December Outreach

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

DECEMBER 2012

From the Senior Pastor

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Children and Youth 3 From the Associate Pastor 3 Worship and Music

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Christian Education

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Preschool

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A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

A message from Session Page 13

Calendar

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Mission

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Congregational Care

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Finance

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Session

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News and Events

14 You’re invited to join us each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel

Celebration

Commitment

Compassion

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From the Senior Pastor

Dr. Edward Thompson, Senior Pastor, edwardt@fpcnaples.org

Dear Members and Friends, The arrival of Advent often reminds me of Samuel Becket’s play Waiting for Godot with the two characters, Vladimir and Estrogon, endlessly waiting, yet not knowing exactly whom they are waiting for and if such a person will turn up, and if so, will they recognize that person. Unlike Vladimir and Estrogon, we enter Advent knowing exactly whom we are waiting for, the gospels have spoken the truth, God becomes flesh and dwells among us. Advent, although it is full of waiting, is not an anxious waiting but rather an excited waiting, full of anticipation and delight, that come Christmas we herald the arrival of God in our midst.

Advent, although it comes round each year, it does so with freshness and vitality. We need to be reminded that God is not distant nor silent but through grace and mercy moves and stirs us to faithful following and hopeful living. Thank God that God is present, not distant.

intersection of 6th Street and 3rd Avenue, will continue to be at the intersection of people’s lives in important and transforming ways.

Advent is the season of song and we, as the people of God, have much to sing about. Let us be sure to sing out the good news of Christ in ways that can be heard and felt by the community around us. Might our song be carried by prayer and action beyond not only the boundaries of Naples, but also beyond the shores of our nation. As followers of Christ we are part of the world church and we share with sisters and brothers around the globe in the mission to spread the good news to all nations and peoples.

On a personal note I wish to thank you for all your kindness and grace over these past years. Although our three sons are not known to you, your prayers for them and your expression of delight and joy for Elizabeth and me when we became grandparents, was at times overwhelming. How true you were, being a grandparent is quite special! Richard and Jenna who live in St. Louis will become parents in February!

In this season of Advent let us herald the arrival of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Let us, in this season of Advent, look up and forward to God’s love and grace, and wherever we might be give God all glory and thanks. Let us continue to commit ourselves to be As I write this I am very conscious that this is my last faithful followers, knowing that God’s faithfulness small “epistle” to members and friends. I am excited and toward us is unshakeable. confident that God’s presence among us means that we move forward with hope and joy. God is not distant nor May God’s grace go with us all along the way. absent. God moves and stirs us in our faithfulness.

Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Therefore, we move forward full of expectation and excitement as we play our full part in God’s promise.

Although I might be tempted to look back and review, it is more important to look up and forward. We have journeyed together these past four years and we can give thanks to God for the grace we have encountered and shared, we can give thanks for the love which has grown in our hearts, and give thanks for the witness we have together rendered. Let us look up to God who is our Shepherd, our Rock, our Lord, and our Savior. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, only then shall we see the way forward. Let us look forward with hope and excitement that God will continue to reveal to us the way of Christ.

My prayer for you is that with your faithfulness firmly rooted in God and your love generously shared with each other, First Presbyterian Church, which gathers at the

Children and Youth From the Associate Pastor

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

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While given imagination, we have a strong liturgy that provides structure from week to week. It’s a new way and an old way of doing worship. It’s worship that includes those who are the youngest of children and some of our eldest and wisest.

This service is to provide our children understandings of worship, stories of the Bible, the power of song and story, leadership in worship, and the Lord’s Supper. It’s a warm atmosphere where the currents of the Spirit are unleashed. …Water thrown, a young teen speaking in the dark, people praying for each other, someone drawing during the service for all to see, call and response singing, really good bread, dramatic readings, hand percussion with children, beautiful wall-sized photographs of rainbows, two talented jazz musicians that empower others, a four-year-old boy announcing the kingdom of God coming…

We welcome all to come, see, sing, and taste what is good!

