Outreach Newsletter December 2022

As we begin this new Church year with the Season of Advent and move towards Christmas, I invite you to look back with gratitude and to look forward with hope and expectation. In these pages you will find much for which to give thanks and, looking ahead, many meaningful opportunities to participate in the life of our congregation.

As I look back, I give thanks for the privilege of serving alongside our remarkable staff, elders, deacons and Stephen Ministers. And in this season when we celebrate the incarnation, Emmanuel, “God with us,” we remember that we do not travel alone, that there is one who goes with us. So, as we begin our sacred journey to Bethlehem, I offer you these encouraging words of the late Dutch priest and spiritual writer Henri Nouwen: “God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles but moving towards the house of peace and joy. This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on our journey. The God of love who gave us life sent his only Son to be with us at all times and at all places, so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but can always trust that he walks with us…. Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be afraid and let him whose love is greater than our own hearts and minds can comprehend – be our companion.

I hope you will read this issue of the Outreachthoroughly and find those places where you sense you are being called to worship, to love, to grow and to serve here in the heart of Naples.

We welcome all and by the power of the Holy Spirit together we seek to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the Staff and Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Naples, we wish you a very Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas.

“Let every heart prepare Him room.” Faithfully and Gratefully,

A Season of Music Blue Christmas

Chancel Choir Christmas Concert

Dr. Brice Gerlach, conductor Sunday, December 4, 2022 4:00 p.m.

Experience the hope and joy of rediscovering the miracle and wonder of Christmas as told through beautiful and cherished music of the season. Christmas time is filled with great traditions and many of them center on the music of the season. Our annual concert showcases the incredible talent of First Presbyterian Church. The program will feature the soloists and choir singing Christmas favorites as well as an audience sing a long of well known carols accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra. The Chancel Choir will sing several Christmas anthems including the CandlelightCarolby John Rutter, CradleHymnby Kim André Arnesen, and a beautiful arrangement of SilentNightby Dan Forrest.

Sing some of your favorite traditional carols such as OCome,AllYeFaithful,GodRestYouMerry, Gentlemenand Hark!theHeraldAngelsSing. Come enjoy a beautiful concert with some of the most traditional and well loved Christmas songs ever composed.

Patty Rutzler, Committee Chair,

As we enter the Christmas season here at FPCN, we cannot help but to reflect on the greatest gift we have received: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

We are so thankful for the gifts our congregation has faithfully entrusted to this church. We continually work to be good stewards of those gifts and to use them to further the ministry and mission of First Presbyterian Church of Naples, in the Heart of Naples with the Love of God: we worship, we love, we grow, and we serve. Thanks to your gifts, we truly can change hearts and share God’s love with our community both near and far.

We are delighted to see increased participation across all generations, in person and online, as we continue to provide multiple opportunities for worship, study, and service.

As we approach year end, we would remind you to fulfill your 2022 pledge, if you have not done so already, and, in recognition of our wonderful ministry, suggest you may want to prayerfully consider making an additional gift for 2022.

When you make your Year-End Gift, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

 In order to count towards your 2022 contributions, gifts must be received in the office by noon on Friday, December 30, or postmarked by Saturday, December 31. (Most banks and financial institutions will be closed on Monday, December 26 for the Christmas holiday.)

 Checks coming directly from your financial institutions, whether it be from your investment account, from an IRA or from a Qualified Charitable Distribution account, should be made out to First Presbyterian Church of Naples, and your name should appear in the memo line or on the accompanying check stub or donation letter.

 Gifts from your IRA can be counted as part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

 Gifts of appreciated securities including stock, bonds, and mutual funds can be directly donated to First Presbyterian Church of Naples, potentially increasing your gift and your tax deduction. Please notify Debbie Savage if you chose to do this so she can properly apply the gift.



First Presbyterian Church of Naples is eligible to receive Donor Advised Fund grants, should you wish to make a contribution from a Donor Advised Fund.

 Please feel free to contact Debbie Savage with any questions you or your financial institution may have. She can be reached via email at debbies@fpcnaples.org or by phone at 239.262.1311, ext. 2042.

On behalf of First Presbyterian Church of Naples, thank you for your faithful support! We wish you many blessings as we celebrate the gift of our Savior this Christmas! We look forward to “Growing Together Joyfully” in 2023!

