January 2023 Outreach Newsletter

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God: we worship, we love, we grow, we serve

Audrey Gordon and Jack Fogelman helping the children at the Hot Chocolate Bar following the GenWe service on Sunday, December 4

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 kathleenl@fpcnaples.org 2013

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

Susan Pratt, Assistant for Caring Ministries 2037 susanp@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

I have a framed saying in my office at the church, given to me by a good friend. It says simply “What seems like the end is often the beginning.” Certainly, this is true as we come to the end of another year. 2022 is ending but 2023 is just beginning. It is a time to look back and a time to look ahead.

As I look back over the past year, I am most grateful for the continued privilege of serving as your Senior Pastor and for the joy of being alongside you in this journey of faith and working with your faithful elders, compassionate and caring Deacons and Stephen ministers and your dedicated staff. I resonate with sentiments of the apostle Paul when he wrote to the Philippians “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you...” (Philippians1:3). I am thankful.

As I look ahead, there is much about which to be hopeful and excited. And you can read about it all in this issue of the Outreach.

Every morning I read several devotional books. One of my longstanding companions is the classic MyUtmostforHisHighestby Oswald Chambers. I love his entry for December 31, and I offer it in part to you as we both end and begin.

“At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise from remembering the yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God’s grace is apt to be checked by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is a God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them in order to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual culture for the future. God

reminds us of the past lest we get into a shallow security in the present…

As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous delight, nor with the flight of impulsive thoughtlessness, but with the patient power of knowing the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ. Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.”

And so, we begin again. A blessed New Year to all.

Faithfully and Gratefully,

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

A Season of Music

Astralis Ensemble

Angela Massey, flute

Paul Aguilar, violin Megan Chartier, cello Alexandra Dunbar, harpsichord

Sunday, January 15, 2023

4:00 p.m.

The award-winning musicians of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble; Angela Massey (flute), Paul Aguilar (violin), Megan Chartier (cello), and Alexandra Dunbar (harpsichord); will present an enchanting concert of Baroque music.

These musicians have received international recognition and some are traveling across the country to share this concert with the Naples community. “A Musical Offering” will include one of the most notable works from this time period, the Trio Sonata from J.S. Bach’s masterpiece of the same title. The concert will also include solos to feature each performer by the French Baroque composer, Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, and Italian Baroque composer, Luigi Boccherini. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music with the Astralis Chamber Ensemble.

Anton’s Ensemble

Anton Sikuta, violin Susan Sikuta, violin Brice Gerlach, piano Michele Byrd, soprano

Sunday, February 5, 2023 4:00 p.m.

Founded in Europe as a group of internationally acclaimed concert musicians, Anton’s Ensemble offers a wonderful selection of exquisite music generally known as “salon music” spanning centuries of musical style from Viennese melodies, light classical and operetta to Broadway musicals and jazz standards.

This captivating music encompasses the lighter side of melody and it flourished in the elegant coffee houses and private residences frequented by European society throughout the

Led by violinist Anton Sikuta, concertmaster of the State Opera Orchestra, Darmstadt, Germany and of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Wiesbaden, s Ensemble is dedicated to preserving this wonderful salon music tradition.

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

Christmas Day

is now past, along with all the memories and exchanges of gifts of all kinds. Nonetheless, the Christmas Season remains with us a while longer and it is worth considering two additional gifts we might consider giving. Below please find one of Richard Rohr’s daily devotionals from this time last year in which he quotes a passage written by now deceased pastor, Howard Thurman, reminding us of a very important message - toreconcilewithpeopleand toofferagiftofgracetosomeoneelse:

This is the season of Christmas. For many people, in many places, it is a time of great pressure and activity, a time when nerves are tense, and when a great deal of anxiety hovers over the common life. And this is just the reversal of what the mood and the meaning of Christmas really are. I would like to suggest, then, that for those of you who care deeply about the meaning of your own lives and the significance of moments of high celebration, that you would do two things during this season. One, that you will seek reconciliation with any person or persons with whom you have, at the moment, a ruptured or unhappy relationship. During the year that is rapidly coming to a close, you have perhaps had many experiences with many kinds of people, those with whom you live, those with whom you work, or those with whom you play, and in the course of these goings-on there have been times when the relationships heightened and were thrown out of joint, and a desert and a sea developed between you and someone else. And you were so busy with your own responsibilities, and perhaps so full of hostility yourselves, that there was no time to give . . . the grace of reconciliation. So will you think about such a person, find a way by which you can restore a lost harmony, so that your Christmas gift to yourselves will be peace between you and someone else.

