ($7) reservations required.

239.262.1311 .

Everyone is welcome.

Bonita Krauss, b.krauss@yahoo.net

Maundy Thursday 7 p.m.

A Communion Service with Washing of the Hands

Good Friday 12 p.m.

Dramatic reading of the Passion Narrative with Musical Selections

Music

Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org

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A Season of Music Petronel Malan Sunday, April 19, 2015 4:00 p.m.

Concert pianist Petronel Malan returns to perform on our wonderful BlĂźthner grand piano.

In 2000, Ms. Malan's career was launched following five gold medals at international piano competitions throughout the United States. These included the Louise McMahon, Missouri Southern, Los Angeles Liszt "Budapest Concert" and Hilton Head International Piano Competitions. She also garnered the grand prize in the 2000 Web Concert Hall Competition and gold medals in both the Grace Welsh Piano Competition and the Entergy Young Artist Award.

Born in South Africa, Petronel began lessons with her mother at age four, continuing with Adolph Hallis, Joseph Stanford and Albie van Schalkwyk. She debuted with the Johannesburg Symphony at age ten and subsequently won all major national competitions, before moving to the United States to further her studies.

Missions Following a degree at Michigan State University, Petronel completed her graduate degrees at the University of North Texas.

Her teachers included Steven de Groote, Ralph Votapek and Joseph Banowetz. She also received intensive coaching from American legend Earl Wild.

Petronel is a world-class concert pianist. She always brings inspired performances to her concerts. Mark your calendar today and don’t miss this event!

There is no charge for the concert, however, a free-will offering will be taken. A reception will follow in Spencer Hall.

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Finance

Natalie Duff, Director of Finance, natalied@fpcnaples.org

Endowment Committee Tax Time: If you have highly appreciated stock you can donate it to First Presbyterian Church of Naples and pay no tax on the gains. You and First Presbyterian Church of Naples win! Consider it!

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 239.775.9901 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.

Thanks to everyone that have turned in their pledge cards. To date, we have received 184 pledge cards. This represents $533,917 of our goal of $637,000. Of the pledge cards received, 61.41% are increases, 28.8% stayed the same and 9.78% are decreases. We appreciate everyone that has taken the time to complete their pledge card. If you have not turned in your pledge card, they can be placed in the offering on Sunday morning, brought to the church office or mailed to the church.

Financial Report February 28, 2015 YTD 2014

YTD 2015

YTD Budget 2015

Offerings Other Income

253,488 76,886

171,109 86,296

271,569 85,080

Total Income

330,374

257,405

356,649

Total Operating Expenses

225,421

238,452

265,641

Net Gain

104,953

18,953

91,008

Congregational Care

STEPHEN MINISTRY WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST STEPHEN MINISTERS

Our congratulations to: Carol Graham, Betsy Grant, Jack Marsh, Gary Root, and Walter Gadkowski for recently completing their 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training. From the leaders of the classes we heard many words of praise of our First Presbyterian attendees for their added value to the classes.

We are very appreciative to Naples United Church of Christ for allowing us to participate in this wonderful educational opportunity.

The new Stephen Ministers were commissioned on Sunday, March 29. Please join us in welcoming this group to their new calling within our church.

Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net

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SHARE A RIDE TO CHURCH

If anyone in the congregation can offer an occasional ride to church for members who cannot drive, the Deacons would like to hear from you. Please call the church office 239.262.1311.

EMERGENCY UPDATE INFO NEEDED The committee for Congregational Care feels that it is very important to have contact information on each member and affiliate member of First Presbyterian Church. In the event of an emergency we need to know who to contact.* This information would be kept in confidence and used only when necessary. Please help us be of service to you by filling out the form below and returning it to the church ASAP. * please do not list your spouse as the emergency contact.

