July 2020 Outreach Newsletter

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

July 2020

Photo by Gary Nordbrock Rev. Rex Childs Session Music Finance

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Congregational Care Missions Preschool Children and Youth

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Celebrations Christian Education Birthdays Staff

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Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor

Can it really be July already?

These past few months have simultaneously felt like they’ve flown by and taken an eternity. Strange times indeed, but we’ll keep on keeping on. Of course, we start off the month in celebration of Independence Day and the founding of our nation. We also remember our Presbyterian heritage and the vital role we played in the American Revolution – so much so that it was called the “Presbyterian Revolt” by some in Britain. At least fourteen signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterians, including the only active clergyperson, John Witherspoon. Our celebrations will be different this year, but let us all find ways to give thanks to God for this place we call home.

This is also a month of personal celebration for me. I began serving as your Associate Pastor on July 2, 2018 and my service of ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament took place on July 29, 2018. It has been a joy and an honor to serve alongside you these past two years. I have learned a lot from you and I hope the reverse is true. I am immensely grateful for your care and support as well as your grace and openness to hearing the perspective of a younger voice. During our time together, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16). There isn’t another community of faith I’d rather be part of in these troubled times. I look forward to continuing in ministry together as we live into the future to which God is calling us.

And our work of ministry is on-going. The building may be closed, but the church is not.

We are still recording worship services on

rexc@fpcnaples.org

Saturdays; we miss being able to see your faces, but I pray our love and care for you comes through on the video. Meetings and gatherings are taking place via Zoom. I hope you’ll keep an eye out for our Monday e-mail detailing what is happening each week. Join us if you are able! I’m always happy to help if you have questions about technology.

Finally, thank you for your faithful and generous giving, especially to the Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). The Missions Committee will be meeting the first week of July to come up with a proposal for Session on how to disperse those funds. The needs in our community continue to be great and we want to be timely in getting resources into the hands of local organizations making the greatest impact.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Peace,

From the Pulpit July 5 Rev. Craig Goodrich “A City on a Hill” July 12 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Planted Well” July 19 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Wherever You Go” July 26 Rev. Rex Childs “Another Parable”

Session

Session Action At the most recent Session meeting on June 23, the Session took the following actions: •

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Approved extending the suspension of worship services until August 9, 2020. All church services will be recorded and posted on the church’s website, Facebook and other social media.

Committee meetings and programs will resume one week prior to the reopening of services in the Sanctuary.

The Session will evaluate whether further extension of the suspension of public worship is necessary at its meeting on July 28, 2020.

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Worship & Music

Patriotic concert Join us online

for a special holiday concert with Dr. Brice Gerlach, organ and piano Dr. Jim Cochran, organ and piano Michele Byrd, soprano and

Colin Gerlach, violin.

Music includes The Star Spangled Banner Semper Fidelis America the Beautiful You’re a Grand Old Flag God Bless America Stars and Stripes Forever and more!

This concert was filmed at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church and will be available online beginning July 1, 2020.

Visit www.fpcnaples.org/music or www.facebook.com/fpcnaples

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Finance

Anna Focht, Director of Finance annaf@fpcnaples.org

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We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your generous support of our church, especially during this time of uncertainty due to the impact of the Coronavirus.

The commitment and generosity of our community and families continue to amaze us!

Thank you!

To date, we have received 270 pledges for $1,305,301 toward our goals of 325 pledges and $1,500,000.

You can pledge and give online at www.fpcnaples.org or send your contribution by mail to 250 Sixth Street South, Naples, FL 34102. For questions, please contact Anna Focht, Director of Finance at annaf@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext.

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Every minute someone leaves this world behind.

We are all in “the line” without really realizing it.

We never know how many people are before us.

We can not move to the back of the line.

We can not step out of the line.

We can not avoid the line.

So while we wait in line ....

Make moments count.

Make priorities.

Make the time.

Make your gifts known.

Make a nobody feel like a somebody.

Make your voice heard.

Make the small things big.

Make someone smile.

Make the change.

Make love.

Make up.

Make peace.

Make sure to have no regrets.

Make sure you are ready.

Make sure you forgive.

Make sure you help others.

Make sure you are mindful.

Make sure your compassion is bigger than your ego.

Make sure you live a happy and fulfilling life.

Love more. Give more. ~ Author unknown.

Submitted by Linda Gadkowski The Palms Society

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Congregational Care

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

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2. Imagine that you had only a limited time left to live. What would you regret not having done?

Maybe This Is the Time to Make an Ethical Will During this time of the COVID-19 virus, perhaps you have more time on your hands, and you’re possibly thinking of your own mortality and legacy. Many people die without leaving behind the words, spoken or written, about what is important in life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You might consider preparing an ethical will.

Unlike a last will and testament, which is a legal document, an ethical will is a love letter to your family. In short, legal wills bequeath valuables, while ethical wills bequeath values. It’s a way to tell your loved ones about your personal values, memories, advice, and hope for their future.

It may even be a way to tie up loose ends in relationships.

Barry Baines, who is a hospice medical director has written “Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper” along with a supporting workbook.

