August 2013 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

August 2013

IN THIS ISSUE From the Interim Pastor

2

From the Associate Pastor

3

Children and Youth

4

Calendar

8

Preschool

10

Missions

11

Congregational Care

12

Finance

13

News and Events

13

Best Church Jokes Sunday August 11 9:30 a.m.

Celebrate the gift of

laughter!

Women’s Bible Study begins August 7

Page 14

BACK SCHOOL

2

BASH

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 12 p.m.

A fun event for all ages See page 6 for more information

2

From the Interim Senior Pastor Dear Friends,

One of my interests is reading. My usual path involves books about transitions, church, and spirituality. However, I am always trying to expand my horizons and appreciate suggestions for books which have been meaningful to you. Summer is a great time to assemble a new reading list. I recently completed Sum It Up by Pat Summitt. I am presently reading The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver.

My immediate to read list: Social Media in the Church by Bruce Reyes-Chow When “Spiritual But Not Religious” Is Not Enough Seeing God in Surprising Places Even the Church

by Lillian Daniel

Dr. David Horne, Interim Senior Pastor, davidh@fpcnaples.org

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg I think I will need a longer summer.

Worship is the central activity of the people of God. The summer months are sometimes considered “vacation” time away from the church. Whenever you are able in your summer schedule, please remember to worship. Worship is at 9:30 a.m. The welcoming of families and friends after worship is an important part of the hospitality and fellowship of First Presbyterian Church. You are encouraged to visit in Spencer Hall. Guests at worship have an immediate impression of the gracious hospitality this congregation lives. See you at worship.

Peace,

The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout Dr. David L. Horne

Session

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

August Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary

Vision Statement Adopted by Session June 25, 2013

First Presbyterian Church of Naples is called, with God’s help, to provide for the spiritual and material needs of those within the church and community; to welcome, encourage, and educate people of all ages in Christian faith; and to enhance its active, diverse, and dynamic missions.

August 4 Holy Communion Psalm 107:1-9,43; Luke 12:13-21 Putting Your Stuff Away Dr. Horne August 11 - Undy Sunday Psalm 1; Luke 12:32-40 Best Church Jokes Sunday

Dr. Horne

August 18 - Undy Sunday Blessing of the Backpacks Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2 Really Good Sermon Rev. Evans August 25 Psalm 71:1-6; Luke 13:10-17 Stand Up Straight Dr. Horne

From the Associate Pastor

Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org

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Waldensians Part II

Last summer I spent a week traveling in Northern Argentina, meeting with the Qom people, and visiting with Waldensians in Uruguay and Buenos Aires. The Waldensians were the prototypical Protestants, emerging from Northern Italy in the 1100’s. They remained a small and persecuted sect for several centuries. Today in Italy, the Waldensians find themselves facing a new time in their history, opening their doors to an influx of immigrants, largely from Africa and Eastern Europe. Now they have a ministry initiative called “Being Church Together.� They are learning how to integrate these immigrant groups into their communities. This year, instead of Argentina, I visited with the Waldensians in Italy.

The seminary doorsteps are just a short walk away from the Vatican. They work in partnership with the Italian Methodists and Baptists.

In Siena, I worshipped with the Waldensians. They have a large influx of Cameroonian members. It was interesting to learn how they integrate into the church, how they are accepted, and some of the challenges they encounter.

Above is Casa Cares, a Waldensian retreat center and organic farm in Regello, just outside of Florence. I met with the board, several members of which are involved in the larger national church.

And of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to the Vatican and marveling at some of the historical religious art!

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Children and Youth Christian Education

Andrea Plueddeman, Director of Children and Family Ministries andreap@fpcnaples.org

Summer Fun

Children and Youth

Andrea Plueddeman, Director of Children and Family Ministries andreap@fpcnaples.org

5

End of Summer Lock In (Sleepover at church)

Children’s

Track and Field Day

For children entering grades K—5 Friday, August 9 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Bring a bag lunch, a water bottle, wear comfy clothes and closed toed shoes.