Instead list a child, neighbor or close friend.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Your Name: ___________________________________________________ Parish No: _______________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Missions City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________________________ Cell: _____________________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT Name: _________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP:_________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________ Cell: ____________________________________ Relationship: __________________________________

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Presbyterian Women

Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, flgoodnight@aol.com

Thank you to all who attended and took part in the celebration of the women of the church on March 8. I hope it was a time of enrichment and pleasure for all. If anyone is interested in being involved in any of our many activities please contact Ann Goodnight (239.263.1820) or call the church office to be directed to someone who can help you.

GATHERING NEWS April 1 is our next Gathering following the Lenten Concert by Dr. Gerlach. Since it is Easter week, wearing Easter bonnets are suggested!

Our speaker is Grace Gokturk from the Tumaini Fund Mission. Our Sew and Sews make dresses for the children who are AIDS orphans in Tanzania, for which they are very grateful. This promises to be a most interesting program as she shares about the several programs benefiting the AIDS orphans. The primary goal is to educate them so they become self-

Date

Circle

sufficient, but there are many other needs.

We will also have our installation of officers by the Peace River Presbytery Cluster Leader, Mary Poston.

The menu for the day is barbeque, chips, salad and dessert.

Reservations for $7 may be made by calling the church office. All are welcome. Come after the concert to break bread together.

Thanks to all who brought desserts that were enjoyed by us all. If you missed donating to the Birthday Fund of Presbyterian Women Mission Fund you may still do so at the next Gathering.

Place

Leader

Phone

Wednesday, April 16 10 a.m.

Friendship

Room 201

Carolyn Mollers

239.213.1577

Wednesday, April 16 9:30 a.m.

Love

Church Parlor Hostesses: Wendy Evans Barb Heissner

Nina Howard Mary Vande Voren

239.248.3647 239.353.1620

Wednesday, April 16 1 p.m.

Peace with Honor

Church Parlor Hostess: Muriel Finlayson

Katie Geshay Dorothy Gomori

239.592.5358 239.596.8829

Wednesday, April 16 12 p.m.

Sunshine

Youth Room

Jeanenne Somers Janet Root

239.494.1623 239.963.9838

Tuesday, April 21 9:30 a.m.

Faith/Joy

Church Parlor Hostesses: Dottie Brown Marcia Kempers

Barbara Korntheuer

239.591.0260

Calendar

Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

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April SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call 239.262.1311 or visit the website www.fpcnaples.org.

Contact Facilities Manager, Sandy Poore at 239.262.1311 ext. 228 or sandyp@fpcnaples.org to reserve a room for your meeting.

WEDNESDAY

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Please do not assume that if a room is vacant that it is available for use. This will alleviate any awkward situations from occurring.

10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 11 a.m. Lenten Study 12 p.m. Lenten Concert 12:30 p.m. Lenten Lunch 12:30 p.m.

PW Gathering 7 p.m. Choir

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EASTER

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7:30 a.m. Courtyard Church office closed Worship 10:30 a.m. Men’s 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship Club 11 a.m. Egg Hunt 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

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location)

9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

2 MAUNDY THURSDAY

3 GOOD FRIDAY

12 p.m. HUDDLE 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday Servicebilingual

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 12 p.m. Good Friday Service 5:30 Parent’s Night Out

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9:30 a.m.

Stephen Ministry 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 6 p.m. Mexican Potluck Dinner

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8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9 a.m. PW Bible 10:15 a.m. Children’s Facilitators Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

OUTREACH DEADLINE 9:30 a.m. Love Circle 10 a.m. Friendship Circle 12 p.m. Sunshine Circle 1 p.m. Peace/Honor Circle 7 p.m. Choir

10 a.m. PW Bible study video 12 p.m. HUDDLE 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Relay for Life

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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

7 p.m. Choir

10 a.m. Sew&Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking

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30

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8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Season of Music Concert

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location)

8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 1 p.m. Worship and Music Committee 3 p.m. Finance Committee

location)

9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 5:30 p.m. Deacons

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8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 8:30 Parent/Teacher 10:15 a.m. Children’s Conferences Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

