FPCN Outreach Newsletter February 2017

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God

February 2017

IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich

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Music

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Worship

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Missions

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Congregational Care

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Calendar

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Presbyterian Women

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Preschool

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Children & Youth

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News & Events

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff As we head towards February, the Season is in full swing and many have returned to their Naples homes and to our congregation. Welcome home!

We are glad you are back and participating once again in our life together.

This past month has seen an upsurge in Seasonal activity. We have ordained and installed deacons and elders to the class of 2019. The Men’s Club has already had two great programs and Presbyterian Women Circles have met and hosted a luncheon on child trafficking. A new Women’s Bible Study has started on Thursday mornings with the topic of “Women of Jesus” and a new men’s fellowship has also begun, meeting on the first and third Wednesday mornings. We have received a wonderful group of new members.

Our Mission Committee has hosted a great Mission Fair, and our Deacons, a Deacons’ Sunday. Earlier we celebrated with Dr. Brice Gerlach on the occasion of his 15th anniversary. On the Personnel front, we welcomed Jen Breen as our new Christian Education Assistant.

Looking ahead to February, we will be celebrating our 65th Anniversary on Sunday, February 12 with one service at 10:15 a.m. which will include a celebration, followed by a Wynn’s catered brunch. Special music begins at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Russell Mase and his wife Carmen will be with us for that special time.

Dr. Mase served as our Senior Pastor from 1976 to 1998. He and I will split the sermon that morning. It will be a great celebration in which we will give thanks for all that is past and the years of faithful ministry “In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God.” And we will look ahead with enthusiasm, hope and faith.

In addition, we will be encouraging all of us to participate in our Generosity Campaign. Our theme this year is “Generous Hearts.” And our guiding scripture is Matthew 6:21 in which

craigg@fpcnaples.org

Jesus, who spoke often about money, said “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Our goal is that everyone would pledge, and more specifically, that we would increase the total number of pledges from 276 to 325 and the total dollar amount from $822,000 to $1,000,000. You will be hearing more from Duncan Connell and our Generosity Committee including an exciting Matching Campaign Challenge.

Finally, we all know what a turbulent time this is in our country with the new administration rapidly taking unprecedented and controversial actions. I encourage us to pray for our leaders with faith and with love and to remember that we as Christians are called to show the compassion, love and justice of our Lord Jesus who cared for the poor, the lost and the oppressed. The hymn we sang this past Sunday, “God of Grace and God of Glory” has a wonderfully apt refrain and prayer: “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of these days.” Amen to that!

In and through it all, it is an exciting time to be together here as the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Naples. I am glad and privileged to be your pastor.

Gratefully and Faithfully,

Music

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

A Season of Music Peter Seidenberg, cello Hu-Mei Lin, piano “Short Stories�

Sunday, February 19, 2017 4:00 p.m.

Brice Gerlach, Michele Byrd and Colin Gerlach Sunday, February 26, 2017 4:00 p.m.

Join us as the Gerlach family presents a special concert to support the Troop 2001 Boy Scouts in their summer trip to Philmont Scout Ranch.

Peter Seidenberg has played in major halls throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. He made his solo debut with the Chicago Symphony, and has since appeared as soloist with many orchestras including Century Orchestra of Osaka, New American Chamber Orchestra, De Paul Chamber Orchestra, New York Chamber Soloists, and the Eastman-Rochester Philharmonic.

This concert will feature rarely heard works for cello and piano that have an evocative narrative. Some of the composers highlighted in the concert include Bach, Chopin, Dvorak and Schumann.

The concert will showcase this family performing pieces for voice, piano, organ and violin and will include classical, Broadway and patriotic music.

A free will offering will be collected with all proceeds going to the scouts.

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Worship

Barbara Church, Committee Chair , churchbarb@aol.com

From the Pulpit February 5 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Treasure True” Psalm 112:1-9 Matthew 6:19-24 February 12 65th Anniversary Celebration Rev. Craig Goodrich and Rev. Dr. Russell E. Mase “65 But Not Retiring” Psalm 90 1 Corinthians 3:5-11 February 19 Rev. Craig Goodrich, Commitment Sunday “More than Imagined” Psalm 119:33-40 Ephesians 3:16-20 February 26 Rev. Craig Goodrich, Transfiguration of the Lord 2 Kings 2:1-12 Mark 9:2-9

Missions

Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com

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n February the Missions Committee shares opportunities for giving and working at Mision Peniel. Bring the following items to Spencer Hall on February 5 and 12: men’s clothing (especially long sleeved shirts and work clothes) and shoes; women’s clothing and shoes; children’s clothing, shoes, diapers and small toys; household items, sheets, blankets, towels, toiletries, soap, shampoo, lotions.