Contact Miss Andi to sign up 239.262.1311 andreap@fpcnaples.org

for incoming Middle and High School students beginning with dinner at 5 p.m. August 10 until worship ends at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, August 11.

It will be a fun time of games, movies and worship.

Sign up by contacting Miss Andi at 239.262.1311 ext. 229 or andreap@fpcnaples.org

6

Children and Youth

Andrea Plueddeman, Director of Children and Family Ministries andreap@fpcnaples.org

A Place For Kids This Fall From birth through high school we offer exciting, engaging, dynamic ministry geared for each age group. Children will learn to see God for who God is and see themselves the way God does.

We offer a safe place where each child and youth can grow without being judged. We have highly trained staff and volunteers who will be there for each child and youth.

To the right is a list of all of our activities for the fall and winter of 2013. It’s going to be a great time and you don’t want to miss it.

Miss Andi

All Middle and High School students are invited to join Miss Andi the week of August 5 for a fun event each day!

Monday: 1-4 p.m. Earth & Fire ($20) (design your own piece of ceramic ware) Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PJ Day-Come to the Youth Room and watch movies, enjoy popcorn and hang out with your friends. Bring your lunch.

Wednesday: 1-4 p.m. Bowling at Beacon Bowl ($20) Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Board Game Day in the Youth Room. Bring your lunch.

Friday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Track & Fiend Day-Organize and help coach the children (grades K-5) with their track & field events. Bring your lunch.

Contact Miss Andi to sign up and for further information, andreap@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 229.

Children and Youth

Andrea Plueddeman, Director of Children and Family Ministries andreap@fpcnaples.org

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CHAOS - Christ Honored And Others Served Children Kindergarten - Grade 5 September 8 Sunday School begins We meet in worship at 9:30 a.m. and then proceed to Sunday School classrooms.

September 11 CHAOS Kids begins 3 - 6 p.m.

Wednesday youth group with snacks, dinner, music, bible and crafts.

Transportation available from Lake Park Elementary School.

October 30 Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat 3 - 7 p.m.

December 14 Candy Land Advent Workshop 1 - 4 p.m.

December 18 Christmas Party 4 - 7 p.m. $3 December19 - January 4 No Programs Sunday School Resumes January 5

Snacks and Dinner Grades K-5 - Snacks are offered by parents on a weekly rotational basis.

To sign up contact Andrea.

Wednesday night dinner is free.

Youth Grades 6-12

Sunday Night Live Schedule 5 - 8 p.m.

September 8 Sunday Night Live begins 5 - 8 p.m.

See schedule on right

September 8 Church (Meet in Chapel)

September 11 Chaos Youth begins 2 - 7 p.m.

Wednesday youth group with snacks, dinner, music, bible and crafts.

September 22 Grace Place

September 17 No School Youth Movie Day Musicals Theme 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

October 13 Host Families

October 5 Fishin’ for a Mission 8 - 3 p.m.

October 27 Laser Tag $20 (Meet at church)

October 30 Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat 3 - 7 p.m.

September 15 Host Families (assigned on September 8) September 29 Mini Golf at Coral Cay $5 October 6 Church (Meet in Chapel) October 20 Blessing of the Animals (Meet in Chapel)

November 3 Church (Meet in Chapel) November 10 Host Families

November 9 Homeless Lock In 12 p.m. - November 10, 10:30 a.m.

November 17 Church Service Project

December 20 Christmas Party Ice Skating (time to be determined) $20

November 24 No Meeting Happy Thanksgiving

December 27 - January 2, 2014 High School only Ski Trip to Snowshoe West Virginia. $650 For details about the ski trip and an itinerary, please contact Andrea Plueddeman.