Doug Jensen, Committee Chair, d50.jensen@gmail.com Debbie Savage, Director of Finance, debbies@fpcnaples.org

Susan

Pratt

Assistant for Caring Ministries

supporting and collaborating with the pastors, staff, deacons and Stephen Ministers. She will maintain an active record of homebound, hospital and rehab congregants and report acts of outreach to the pastors, deacons and Stephen Ministers.

We are fortunate to have Susan on our team in this very important role and know that you will welcome her to the staff of FPCN.

Settling with her husband in Naples 24 years ago, after spending many wonderful vacations here, they made their mark as Faux painters and muralists. During much of her time, she has held a wonderful position of Pastoral Assistant and

and on Monday, January 3 for the New Year.

Barbara Weiss, Committee Chair, bweiss1952@gmail.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff, craigg@fpcnaples.org

All year long, the deacons have used JOY as a unifying theme. We try to do what we do with a feeling of JOY, and we try to find JOY in everything around us. Of course, JOY is not the same thing as happiness. True JOY is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, a blessing from God. It does not depend on fleeting stimulation, good fortune or material things. JOY comes to us when we strive to live our lives according to Jesus’ teachings and when we recognize that we are all part of God’s one creation. We find JOY in acknowledging, accepting and expressing gratitude to God for all our blessings, the greatest of which is eternal life with our Heavenly Father. We express gratitude by loving others as we love ourselves.

There are various tests around the internet that one can take in order to help one determine whether or not one is leading a JOYFUL life. One such test appears at SuzieCheel.com, most of which appears below as augmented a bit. As you look over this test, read each question in light of the blessings that God has given you throughout your life, how you feel about those blessings, and what you have done to express your gratitude to God for those blessings. It might be interesting to see how you do on this “test.”

1. Health: "Our health is our wealth" How joyful have you been throughout your life about your health? 1 2 3 4 5

2. Relationships: Rate your overall joy level for your primary relationships over the course of your life - family and close friends. 1 2 3 4 5

3. Business/Career: What has been the level of joy you feel daily about your life in general? 1 2 3 4 5

4. Finances: How joyful have you been when you consider your past, current and prospective financial situation?

1 2 3 4 5

5. Spiritual/Inner life: What joy do you have about your "higher self" - think your relationship with God, peace of mind, clear sense of purpose and worth? 1 2 3 4 5

6. Self Love: What level of joy do you have in terms of loving yourself, as evidenced for example in giving priority to yourself, to your health, your needs?

1 2 3 4 5

7. Vision: What level of joy do you experience when you consider your vision for your future? Does your picture bring you joy?

1 2 3 4 5

8. Energy: How joyful are you about your regular energy levels? Do you wake up highly energized and maintain that throughout the day?

1 2 3 4 5

9. Loving Your Body: How do you score for joy about your body (as it has been throughout your life)?

1 2 3 4 5

10. Contribution: What joy score do you give yourself for your contributions to the Church, the community, to your family, friends and others?

1 2 3 4 5

What now to do with the realizations you may have come to see from taking the above test? Are there areas of your life that you need to work on to become a truly JOYFUL child of God? What specific actions might you take to increase your JOY, your awareness of and gratitude for God’s blessings?

Blessings and JOY!

David Witman, Deacon Moderator

Good tidings of Comfort

&

David Witman, Deacon Moderator, dpwitman@hotmail.com Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor, rexc@fpcnaples.org

Stephen Ministry

Christmas...such a joyful holiday for Christians! The birth of our Savior, holiday symbols merrily displayed everywhere, treasured Christmas music...How could anyone have a “blue Christmas”? Yet, it happens to many of us for a variety of reasons.

All the joyful celebrating around us may provide a sharp contrast if we are currently grieving. We view joyful family gatherings, but some of us may be alone. We see people engaged in a variety of delightful activities, yet some might be denied engaging due to ongoing physical suffering.

If you find that lately holidays increase your suffering instead of your joy...that the celebrations highlight that you are struggling without much hope, please visit the Stephen Ministry table on Sunday or contact the church office to be put in touch with a Stephen Minister.

We certainly wish you a Merry Christmas. But, if your holidays aren’t merry, we Stephen Ministers wish to help.

May you be blessed

With the spirit of the season, which is peace, the gladness of the season, which is hope, and the heart of the season, which is love.

