December 2016 Outreach Newsletter

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God

December 2016

IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich

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Music Finance

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Missions

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Congregational Care Presbyterian Women

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Calendar Preschool Children & Youth

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News & Events

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Events of the Season

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

craigg@fpcnaples.org

It is the Season of Advent, a time of preparation, of waiting, and of With respect to giving and budget, yes “money,” expectant hope. The late Dutch please see Richard Green’s report on page 4 and if priest, Henri Nouwen, whose able and inspired, why not make a year-end gift? As writings we are reading together, last year, our Generosity Campaign for 2017 will wrote this about Advent: take place in January and February. We hope to have an exceptional response as we live into being “To wait open-endedly is an “In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God.” Be enormously radical attitude towards thinking about what you will pledge and give in the life. So is to trust that something will happen to us New Year.

that is far beyond our own imaginings. So too, is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life, trusting that God molds us according to God’s love and not according to our fear. The spiritual life is a life in which we wait, actively present to the moment, trusting that new things will happen to us, new things that are far beyond our imagination, fantasy, or prediction. That, indeed, is a very radical stance toward life in a world preoccupied by control.”

Challenging words! Especially for those who like to be in control, to know where we are headed, and who value security and predictability - myself included! But what these words encourage is an awareness that as one writer said, “God is on the field.” That there is a power and a presence to which we are to be open and trusting. And that is hopeful and exciting!

Looking back over our life together this past month, there is much for which to be thankful: Presbyterian Women’s luncheons, the Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday Nights at First and great programs, our Veterans Day dinner, youth and mission activities and opportunities, the Season of Music concerts, a wonderful Thanksgiving service and feast, and, of course, many of you coming back home to Naples for the Season. It is like a reunion every Sunday!

Looking ahead with anticipation and hope there are many Advent/Christmas activities. I encourage you to read the Outreach cover to cover to see all that is planned. A special note about the “Blue Christmas” service on Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m.— it will be a time of reflection and hope for those who are feeling “blue” in the holiday season. And as for Sunday mornings, the sermon schedule for our series “The Season of Hope” is on page 12.

Also be sure to put on your calendar Sunday, February 12. That is the Sunday on which we will celebrate with joy our 65th Anniversary!

Paul said it well in Ephesians: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21) My prayer is that we will, each and every one of us know that power and that together, as we wait and hope and trust God for our lives and the ministry of this church, we will know God’s grace, hope and love. Wishing you joy and peace this Advent and Christmas!

Gratefully and Faithfully,

Music

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

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A Season of Music Handel’s Messiah with the

A Choral Christmas

Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus

The Combined Choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church

Thursday, December 1, 2016 7:30 p.m.

Yaniv Segal, conductor James Cochran, chorus director Nathalie Paulin, soprano Abigail Nims, mezzo-soprano Lawrence Wiliford, tenor Stephen Hegedus, bass-baritone Experience the power of the 100-voice Naples Philharmonic Chorus as they present Handel’s masterful oratorio. A commentary on the life of Jesus Christ, Messiah remains Handel's best-known work, with performances particularly popular during the Advent season.

To commemorate the holiday season — and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus’ 25th anniversary — the Chorus will perform the work they first performed together as an ensemble in 1991.

Tickets are available for purchase through the Artis—Naples Box Office at 239.597.1900 or online at www.artisnaples.org.

Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the concert. Adult $35, Student $15.

Dr. Brice Gerlach and Dr. James Cochran, conductors Sunday, December 4, 2016 4:00 p.m.

Christmas time is filled with great traditions and many of them center on the music of the season. We continue that tradition of celebrating Christmas in song by presenting “A Choral Christmas”. The choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas with an uplifting concert! The program will feature the famous Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi accompanied by a chamber orchestra, some Christmas spirituals as well as an audience sing-a-long of well-known carols.

Come and enjoy the music of Christmas!

Mark your calendar now for this yuletide afternoon.

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Finance

Richard Green, Finance Committee Chair, rgreen@cbcworldwide.com

To the Congregation:

We appreciative your gifts to the Endowment Fund which enables us to have reserves for the future and generate income for ministry expenses. With all of us pulling together we are rebuilding First Presbyterian Church to the glory of God.

We hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. At this time of year, we give thanks to GOD for our amazing blessings. We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful and warm church “In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God”.

