February 2014

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

February 2014

IN THIS ISSUE From the Associate Pastor

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Music Ministries

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Christian Education Presbyterian Women

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Preschool Children and Youth

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Calendar Congregational Care

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Missions

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News and Events

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Seth Houk at FPC Meals of Hope event in 2013

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From the Associate Pastor

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

much different approach. Some immediately gave five figure gifts, since they were “sick of all the negative “After the Fall,” from Advancing media attention.” Many other supporters became vocal Philanthropy magazine. The article about the difference the foundation had made in their relates the story of Lance Armstrong’s public admission that he lives. Some just needed a little time and space to return to supporting the foundation. had lied about his use of

Just the other week, I read

performance-enhancing drugs. He had committed years of fraud. He scandalized the sport of cycling. He gave a huge blow to the Livestrong Foundation, which he had championed.

I believe what happened with the Livestrong Foundation contains lessons for churches in transition. Some members will step it up, some members will walk away, and some will just need a little time to process what has happened. Either way, I cannot under-emphasize that we are part of this church because of the mission, that of following Jesus Christ.

The Livestrong Foundation faced a crisis for which there was no playbook. The board and the staff of Livestrong knew that the mission was critical, serving anyone in the US who needs help fighting cancer. The Peace and grace, vice president of major gifts remarked, “I knew it was going to be a challenging year for the foundation… I saw a tremendous amount of potential in the mission and the organization, and I knew that the work was so Rev. Jonathan Evans much bigger than one person.

In the fallout of the scandal, some donors left, saying they just couldn’t do it anymore. Other donors took a

Music

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

A Season of Music Hector Olivera, organ Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.

Hector Olivera is a passionate, gifted, and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world.

He has performed as guest soloist with many orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Fort Wayne Symphony, the Dover-New Philadelphia Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Amsterdam Baroque Ensemble, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Pasadena Symphony (for whom he produced a limited Gold CD edition of Saint Saëns' Symphony No. 3).

Although he is most famous for his prodigious technical proficiency, Hector Olivera’s amazing effect on audiences has made many of the most sophisticated and demanding organ aficionados claim that Hector Olivera is one of the greatest organists in the world today. You won’t want to miss this concert!

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Christian Education

Women’s Bible Study All women are invited to join leader, Jeanie Weigel for a weekly Bible Study on the book “Jesus the One and Only” by Beth Moore.

Join us on Thursday mornings from 9:30—11:30 a.m. in Room 204. For more information please contact Jeanie Weigel jdavidsonw@comcast.net. or 239.963.5318.

Adult Bible Study

Church On Wednesday Animate: Faith.

Class meets in Spencer Hall each Wednesday at 6 p.m. through February 18. This adult course imaginatively explores central topics of Christianity.

In each Animate: Faith session, the group will watch a video featuring a leading voice from the Christian faith, spend time on personal reflection and journaling, and share ideas with the group. Each session delves into a faith topic: God, religion, Jesus, salvation, the cross, the Bible, and church.

is held each Sunday from 8:30—9:15 a.m. in Room 204.

Please contact Gretchen Oakley at 239.591.3467 for more information.

The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its narrative supplies a bridge connecting the life and ministry of Jesus to the life of the church and the witness of the earliest believers. The work also constructs a link between the Gospels and the Epistles.

In Acts, as Luke describes the spread of the gospel and the ministry of the apostles, he focuses primarily on two, Peter and Paul.

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

Tuesday mornings, 7 a.m. at Skillet’s (4170 Tamiami Trail N. behind Wendy’s).

HUDDLE A Men’s Bible Study Each Thursday the men’s HUDDLE group meets in Spencer Hall at noon for lunch and Bible Study.

Bring your own lunch and join in the study of Kings.

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Presbyterian Women

Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, flgoodnight@aol.com

You’re invited to join us for a Drapers and Damons Fashion Show!

Miracles in Action March 5, 2014

The March Gathering Wednesday, February 5 at noon in Spencer Hall Our own vivacious models will delight us with many trends, colors and the newest styles from Draper and Damons.

will welcome Penny Rambacher from Miracles in Action, a local organization that impacts lives in Guatamala. Listen to her story of how she started Miracles in Action and how First Presbyterian Women are involved as well.

Menu: Chicken Parmesan on pasta, salad, garlic bread, and birthday cake.

Lunch reservations can be made in Spencer Hall following the worship service. Luncheon will be salmon, mixed green salad with fruit, herb roasted potatoes, and strawberry shortcake.

