January 2023 Outreach Newsletter

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

January 2023

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STAFF LISTING Phone Extensions

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

Rev. Craig Goodrich

3

Finance

4

A Season of Music

5

Deacons

6

Missions

7

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

Christian Education

8

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

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

2035 2027

2039 2044

Preschool

12

Caitlin Hancock, Sound and Video Operator

Presbyterian Women

13

Christian Education Jack Fogelman, Kidz Lab Teacher

Church News

14

Audrey Gordon, Childcare Provider

Membership

15

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

2012

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

2029

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

2000

Kathleen Law, Director of Publications and Social Media kathleenl@fpcnaples.org 2013 Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager sharmanp@fpcnaples.org

2036

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

2037

Debbie Savage, Director of Finance debbies@fpcnaples.org

2042

Facilities Lisa Ethier, Custodian lisae@fpcnaples.org

2016

Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance eduardom@fpcnaples.org

2014

Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities sandyp@fpcnaples.org

2028

Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director ashleyh@fpcnaples.org Lindsay Willkomm, Assistant Preschool Director lindsayw@fpcnaples.org

2009 2038

Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@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.

3

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 As I look back over the past year, I am most step out into the Irresistible Future with grateful for the continued privilege of serving Him.” as your Senior Pastor and for the joy of being alongside you in this journey of faith And so, we begin again. A blessed New Year and working with your faithful elders, to all. compassionate and caring Deacons and Stephen ministers and your dedicated staff. I Faithfully and Gratefully, 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...” (Philippians 1:3). 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 My Utmost for His Highest by 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

FROM THE PULPIT January 1 Rev. Craig Goodrich January 8 Rev. Craig Goodrich January 15 Rev. Craig Goodrich January 22 Rev. Rex Childs January 29 Rev. Craig Goodrich

4 Finance

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

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

A Season of Music

5

A Season of Music Astralis Ensemble

Anton’s Ensemble

Angela Massey, flute Paul Aguilar, violin Megan Chartier, cello Alexandra Dunbar, harpsichord

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

Sunday, January 15, 2023 4:00 p.m.

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 19th and 20th centuries.

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.

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

6

Deacons

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 - to reconcile with people and

to offer a gift of grace to someone else:

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.

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

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,

The Mood of Christmas

(Harper and Row: 1973), 35.

STEPHEN MINISTERS Tom Clark Isabelle Connell Walter Gadkowski Andie Goodrich Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Jack Marsh Janeen McClure Saralene Oldham Karen Parker Gary Root David Witman

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

Feed the 5,000

Missions

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.

Misión Peniel Christmas Toy Drive

Suggested items are: 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

cans kidney, pinto, or baked beans cans tuna, chicken, or ham jar peanut butter jar jelly can fruit can vegetables box macaroni and cheese pound dry pasta pound rice

7

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.

8 Christian Education

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

Wednesdays at First

Growing Young upcoming events

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!

GenWe Worship Services:

January 1 February 5 March 5 April 2 May 7

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.

__________________________________ 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

'23 Season Women of the 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 Thursdays in Spencer Hall, beginning with coffee and fellowship: 9-11 a.m., January 26 March 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).

Christian Education

9

Wednesday Morning Men:

Faith and Fellowship We will meet on Wednesday, January 4 in the Youth Room at 8 a.m. with coffee and pastry.

There will be no topic theme that morning. We will have an informal gathering to share with each other our holiday happenings and any other sharing you would like to do. And maybe even talk about some Bowl game results!

We will come together again on January 18 for our 2023 kickoff session with a Breakfast Gathering in Spencer Hall at 8 a.m. You will be contacted as to your attendance to make sure we have enough food. Our kickoff gathering will feature Larry Comstock and his presentation will be a follow-up to the topic "Loving Your Enemies" which we held this past fall. Hope you are able to join us.

For more information and questions, please contact Bill Kearney at 239.348.2871 or skearney239@comcast.net.

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.

10 Christian Education

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Nancy Van Fleet, Dir. of Children & Youth, nancyv@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 formationDeacons journey based on the weekly lectionary choices.

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

Young Adult Group

Sunday, January 22 at 12 noon young adults are invited to join us on Zoom.

We seek to be a refuge for those who are spiritually hungry and looking for meaningful connection rooted in our faith tradition.