On February 17 we will need 14 volunteers who can sort clothing, dish beans and rice in cups, package food and greet tired farmworkers with a smile on your face. The church van will leave the church at 1 p.m. and return about 7 p.m. If you have never been, you really should see this wonderful work happening by Pastor Miguel in Immokalee. Please sign up at the Missions table in Spencer Hall or call Sue Vernia at 239.304.3202 for more information.

COOKING AT ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE Calling all cooks, salad makers, ice cream scoopers, and servers to prepare and serve dinner to the residents of St. Matthew’s House Tuesday, February 28. We will work from 2 to about 6 p.m. and you may work a shift or the entire time.

Questions? Call Betty Plum 239.732.8799.

Sign up in Spencer Hall.

Mission Fair 2017

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Feed the 5,000 This month we are gathering food for Grace Place, a faith based center which teaches literacy, language, and life skills to at-risk 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.

Suggested items are: Jam or jelly Canned chicken, tuna, ham Dried beans Canned vegetables Pasta sauce Dried milk

Peanut butter Canned fruit Macaroni & cheese Pasta Rice Children’s cereal

Please no open containers or out of date food.

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Congregational Care

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

Stephen Ministers Serving First Presbyterian Church of Naples LISTENING When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving advice you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way, you are trampling my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen! All I asked was that you listen, not talk or do—just hear me. And I can do for myself; I’m not helpless. Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and weakness.

But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what’s behind this irrational feeling. And when that’s clear, the answers are obvious and I don’t need advice.

God is mute, and he doesn't give advice or try to fix things. He just listens and lets you work it out for yourself.

So, please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn, and I’ll listen to you.

A Stephen Minister will listen to you, pray with you, and offer you comfort.

Carolyn Bennett Marilyn Currier Katie Geshay Carol Graham Betsy Grant Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Walter Gadkowski Jack Marsh

Saralene Oldham Gary Root Suzanne Rose

Congregational Care

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Memorial Garden Did you know that First Presbyterian Church has a Memorial Garden? It is located on the outer wall of the sanctuary on the west side of the building.

The Memorial Garden provides a place of beauty and peace to house the columbarium for the interment of ashes for those who choose this method of burial.

If you are interested in purchasing a niche or would like further information, please contact Sharman Pfaus or by calling the church office.

The Deacons will be offering 65th Anniversary Coasters to help raise money for the Benevolence Fund, which supports St. Matthew’s House, St. Vincent de Paul and Helps Outreach.

Please visit the Deacon table in Spencer Hall to purchase. The cost for the coasters is a set of 4 for $20.

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Calendar SUNDAY

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

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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8 a.m. Men’s Morning Fellowship 10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 2 p.m. High School Connection 2:30 p.m. 65 Anniversary meeting 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry 10:30 a.m. Bible Facilitators 10:30 a.m. PW Search Committee 12 p.m. HUDDLE 4 p.m. St. Matthew’s House training 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking 5 p.m. First Friday Event/Parent’s night out

8:30 a.m. Communion Prep 9 a.m.

St. Matthew’s House training

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8:30 a.m. Communion Worship 9:30 a.m. Adult Study 10:15 a.m. Worship 11:15 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

1 p.m. Personnel Committee

9 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group

7 a.m. Habitat work day 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Women’s 9 a.m.

Bible Study Cookie Baking 10 a.m.

12 p.m. Money 101 Congregational Care 11 a.m. Sew & Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

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9:30 a.m. Adult Study 10:15 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

19 Commitment Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Adult Study 10:15 a.m. Worship 11:15 a.m. Seekers & Joiners Class 11:15 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Concert

26 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Adult Study 10:15 a.m. Worship 11:15 a.m. Children’s Choir 4 p.m. Concert

14 Valentine’s Day 10:30 a.m. Men’s 8 a.m. Facilities Club Committee 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry 1 p.m. Worship & Music 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee

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10:30 a.m. Men’s 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry Club 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Cir. 5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting

9 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry 2 p.m. St. Matthew’s House workday 4 p.m. Session

SATURDAY

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8 a.m. Men’s Morning Fellowship 9:30 a.m.

