At a glance brochure 1 2017

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God

First Presbyterian Church is a member of Peace River Presbytery and Presbyterian Church (USA).

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INDEX A Brief History of First Presbyterian Church ...................................... 4 Serving the Church .......................................................................... 6 Committees of Session ............................................................ 6 Elders ..................................................................................... 7 Board of Deacons .................................................................... 8 Staff ....................................................................................... 9 Worship......................................................................................... 10 Special Worship Services ....................................................... 10 Weddings ............................................................................. 11 Funerals ............................................................................... 12 Memorial Garden ........................................................................... 13 Music ............................................................................................ 14 The Cerulean Cross ........................................................................ 15 Congregational Care ....................................................................... 16 Stephen Ministry ................................................................... 16 Visitation Care Ministry .......................................................... 16 Prayer Shawl Ministry ............................................................ 16 Missions ........................................................................................ 17 Local Mission Partners .......................................................... 17 International Mission Partners ............................................... 17 Mission Trips ......................................................................... 18 Feed the 5000 Food Drive...................................................... 18 Christian Education ........................................................................ 19 Adult Ministry ........................................................................ 19 Women’s Ministry .................................................................. 20 Men’s Ministry ....................................................................... 21 Children and Family Ministries ................................................ 22 First Presbyterian Preschool ............................................................ 23

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BRIEF HISTORY

Naples, Florida in 1951 had 1,500 residents and about 6,000 people resided in all of Collier County. A handful of those citizens, led by Rufas and Louise Burnham wished to start a Presbyterian Church.

By November 1951, a local committee had compiled a list of 42 people who agreed to support financially and attend a Presbyterian Church in Naples. Rev. Tracy Day Spencer arrived on January 15, 1952 and conducted services the following Sunday in the Naples Women’s Club building. Thirty-four adults attended the service with six children at the first Sunday school, under the guidance of Mrs. Spencer.

There were fifty-one charter members, and thirty-two associate members; however, the official roll of charter members was not closed until November 30, 1952 and the number of charter members by then was seventy.

At a congregational meeting on April 6, 1952, Rev. Tracy Day Spencer was called to be permanent pastor of the new church. He was a risktaker and a deliverer of dreams, building one facility after another (Spencer Hall, 1954, Sanctuary 1960).

A building campaign kicked off in January 1953. A suitable building site was located with a 1/2 block of land on Sixth Street South, running from Second to Third Avenue South. The first services were held in the new building, October 18, 1953.

In January 1957, there were two hundred eighty full-time members and thirty-five associates on the church roll, prompting the need to proceed with the third step of the building program, the Sanctuary.

The first worship service in the new Sanctuary was held Sunday, May 15, 1960. It was followed on May 20 by the dedication of the Staley Memorial Carillon, a donation from church members, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Staley. The gift of the Schulmerich carillon was in honor of their parents and the tower housing it remains a church landmark to this day.

After ten years of service, Rev. Tracy Day Spencer announced his intention to retire effective January 1, 1962.

For a year, beginning January 1962, the Church’s pastor was Rev. Roger M. Rice, who requested to be relieved of his duties because of pollen allergy. He remained in service until successor, Reverend John W. Stump was able to respond to his call as pastor January 1, 1963 for a 12 year tenure. That same date, FPC Naples was included in the South Florida Presbytery headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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1965 began the construction of a new Christian Education building and remodeling of the existing CE facilities. The expanded facilities made possible the First Presbyterian Church Preschool, inaugurated that year.

Church membership had grown to 678 communicant members.

In 1974 the Moeller pipe organ was installed and noted organist Virgil Fox gave the dedicatory organ recital.

With a church membership just over 1,000, Rev. Russell E. Mase was installed as Senior Pastor on May 1, 1976.

Habitat for Humanity was initiated in Collier County April 1, 1978, with FPC Naples as one of four founding churches. By the end of 2001 they had built 400 homes, 27 of them funded by FPC and its members.

In 1981, FPC established an Endowment Fund. The following year church members assisted the start-up of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, giving of time, funds and materials.

Rev. Dr. Russell Mase retired December 27, 1998. During Rev. Mase’s 22-year tenure, membership at FPC grew to 1,604, an increase of 55%.

The years 1999 through 2001 were marked by extraordinary change for the church. The decision to rebuild FPC on the existing site was made.

Sunday services were conducted in the auditorium/cafeteria of Gulf View Middle School. A call was issued to Rev. Kirt E. Anderson who arrived in September 2000.