The second is just as simple. Will you with your imagination, with your fancy, will you conjure up into your minds a gift of grace that you might give to someone for whom you have no obligation, someone whose need is not so great that if you don’t respond to it during this season you will feel guilty but someone upon whom you might confer a private blessing. It may be just to pick up the telephone and call someone about whom you know something and with this knowledge as a background you say a word of reassurance, of comfort, of delight, of satisfaction so that you will feel that out of the fullness of your own hearts, you have conferred upon some unsuspecting human being a gentle grace that makes the season a good and whole and hale and happy time.

Howard Thurman, TheMoodofChristmas (Harper and Row: 1973), 35.

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

Feed the 5,000 Habitat for humanity

Join our work crew on Thursday, January 12 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.

This month we are helping to restock the food pantry of The Salvation Army.

Ushers will have a list available as you leave the Sanctuary the first Sunday of January. Food donations will be collected at the 6th Street church entrance on the second Sunday of the month, January 8.

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:

Misión Peniel Christmas Toy Drive

Heartfelt thanks to all who donated to the Angel Tree toy drive. Lee Ryan and Rex Childs delivered well over 125 gifts. Our mission partner, Misión Peniel, is grateful for our continuing support.

Christian Education

Wednesdays at First

The Intergenerational Christian Education Team is very excited about our winter series! Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for excellent programs on January 18, January 25, February 1, and February 8!

January 18 Accepting Great Gifts –The Saint John

’s

Bible

Come learn all about this amazing gift that FPCN has received. Both your pastors and a few elders will present “What is the Saint John’s Bible?” and “Why is it important for our church?” Come see it in-person to experience awe and have your spiritual imagination ignited!

January 25 Shining Light on Mental Health

We all want to be healthy. But, wellness is about more than just our physical health. We need to take care of our mind just as much as we take care of our bodies. Our presenter will be Jessica Liria, the Community Outreach Specialist at the David Lawrence Center and she will talk to us about how mental health is an important topic not just for our youth, but also for older adults as well.

Dinner will be available at 5:30 p.m. for $10 followed by the presentations at 6 p.m.

Children, youth and their families can come for dinner at no cost! Reservations may be made either in Spencer Hall or by e-mailing Sandy Knight at sandyk@fpcnaples.org. Please indicate whether you wish to come for dinner or for the presentation only.

Questions? Contact Roni Haggart, vhaggart@gmail.com.

Growing Young upcoming events

GenWe Worship Services: January 1 February 5 March 5 April 2 May 7

Intergenerational Trip to Immokalee Monday, January 16 from 9:30 a.m. –2 p.m.

Please join us as we travel to Immokalee to learn about the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance whose mission is to eliminate substandard and overcrowded rental housing for farmworker families and other low and moderate income residents in the area.

• What does this mean?

• How is the church helping?

• How can we make a difference?

Cleve Cleveland will give us a tour and educate us about this very important work. Following the visit we will enjoy lunch together.

Please RSVP to Ashley Hancock, ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 2012.

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.

ALL women of the church, mark your calendars for our '23Season Womenofthe Way Study!

We hope you'll join in with the good women of WOW to enjoy another season of scripture-based study and teaching, small group discussion and friendship. We will gather on , beginning with coffee and fellowship: 9-11 a.m., January 26March 2.

Our study theme is still being finalized please watch the January bulletin and email notices for more details including sign-up information.

We hope you'll be part of this study! We have the wonderful privilege of gathering together year after year as Christian women to learn and grow and deepen in our care for one another. It's what church is all about! And whether you're a first-time participant or a WOW lifer, you will be warmly welcomed. For more information, contact Andie Goodrich (andie.goodrich@gmail.com or Pat Nordbrock (patnordbrock@gmail.com).