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8:30 Parent /Teacher 8:30 Parent /Teacher Conferences Conferences location) 12 p.m. HUDDLE 8:30 Parent /Teacher 1 p.m. First Aid/CPR Conferences class 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 4 p.m. Youth Group 4 p.m. Session 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

SATURDAY

4 Naples Brass practice

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Children and Youth

Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org

Family, children and youth Events Family Event Join us on Sunday, April 26 at 12 p.m. at the Naples Botanical Gardens for an Now is the time to sign up to be part of the afternoon of strolling through the team. We will have a sign up sheet in beautiful grounds. This event is free to Spencer hall with half-hour time slots to walk anyone who registers with Shana Dublan the track. We will also have shirts for sale before April 19. You can register by ($10) with our theme “We are praying for e-mailing her at shanad@fpcnaples.org or you and your loved ones.� by phone call.

Stop by the table and ask what you can do to help make our presence at Relay for Life memorable.

Vacation Bible School registration has begun! We will be offering VBS to Preschoolers through grade 5, and the Preschoolers will have their own rotation of fun! This means we will need twice the volunteers to make this amazing!

VBS will be held July 6-10, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Please e-mail Shana at shanad@fpcnaples.org and let her know how you can help.

To register your children, (age 3 by September 1, 2015 through grade 5) forms can be found in Spencer Hall, Church and Preschool offices and online at www.fpcnaples.org/children.

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Continuing on with the introduction of the Preschool staff, I would like to take this opportunity to further introduce you to our three year old staff. We currently have three 3 year old classrooms that serve students with a variety of schedules.

Ms. Claudia Schembri and Ms. Nicki Jentgen are unique in that they serve dual roles in the Preschool. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, they serve as the lead teacher and the teacher’s assistant in a three year old classroom. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they serve in the same roles for the 18-24 month old classroom. Both Claudia and Nicki were initially introduced last month in the March Outreach. Ms. Claudia has been working with First Presbyterian Preschool (FPP) for three years. She holds a National Early Childhood Credential. Ms. Nicki has been with FPP for three years as well. Both Ms. Claudia and Ms. Nicki have children that graduated from FPP.

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Development and has served in the Early Childhood field for over nine years. She is very creative and often adds interesting materials and discussions to her class.

Ms. Isabella SalaJunkroski has been a teacher’s assistant with FPP for four years. Ms. Isabella began her connection with FPP as a parent and then began her employment here while her son was still a student in our program.

She was born in Italy and completed her schooling in Italy as well. She also serves as a teacher’s assistant in one of our VPK classrooms.

Our third 3 year old class is taught by Ms. Erin Abougzir. Ms. Erin began her career with FPP following her oldest daughter’s graduation from our VPK program. Her younger daughter will graduate from the Ms. Leslie Barreto VPK program at FPP this year. She began her career as a -Wilkinson is in teacher’s assistant and then moved into a lead teaching her third year with position. She has been with FPP for four years. Ms. Erin FPP. She began holds a BS in Elementary Education. working with us as a teacher’s Ms. Dana Muller also began her assistant, but then employment with FPP while her moved into a lead children were enrolled in our teaching position. program four years ago. She Ms. Leslie holds a BA in Elementary Education and has spends her time as a teacher’s worked with The Community School of Naples and the assistant helping in our three Naples Botanical Gardens, teaching a summer camp year old and VPK programs. program. Ms. Leslie is also very talented artistically and Ms. Dana holds a BS in Building often provides enriched art activities to her class and Construction and can be very creative and witty, always other students. keeping us on our toes and entertained.

Ms. Nancy Malik is in her first year with FPP. She works with Ms. Leslie two days a week, serving as her teacher’s assistant. Ms. Nancy holds a BS in Child

Each one of our three year old staff members add something unique to our program. We are very fortunate that they have chosen to share their talents with the Preschool and its students. Next month I will introduce the Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) staff.