The enormous rebuild on the original church site had been completed and the first services in the new sanctuary were scheduled for early March 2002. The final building costs were estimated to be about $10.2 million dollars.

The following year in March 2004, a new pipe organ with 5,500 pipes and built by Fratelli Ruffatti of Padua, Italy was installed in the church.

In the fall of 2006, Dr. Anderson left the church. Rev. Dr. Russell Mase returned to serve for two months and Rev. Dr. Robert Bohl served a year and a half as Interim Pastor.

In July 2008, the Reverend Dr. Edward Thompson was called to serve as the fifth Pastor of FPC Naples. Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson departed in January 2013.

Interim Pastors included Dr. David L. Horne, Dr. Kathleen Weller and Dr. Will Browne. On September 20, 2015 Rev. Craig Goodrich accepted the call to be our Senior Pastor Head of Staff.

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SERVING THE CHURCH

As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament Church provided persons with particular gifts to share in the governing and ministry.

Ruling Elders are chosen by the people. Together with teaching elders (ministers) of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session.

When elected commissioners to higher governing bodies, elders participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office.

It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregations committed to their charge.

Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world and visit and comfort and care of the people.

COMMITTEES OF SESSION         

Christian Education Committee -the Christian education for persons of all ages Congregational Care Committee -Stephen Ministry and Visitation Care for the congregation Facilities Committee -care for the grounds, building and equipment Finance Committee -financial management of church funds, budget and audit Membership Committee -the recruitment and assimilation of new members Mission Committee -coordination of and involvement in FPCN missions Personnel Committee -support of the church staff Stewardship Committee -the annual giving campaign Worship and Music Committee -planning of worship services and music events 6

ELDERS and the committees they serve Class of 2017 Michael Calyore—Christian Education Barbara Church—Worship & Music Don Grandi—Facilities, Finance & Endowment Shirley Hagerson—Congregational Care David Weigel—Finance & Endowment Class of 2018 Libby Biehl—Clerk of Session Norman Brown—Personnel Duncan Connell—Stewardship Keith Gahagan—Christian Education Janet Root—Membership Class of 2019 Ben Currier Richard Green—Finance Pat Nordbrock—Missions John Rader—Personnel Joanne Slager—Membership

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BOARD OF DEACONS

It is the duty of deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session.

At FPCN deacons make provisions for the social fellowship of the church.

Our membership is divided into parishes and a deacon is assigned to have personal contact with every member in their parish. To find a map of the parishes, visit Spencer Hall.

The Deacons stay in contact with their assigned parishes and report any ministry concerns to the pastoral staff and the Stephen Ministers.

Deacons serve on at least one of the Deacon Sub-Committees: Receptions & Events Flower Distribution Blood Drive Holiday Remembrances Local Mission Fellowship Deacons may be appointed by governing bodies to serve on committees.

The session may select and appoint other members of the congregation to assist the deacons in their ministry of compassion.

Monthly meetings are held on Tuesday evenings throughout the year.

DEACONS Class of 2017 Bob & Pat Collins Nina Howard Mary Kempker Edwin Miller Erik Miller Bill Morgan Jeanne Perkins Terri Storter

Class of 2018 Barbara Ann Budd Kathy Grandi Deborah Meeson-Vige Gary Nordbrock Linda Pratt Martha-Lucia Quinones Lee Ryan Dan and Diane Stellema Dorie Tichenor Martha Waddell Debbie Warren

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Class of 2019 Richard & Barbara Beach Teresa Doane Linda Gadkowski Tom & Mary Gahagan Audrey Gordon Jennifer Haire Scott & Gladys Macdonough

STAFF Office Staff

Program Staff Rev. Craig Goodrich Senior Pastor/ Head of Staff

Jen Breen Christian Education Administrative Assistant

Dr. Brice Gerlach Director of Music Ministries

Loida Garcia Church Receptionist

Shana Dublan Director of Children and Family Ministries

Kathleen Law Communications Coordinator

Facilities Staff Sharman Pfaus Executive Office Manager

Sandy Poore Director of Facilities

Tina Romero Custodian

Sharon Smith Director of Finance

Preschool Staff

Ashley Houk Director of Preschool

Liz Psota Preschool Administrative Assistant 9

WORSHIP

Worship is held in the Sanctuary at 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. From January through April and at 9:30 a.m. from May through December. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Worship services can also be viewed on our website.

Ash Wednesday

SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES

A service to mark the beginning of the Season of Lent and for the imposition of ashes. The service is held at 12 p.m.

Maundy Thursday

A service in recognition of the Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. The service occurs at 7 p.m. on the Thursday before Easter.