Rev. Jonathan Evans

Is this a random free association of ideas or a different way to think of worship?

It’s Currents: Ancient Paths in New Waters.

A meeting of the Congregation will take place following the service on Sunday, December 2.

Per Presbytery policy, a vote is required by the congregation to request that Presbytery dissolve the relationship between the First Presbyterian Church of Naples and Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson. ______________________________________ You are invited to join us for a farewell reception honoring Dr. Thompson following the worship service on December 16.

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Worship and Music

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

A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, December 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.

The service of Lessons and Carols follows the traditional pattern of prayers, lessons and music made popular by King’s College in Cambridge, England. Once again we enter into the well-known story of Christmas and are invited to hear the song of the angels, share in the wonder of the shepherds and resolve to be as persistent as the magi.

Experience the hope and joy of rediscovering the miracle and wonder of Christmas as told through beautiful readings and cherished music of the season.

Beginning January 6, 2013 We return to our winter worship schedule 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Currents in the Chapel

Handbell Choir

Sing some of your favorite traditional carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, and many others. Our Chancel Choir will offer such favorites as John Rutter’s Shepherd’s Pipe Carol and Christmas Lullaby, Harold Darke’s beautiful setting of In the Bleak Midwinter as well as Natalie Sleeth’s lovely Baby, What You

Goin’ to Be?

We will be participating in the worship service on Sunday, December 16

Come and remember the reason for the season! Mark your calendar now for this yuletide afternoon.

For more information please contact our Director of Music, Dr. Brice Gerlach 239.262.1311 ext. 239 briceg@fpcnaples.org

Christian Education

Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Two For Ten ($), Bring A Friend! Presbyterian Women look forward to welcoming members and guests to our Christmas Gathering and Concert, December 5, 2012 at noon in Spencer Hall.

Reservations can be made after worship, December 2 or by calling Katie Pennock at 239.263.6088 or Dorie Tichenor at 239.775.4246. Lunch will be $7 for a single ticket, but if you’re bringing a friend, a spouse, a neighbor, a family member, someone you would just like to get to know better, male or female, you can buy two lunch tickets for $10.

oranges, and dessert. Appetizers and punch will be served prior to the concert starting at 11:30 a.m. The Grace Peace Circle will host.

Church Women United cordially invite you and your friends to attend the annual GREEN TEA featuring “A Heavenly Celebration”, presented by the children of the Immokalee Child Care Center. It will take place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 7. Please bring an unwrapped Christmas present for a child from 4 weeks to 5 years old. Gift suggestions are books, educational games, toys and clothing. A special offering will go to support the needs of the child care center. This is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. Enjoy the program, stay for refreshments, and be a part of this year’s celebration. Questions: contact Bonita Krauss at 239.435.0462.

At noon our music director Dr. Brice Gerlach will accompany his wife Michele Byrd, a soprano soloist with the Philharmonic Center Chorale and Chamber Thanks to the Faith Joy Circle who baked/served Choir in a concert of beautiful Christmas music that cookies and punch in November. will surely inspire and put you in the Christmas spirit.

The 2013 budget will be presented at the December Our mission will be “Christmas Food on the Table” Gathering as well as the proposed Christmas mission and we are asked to double our donation to Collier giving. Anyone with questions, please call Sharon Harvest in the Feed the Hungry jars on each table.

Irwin.

The menu will be pork tenderloin, roasted red potatoes, asparagus, slaw with apples & mandarin

December Circle Meetings Date Circle Monday, December 10 7:00 p.m. Eventide Wednesday, December 12 1:00 p.m. Honor/Spencer Tuesday, December 18 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Wednesday, December 19 9:30 a.m. Love 9:30 a.m. Grace/Peace 12:00 p.m. Sunshine

Place

Hostess

Phone

4405 Flamingo Dr.

Lida Helmlinger

239.643.0013

3535 Royal Wood Blvd.

Dorothy Gomori

239.417.0107

Church Parlor

Marcia Kempers

239.262.7599

Church Parlor Youth Room 254 Edgemere Way

Mary VandeVoren Katie Geshay Jean Somers

239.353.1620 239.592.5358 239.434.2168

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6 Children Christian Education Youth Christianand Education

Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Adult Bible Study We meet each Sunday in Room 204 from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. We are studying the book of John.