Ashley Houk Preschool Director

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Missions

Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net

We had a wonderful crowd helping with the Meals of Hope project on February 28 in Spencer Hall. We reached our goal packaging 40,000 meals with the help of over 100 people ranging in age from 5 years old to 80+. Students from Naples High School came to help, too. It cheerfully reminds me that no matter our age, we are always called to serve God by helping others. I have a little sign on my refrigerator that says “If the God of

Heaven loves me infinitely, and wants me in His Presence every moment, and if He knows that Heaven is a much better place for me, then why on earth has he left me here?” It is always inspiring to see God’s work done by the people of His church.

Thank you to everyone who participated in feeding so many in need.

Meals of Hope 2015

Missions

Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net

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MORE FROM MISSIONS

On April 17 our church will participate at the American Cancer Society Relay for  I hope you were able to go on the Spring Local Life at Gulfview Middle Mission Tour to see three of the agencies that FPC School. There will be a supports: St. Matthew’s House, Grace Place, and tent with our name on it, Helps Outreach. We know that our contribution to so please stop by. Shana, our Director of Children and these agencies feeds people both physically and spiritually. When someone is hungry, has no job--no Family Ministries, will explain here in Outreach how you home, needs physical and medical attention, they will can walk to raise money for cancer by buying a shirt for $10 in Spencer Hall starting March 29. You may also look for help from somewhere. It can be a bad place. Our church wants them to turn to God. Every want to honor someone you love with a luminary which time you put money into the offering plate, part of it will be lit at 9 p.m. that evening--a beautiful ceremony.

Our focus from FPC is to offer prayer and support. We goes to mission work. It is what sets our mission want to have a presence there--it is after all, right next work apart from just an envelope in the mail. door.  We’ve talked a lot about generosity these past few weeks. Churches rely on it. Our church excels in it.

We have in our congregation the Volunteer of the Year at St. Matthew’s House Pantry--Karen Ryan-who sits on the Missions Committee and contributes in so many ways Luke 9:10-17 including spearheading the Meals of Hope project. Karen says she can Food we are gathering this month will be given to hardly wait until Thursday every week--the day she volunteers at St. Helps Outreach. Helps Matthew’s. That’s how generosity Outreach gives food, looks! She is one of so many at FPC clothing, and furniture to working in pantries, serving hot meals, teaching those in need. Each children, building houses, rocking babies, making and person that receives aid is collecting clothing, visiting the sick and lonely-interviewed, and counseled donating their time and resources, just as Jesus about spiritual well being and financial planning. instructs us to do.

Feed the 5,000

Desired food: jam, jelly and/or peanut butter canned chicken or ham pasta pasta sauce  Our church has the opportunity to support two of our macaroni and cheese hamburger helper college students who are planning mission trips this rice Spring. Katelynn Boot will be participating in a red or black dried beans medical mission trip to Haiti in May, and Collin Weigel is planning a mission trip to Jamaica in June. canned peas, corn and/or green beans Both Katelynn and Collin went on several of our canned soup 

Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday we will again participate in One Great Hour of Sharing. The envelopes will be in the pews. This contribution will go to the Presbyterian Mission Agency providing for a number of local and international agencies.

Mexico Mission trips when they were active high school Youth Group participants. Please keep them in your prayers and help support them in their journeys.

If you would like to donate, you may use a church envelope to put into the offering plate and mark it "Mission Trips", send your donation to the church, or give on-line. Please consider this thoughtful gift not only as a way to support our youth, but as a way to further God's teachings.

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.

Checks are welcome, should be payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000," and placed in the collection plates

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Mexican Potluck Friday, April 10 at 6 p.m.

South Gazebo, Lowdermilk Park (Spencer Hall if raining)

Those whose last names begin with the following, please bring your favorite Mexican dish.