Contact Nancy Van Fleet (nancyv@fpcnaples.org) for additional information or if you require the Zoom link.

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Nancy Van Fleet, Dir. of Children & Youth, nancyv@fpcnaples.org

Christian Education 11

GenWe Sunday

GenWe Children's Time with Jack Fogelman

The Coine Family Blakely and Cole

Parents’ Night Out and a visit from

The Grinch!

12 Preschool

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

Santa and Mrs. Claus (Craig and Andie Goodrich)

provide magic and cheer while reading “The Polar Express” to the Preschool’s VPK students.

2023-2024 Preschool Enrollment Dates: Monday, January 16 - Church Members (Contact the Preschool office for the online registration link)

Monday, January 23 - Current Families (The online registration link will be provided via email)

Monday, February 6 - Open to the Community (Visit our website at www.fppnaples.org/enrollment to register) *VPK vouchers are required for all VPK students (age four years by 9/1/2023).

Visit www.familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com to obtain the voucher.

Carolyn Bennett, Moderator, cjosmith341@gmail.com

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’s Be 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!

Presbyterian Women 13

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.

14 Church News Congregational Dinner

Mark your calendars for March 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!

Tickets 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.

Share a Meal Our next event is planned for Friday, January 6.

We hope you can join us!

Sign up in Spencer Hall or call Saralene Oldham at 239.643.4703 to add your name to the reservation list.

USHER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Would you like to serve your church? New ushers are always needed. Sign up in Spencer Hall after church. We have two services January through April and one service May through December.

Feel free to contact any of our head ushers: Jack Marsh, Richard Beach Gary Nordbrock Caryn and Steve Yarborough Jeff Camp Bill Kearney

Contact Sarah Nichols for additional information, sarahsnichols@gmail.com or 615.268.5407.

This time of year the Community Blood Center is low on reserves.

Help ensure that adequate levels of blood products are available in area hospitals by donating.

Blood Drive

Monday, January 23 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Sign up in Spencer Hall or contact Pat Collins, 239.261.6649 or Tedi Fraley, 706.371.2318

Janie Casassa, Committee Chair, jbyellowrose@gmail.com Kathleen Law, Dir, of Publications and Social Media, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

January 1 Roy Cashion Ken Wulfert January 3 Cindy Jones Helen Spina January 4 Karen Ryan Jerry Lahey January 5 Ginny Packard January 6 Joan Adams

January 7 Dave Klementik January 8 Sue Dotson Lisa Pierce Ashley Houk January 9 Katherine Stuckey Betty Terwelp January 10 Bob Guyett Dick Miller January 11 John Knoll Jay Wheeler

January 12 John Atkinson Bob Lockwood Ted Rojahn Ellen Weigel Jon Wright Barbara Heissner January 14 Donna Dardani January 15 Harry Streamer January 16 Tedi Fraley Katie Geshay Valerie Mulhere Bill McCune Faith Tubergen January 17 Ann Grady James Lee Janice Mueller Jill Crawford January 18 Betty Mangos Allyson Sicard John Smallwood January 19 Jim Ledinsky Toni Galley

Membership 15

January 20 Dale Chlumsky Debbie Curry Ralph Dotson Colin Gerlach Marti Barwick Joan Lubrano

January 27 Fred Hertel Roger Simons Harley Lappin

January 22 Maureen Dunlap Pat Nordbrock

January 30 Becky Lappin

January 23 Pat Boyd Russ Maier

January 28 Mary Towers

January 31 Linda Miller Bill Kearney Jim Robertson

January 24 Irene Lichtefeld-Neff January 25 Sandy Thomas Clayton Weigel Jim deGraffenreid January 26 Sherrie Mac Lea Tray Batcher Bob Mac Minn

Seekers & Joiners Do you want to know more about our faith, this congregation and how to become a member of our dynamic church?

We want to encourage you in your journey of faith.

A Seekers and Joiners class will be held in the Parlor on Sunday, January 15 immediately following the 10:15 a.m. worship service.

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.

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

Beginning Sunday, January 8 we will offer two worship services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Each of the services will be livestreamed and available to view at a later time on our website, Facebook page and our YouTube channel. Scan the QR code above for links.