The 8:30 a.m. time will continue until the church begins two services in January 2013. For more information call Gretchen Oakley at 239.591.3467.

HUDDLE The Huddle Men's Bible Study group has reconvened as we join each other with a continuation of our study of the Pastoral Epistles.

We are sharing our understanding of 1 Timothy to be followed

by Titus.

Please feel welcomed as we meet each Thursday at noon until 1:00 p.m. in Spencer Hall. Just bring your own lunch and join us for this fellowship and study.

For more information, please contact Roger Miller at 239.774.5552.

Monday, January 7

Lifeline Screening - Details can be found on page 15.

Wednesday, January 9

Church On Wednesday begins - Three classes are offered for the five week semester.

Dinner will be available for $8 per person. Class selections include: Civil War Victims Meet Old Testament Job Rev. Ray Merz Questions of both head and heart abound as both Job from the Old Testament and Lincoln, his wife, his assassin, and others wrestle with where to find justice in a world where injustice prevails, and most of all where to find God. Calvin College Extension! A series of lectures brought to us via DVD Rev. Lee Koning Outstanding lectures by leading lecturers of our time with discussion to follow.

Jesus through Old Testament Eyes Rev. Jonathan Evans We will attempt to look at Jesus through the window of the Old Testament. The hope of this class is to expand our views and love of Jesus.

More information to follow in January Outreach and church bulletins.

Sunday, January 27

Season of Music Concert - Maxine Thevenot, organ, David Dash and Mary Bowden, trumpet

Monday, January 28

Blood Drive - One pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Change can be hard for lots of us. But everywhere we turn…there’s change. We notice that the children’s behavior changes when the weather or time changes. We notice that our staff’s behavior changes in response to the children’s behavior. Change is inevitable.

Our Preschool staff is asked to change their teaching styles as the early childhood education field evolves. Long ago, it was believed that dittos (worksheets) were the best way to teach children. Now, research shows that children learn best through play when they are exposed to letters and numbers during this play. Our staff is expected to continue to offer activities that engage the children’s learning and enrich their activities. We have to ensure there’s a balance between child directed play/learning and teacher directed.

We’ve observed a change in our enrollment. Many factors can be contributed to this slight decrease.

The economy has hit everyone hard.

Some parents that have been home with their children are entering the work force again. This may require the parents to seek child care arrangements based on a schedule that we cannot accommodate.

Several of the local private schools are now adding preschool programs.

A good many of our students graduate from our program and go on to enter these private schools. For busy families, one drop off is much more manageable than multiple drop offs at separate locations. Even though we’ve experienced a slight drop, the Preschool has maintained the staffing level as in previous years and we are using this time to provide more personal, one-on-one instruction!

Recently, there’s been a big push in the education field for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) movement, and the new discussion is pushing to add Art to the mix. Our children are exposed to computers and electronics/ technology at a much younger age than ever before. We currently do not have any computers in our program as we have a limited schedule and feel that some children

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are exposed to too much screen time at home. We tend to emphasize learning in coordination with socialization.

Channel 2 news recently aired a piece on a private school in Charlotte County that provides iPads to their students so that they could connect games with their activities at school.

Will we need to provide this experience to our children soon? Only time will tell.

Through all this change, I’m proud to say that the support of First Presbyterian Church and Preschool families, we are still providing quality care and learning to the Naples community. We ask for your continued prayers and welcome you to stop in and visit with us at any time!