Joy and peace fills the hearts of those who believe in the miracle of Christmas.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

STEPHEN MINISTERS

Tom Clark

Isabelle Connell

Walter Gadkowski

Andie Goodrich

Shirley Hagerson

Chris Jones

Jack Marsh

Janeen McClure

Saralene Oldham

Karen Parker

Gary Root

David Witman

Saralene Oldham, Stephen Ministry Co-Leader, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com David Witman, Stephen Ministry Co-Leader, dpwitman@hotmail.com

Feed the 5,000

This month we are helping to restock the food pantry of the Shelter for Abused Women and Children.

Ushers will have a list available as you leave the Sanctuary the first Sunday of December. Food donations will be collected at the 6th Street church entrance on the second Sunday of the month, December 11.

If you prefer, monetary donations can be made online at www.fpcnaples.org/give or checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000" and placed in the collection plate.

Suggested items are:

Canned tuna, ham, chicken Baby formula (all varieties)

Soups

Pasta and pasta sauce

Sugar

Rice

Peanut butter & jelly

Juice/juice boxes

Oatmeal

Canned chili

Ramen noodles

Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard

Macaroni & cheese

Coffee (regular & decaf)

Cereal

Habitat for humanity

Join our work crew on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 a.m. and ride the bus to our worksite. We will return to church by 12:30 p.m. Sign up in Spencer Hall at the Missions table or contact Yancy Brame at 239.331.7731 or jybrame@gmail.com.

Misión Peniel Christmas Toy Drive

This year we have been asked to collect toys for the children at Misión Peniel.

Tags with gender and age are available following the service in Spencer Hall. Toys should be approximately $20 - $25 in value and returned in a gift bag. Please bring gifts to Spencer Hall by Sunday, December 11. Our goal this year is to be able to provide gifts for 125 children.

Some suggestions include:

0 - 4 years: tactile, plush or educational toys, large Legos, playdoh sets

5 - 7 years: hot wheels, dolls, cars, educational kits

8 - 10 years: science projects, doll sets, cars, action figures

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

Our partner church in Matanzas Cuba sends their greetings! Pat Nordbrock was able to spend some time with them following the Cuba Partner Network Encuentro which was held at the Seminary in Matanzas. Twenty five Americans attended this annual gathering which, due to Covid travel restrictions, has been held virtually for the past two years.

The Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada Central de Matanzas church is doing amazing work, supported partly with financial contributions of our Missions Committee. They serve seniors with hot meals once a week, are a Living Waters station (a source of clean, filtered water) for all in the community, and have begun a ministry for handicapped children as well as their regular outreach programs for their own members. These efforts for others are being accomplished in the midst of critical shortages of food, medicine, goods, and power, worsened by the years of Covid and Hurricane Ian. Our Cuban brothers and sisters are incredibly creative as they find ways to make every single resource stretch to the maximum during this especially difficult time.

They support us in prayer weekly during their worship services and are in touch via WhatsApp. Pat was presented with a wreath to help us decorate our sanctuary for Christmas, made from recycled materials. This congregation has a deep and abiding faith and commitment to each other and in addition to the financial support we are able to provide, Pat took 21 pounds of medication secured by our member, Dr. Mark Speake, two large suitcases of food, hygiene supplies, solar lights for use during daily power blackouts, batteries, mosquito protection sprays due to a Dengue fever outbreak, kitchen supplies, eye glasses and paper goods. Our Director of Publications, Kathleen Law, was able to create a church brochure for them, since paper and copy machines are scarce to non-existent.

We always return with empty suitcases, but with very full hearts and tremendous respect for the way our Cuban partners live out their faith deeply, completely, and with incredible heart and courage.

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

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

Everyone is invited to join us following the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Worship Service in the courtyard for the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland. Families can enjoy a hot chocolate and coffee bar and take pictures in the snow!

Kidz Lab meets after the Children’s Time in the Youth Room.

Children in Kindergarten through grade 6 are invited to this faith formation journey based on the weekly lectionary choices.

Children in Kidz Lab engage with the same lessons that their parents hear in church, which encourages family conversations after the service.

Youth Group Luncheon

We will meet in the Youth Room on Sunday, December 4 following the worship service for lunch and fellowship.

Young Adult Group

Sunday, December 18 at 12 noon young adults are invited to join us on Zoom or in person.

We seek to be a refuge for those who are spiritually hungry and looking for meaningful connection rooted in our faith tradition. Contact Nancy Van Fleet (nancyv@fpcnaples.org) for additional information or if you require the Zoom link.