Our church continues to grow as we have had 79 new members in the last 12 months under Rev. Goodrich’s leadership. We have great news as our giving is up 21% over last year or up $212,000. However, we are still dealing with a deficit as of the end of October of ($143,000). We have had to transfer from our endowment fund $250,000 so far; $143,000 to cover the deficit and over $100,000 for capital improvements. We are hoping we will not have to withdraw any more than $50,000 to cover November. We anticipate that giving in December will result in a small surplus for that month. We had projected a ($273,000) deficit for the year and we now believe it will be about a ($173,000) deficit. Very nice progress. This is the time of year when we catch up on pledges. We encourage you to fulfill your pledge and to remember the church as you make any year-end gifts. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

We are continuing to make some improvements to the church from the capital reserves we set aside from the sale of the north parking lot. Our Endowment Fund of $5,500,000 will allow us to cover shortfalls and to continue to cover physical improvements to the church and improve and expand programs. We have adequate parking for the church as per the city requirements. Beginning January 8, 2017 when we go to two services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. There will be 45 minutes between services to help alleviate parking issues.

Current financial picture as of October 31,2016 All Income:

$1,225,479

All Expenses:

$1,369,090

Surplus or (Deficit)

($143,611)

Net Projections for: each month surplus or (Deficit) November

($41,000)

December

$11,000

Total for the year.

($173,611)

On behalf of the Finance Committee, Richard Green, Chairman

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE

A provision made permanent last year, permits taxpayers 70½ years old and over to make direct distributions (up to $100,000 per year) Our forecast for 2017 is looking good. Assuming a from their Traditional or Roth IRA accounts to a successful generosity campaign in January and charity. This contribution will not be counted as February and the addition of endowment income, we ordinary income. Contact your advisor for anticipate a deficit of approximately $80,000. assistance. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help FPCN, contact My thanks to the Finance Committee members for either Linda Gadkowski, Committee Chair at their time and efforts in monitoring our expenses 508.292.5500 or Rev. Craig Goodrich. and looking for ways to improve the church.

Missions

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

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not individually, but as a church.

This is us, representing our beloved FPCN and God, out in the world!

I may not know their name, but I’m praying just the same that you’ll use me, Lord to wipe away the tears. Somebody’s crying, not too far from here.”

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Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net

Congregational Care

Grief at the Holidays Grieving the loss of someone is always challenging, but it can be increasingly so during holiday time. If you are dealing with loss or know someone who is, the following tips may be helpful…

Tips for those dealing with grief: · Don’t be afraid to change traditions. Old ones won’t be the same – so new ones may help.

Keep the ones that are comforting. · Show your emotions – expression is healthy and positive. · Rely on others. · Remember children and encourage expression of their emotions. · Don’t block memories – verbalize them. · Trust your feelings. Don’t say “should” to yourself. · Seek out support from any belief systems you may have. · Be patient with yourself. · Shop early and avoid the added stress of holiday crowds. · Seek out private time and options for fun. · Help others.

Tips for supporting someone who is grieving: · Don’t pretend that nothing has changed.

Experiment with new traditions and acknowledge the difference from old ones. · Encourage expressions of emotion and show your acceptance. · Take initiative and don’t wait for the bereaved to ask. · Remember children and encourage expression of their emotions. · Reminisce with the bereaved. Use the loved one’s name, make a toast, acknowledge. · Don’t use “should” to the bereaved. Let them do their holidays their way. · Accept decisions made by the bereaved. You don’t have to approve. · Encourage or offer to take them shopping early for presents. · Provide time alone and fun time. · Let the bereaved help you. · Be patient.

Information provided by Avow. Avow® was founded in 1983 as Collier County's original, nonprofit hospice. Today, Avow's nonprofit companies provide palliative care consultations for people facing chronic or serious illness and hospice care and bereavement support services for children and adults. To learn more about services, including free grief support groups open to the community, visit avowcares.org or call 239.261.4404.

Visitation Care Ministry Jesus considered ministering to the sick and infirmed as a critical opportunity to share God’s love. He calls us to visit with His people in a relational interaction. We visit with individuals.

Would you or someone you know like to be visited by a member of the visitation care team? Would you like to be a visitor? Please call Shirley Hagerson 239.569.3125 or Carolyn Bennett 239.213.0048.

Presbyterian Women

Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S GATHERING The December Women’s Gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 7at 12 p.m. and features a concert by Brice Gerlach and Michele Byrd. They always delight us with their musical talents in presenting a heartfelt program.

Luncheon reservations ($7) can be made in Spencer Hall following the worship service on Sunday, December 4 or by calling the church office 239.262.1311.

Faith/Joy Circle

Love & Friendship Circle

Peace with Honor Circle

Sunshine Circle

Tuesday December 20 9:30 a.m.

Room 204

Wednesday December 14 9:30 a.m.

Church Parlor

Wednesday December 14 1 p.m.

Church Parlor

Wednesday December 21 12 p.m.

Youth Room

Prayer Shawl Ministry

You are cordially invited to a "kick off" coffee, tea, and goodies affair in the First Presbyterian Church Youth Room on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 9 a.m.

Come to "catch up", reconnect, get yarn, be inspired, pray for shawls, plan for 2017 meeting times and social gatherings!