A-G, side/salad H-P, main course Q-Z, dessert Sign up in Spencer Hall or call the church office 239.262.1311

Thank You To my caring church family, Following my recent accident, hospital visits from Stephen Minister, Shirley Hagerson and Deacon Pat Collins, cards and messages from friends in the music department, Sunshine Circle and so many others and especially for your prayers, I give thanks.

Ramona Winger Please accept my most sincere thanks for the lovely flowers that were delivered to me by my deacon, Gary Root and his wife, Janet. How fitting it was after hearing Dr. Browne’s sermon on a caring, compassionate church! I feel so fortunate to be a member of First Presbyterian Church and to have met so many lovely people during the past twenty years.

My birthday will be special thanks to your kindness.

Sincerely, Marylyn Rustman

In Memoriam Blanche Novak January 19, 2015

Edward B. Jacobs January 26, 2015

Freda Richardson

 

February 8, 2015

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Keith Price

 

March 19, 2015

Bob Martin March 21, 2015

Karl Rustman March 21, 2015

Phyllis Kruger March 23, 2015

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1 vacuum cleaner—$900 Replacement of 2 Christmas trees for Spencer Hall Locked cabinet for audio/visual equipment in the Youth Room Pulpit and Lectern (See Will Browne) 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

Donations for the above items would be welcomed and appreciated.

Please contact Sharman Pfaus (sharmanp@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311) with any questions on the items for the wish list.

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

The Men’s Club 10 a.m. coffee & fellowship 10:30 a.m. program (ladies are welcome) Monday, April 6, 2015 Vann R. Ellison President and CEO St. Matthew’s House

“Struggles and Victories” Vann R. Ellison is President and CEO of St. Matthew’s House. He is responsible for the successful operations of all of St. Matthew’s House efforts including Programs and Ministries, Fundraising and Development, Business and Organization Practices, Budgets, Capital and Asset Protection and Board Liaison. Mr. Ellison leads the organization in meeting the annual goals and objectives as approved by the Chairman and the Board of Directors.

Mr. Ellison has served as Chairman of the Board of the Collier County Hunger and Homeless Coalition and served on several committees at Naples Christian Academy.

From table to garden As a sign of good stewardship, the flowers for our tables at our Consecration Sunday celebration have been planted at the west Sanctuary door entrance for your enjoyment. We thank Greenway Landscape Supply for their generous discount and Betty Mangos and Saralene Oldham for planting the flowers.

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LIFE OF THE FRIENDSHIP PADS! Have you ever wondered what happens to the Friendship pads after you sign them on a Sunday morning? Well, there is a life to those sign in sheets which carry some important information back to the church office. Once collected, attendance is posted in our database. If you so not sign the sheet, we may not know you were in church on Sunday or not!

We recently updated our Friendship Pad forms to include a place to mark your return to the north or return to Naples. Please use this section to indicate to us when you are changing your mailing status.

We can then update the computer as to which address to use and you won’t risk missing any mail from us!

If a visitor signs the friendship pad, their name is put into a spreadsheet and if contact information is provided, we send a welcome card expressing our appreciation to them for worshipping with us and inviting them to return. Once a visitor has worshipped with us 3 times, they are included in our normal database (ACS) to receive church information: newsletter, mailings, etc. Upon scheduling a new member class, these visitors are invited to attend and we hope to engage them in the life of the church via membership.

In addition, the deacons are given attendance sheets every quarter for those in their parish. This could be for many reasons...illness, vacation, or maybe a personal problem. This allows the deacon an opportunity to reach out and to support them in a Christian and loving way.

Now that you know why these friendship pads are so important to the life of the church, what can you do to help?  Please PRINT your name CLEARLY  Include any new contact information especially, phone, cell phone and e-mail  When you see a new face next to you be sure to greet them warmly and invite them to the Welcome Center in Spencer Hall.

If you have any questions for concerns, feel free to contact the church office and speak to Sharman Pfaus, at 239.262.1311 ext. 236 or sharmanp@fpcnaples.org.

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