GROWING YOUNG RETREAT RECAP Fall 2022

A group of eight adults and three young adults gathered on October 30 for a workshop to explore the possibilities of finding a significant role in our younger generation’s lives. We are not alone in this endeavor; it is now a nationwide Fuller Youth Institute “Growing Young” movement in many churches. We, however, continue to be the first to take the steps in creating a safe space for self awareness, deep soul searching, sharing of faith, and listening, as confirmed by our coach from Fuller, Katie Sanders.

In this session, we took an audit of what our individual values are. We continued to learn from our young adults in listening sessions to better understand and empathize with them. We asked them about what their biggest struggles are today and what they would like us to understand about growing up in today’s culture.

The workshop was led by Donna Nolan whose life’s work included being a high school counselor. She led a time on Holy Listening and Sacred Words building on the previous work we began in April.

We continued the work in learning to ask better questions to our youth and what non physical compliments might look like.

We are planning to continue this work twice a year as we continue to equip the significant adults with needed tools to work with our younger generations and will continue to build the frameworks to slowly build a solid foundation for this ministry. It will be fluid and people will come and go with the seasons in their lives. But a true commitment to be visible to our children, youth and young adults will be evident. And, this will take time for it is an adaptive change in our church.

Imagine, being young, and walking into a room full of unknown adult faces. Anxiety sets in, and you are ready to run out. But then you see someone approaching you, and you realize you know their name. It was that person who wasn’t afraid to show vulnerability and who listened to yours. It was that person who laughed with you and cried with you, who reassured you that you are loved, and who was STILL listening. Imagine how wonderful it could feel to no longer be invisible.

Imagine. This is part of Growing Young.

To learn more about and become a part of our Growing Young initiative, contact Nancy Van Fleet at nancyv@fpcnaples.org.

Sacred Habits

TENDING THE LIGHT

Join us for an Advent Journey Wednesdays,December7,14 and21 from5:306:30p.m.onZoom

“

The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.”

- Henri Nouwen

Join us this Advent for a journey that will offer a space of simplicity for us all. This online experience is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule, rather, it is an invitation to enter deep into a season that is full of mystery and possibility, solace and hope recognizing Christ in our midst. Join us for three sessions that will help us tend to the light of Christ awakening to the wonder of God-with-Us then, here, and now!

Week One, December 7 Tending the Light with Hope Week Two, December 14 Tending the Light with Peace Week Three, December 21 – Tending the Light with Love

Each week we will contemplate these different themes through scripture, song, centering prayer and blessing. RSVP to Ashley Hancock, ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org, and for Zoom information.

Religious Leaders Series

The Religious Leaders Series will conclude on Sunday, December 11 from 8:30 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel.

We will take a look at religious leaders of the past. This program, originally presented to the WednesdayMorningMen:FaithandFellowship,was well received.

No reservation is needed. For more information, please contact Bill Kearney at skearney239@comcast.net or 239.348.2871.

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

THE BOOK OF ACTS

Women

s Ministry Bible Study

All women are invited to join us for a weekly Bible Study held on Mondays at 1 p.m. in the Parlor. We are currently reading the Book of Acts.

Please bring your Bible. We look to covenant with each other week by week as we delve into God’s Word.

For more information contact Janeen McClure at jrmc@airmcclure.com.

Wednesday Morning Men: Faith and Fellowship

We are asking each attendee, whether by Zoom or in person, to share something that has to do with Advent and/or Christmas. Maybe it's a favorite short story or an actual personal experience or an appropriate poem or a biblical reference, something of your

Please give this some thought and come prepared to share that which is appropriate More information will be forth coming.

We will not meet on Wednesday, December

For more information and questions, please contact Bill Kearney at 239.348.2871 or

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

Presbyterian Women

Our Presbyterian Women’s year has begun! At our November Gathering Nancy Van Fleet kicked off our study for this year: CelebratingSabbath.

Nancy is so enthused about this study and the potential gifts we can receive by understanding more about Sabbath that she has joined one of our circle groups!

We also extend an invitation to all the women of our church to join this uplifting opportunity for a study to learn about God’s gifts of rest and delight; and, a time of fellowship by joining one of our Circle groups. Please stop by the PW table in Spencer Hall to pick up your gift of a bookmark that lists all of the Circle groups, times they meet, and the other activities of PW.