December 1 Church (Meet in Chapel) December 8 Host Families December 15 Caroling (Meet in Chapel) December 22-29 Winter Break Resume on January 5, 2014

Snacks and Dinner Please send in $5 to be used towards snacks or send in $5 worth of snacks per month to help cover snacks. We will have dinner each Wednesday at $3 per person. The Sundays that we gather at the church we will also have dinner. $3 per person. The Sundays we do not meet at church each person is responsible for their own dinner. On Host Family Sundays dinner will be provided by the host family.

Scholarship Policy For major events limited scholarships are available. In order to qualify for a scholarship please get the packet from the Christian Education Department which will outline everything needed.

Transportation A bus service for Sunday Night Live is available. Also transportation is available on Wednesdays from Naples High and Lake Park Elementary. To sign up please contact Andrea.

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Calendar

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNES

This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call 239.262.1311 or visit the websit 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. Please do not ass room is vacant that it is available for use. This will alleviate any awkward situations from occurring.

Deadline for monthly Outreach is the fifteenth of the month prior to that edition. Submit all items to publications@fpcnaples.org.

If submissions are not received prior to the deadline, we cannot guarantee that your article will be considered for publication for that mont 4 5 Youth Spirit Week 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 1 p.m. Youth Event— 12 p.m. Cumberland Church Earth & Fire

6 Youth Spirit Week 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 9 a.m. Youth Event - Movie 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group

7 Youth Spirit Wee 10 a.m. Women’s B 1 p.m. Youth Event 3 p.m. Communicat Committee

11 UNDY SUNDAY Best Church Jokes Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

12

13 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m. Preschool Teacher Orientation 4 p.m. Missions Meeting

14 10 a.m. Women’s B 12:30 p.m. Youth S

18 UNDY SUNDAY Blessing of the Backpacks 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

19 First Day of School

20 21 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible 10 a.m. Women’s B Study (separate location) 2 p.m. Christian Education Mtg.

25 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

26

27 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 4 p.m. Session

28 10 a.m. Women’s B

SDAY

te

sume that if a

Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

9

SATURDAY

1 Big Tent Conference in Louisville, KY 1 p.m. Youth Room open 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

2 Big Tent Conference in Louisville, KY 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking

3 Big Tent Conference in Louisville, KY Communion Prep

8 Youth Spirit Week 9 a.m. Youth Event - Board Games 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 1 p.m. Youth Room open 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 Youth Spirit Week Preschool Teachers return 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking 10 a.m. Children’s Track & Field Day

10 9 a.m. Back to School Expo— at YMCA Naples 12 p.m. Back2School Bash 5 p.m. Youth Lock-In

th.

ek Bible Study - Bowling tions

15 Bible Study OUTREACH DEADLINE Scavenger Hunt 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

16 17 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie 4 p.m. Trip to Miracle Baseball Baking game 10 a.m. Preschool Open House

Bible Study

22 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

23 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking

24 9 a.m. Presbytery Stated Meeting at Moorings Presbyterian Church

Bible Study

29 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

30 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking

31 Communion Prep

10

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Join us

on Saturday, August 10 from 9 a.m.—2 p.m. at the

Naples YMCA

First Presbyterian Preschool is participating in this years Back to School Expo, sponsored by Neapolitan Family Magazine.

 Congratulations to Preschool teacher

Jennifer Townsend on the birth of her daughter

Emma Grace Born June 29

Join us, along with over 70 vendors, for this fun expo that will help you get the school year off to a good start. Look for our booth!

Kids will enjoy

face painting tattoos arts & crafts and so much more!

Missions

Keith Gahagan , Mission Committee Chair, keithgahagan@yahoo.com

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 In August we gather food to support the programs at Grace Place. Grace Place is a faith-based community center, teaching literacy, language, and life skills to at-risk children.

If you are able to help this worthy program, pick up a Publix bag from an usher as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. The bag has a list of desired food items. Bring your food contribution to the Sixth Street church entrance before the service on the second Sunday of the month.

If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" and the memo marked "Feed, the 5,000."