Good Friday

A service of music and meditations held at 12 p.m. on the Friday before Easter.

Easter Sunday

A courtyard sunrise service is held at 7:30 a.m. Two services are held in the Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Kirkin' o' the Tartan

An annual service held on Reformation Sunday, the last Sunday in October, featuring the St. Andrew's Society as they carry tartan flags in a procession led by the Harp and Thistle Band.

Thanksgiving Day A warm and welcoming service held at 11:30 a.m. to give thanks for God's gifts.

Blue Christmas

A service of comfort, hope, wholeness and renewal at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

Christmas Eve

The family friendly service is held at 5 p.m. and includes a special children's message and hymns for all to enjoy. Traditional candlelight worship is held at 7 p.m. with the Chancel Choir and special music.

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WEDDINGS

At First Presbyterian Church of Naples, weddings are occasions of joyous solemnity – joyous because of the gift of happiness which the bride and groom have found in each other, and solemn because of the deep commitment they have made to live out their vows under the grace of God. The staff of FPCN is eager to help make your wedding a lovely and meaningful event and asks your careful attention to the following information.

The Sanctuary has a seating capacity of 900 and the Chapel 75. Please contact Sharman Pfaus at sharmanp@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 for a wedding information packet.

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FUNERALS

Although the death of loved ones inevitably brings strong emotions of sorrow and grief, Christians affirm this central message of scripture: We do not travel this path alone. First Presbyterian Church offers a continuing ministry of love and comfort. We are privileged and blessed by extending God’s love and care to you.

We invite those wishing to celebrate a loved one’s life with a funeral or memorial service, to contact the Pastor for the coordination and implementation of the service. The Pastor will assist you in making arrangements for a meaningful remembrance service for your loved one.

Since it is difficult to concentrate and think clearly under emotional stress, we also encourage members to contact the Pastor to preplan their own memorial service.

Additional clergy will be considered and may participate through the invitation of the officiating pastor.

Order of Worship

A printed Order of Worship is available for all services. Forms are available for planning purposes.

It is appropriate for the service to include scripture, a meditation by the officiating pastor, prayers, hymns, special music, and personal remembrances. Music is provided by the Director of Music of FPCN or designee. The Director of Music approves all selections and will make contracted arrangements for requested instrumentalists or vocalist.

Facility Information

Our Sanctuary will seat approximately 900 and the Chapel 75.

Receptions

The Board of Deacons offers each family and their guests a gathering with light refreshments following the service. This is their gift to you.

If you wish to make a donation, please direct it to the First Presbyterian Church Deacons’ Fund.

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MEMORIAL GARDEN

The Memorial Garden provides a place of beauty and peace to house the columbarium for the interment of ashes for those who choose this method of burial.

A Memorial Garden is a wall of niches for urns containing the ashes of loved ones. The reservation of niches, like the reservation of cemetery plots, provides the funds for perpetual care and improvement.

The Memorial Garden is available for interment for members of The First Presbyterian Church of Naples and their families.

Any other person, regardless of race, color, or national origin, 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, either for immediate use or as a Preneed Contract, must submit a written application. For more information contact the church office at 239.262.1311.

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MUSIC

The Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Naples has a tradition and history of excellence. The program provides music for services as well as a concert series. Our magnificent Ruffatti pipe organ leads the congregational and choral singing creating an inspirational worship experience. There is a place for you in our music program and we hope you will take the time to look at all the opportunities available.

Adult Choir The Chancel Choir sings for the worship services as well as special services and concerts throughout the year. This group is not auditioned, however, music reading ability is encouraged as the music can be quite challenging. From September through May, rehearsals are held each Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. in the choir room. During the summer months, rehearsals are on Sunday morning at 8:45 a.m.

Handbell Choir

The Festival Ringers is an advanced handbell choir for adult ringers.

Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 2:30—3:30 p.m. seasonally, in the Sanctuary.

Children’s Choir

All youth in grades K-8 are welcome to join the Children’s Choir.

Rehearsal is held each Sunday following the service in the Children’s Choir Room.

If you are interested in joining the choirs, contact Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, at 239.262.1311 ext. 239 or e-mail at briceg@fpcnaples.org.

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RUFFATTI ORGAN

The congregation of First Presbyterian Church is truly blessed to have such an outstanding instrument to lead the musical portions of our worship. The craftsmanship and care in the manufacturing of this organ by the Ruffatti Organ Company is remarkable.