Another great way for you to get to know some of your Christian sisters is to join our Helping Hands Ministries. Every second & fourth Wednesday they meet in room 206 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. They bring a sack lunch. Currently these gals are putting together colorful quilts that will be given as a house warming gift to each family who will receive a new home from the Immokalee Fair Housing Project. By the Spring of 2023 sixteen of these homes will be ready for occupancy. These quilts will truly be a beautiful gift of love. All the materials and supplies are set up for you in room 206. You just need to arrive with a happy “helping hands” personality to either cut or sew a straight line, iron, or tie knots in the finished product.

An easy and fun way to participate in a fabulous mission outreach project.

Presbyterian Women extend an invitation to all men and women to kick off the holiday season. Wednesday, December 4 at noon. Enjoy uplifting Christmas music presented by Dr. Brice Gerlach and his wife, Michele Byrd-Gerlach. Luncheon follows in Spencer Hall. Reservations required for lunch. Contact Carolyn Bennett cjosmith@gmail.com

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, January 11 for our PW Gathering & Lunch. Author Elizabeth Hoagland will share her delightful book, Let’sBeFriends.

In her own words, “What my sister friends taught me about faith, food, and fun is the essence of my book.”

Carolyn Bennett, Moderator,

Hanging of the Greens

This year our “Hanging of the Greens Team” included: Gary Root, Kathy Grandi, Sue Shenk, Gary Nordbrock, Jan Witman, Barbara Beach, John and Linda Rader, Sarah Nichols, Deborah Meeson Vige, Scott Macdonough, Jan Jeckel, Melinda Younkin, Richard and Laurie Hillebrand, Sarah Miller, Pat Nordbrock along with our staff, Sandy Poore, Eduardo Martinez and Lisa Ethier.

Share a Meal

Our SHAREAMEAL program has gotten off to a good start with 19 in attendance in three homes on Friday, November 4! Attendees were treated to good food and enjoyed getting acquainted with fellow church members. Above is the gathering held at Jack and Sylvia Marsh’s house. In attendance were Doug Gibbens andAudrey Smith and Tim and Gay Stover.

Thank You CHURCH TOUR

All are welcome to join a "Behind the Scenes" church tour on Sunday, December 11 following the worship service.

The guided tour is intended to orient, inform, and familiarize you with the spaces and activities that take place at FPCN. The 30 minute tour will include the Offices, Choir Room, Mase Christian Education Center, Youth Room, Chapel, and other areas with historical perspectives from parishioners.

Participants should assemble at the front of the Sanctuary 15 minutes following the church service. We are looking for additional volunteers to help lead or assist with upcoming tours. Contact Sarah Nichols for additional information, sarahsnichols@gmail.com or 615.268.5407.

Dear Friends, I would like to thank my friends at First Presbyterian for the prayers, cards, calls and visits. The flowers were beautiful and raised my spirits during my days in the hospital and rehab. I feel so lucky to be a member of this caring and loving church.

Shirley Hagerson

Just wanted to let you know that our church, First Presbyterian Church of Troy (Michigan) is thinking of and praying for your church. We understand that your church did not sustain any damage but you are in the same Presbytery of those who did. We are one in God and His love will endure.

With peace and love, Sharon from First Presbyterian of Troy

Staff Ext. E-mail

Ministers

Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor 2035 craigg@fpcnaples.org

Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor 2027 rexc@fpcnaples.org

Worship & Music

Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries 2039 briceg@fpcnaples.org

David Fister, Audio-Visual Technician 2044 davidf@fpcnaples.org

Caitlin Hancock, Sound and Video Operator

Christian Education

Jack Fogelman, Kidz Lab Teacher

Audrey Gordon, Childcare Provider

Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant 2012 ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org

Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth 2029 nancyv@fpcnaples.org

Office

Sandy Knight, Office Admin/Receptionist 2000 sandyk@fpcnaples.org

Kathleen Law, Director of Publications and Social Media 2013 kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Susan Pratt, Assistant for Caring Ministries 2037 susanp@fpcnaples.org

Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager 2036 sharmanp@fpcnaples.org

Debbie Savage, Director of Finance 2042 debbies@fpcnaples.org

Facilities

Lisa Ethier, Custodian 2016 lisae@fpcnaples.org

Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance 2014 eduardom@fpcnaples.org

Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities 2028 sandyp@fpcnaples.org

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director 2009 ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Lindsay Willkomm, Assistant Preschool Director 2038 lindsayw@fpcnaples.org