Sew & Sews Even though Sew and Sews hasn’t been meeting during the summer, two faithful members have been putting their talents to work in making very special knitted caps that are adorable, and will be enjoyed by those in need. Thank you, Jean Harper and Hilda Dolan!

On Thursday, December 8, we will reconvene our committee to regroup and make plans for our future projects.

We hope to welcome present members back, and any new ladies that are interested in participating in our outreach for those less fortunate. Our projects are very simple and require little expertise. As a matter of fact, there are projects for all - - even if you don’t sew. We have need of pattern cutters and stamp cutters. Please join us in Room 206 in the Education Building at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 8. “

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Calendar SUNDAY

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

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

December

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

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THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study10:30 a.m. Bible Facilitators 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7:30 p.m. Concert

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Parent’s Night Out

8:30 a.m.

Communion Prep 10 a.m. Concert rehearsal

10

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9 a.m. Children’s Sunday 1 p.m. Personnel School Committee 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Concert

7 a.m. Habitat work day 10:30 a.m. Polar Express 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group 4 p.m. Barnes & Noble bookfair

10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. Middle School 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

10:30 a.m. Sew & Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

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13

14 9:30 a.m.

Love/Friendship Circle 1 p.m. Peace/Honor Circle 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. Middle School 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

15 OUTREACH DEADLINE

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8 a.m. Facilities Committee 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting

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21

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9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle

2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. Middle School 5:30 p.m. Blue Christmas Service 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

Preschool closed

Preschool closed 9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

Christmas Eve 5 p.m. Family Worship 7 p.m.

Candlelight Worship

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Youth Ski Trip Preschool closed

Youth Ski Trip Preschool closed 9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

Youth Ski Trip 9 a.m.

Communion preparation

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9 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Congregational Meeting 10:30 a.m. Seekers & Joiners Class 10:40 a.m. Children's Choir 10:45 a.m. Pancake Breakfast 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

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Deacon Remembrance delivery 9 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

25 Christmas

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

Church office Closed Preschool closed

Church office closed Youth Ski Trip Preschool closed Preschool closed Youth Ski Trip 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

11 a.m. Preschool Christmas Sing Along rehearsal 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

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9 a.m.

Cookie Baking 9 a.m. Preschool Christmas Sing Along

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

First Presbyterian Preschool

First Presbyterian Preschool’s Annual Christmas Sing Along Friday, December 18, 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Come one, come all to help us celebrate Christmas!

Barnes and Noble Waterside Shops Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Be sure to mention our name during your checkout.

Proceeds from in-store sales on December 6, plus online purchases made through Sunday, December 11, will benefit the Preschool Angel Fund, our financial assistance and curriculum enhancement program.

Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 12/6/2016 to 12/11/2016 by entering Bookfair ID 1187987 at checkout.

A percentage of your Barnes & Noble purchases will benefit our school/organization.

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Children & Youth

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

Can you believe Christmas is almost here?

We are so excited to have you with us for this special time of the year.

We will have our Christmas Eve family worship service on Saturday, December 24 at 5 p.m. and are looking for a few adult volunteers to help the children, without speaking parts, to get into costumes. We are also looking for children that would like to have speaking parts. Children must be able to practice a few times before Christmas Eve. If you are interested or think your child would be, please contact Shana Dublan.

Did you know the church has a fundraising account for the youth? When we host fundraisers, like the pancake breakfast, or serve the church for congregational dinners, an offering is taken for the youth and all monies are placed in the fundraising account. The Christian Education office tracks which students assist with each event and how much is collected. From there we can determine how much each student has “earned�. They can then use those funds to pay for their portion of any of their trips or activities.

In celebration of our 65 anniversary we will be selling anniversary logo polo shirts for $20. Preorders can be placed beginning Sunday, December 18 in Spencer Hall or the church office. Make sure you stop by the Youth table and look at how nice they are and secure yours for the celebration in February.

WE THINK ITS TIME to come together for a wonderful breakfast cooked and served by the youth.

December 11 following the service please stop by Spencer Hall for pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit. There is no charge for breakfast, however, we will have baskets on the table for donations. All proceeds go to the youth to help fund trips and outings.

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

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Feed the 5,000 We are gathering food for Youth Haven, a local organization that provides a homelike atmosphere for abandoned, neglected, or abused children.

Ushers will have a Publix bag with a list of desired food items available as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. Please bring your food to the Sixth Street church entrance before service on the second Sunday.

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

Save the Date Come join us at First Presbyterian Church of Naples as we celebrate 65 years of ministry on Sunday, February 12, 2017 10:15 a.m. Worship and Celebration Brunch Reception Following

Suggested items are: Jam or jelly Peanut butter Canned chicken, tuna, ham Canned fruit Macaroni & cheese Canned vegetables Pasta Pasta sauce Rice Please no open containers or out of date food.