Suggested items are: 2 cans soup 1 pound rice 1 pound dried beans 1 jar peanut butter 1 can chicken 1 can vegetables 1 box dried milk 1 box children’s cereal

Organizers of the 17th Annual Undy Sunday event are preparing for more students than ever to be assisted with items to be ready for another school year.

Needy children at 34 public elementary schools will benefit from the fundraiser.

On either Sunday, August 11 or August 18, please bring new socks and new underwear for boys and girls sizes 6 through 12. Collection containers will be located in Spencer Hall.

Since the initial Undy Sunday in 1997, the number of churches and synagogues joining the cause has more than doubled. This year a total of 45 churches and synagogues will take part in the event.

About 650,000 undergarments have been given to disadvantaged children in Collier County during the past 16 years.

For more information about the Undy Sunday Program contact Catholic Charities of Collier County at 239.455.2655

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12

Congregational Care

Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org

She sees the caring, listening, praying service of a Stephen Minister well suited to her Christian beliefs and social work training.

At First Presbyterian Church, she has previously served as a deacon, Moderator of Presbyterian Women, and a choir member/accompanist.

S

tephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing various kinds of life needs and circumstances, in our congregation.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who express God’s care through their lives to others.

They receive 50 hours of training in important caring ministry skills and concepts and are commissioned as Stephen Ministers. They visit another person regularly in a confidential partnership and offer Christian support and care. Stephen Ministers back up our Pastors with visits to people who are hospitalized. Every Sunday there is a Stephen Minister at the table in Spencer Hall, available for talk and prayer.

Beginning in this edition of Outreach we will be featuring monthly First Presbyterian Church Stephen Ministers in an effort to “Meet the Stephen Minister.” This pictorial preview represents an opportunity to introduce these Christian lay leaders who are

helping make a difference in our Church, and in the lives of those hurting individuals they serve.

Stephen Ministry enhances First Presbyterian Church’s outreach by helping our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, and nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.

Saralene Oldham Saralene was called to Stephen Ministry in October, 2012.

In early 2013, she joined others from First Presbyterian Church at Stephen Minister classes. Shortly thereafter, she went through Stephen Series Leadership Training in Orlando.

After retiring from her full time job with HelmsBriscoe in July of 2011, she planned to devote her time to helping others and giving back for the blessed life she has been given.

She feels the care giving offered by Stephen Ministry allows her to do just that.

At First Presbyterian Church she served six years as a deacon, was on the nominating committee for Marilyn was called to Stephen Presbyterian Women this past year, Ministry in the Fall of 2011. She and is presently a member of the attended Stephen Series Leadership Personnel Committee.

Training in Orlando, and Stephen Minister classes in Naples.

Marilyn Currier

Finance

Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org

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Financial Report June 30, 2013 Actual YTD 2013

Budget YTD 2013

Actual YTD 2012

Budget YTD 2012

Offerings

559,116

596,374

698,156

741,277

Other Income

261,816

248,550

264,605

265,359

Total Operating Expenses

833,790

913,807

842,561

850,068

Operating Gain/(Loss)

(12,858)

(68,883)

120,200

156,568

If you have particular questions in relation to church budget and expenses, please speak to a member of the Finance Committee or contact Michele Martin, our church accountant, 239.262.1311, ext. 242.

The Finance Committee members are: Jan Gazdic (chair), Terry Brennan, Lloyd Doerflinger, Don Grandi, Bob King, Karen Martin, Bill Stafford and Tom Stevens.

News and Events

Thank You

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

Please Pray for students, teachers, administrators, school bus drivers, parents, nannies and babysitters as the new school year begins this month.

The prayers below were written by David Bennett

Prayer Partners, FOR STUDENTS

Thank you for your concern and prayers for Richard Sheets.

No more chemo and his strong oral cancer med has been reduced. He will receive regular blood tests, but so far all looks good. Prayers have made our journey smooth, and we are most thankful. We hope to worship with you next April.