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Calendar

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WED

2 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 10:30 a.m. Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church

3 7:30 a.m. Blood Drive

4 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 11:00 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group 3:00 p.m. Finance Mtg. 4:00 p.m. Session

5 Poinsettia Ord 10:30 a.m. PW 12:00 p.m. PW Concert 12:30 p.m. PW 12:00 p.m. Pr 5:00 p.m. Bell 7:30 p.m. Cho

9 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church 4:00 p.m. Season of Music Concert

10 7:00 p.m. Eventide Circle

11 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 8:00 a.m. Facilities Mtg. 9:30 a.m. Books & Bagels 4:00 p.m. Mission Mtg. 4:00 p.m. Barnes & Noble Preschool Fundraiser 5:30 p.m. Deacons Mtg.

12 9:00 a.m. Bibl 1:00 p.m. Staf Lunch 1:00 p.m. Hon 5:00 p.m. Bell 7:30 p.m. Cho

16 17 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship Christmas Remembrances delivered 10:30 a.m. Farewell Reception 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church

18 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 10:30 Polar Express Literacy Party for Preschoolers

19 9:30 a.m. Lov 9:30 a.m. Gra 12:00 p.m. Su Circle (separ 7:30 p.m. Cho

23 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church

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24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Family Worship 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Candlelight Worship OFFICE CLOSED

30 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church

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New Years Eve

Merry Christmas

This calendar does not necessarily include all event

Deadline for monthly Outreach is the fifteenth of th If submissions are not received prior to the deadline

DNESDAY

der deadline W Coord. Team W Christmas

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Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

THRUSDAY 6 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE 6:00 p.m. Preschool Christmas Sing-a-long

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

7 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking 12:00 p.m. Green Tea (separate location)

1 9:00 a.m. Communion prep 9:00 a.m. Decorate Sanctuary

14 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking 7:30 a.m. Preschool Staff Christmas Breakfast

15 OUTREACH DEADLINE

20 9:00 a.m. Santa visits Preschool 10:00 a.m. Visitation Care Ministry 10:30 a.m. Jean Schaffer memorial service 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE

21 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking Poinsettias delivered

22 9:00 a.m. Poinsettias Arranged on Chancel

27 10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews

28 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking

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W Gathering reschool Mtg. l Ringers oir Rehearsal

13 le Facilitator Mtg. 10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews ff Christmas 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE

nor/Spencer l Ringers oir Rehearsal

ve Circle ace/Peace Circle unshine Circle rate location) oir Rehearsal

ts that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call or visit the website www.fpcnaples.org.

he month prior to that edition. Submit all items to publications@fpcnaples.org. e, we cannot guarantee that your article will be considered for publication for that month.

10 Preschool Mission

Christmas is almost at our door just waiting to spring upon us with special plans, fun events and an opportunity for each of us to help feed our hungry world and have a great time together doing it.

This year our church Christmas Eve Offering is going to an organization called Meals of Hope—an exciting new approach to help the hungry families in our community.

First, we will need your generous contribution to the offering on Christmas Eve and then, in late February or early March we will need many hands, young, old and in between, to fill bags with a nutritious meal for a family of four.

This meal will fill four hungry mouths for only $.20. Yes, you heard correctly, a family of four for only $.20. We will need generous pocketbooks on Christmas Eve to spread the hope far and wide. If you will be away for Christmas, you don’t have to wait to be part of the fun. Just write Meals of Hope on the memo line of your check and drop it in the plate on a Sunday before you leave. More news will be coming but until then Merry Christmas and God’s Blessings!

Your Mission Committee

John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 The food we gather in December will be given to Youth Haven. Youth Haven provides support to children and families, with programs such as shelter, counseling, and support. Our donations help make it possible for Youth Haven to serve more than 2,400 children and family members.

Right now, the need has never been greater.