Love/Friendship Cir. 12 p.m. Sunshine Cir. 1 p.m. Peace/Honor Circle 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking 1 p.m. Mision Peniel Workday

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2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Women’s 9 a.m.

Bible Study Cookie Baking 11 a.m. Sew & Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

10 a.m. Youth Outing

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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.

Presbyterian Women Faith/Joy Circle Tuesday February 21 9:30 a.m.

Room 204

Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com

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Love & Peace with Honor Sunshine Circle Friendship Circle Circle Wednesday February 15 9:30 a.m.

Church Parlor

After having the summer off, we had our first meeting on Thursday, January 12. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 9 at 11 a.m. We’d love to have you join us. Bring lunch for a time of fellowship!

Wednesday February 15 1 p.m.

Church Parlor

Wednesday February 15 12 p.m.

Youth Room

and distribution of a new Spanish language curriculum for Sunday Schools, and the 50 lesson series has been published and used in 19 different Spanish speaking countries in South America, Central America, Spain, and even the USA. All stamps are accepted: cancelled, un-cancelled, damaged stamps, even those pre-printed on envelopes, etc.

So, PLEASE save your stamps. We have a box in Spencer Hall and in the church office. If you have We are continuing to make the dresses that are sent to Africa, and have found a need in Guatemala extra time to trim them before bringing them in that would be nice; however, we will appreciate for blankets which we have started to make them in any form. If possible, we need to have a now. They are very simple and need NO sewing border around the stamp of 1/4” to 1/3”. If the experience. Hats that have been knitted by a few stamp is off the paper, they can still be used. of our ladies are still very much needed, and is something we would like to continue.

Volunteer opportunity – If there is someone out there that would be interested in taking “the trimming of the stamps” on as a project, please contact the church office or Saralene Oldham 239.643.4703.

SAVE YOUR STAMPS – This is a project that has been ongoing for Sew and Sews for years; however, has taken a back seat in recent months. This ministry is the result of the Alliance Stamp Ministry in Fort Myers; and, just to give you an example of how lucrative this project is – this ministry generated $37,000 as of the end of November, 2016. The ministry began in 1972, and since that time $900,000 has been generated.

This money supports the preparation, publishing

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Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Do you ever stop to think about what we do when our students are with us during the day? First Presbyterian Preschool offers a half day program, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, and each moment is full of fun and exploration. But do you really know what we are doing?

We serve a wide variety of ages; beginning with our toddlers and extending to our Voluntary Prekindergarten students (age 4 and 5). Because we serve so many children, our programming and curriculum is built so that it can address each child individually.

Our curriculum and activities are all driven by the interests of the children.

No matter the age of the child, there are universal characteristics of our program. Our focus in all of our classrooms is to give the children the chance to socialize with their peers. Providing our students with the chance to socialize helps them to develop problem solving skills. We encourage our students to talk through a problem, providing them with prompts, to give them experience with working with others to solve a problem.

Along with socialization, we strive to give the children plenty of opportunities to build their confidence and independence. We ask the children to put their own lunches away, to sign themselves in each day, to clean up after play. Providing the students with recognition of their efforts also helps to build their confidence.

We have a short day, but it is always actionpacked.

Upon arrival the children are engaged in activities that help to build fine motor skills (writing, small manipulative toys, drawing/coloring, etc.). Each class will conduct a morning circle when songs will be sung; the weather and the calendar will be discussed. Reading and literacy activities are a huge part of our curriculum and occur frequently throughout the day.

Math, outdoor physical play and science activities round out the rest of our day.

Children’s imaginative play is crucial to their development and allows them the chance to manipulate their environment to better understand the world around them. Getting children ready to enter Kindergarten, teaching them to read and write is our goal, but we also know that it’s just as important to ensure our students are successful members of our community.

We are now gearing up to register for next year and we look forward to serving the families of Naples and providing them with the level of quality they have come to expect from First Presbyterian Preschool.

Children & Youth

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

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We Need Volunteers!!

Do you love spending time with children, or are you a parent? We are in great need of volunteers for Sunday School teachers (2 Sundays per month), substitutes, and for our First Friday evening events. We also have a need for Wednesday afternoon youth volunteers. Youth Connect takes place from 1:45-3:30 p.m. and Middle School Youth Group meets 4-5 p.m.

The youth group goes to the library the first Wednesday of the month to pass out water and chips to the middle school students passing by.

They also pass out cards inviting them to join us.

Saturday Youth Outings The second Saturday of each month, there is a youth day outing and on February 11 we are heading to the Breakout Escape Room for a day of fun. Lunch is included in the outing. We are always looking for new faces to join us!