Sincerely, Dick and Nedra Sheets

Holy God, We ask that you would bless the youngest and littlest of learners, the most helpless and powerless of persons, with Your infinite and loving mercy, granting them the strength to learn, concentrate, and act in love towards their teachers and fellow students. We also ask that You would watch over them, at home and at school and give them proper direction so that they may learn of Your wonderful virtues.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen FOR EDUCATORS

O Lord, Grant me your strength, so I will have courage in every situation; Grant me your love, so I may love others as you love me; Grant me your wisdom, so I will show others the path to success; Grant me your mercy, so I will forgive those who have hurt me; Grant me your peace, so I will find the best in everybody; Grant me your hope, so I will never give up; Grant me your joy, so I will be thankful for all my blessings; And Grant me your grace, so you will always be at my side. Amen

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News Newsand andEvents Events

Send Send all all publication publication submissions submissions to: to: publications@fpcnaples.org publications@fpcnaples.org

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 do not sign in on the sheet, we may not know if you were in church on Sunday!

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 worshiping with us and inviting them to return. Once a visitor has worshiped with us 3 times, they are included in our normal database (ACS) to receive information on First Presbyterian Church (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 an attendance sheet every quarter indicating those in their parish who have or have not attended worship services. This could be for many reasons… illness, vacation, or maybe a personal problem. This allows the deacon an opportunity to reach out to our membership 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 (do not sign) your name clearly.

This helps us to make sure we properly record your attendance.  Include your contact information, especially if it is a new address, phone number or e-mail address.

This will allow the church office to keep our database as current as possible.  When you see someone sitting next to you that you do not recognize or has signed in as a visitor, be sure to greet them warmly and invite them to the Welcome table in Spencer Hall following worship services. This is the first contact they may have with FPC, and we wish to make them feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. 

All women are invited to participate in an eleven week study which will begin Wednesday, August 7. Please join us on a journey into the life and heart of Paul the Apostle. Along the way, you will get to know the “Apostle to the Gentiles” in a new way. You will discover him to be a man who formed many friendships with both men and women. He served faithfully and loved heartily! This study will challenge and encourage you! We will meet each Wednesday from 10 a.m.

—12 p.m. in Room 204. For more information, please contact Jeanie Weigel at jdavidsonw@icloud.com or 239.963.5318.

Please save:

Empty shoe boxes Prescription pill bottles for a few upcoming youth projects Soda can tabs we collect them for Ronald McDonald House

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

Look for the receptacles in Spencer Hall

News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

15

Have you ever wanted to show your appreciation to someone?

Take me out to the ballgame!

Would you like to memorialize or honor someone close to you?

Saturday, August 17 Ft. Myers Miracle vs.

Bradenton Marauders

What better way than to provide a flower arrangement on the chancel during a Sunday service?

The flowers will enhance the beauty of the sanctuary and will not only be appreciated by the congregation, but will also be unforgettable to those who have been honored. Your dedication will appear in the Sunday bulletin of your choosing.

The flowers also serve another purpose.

Following the service, they are separated into individual arrangements and delivered to parishioners who have been hospitalized or who are celebrating a momentous birthday.

Dedications are just $50 and you can choose from any of the 52 Sundays of the year. There are several ways to reserve your Sunday.

1. Sign up on the calendar in Spencer Hall 2. Call Sharman Pfaus, Executive Assistant at 239.262.1311 ext. 236 3. Send a note to Sharman’s attention at First Presbyterian Church, 250 Sixth Street South, Naples, FL 34102. Please make sure you indicate the name of your dedication.

Please make your checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and indicate in the memo “Sanctuary flowers”. For questions or more information, please contact Sharman Pfaus.

Order tickets ($20) in Spencer Hall on Sunday August 4 or August 11 Meet at church at 4 p.m. and caravan to the game

Church Calendar Please note: As we begin our fall and winter activities, we have many events taking place in our rooms.

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

Please do not assume that if a room is vacant that it is available for use.

This will alleviate any awkward situations from occurring.

Thank you for your cooperation.

First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311 or fax 239.262.1275

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