Wish List: 2 cans of meat 2 cans of vegetables 1 pound box of rice 2 pounds of pasta 2 baby food items peanut butter and jelly macaroni and cheese fruit cups, applesauce, or juice boxes for children If you can help, please pick up a Publix bag from an usher as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month, and bring your donation on the second Sunday. If you prefer, checks are welcome and should be payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."

Mission Preschool

John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com

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by Gretchen Oakley, Mission Committee Secretary I really picked a winner this month for our “Mission Action -First Pres Style.” Betty Plum is not only a volunteer extraordinaire but she can write. I am going to let her tell her story in her own words with only a footnote from me. This footnote is coming at the beginning of the piece. Remember that all the while she is working at St. Matthew’s House at various times she can be found on her knees digging in the dirt of the Naples Botanical Gardens. Here is her story:

Tim and I serve on ‘minor’ holidays and leave Thanksgiving and Christmas to folks who choose those special days to volunteer. One of my jobs on Monday mornings is to put away food that has been donated by supermarkets. Sweetbay and Trader Joes are particularly generous to SMH with fresh meat and fish, cheese, and produce, as well as bread and desserts. Publix also contributes.

Over the years, I have cheered when When I attended my first Mission the residents I knew personally Committee meeting in the Fall of succeeded in overcoming their bad 2008, Van Ellison, CEO of St. decisions or unfortunate circumstances Matthew’s House, was there to in life and headed off to a productive speak about the mission, the life. I have also wept when someone I history, the principles, and the cared about lost his/her way and left needs of St. Matthew’s House. I the support of SMH to return to the decided then and there that that ways of the world. Some times they was a place where I wanted to be have returned to try again. Some times involved. I took a tour, had lunch, they are just gone. and signed up to volunteer. Van’s wife, Lisa, called soon after to ask if I remember one particular Monday I would come in to work on morning when the staff was with a organizing the Christmas gifts for young man I had not seen before. residents and wrap toys for the He was in jail overnight for a minor children at Wolf Apartments. After infraction and had been brought to we had finished, I ended up in the Betty working at St. Matthew’s house with SMH on his release. His wife and family kitchen stirring a pot on the stove and Executive Chef, Eric Delano were in northern Florida and he had no washing pans. Since that time, I have means to get home.

SMH provided a bus ticket for his gone in every Monday morning to help prepare lunch and return and he accepted it, tears in his eyes, overwhelmed dinner. by the goodness shown to him. I just knew in my heart that somewhere down the line he would show kindness to I was familiar with soup kitchens because my church up someone else as repayment for the kindness that had been north prepared and served dinner once a month, but St. shown to him.

Matthew’s is different. The residents actually have a permanent bed and a place for their personal possessions.

There is a wonderful spirit among the volunteers, staff and They must agree to abide by the policies of SMH, submit to residents who work in the kitchen, with hugs all around to random testing for drugs and alcohol, and be a productive start off the work day. We each understand what has to be member of the SMH community, working to earn their done, and we set about to do it. The group joins hands for room and board. In return, they receive professional prayer before the diners arrive for lunch and takes turns support for addictions, if needed, life skills, and job giving thanks. placement. The homeless people who live in the woods are fed lunch and dinner at a facility next to the Methodist Church on Airport Road. SMH has a food pantry and fills Betty really says all that needs to be said about getting bags to be distributed. On holidays, dinner is served to all involved in Mission Action. It fulfills so many human needs and unlocks spiritual blessings for all who take part. Mission who show up, and bags of holiday food are distributed to Action is available to all. Why not try “First Pres Style the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Mission Action” and take part in the blessings.

Merry Christmas and God’s blessings on us all!

12 Congregational Care

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

What kind of man would receive the care of a Stephen Minister?

A man like Adam, who was cut off from all that gave meaning to life and needed someone to remind him of God’s promise.

A man like Noah, who witnessed the destruction of everything around him and needed someone to wait with him for a new day.

A man like Abraham, who had to leave everything he knew and loved behind him and needed someone to journey with him to a new life.