Reservations available in Spencer Hall on February 23 and March 2.

February Circle Meetings Date

Circle

Place

Leader

Phone

Wednesday, February 12 12 p.m.

Sunshine

Youth Room

Jeanenne Somers Janet Root

239.434.2168 239.963.9838

Monday, February 17 7 p.m.

Eventide

Church Parlor

Margaret Green

239.430.4757

Tuesday, February 18 9:30 a.m.

Faith/Joy

Church Parlor

Barbara Korntheuer

239.591.0260

Wednesday, February 19 9:30 a.m.

Grace/Peace

Youth Room

Katie Geshay

239.592.5358

9:30 a.m.

Love

Church Parlor

Nina Howard Mary Vande Voren

239.248.3647 239.353.1620

9:30 a.m.

Friendship

Room 202

Bonita Kraus Carolyn Mollers

239.435.0462 239.213.1577

1 p.m.

Honor/Spencer

2349 Gulf Shore Blvd. N

Barbara Swallen

239.263.0896

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Each week, I conduct Chapel with the Preschool children. During this time, we sing, dance, and share a message about Christian values and morals. I make every attempt possible to make it fun and interactive. I’ve used props and we’ve played games. We celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas and discuss Spring renewal at Easter. My goal is to introduce the Bible and its Christian concepts in an exciting, easy to understand format. I explain to parents that our intent is to provide the children with a solid foundation and knowledge of God’s love for us.

During a recent Chapel lesson, we discussed how grateful we are for our parents and what they do for us. I asked the children to share with me what their parents did for them, and we listed them. Some of the answers they provided for me were; “clean my room, make me food, throw away the trash, take me to the park and the zoo, build Legos with me, let us play roller hockey, give us birthday cake, give us hugs

Children and Youth

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and kisses, take us to school, give us a pool,” and best of all, “go to work to make money for us.”

Yes, our parents do a lot for us and they do these things because they love us and want to take care of us. We then discussed what we can do for our parents to show them that we love them. These are some of the answers they provided; “make pictures for our parents, clean our rooms, put our shoes in the closet, go fishing together, help them cook, play with them, make them cookies,” and my favorite, “do their hair”.

Children are amazing and have many ways of showing us they love us. Remember to look for the small things, because they are big things in their eyes!

-Thanks for my parents, a gift from above.

Help me to give them all my love, Amen.

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

Sunday school needs Youth Outing

YOU!!

Christian Education is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children and they need you. Over the years I have heard, “I would love to teach, but don’t want to miss worship every Sunday.” Do we have a solution for you!!

Starting this month we will have a rotation schedule so those of you who love teaching can do both. We have wonderful material that will guide you as you guide our children. Please contact me if you are able to give 40 minutes, 1 or 2 times a MONTH.

Middle and High School February 17 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.

Putt Putt Golf and Lunch Be sure to reserve your spot and get ready for some serious fun.

Space is limited.

The cost is $10.00 for EVERYTHING! If you have any questions please contact Shana Dublan.

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Calendar

SUNDAY

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

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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 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.

SATURDAY 1 Communion Prep

2 3 8:30 & 10 a.m.

9 a.m. PW Bible Communion Worship Facilitators 8:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 10:15 a.m.

Sunday School 11 a.m.

Congregational Mtg 12 p.m.

Cumberland Church

4 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (separate location) 9 a.m.

Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:30 a.m. Pilates Class 11 a.m. Alzheimer's Support Group 2 p.m. CE Committee

5 10 a.m. Coffee/Comfort 10:30 a.m.

PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 12 p.m. Preschool Parent Committee 2:30 p.m. CHAOS 5:30 .m. COW dinner 6 p.m. COW Class 7 p.m. Choir

6 9:30 a.m.

Pilates Class 12 p.m. HUDDLE 3 p.m.

Adult Handbells 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

7 8 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Cookie Baking

9 Deacon’s Sunday 10 8:30 & 10 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Worship Men’s Club 8:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 10:15 a.m.

Sunday School 12 p.m.

Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Season of Music Concert

11 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (separate location) 8 a.m.

Facilities Committee 9:30 a.m.

Pilates Class 9 a.m.

Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:30 a.m. Pilates Class 4 p.m.

Mission Committee

12 10 a.m. Coffee/Comfort 12 p.m. Sunshine Circle 2 p.m. CHAOS 5:30 .m. COW dinner 6 p.m. COW Class 7 p.m. Choir

13 9:30 a.m.