The “grillwork” above the pipes is made from African walnut. The visual design has been created by Piero Ruffatti, who engineered the entire instrument, placing every component in such a way to ensure proper sound projection and easy access for maintenance.

Almost every wooden component is made of “Sipo”, the most precious variety among African Mahogany. The casework and console shell is made of African walnut from Tanzania. The draw knobs for the stops are made from Grenadilla. The keyboard’s naturals are covered with bone.

All pipes have been manufactured by Fratelli Ruffatti in their own shop, starting from the melting of tin and lead ingots and the forming of metal sheets. This long, complicated process ensures total control over quality and the many variables involved in manufacturing. This has made it possible to create “tailor-made” pipes for the acoustical environment of First Presbyterian Church.

THE CERULEAN CROSS The Cerulean Cross is an original piece commissioned by First Presbyterian Church, through the art galleries of Padulo, Longstreth and Goldberg, (PLG ART).

We come together as a church with our brokenness and sin, but by the redemptive love of Christ we are made one. The broken glass of the cross refracts light to demonstrate our oneness, our diversity, and our newness as members of the body of Christ.

The artist states that the cross, “with fractured pieces of glass, powerfully speaks to the concept of destruction and rebirth.” In Christ we are new creations, reborn through the power of God over the destructive power of sin and death. “The light that passes through this cross is like the Spirit that shines through each of us as we come together as a whole in our worship.”

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CONGREGATIONAL CARE

STEPHEN MINISTRY This ministry is named after St. Stephen, who was the first to be commissioned by the apostles to care for the needs of the early church. Stephen Ministry is: an ecumenical worldwide ministry of more than 10,000 congregations; a one-on-one Christian ministry by trained, caring, and commissioned laity of the church; a specific response to Christ’s greatest commandment, “...love one another as I have loved you”; a private, distinctively Christian one-on-one ministry relationship focusing on the unique needs of each person for in-depth care.

Stephen Ministers provide Christian care for difficult life issues including: · · · · · ·

Experiencing the stresses of life Chronic or terminal illness Employment loss or financial crisis Marital separation or divorce Depression Struggling with their faith in God

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Hospitalization Life transitions New babies Death of a loved one New to our Church

If you or someone you know could benefit from this one-on-one care, or you would like to learn more about this ministry, please call First Presbyterian Church at 239.262.1311.

VISITATION CARE MINISTRY This ministry is a small group of people willing to provide support and nurture for people incapacitated at home or in a care facility. This is a wonderful ministry that shares their discipleship by visiting, calling and/ or sending cards of encouragement to those unable to attend church.

If you are willing to participate in this outreach with a commitment of approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour weekly or monthly, please call the church office at 239.262.1311 for contact information.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient.

The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl.

Upon completion, a final blessing is offered.

This group operates under the direction of the Presbyterian Women and meets weekly (with the exception of the summer months) and you don't have to be there each week. Join them when you can. Prayer shawl patterns are available.

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MISSIONS

First Presbyterian Church of Naples Mission involvement is provided by the Deacons, Missions Committee and the Presbyterian Women.

LOCAL MISSION PARTNERS Alzheimer’s Support Network ECHO Fun Time Early Childhood Academy

Grace Place Guadalupe Center of Immokalee Helps Outreach Immokalee Childcare Center Immokalee Friendship House Medical Benevolence Foundation Mision Peniel Peace River Presbyterian Women Project Help, Inc. Salvation Army Shelter for Abused Women and Children St. Matthew’s House St. Vincent de Paul Youth Haven INTERNATIONAL MISSION PARTNERS Central Presbyterian Church, Guatemala Kempers Seminary, Chiapas, Mexico Mi Refugio, Guatemala City, Guatemala

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MISSION TOURS Several times a year we gather on the church bus and visit our mission partners. These trips not only include tours of the facilities, but educational information on how the facilities operate, what their direct needs are, and how they help those in need.

FEED THE 5000 The first Sunday of each month we hand out bags following the worship service. Attached to each bag is a list of food items requested from the agency that we will be helping that month.

The bags are returned full of food the following Sunday. The agencies are rotated throughout the year.

THE ANGEL TREE Each year we decorate a tree in Spencer Hall with tags that have children’s names of migrant farm workers at Lipman Produce in Naples.

The gifts are delivered by our “Elf Volunteers” and then distributed to the children at their Christmas Party.

FOOD PACKING PARTIES Each year we partner with Meals of Hope, an organization dedication to combatting hunger is our community.

We gather together, young and old, to pack up to 50,000 meals in just two short hours.