A man like Moses, who faced great opposition and needed a companion to support him and speak on his behalf.

A man like David, who grieved the death of a wayward child and needed a shepherd's care.

A man like Elijah, who thought he was all alone and needed a still, small voice to encourage him.

A man like Job, who lost everything and needed someone to silently endure his pain with him.

A man like Peter, who found himself in over his head and needed the strong hand of a faithful friend.

A man like Paul, who knew the unending distress of a thorn in the flesh and needed someone to rejoice when he rejoiced and to weep when he wept.

A man like Jesus, who knew intense disappointment, sorrow, grief, rejection and loneliness and needed an angel of God to minister to him.

A man like you.

What kind of woman would receive the care of a Stephen Minister?

A woman like Sarah, who faced a major change in life at an advanced age and needed someone to listen to both her joy and apprehension.

A woman like Hagar, who was abandoned along with her child and needed someone to offer her hope and remind her of God’s presence.

A woman like Hannah, who struggled with her inability to bear a child and needed someone with whom to share her sadness and pain.

A woman like Naomi, who had lost her loved ones and needed someone to hear her sorrow and pain.

A woman like Ruth, who left everything that was familiar to her and needed someone to journey with her in her new life.

A woman like Esther, who was faced with a major decision and needed someone who could listen to her concerns and offer encouragement.

A woman like Mary of Nazareth, who lived both the joys and struggles of having an exceptional child and needed someone to help her sort out the pondering of her heart.

A woman like Martha, who was burdened by the demands of daily life and needed someone to help her regain sight of what was most important.

A women like Mary Magdalene, who received healing from inner turmoil and needed someone to walk with her as she built a new life.

A woman like you.

If you would like to know more about how a Stephen Minister could help, please see or call Rev. Jonathan Evans 239.262.1311 ext. 224 or jonathane@fpcnaples.org

In Memoriam Doug Leader Christmas Remembrances will be delivered on Sunday, December 16.

If you're available to deliver a gift after worship, please pick up the addressed gifts in the Sanctuary after the service.

November 4

Marilyn Huntington November 7

Elizabeth Mitchell November 12

Finance

Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org

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Financial Report Offerings Budgeted through (the month) October………….…..$969,788 Actual Offerings through (the month) October…………………$952,908 Actual Offerings are less than Budget by………………………$ 16,880 Actual Expenses are less than Budget by………………………$ 73,843 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: Lloyd Doerflinger (chair), Terry Brennan, Jan Gazdic, Russ Kempker, Bob King, Karen Martin, Bill Stafford and Tom Stevens.

YEAR END CONTRIBUTIONS PLEASE NOTE: All 2012 contributions MUST be either postmarked by December 31, 2012 or received in the church office by 2:00 p.m. on December 31, 2012 in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction for 2012. As we approach the end of 2012, persons who make year end contributions might want to consider donations of stock. Please contact Michele Martin at 239.262.1311 ext. 242 or michelem@fpcnaples.org if you wish to make a stock donation.

Session

Hansen Long, Clerk of Session, long254@comcast.net

A Time of Transition! What’s Next?

The Session are presently making plans for a good and smooth transition as we move into 2013. A Transition Team, of Hansen Long - Session Clerk, and Barbara Church, Roger Miller and Susan Stafford - Elders, is working with Presbytery to oversee the following: Edward’s departure and the “dissolution of call,” pulpit supply through January and the appointment of an Interim Search Committee. The latter is a committee appointed by Session and will be named at the next regular meeting of Session, which is on December 4.

Church activities are already planned through Easter and these plans will remain in place.

Church on Wednesday classes resume January 9 and will run for 5 weeks. Then we will celebrate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

Holy Week Services, as in previous years, will be on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Morning.

Stewardship Season, as in past years, will begin in January and at present Consecration Sunday is set for February 10.