Pilates Class 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Stephen Ministry 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 3 p.m.

Adult Handbells 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

14 Valentine’s 15 Day OUTREACH 9:30 a.m.

DEADLINE Sunday Cookie Baking 5 p.m.

Pot Luck Dinner

16 8:30 & 10 a.m.

Worship 8:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 10:15 a.m.

Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

17 11 a.m.

Youth Outing 7 p.m.

Eventide Circle

18 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (separate location) 9 a.m. Breast Cancer/ Stroke Screening 9 a.m.

Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:30 a.m.

Faith/Joy Circle 9:30 a.m. Pilates Class 5:30 p.m. Deacons’ Mtg

19 9:30 a.m.

Grace/Peace Circle 9:30 a.m. Love Circle 9:30 a.m.

Friendship Circle 10 a.m. Coffee/Comfort 12 p.m. Sunshine Circle 1 p.m.

Honor/Spencer Circle 2:30 p.m. CHAOS 5:30 .m. COW dinner 6 p.m. COW Class 7 p.m. Choir

20 9:30 a.m.

Pilates Class 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 12 p.m. HUDDLE 3 p.m.

Adult Handbells 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

21 22 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Cookie Baking

23 8:30 & 10 a.m.

Worship 8:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 10:15 a.m.

Sunday School 11:30 a.m.

Pot Luck Brunch 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

24 10:30 a.m.

Men’s Club

25 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (separate location) 9:30 a.m. Pilates Class 9 a.m.

Prayer Shawl Ministry 4 p.m. Session

26 10 a.m. Coffee/Comfort 2:30 p.m. CHAOS 7 p.m. Choir

27 9:30 a.m.

Pilates Class 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 3 p.m.

Adult Handbells 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

28 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Cookie Baking 6 p.m. Dinner for 6 or 8

Congregational Care

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

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It was after Pattie attended a Christian Caregiving class, that she felt a calling to join the Stephen Ministry here at our church.

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.

Suzanne Rose

Suzanne began 50 hours of Christian care-giving training and was commissioned as a Stephen Minister in April of 2013. Her goal in Stephen Ministry is to teach the rich love of God which Stephen Ministers are committed has no boundaries for those Christians who express God’s dealing with life's difficulties. care through their lives to others.

Suzanne moved permanently to Naples in 1973 and found the They receive 50 hours of training First Presbyterian Church even in important caring ministry skills though she was confirmed in and concepts and are the Lutheran Church. Suzanne is commissioned as Stephen currently a First Presbyterian Ministers. They visit another Church Deacon and active in person regularly in a confidential various church activities and partnership and offer Christian committees. 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.

This month we are featuring First Presbyterian Church Stephen Ministers, Suzanne Rose, Pattie Schubarth and Dick Warren in an effort to “Meet the Stephen Minister.”

Pattie Schubarth Pattie and her late husband, Jim, joined FPC in 1999. They both served as Deacons for 4 years.

Our Stephen Ministers are a wonderful group of truly loving, caring men and women. She feels very blessed to be a part of this Ministry and says, “Thanks be to God, for he has opened my eyes and my heart!”

Dick Warren Upon losing his youngest son in a car accident, Dick was contacted by FPC and learned about the Stephen Ministry program. He was assigned a minister and the two arranged to meet weekly. These encounters were at times both serious and joyful; God was asked to help Dick and he did.

He feels the Stephen Minister training will greatly help him to be a joyful, yet serious care giver.

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Congregational Care

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

The deacons are assessing the need for providing transportation to church on Sundays for members…or anyone for that matter…who may not be comfortable driving or may not be able to drive or get a ride to church on Sunday mornings.

The goal is to make sure that anyone who wishes to worship on Sundays is not prevented from doing so because of transportation issues.

Anyone interested in learning more should contact their parish deacon or Gary Root, Deacon, Parish 5, who is exploring transportation options.

Gary can be reached at 239.963.9838, or adsroot@aol.com.

Did you know that as a member of First Presbyterian Church, you belong to a specific parish – that includes you and other members who live near you?

Did you know that each of these 26 parishes of First Presbyterian Church is led by a Deacon (or more than one Deacon) if the parish is large?

Come to Spencer Hall following worship services on February 9 and meet your Deacon and other members of your parish (maybe the newest members).

Don’t know to which parish you belong?