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ADULT MINISTRY

Adult Education

The essence of Christian education is following Christ on a journey of personal transformation. As disciples, we are constantly learning and being transformed into the image of Christ.

The Christian Education Ministry invites you to participate in multiple growth opportunities.

The Lunch Bunch

This group gathers after Sunday worship and visits local restaurants for fellowship and Sunday brunch.

Wednesday Night Classes

Throughout the year we offer several series of classes ranging from 3— 6 weeks. Each “semester” varies in topic and length. Current schedules can be found in the monthly Outreach Newsletter.

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Presbyterian Women

The Presbyterian Women provide opportunities for fellowship, community giving and growing their faith through a variety of programs and activities. They welcome all women of the church and guests to our Gatherings which take place at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, October through May and a summer salad luncheon.

The PW has four Circles which meet monthly at various times for Bible Studies and fellowship. Dates and times are published in the Outreach and online.

The PW nurture their faith through prayer and Bible study and want everyone to feel welcome to join them.

Women can be a member of a Circle or not. Some ladies just attend the Gatherings or other activities.

Sew & Sews

The Sew & Sews create aprons, caps, dresses and knitted items that are made and donated to various organizations locally and internationally. They meet twice monthly at the church as do the Creative Ladies who have made our lovely banners and other items around the church.

Women’s Bible Studies

Weekly Bible studies are held throughout the year on a variety of topics.

They typically study a topic from six to eight weeks during which time they gather for teaching and small group discussion. Information on current studies can be found in the monthly Outreach newsletter.

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MEN’S MINISTRY

Huddle

A lunch time Bible study for men of the church. Bring your lunch and join the group in Spencer Hall at noon each Thursday, during the winter months. Weekly attendance is not mandatory. All men are welcome.

Men's Bowling League

The men meet each Tuesday from 6 - 8 p.m. at Bowland Woodside, 8525 Radio Road.

Men's Club An informal group providing a variety of programs with a bias toward subjects of interest for men, but open to both men and women.

Meetings are usually held twice monthly, from January through April.

10 a.m. donuts and coffee, 10:30 a.m. program.

Men’s Bible Study Men of First Presbyterian Church are invited to a new program that will deal with a man’s relationship with God and church, to include building a strong fellowship with all participants. They meet on the first and third Wednesday’s of the month. Topics of discussion can be found in the monthly newsletter.

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CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

Sunday School

We begin our program in the Sanctuary with our families and following the Children's Time, all children age 4 through grace 5 will proceed to the Christian Education building where they will learn songs and dance, have games and fellowship. All children may be picked up upstairs following the service.

Youth Group

Middle and High School Youth Group meets each Wednesday afternoon.

Students participate in safe and appropriate games, group activities, and Bible study. Our program hosts special concerts, retreats, fundraisers, holiday parties, field trips, and unique activities that broaden your child’s world. For information on Youth programs contact Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at shanad@fpcnaples.org or call 239.262.1311 ext. 229.

First Fridays—Parents Night Out

Family Ministries.

The first Friday of each month during the school year we host a program for children 18 months through grade 5. Each evening includes dinner, crafts and games for the children along with a children’s movie.

Registration is necessary as this event fills up quickly. Contact our Director of Children and

Family Church Events

Throughout the year we host several church and community events for all: Vacation Bible School, Fall Festival, Blessing of the Backpacks, Summer Sunday Celebration, Advent Workshop and others.

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL First Presbyterian Preschool opened its doors in 1965 as an outreach of the First Presbyterian Church of Naples. The half-day preschool provides a planned program of learning for children 18 months to 5 years of age. As a Christian-centric learning facility, we feel the church provides an excellent climate where these young children can grow as a child of God. First Presbyterian Preschool believes its mission is to:

Educate the whole child in a loving and supportive environment by knowledgeable caregivers working in tandem with the child's family so that he or she may better realize his or her God-given gifts and potential both now and in his or her future.

First Presbyterian Preschool's programs are based on the knowledge that a child's early years are ones of phenomenal development – physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our curriculum challenges the child to develop through experiences with language, numbers, nature, art, music, and the community itself. It provides an atmosphere of love and acceptance for each child.

The preschool admits students of all races, sexes, creeds and national origins. We also offer scholarships for those in need of financial assistance and can design a special program to help your at-risk or special needs child.

For more information or to schedule a tour to see the school's beautiful classrooms, playground and meet its loving staff, contact the Preschool Director, Ashley Houk at 239.262.8315 or ashleyh@fpcnaples.org.

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First Presbyterian Church of Naples

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

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