Wednesday Morning Men: Faith and Fellowship

A Men’s Bible Discussion Group

All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us in Spencer Hall each Thursday at noon.

Bring a Bible and your lunch! If unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom.

Please contact David Fister at davidf@fpcnaples.org for Zoom instructions and a link to the meeting.

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

Young Adult Retreat

VBS 2023

We are looking for volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School to be held June 26-30, 2023.

We will hold a volunteer meeting for those interested in helping. Join us on Sunday, February 12 following the 10:15 a.m. service in the Youth Room to learn more.

For more information you may contact Ashley Hancock at ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org.

January 27–30, 2023 – Montreat, NC

The Manna Retreat is three days and dedicated to creating deeper faith and deeper relationships. If your faith could use a deep laugh, if your heart could use a weekend away, or if your body could use a place to belong, then this is for you. Contact Nancy Van Fleet to register, nancyv@fpcnaplesorg.

Confirmation 2023

Are you interested in joining the confirmation class of 2023? This class is offered to any student in grades 8 and higher who wish to explore their faith, learn about our denomination and be confirmed in the church. We will have an informational brunch January 15 after the 10:15 a.m. service.

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

On the first Sundays of the month, GenWe Sundays, children stay in the service and worship with their families.

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

Deacons

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

(nancyv@fpcnaples.org)

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com

Nancy Van Fleet, Dir. of Children & Youth, nancyv@fpcnaples.org

GenWe Children's Time with Jack Fogelman

The Coine Family

Blakely and Cole

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com

Nancy Van Fleet, Dir. of Children & Youth, nancyv@fpcnaples.org

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

It is January! A new year! And Presbyterian Women are excited about the programs they have planned for you! Join us for our Wednesday Gatherings once a month at noon for a light lunch and program. Put these dates on your calendar.

January 11 we will have author, Elizabeth Hoagland discuss her book, Let’sBe Friends. Elizabeth will share with us what her “sisterfriends” have taught her about faith, food, and fun. She quotes from Proverbs 27:9: “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul”. This will be a fun and inspiring presentation! Books will be available for purchase at a cost of $15. Sign up for the Gathering at the PW table in Spencer Hall on Sundays, January 1 and 8. Your lunch reservation is secured with the fee of $10.

February 1 we want to invite all of our congregation to learn about The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA). Last year our church donated $100,000 towards this much needed housing project in Immokalee. Presbyterian Women also donated $8,000 towards this effort and has been making quilts to give as a “house warming” gift to each family receiving a new home. Carleton Cleveland and Betty Mangos (two of our members serving on the board of IFHA) will be sharing with us the purpose, design and progress of the construction of the 128 units of housing. Join us for a mission awareness of the products and the projects within the Immokalee community.

March 1 we will once again employ our church models to present: FASHION WITH A PURPOSE!

Our models will purchase an outfit from a thrift store and model them with enthusiasm and elegance. This has always been a red carpet event-filled fanfare and fun!

BLANKET SUNDAY

Sundays, January 8 and January 15, will be designated as Blanket Sundays. The Presbyterian Women are asking the members of the congregation to donate new or gently used blankets and deposit them in the DONATION BOX in Spencer Hall.

We will also accept checks made out to Presbyterian Women and be sure to mark, “Blanket Sunday” in the subject line. With the money collected we will purchase twin size washable blankets to deliver along with the other donated blankets.

Also, we are collecting gently used sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, sheets and pillow cases.

Your blankets, requested clothing, bed linens and monetary gifts will be given to Misión Peniel, where our giving is very much needed and appreciated. Thank you so much.

15!

We will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a catered dinner followed by a good "old fashioned" sing-along of hymns and old time favorites with music provided by Brice Gerlach.

This will be followed by a performance from the Marco Island Irish Dancing School students. They appeared here several years ago and were a big hit!

are $25 and will go on sale mid-February in Spencer Hall following each service or from the reception desk during the week.

CHURCH TOUR

All are welcome to join a "Behind the Scenes" church tour on Sunday, January 8 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 also 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.

Seekers & Joiners

Information packets are available at the exit doors or at the class. Please register by calling the church office at 239.262.1311 or by e-mailing Sandy Knight at sandyk@fpcnaples.org.

Janie Casassa, Committee