Youth Scholarship Accounts Did you know we have a youth scholarship account to help cover the cost for youth trips and outings? This account may also help those who have not raised enough funds to attend the outings/ trips, or for children who are new to the program.

We have five new children that have already signed up this year! If you feel so inclined to donate to our scholarship fund, please include a note in the memo section of your check.

If you are interested in an event, either as a volunteer or participant, please contact Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at shanad@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 229.

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Men’s Morning Fellowship

A Ministry of Encouragement

Lunch and Learn = MONEY 101

Friday, February 10

Men of First Presbyterian Church are invited to a new program that will deal with a man’s relationship with God and church, to include building a strong fellowship with all participants.

Meetings take place from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

All men are welcome to any session.

Meeting dates and topics: February 1— Men and Faith February 15—Men and Fathers March 1—Men and Family March 15—Men and Friends April 5—Men and Work April 19—Men and Money

This one hour financial workshop will be taught by church member, Linda Gadkowski M.Ed., a Certified Financial Planner who combines 25 years of experience and 11 years of teaching financial planning at Northeastern University, Boston.

This program is designed to enable you to review your financial picture and better understand your financial future. Join us on Friday, February 10 at 12 noon in Room 204. There is no charge and open to the public. This will include a 20 page workbook. Contact Loida at 239.262.1311

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

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THE MEN’S CLUB Refreshments 10:00 a.m.

Program 10:30 a.m.

February 13, 2017

February 20, 2017

Senator Garrett Richter

KrisAnne Hall

President, CEO and Director of First Florida Integrity Bank “Learn, Earn & Return” Senator Richter is founder, president, CEO and a director of First Florida Integrity Bank. Previously, he was president and CEO of First National Bank of Florida prior to its acquisition by Fifth Third Bank.

He was elected to the Florida Legislation in 2006. He served as the President Pro Tempore of the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2016. He completed his final term as a Florida State Senator in November 2016.

In 2016, the Florida Bankers Association named Garrett the Banker of the Year. Junior Achievement selected him as one of their entrepreneurial laureates and the Boy Scouts of SW Florida selected him as a citizen of the year.

Long time church members, Garrett and Diana Richter have been married 42 years. They both beam with pride when talking about their three children, Melissa, Liz and Rob, and their five grandchildren, Ian, Leah, Santiago, Ignacio and Francisco.

Attorney and former prosecuter "Religious Liberty” Should Christians be active in government?

KrisAnne Hall teaches the history of Religious Liberty in America that isn't being taught anywhere else. Then, as a pastor's wife, KrisAnne speaks with authority regarding the Christian's Biblical obligation to defend Liberty. No opinions. Just historical facts. As part of the talk you will learn about current threats to our religious liberty.

KrisAnne Hall is an attorney and former prosecutor who travels the country teaching the Constitution and the history that gave us our founding documents. KrisAnne will connect the dots for you like no one else can! Host of “The KrisAnne Hall Show”, she pulls no punches, puts liberty first, and gives no quarter to those who hide behind party labels.

KrisAnne is a disabled Army veteran, a Russian linguist, a mother, a pastor’s wife and a patriot.

KrisAnne worked as a state prosecutor and with a prominent law firm defending religious liberty and First Amendment rights.

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Please welcome the following new members. Our next class will be held on Sunday, February 19.

Contact Joanne Slager, 239.272.1568 for more information.

Jim and Pat Bailey

Mike and Cheryl Hulsen

Forrest Reeves

Sheldon and Sally Veil

Bill and Laura Colville

Russ and Kathleen Maier

Susan Sonderby

Dan and Barb Weiss

Roni Haggert and Chuck Work

Steve and Janet Magennis

Forrest and Lynn Thye

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, February 19 in the Parlor following the 10:15 a.m. worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship services.

New members will be received on Sunday, February 26 at the 10:15 a.m. service.

Thank You Dear Friends, Through the years of Christmas tree decorating we would have fun recalling how each ornament was acquired and when and perhaps from whom.

As we look to years ahead we will joyously say—this beautiful golden ornament was given to us by our dear friends at First Pres.

Thank you, Walt and Bobbie Korntheuer

In Memoriam John “Jay” Rutzler December 27, 2016

Please note: On Sunday, February 12 We will have one worship service at 10:15 a.m. to celebrate our 65th Anniversary In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God.

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

Commitment Sunday February 19, 2017

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also Matthew 6:21

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