The Session and church staff are in a good position to oversee a smooth transition and to best care for the ongoing life and witness of the congregation. The congregation will be kept informed as plans develop.

There is every reason to be optimistic that with your participation and prayers the congregation will be cared for and our life and witness can continue to flourish.

At this time, if you have questions it is best to direct them to the Session Clerk, Hansen Long at 239.331.4084.

14 News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

The Giving Tree Each year we decorate a tree in Spencer Hall with tags that have children’s names of migrant farm workers at Six L’s Farms in Naples.

If you would like to purchase a gift for a needy child, please take a tag from the tree. We ask that all gifts be wrapped and tagged securely.

Some gift ideas are: learning toys, dolls (ethnic), DVD’s, CD’s, Target or Walmart gift cards, books, puzzles, roller skates, skate boards and games.

Gifts should have an approximate value of $20. Please return the wrapped gift by December 14.

YOUR TABLE

The David Turner family wishes to thank everyone involved in the memorial service, refreshments and donations. My father was grateful for the many friendships he made over the years and would have appreciated your efforts.

Most sincerely, Debra Turner Schearer Grateful thanks to Sandy Johnson for her skills in stitching the colorful banners in the Chapel for the new Currents worship service.

I would like to thank everyone for coming to Thanksgiving here at the church and I hope you all enjoyed the day. Without all the volunteers I could not have served such a great meal. THANK YOU ALL for the help in making Thanksgiving a great success. We always need Volunteers to make things happen around the church.

God Bless, Mike Rutoski

IS WAITING Dinner for 8 will be back on the calendar for January, February, and March, scheduled for the fourth Friday each of those months.

Where?

At church member/friends’ homes When?

January 25, February 22, March 22 at 6:00 p.m.

Who? All members and friends are invited to share a dish and join the fellowship

FPC Blood Drive Monday, December 3 7:30 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Light up a life!

Why? For the opportunity to get to know folks better over a home-cooked meal and a glass of wine Reservations will be taken in Spencer Hall on Sunday mornings beginning December 2 or by calling Betty Plum (239.732.8799) or emailing her at bplum1188@aol.com.

Don’t succumb to the January blues!

Keep the holiday fun going by participating in the dinners.

Sign up in Spencer Hall after the worship service or call Mary & Al VandeVoren at 239.353.1620

News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

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Monday, January 7, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Spencer Hall Call 1.800.324.9458 for an appointment Pre-registration is REQUIRED Screenings available: 1. Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening $60 Ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque—a leading cause of strokes.

2. Heart Rhythm Screening (Atrial Fibrillation) $60 A quick and easy test using EKG electrodes placed on the arms and legs.

3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening $60 Ultrasound screening for an abdominal aneurysm (enlargement) that could lead to a ruptured aorta.

4. Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening $60 Evaluates for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities.

5. Osteoporosis Risk Assessment $35 Ultrasound screens the heel for bone mass density. Osteoporosis is painless and silent in its early stages.

Package 1: Stroke, Vascular Disease & Heart Rhythm—4 tests for only $139 Package 2: Add an Osteoporosis Screening for only $10 more—5 tests for only $149 Blood Tests available: Cholesterol $45 Glucose (blood sugar) $25 Liver Enzymes $35

TSH Screening for Thyroid Disorders $45 Prostate Cancer (PSA) $45

Poinsettias for Christmas You are invited to help beautify our sanctuary for Christmas by purchasing a beautiful poinsettia. A list of contributors and their dedications will be noted in our Christmas bulletins.

Please PRINT the information requested below and submit this form to the church office to the attention of Sharman with your check for $20.00 made payable to First Presbyterian Church.

Please write “Poinsettia” in the lower left check memo area. All orders must be received in the church office no later than Wednesday, December 5. Please use one form per dedication.

You may pick up your poinsettia after the 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

NAME:

________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________ PHONE:

_____________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ______________

PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:



Given in Memory of _____________________________________________



Given in Honor of _______________________________________________

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