The Mission Committee thanks you in advance.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT FPCN Childcare Providers The Christian Education Department of FPCN is seeking two childcare providers who can offer a safe and loving environment for our children. Previous childcare experience is required, must be at least 18 years old and available Sunday mornings and the first Friday night of each month. More hours available as special classes and events are scheduled. Please submit your resume to Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager at sharmanp@fpcnaples.org or via fax at 239.659.1340.

Administrative Assistant to Christian Education The Christian Education Department of FPCN is seeking an Administrative Assistant for 15 hours per week. The position requires strong administrative skills with a creative ability to produce promotional flyers and brochures, the ability to learn computer programs specific to the church, strong organizational skills, a positive attitude and team player. Please submit your resume to Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager at sharmanp@fpcnaples.org or via fax at 239.659.1340.

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

The Angel Tree A Christmas Tradition

From the Pulpit Sermon Series: “The Season of Hope” December 4 Rev. Craig Goodrich, preaching “The Fire of Hope” Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12 December 11 Rev. Bill Crawford, preaching “The Highway of Hope” Isaiah 35:1-10 and Matthew 11:2-11 December 18 Rev. Craig Goodrich, preaching “The Birth of Hope” Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25 December 24 Rev. Craig Goodrich, preaching “The Hope of the World” John 1:1-14 December 25 Rev. Craig Goodrich, preaching “The Family of Hope” Isaiah 52:7-10 and Luke 2:1-20

Each year we partner with Lipman Produce (formerly known as Six L’s Farm) to help migrant farm workers families with gifts for Christmas. The Angel Tree will be available in Spencer Hall on Sunday, November 27. The tree will be decorated with tags for children aged newborn-12 years old.

Please take the bottom half of the tag which will have the gift recipient information. Complete the top half of the tag with your name and phone number which will remain with us.

Please wrap the gift securely and put the tag on it.

Some gift ideas are learning toys, ethnic dolls, books, board games, puzzles, roller skates, balls and craft kits. Gifts should have an approximate value of $20.

Please return the wrapped gift by Sunday, December 11.

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Are you interested in knowing what First Presbyterian Church has to offer?

Then come to the Seekers and Joiners Class on Sunday, December 11 in the Parlor following the worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship service.

Please welcome the following new members. Our next class will be held on Sunday, December 11.

Contact Joanne Slager, jjslager493@aol.com or 239.272.1568 for more information.

New members will be received on Sunday, December 18.

Thank You

Bill & Nancy Dunlap

Our first blood drive of the season was very successful.

There were 25 donors and 25 units collected! Thank you to all the members, friends and staff for their participation. Mark your calendars for the next blood drive on Monday, January 23, 2017.

ď‚–ď‚˜ Thank you so much for the flowers you brought me at NCH and at the Arlington. The visits and flowers brightened my day and my room!

Sincerely, Dot Benedict

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Susan Eastin & Tim Richardson

In Memoriam David Dawson November 6, 2016

Frank & Nancy Kiningham

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Please join us on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at the 10:15 a.m. worship service

as we celebrate An Invitation to All Women: A new class will be offered to women of the church beginning Thursday, January 26 in Spencer Hall from 9:15 – 11:00 a.m. and will continue weekly through April 6. At our first gathering, visiting Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Kathy Goodrich (Craig and Andie’s sisterin-law) will introduce the topic of Jesus and his relationship with the women he encountered during his years of ministry, exploring both his attitude towards women generally and his interactions with those he knew and called by name.

Throughout the class we will be asking the questions, “What does it mean for me to be called by name?

How can I live more fully in the freedom and love that Jesus offers?”

Each class will include a time of teaching followed by small group questions and discussion. Please note these dates on your calendar and plan to join in this opportunity to grow in faith and deepen friendships with other women.

Sign-up will begin in early January.

For additional information please contact Andie Goodrich at andie.goodrich@gmail.com.

Dr. Brice Gerlach On his 15 year anniversary As Director of Music Ministries

reception to follow in Spencer Hall

Events of the Season

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Celebrations

&

Events

of the

Season

Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Messiah, Philharmonic Concert Tickets available through Artis-Naples Friday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Parent’s Night Out/First Friday Event—Mickey’s Christmas Carol Sunday, December 4 at 4 p.m.

Season of Music Concert, Combined Choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church Week of December 5 Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers Wednesday, December 7 at 12 p.m.

Presbyterian Women's Gathering Christmas mini-concert with Brice and Michele Gerlach Friday, December 16 at 9 a.m.

Preschool Christmas Event Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Blue Christmas Service Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5 p.m. Family Worship Service 7 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Service Sunday, December 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship

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

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

The Season of Hope Blue Christmas A service of wholeness and healing Wednesday, December 21 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24 5 p.m. Family Worship 7 p.m. Candlelight Worship Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 9:30 a.m.