Two of our members will be greeting folks that morning in Spencer Hall, ready to assist you in finding your parish.

In Memoriam

Comfort &

Coffee & Comfort, a mutual-help grief group, meets each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Parlor. Coffee & Comfort is an opportunity to share with an understanding, compassionate group. If you would like to be a part of the January group, contact Marilyn Currier at 239.434.6239.

Marilyn Currier, MSW, Stephen Minister Leader, facilitates the group with the assistance from Martin Blied, a member of the previous Coffee & Comfort group.

Margaret Ehrie January 17, 2014

Thank You Many Thanks to all the helping hands that rang the bell for the Red Kettle Campaign for Salvation Army!

Missions

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 This month we gather food to support the programs at Grace Place. The mission of Grace Place is to be a faith-based nonprofit neighborhood center to break the cycle of poverty by teaching literacy, language, and life skills to people at risk.

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 contributions 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: 1 pound rice 1 pound dried beans 1 pound pasta 1 jar pasta sauce 1 jar peanut butter 1 jar jelly 1 can chicken 1 can fruit 1 can vegetables 1 box dried milk 1 box children’s cereal THANK YOU Together we provided 72 bags of food to Salvation Army last month and contributed $805 to the Feed the 5,000 fund.

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

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March is shaping up to be

MISSION MONTH In addition to assembling Meals of Hope and visiting the agencies we support in Immokalee, there will be a

Habitat for Humanity workday on Tuesday, March 18.

There are jobs for all ages and skills at the worksite on US 41, east of Collier Boulevard. We will work from 8 a.m. to noon.

Wear old clothes and shoes, bring along a hammer if you want to work outside, and be ready for a morning of camaraderie with other FPC members and friends. Questions? Contact Jeanne Perkins at 239.732.7426. You may sign up online or on the board in Spencer Hall.

Any additional information necessary will be provided to those who register. See you at the worksite!!

Immokalee Bus Trip

Are you curious about Immokalee and the agencies we support there? Join us for a trip to visit the Guadalupe Center, Immokalee Friendship House (a St. Matthew’s House facility) and Misión Peniel. We will start our visit with a drive through town and hear about life there. We will conclude our visit with a stop at the farmers market. The date for this mission trip is Tuesday, March 11, meeting in the church parking lot. The church van will depart promptly at 8:45 a.m. and we will return about 4 p.m. We will have lunch at a local restaurant. The Mission Committee thinks you will be delighted to learn about the work being done in Immokalee and to see our mission dollars at work. Questions? Contact Betty Plum, 239.732.8799. Sign up online or on the board in Spencer Hall.

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Congregational meeting A meeting of the congregation has been scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2014 following the 10 a.m. worship service for the purpose of electing Norman Brown as Elder, Class of 2014.

Dinner for 6 or 8 Friday, February 28 Church members and friends are invited to a member’s home for a shared meal.

It’s a fun way to get to know each other!

Reservations can be made by calling Diane Stellema at 239.455.8796.

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

All Church Valentine’s Day Potluck Dinner and Sing Along Friday, February 14 at 5 p.m.

Those whose last names begin with the following please bring: A-G Dessert H-P Salad/Side Q-Z Main Course Sign up at Sign Up Central in Spencer Hall, or online at www.fpcnaples.org

All Church Potluck Brunch

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Men’s Club Monday, February 10

Marcus P. Zillman

The Future of the Internet

Monday, February 24

Peter Thomas

One Survivor Remembers WWII

following the worship service Sunday, February 23 A-G, salad; H-P, main course; Q-Z, dessert Sign up at Sign Up Central in Spencer Hall or online at www.fpcnaples.org

Join us in Spencer Hall 10 a.m. coffee and donuts 10:30 a.m. program All are welcome Preschool Silent Auction Saturday, March 8

Attention Bowlers!

Did you realize that FPCN is involved in a Men’s Church Bowling League?

We bowl weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. at Woodside Lanes and are looking for new members to join our team. All skill levels are welcome.

If interested, please contact Rick Blattner at 239.348.2944

The First Presbyterian Preschool is planning their annual fundraiser that will benefit our student scholarship and curriculum enhancement programs.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

If you would like to become a sponsor or give a gift or service for the silent auction, please contact Preschool Director, Ashley Houk for more information at ashleyh@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.8315

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

We’ll pack 50,000 meals in just two hours!

Join us on Saturday, March 1 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Sign up in Spencer Hall or call the church office.

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