Baines noted “It helps you identify what you value most and what you stand for. By articulating what we value now, we can take steps to ensure the continuation of those values for future generations. It helps us come to terms with our mortality by creating something of meaning that will live on after we are gone.

It provides a sense of completion in our lives.”

3. Save items that articulate your feelings, like quotes and cartoons 4. Review what you’ve collected after a few weeks or months. Group similar ideas together and revise the categories into paragraphs. Add an introduction and conclusion.

-Source: Barry Baines

Stephen Ministers Tom Clark Isabelle Connell Walter Gadkowski Andie Goodrich Betsy Grant Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Jack Marsh Saralene Oldham Karen Parker Gary Root David Witman

Tips for Writing an Ethical Will Interested in writing an ethical will? Here are some ideas to help you get started.

1. Over time, write a few words or a sentence or two about things such as: • Beliefs or opinions • Things you do to act on your values • Something you learned from grandparents, parents, siblings, spouse or children • Something you learned from experience • Something for which you are grateful • Your hopes for the future • Details about the important events in your life

In Memoriam Richard “Dick” Barkley June 7, 2020

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Missions

Carleton Cleveland, Mission Chair, carleton_cleveland@hotmail.com

UPDATE ON OUR CUBAN PARTNERS The Presbyterian Cuba Partners Network is seeking ways to respond to the serious food shortages our Cuban brothers and sisters are facing. Although virus case numbers have decreased and some curfews and restrictions are beginning to lift, finding and purchasing food has been and continues to be very difficult for Cubans.

Did you know that …food was scarce in Cuba even before the Covid-19 pandemic?

…Cubans can grow food and raise animals, but cannot sell what they produce? …staples like oil, flour, rice, sugar are very hard to come by, and coffee is not available anywhere in the country?

CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND Responding to the needs of our community, Session approved the establishment of the Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) earlier this year.

To date the Fund has received contributions of almost $50,000 and an additional $8,500 grant from the Andrew Foundation in honor of Edith Andrew on her 85th birthday.

Recipients are identified by your Mission Committee and approved by Session. The Salvation Army, Harry Chapin Food Bank, St. Matthew's House, Mision Peniel and the Shelter for Abused Women and Children have already received CERF funds and additional monies will be allocated as they are received.

Your contributions will be gratefully accepted at the Church office.

…many report feeling hungry every day?

Thanks to all for your generosity toward our neighbors in this truly challenging time!

…when food is available, one must wait in long lines and then can only buy (at increased prices) limited amounts?

Carleton Cleveland, for the Mission Team and our local partners

…this food crisis in Cuba will most likely persist beyond the Covid-19 crisis?

In addition to keeping our Cuban friends in your prayers, you can add prayers of thanksgiving that your Missions Committee has allocated and has sent a generous gift to the National Presbyterian Cuba Partners Network, which is finalizing plans to ship much-needed food to the Presbyterian Synod for distribution. Once that is accomplished, additional avenues will be explored which might enable us to ship food and supplies directly to our partner church in Matanzas, Cuba.

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Congratulations to our 2020 VPK Graduates

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Children and Youth

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

What has been happening on Zoom this summer with our children? We have been experiencing God’s love through friendship and fun during FUNDAY SCHOOL! Each week we have been exploring a different theme while we enjoy time together. Our children lead us in a Journey to our Hearts (Centering Prayer) and they also teach us scripture with hand movements.

In faith formation, it’s not about children doing programs, its about children doing ministry and this is the perfect space for them to shine!

We sing together and build together. We share stories of our week and talk about God Sightings (where we see God in our every day lives).

Here our some pictures from “Soaring For God” our theme on June 14 when we made kites!

Children and Youth

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

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “Go into the world and announce the message of God’s good news to one and all” (The Message). In this current reality we are living, we are being reminded that, as a church, our job is to envision and lay the groundwork for the new world that is emerging out of this pandemic. How can we “go out into the world” and still be compelling and relevant?

Since Montreat has closed all of their programming for this summer, they still offered Montreat@Home, a virtual Montreat experience.

We have been invited to think of ways to still be the church to all the children and youth in our midst. We are also reminded that the church is the people, not the building, and it is an incredible blessing to have the ability, through technology, to meet together, even though we are separate.

This summer, we chose not to cancel our Vacation Bible School, even though it looked much different. Our children and youth were able to participate on an online VBS, BOLT from June 22 – June 26. Even though the actual program is three days, we held a special Zoom meeting on Monday to help parents navigate through the platform while equipping them to be the primary faith formers in their household.

We then held a BOLT virtual celebration on Friday which was a special time to celebrate what we learned with our families during the week. If you have someone that may be interested in this experience, please direct them to our website. The three day curriculum is easy to navigate and will be available all summer.

We know that the Montreat Youth Conference will look very different and we also know that this vehicle will provide another opportunity for our youth to continue to form their faith and have the space to engage in important faith conversations.

Montreat@Home is a balance between contemplation and creation and we will meet twice daily to cultivate our faith as a community, even in the midst of social distancing.

Please hold our students in prayer as they engage in this virtual experience from June 29 – July 3.

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Celebrations Graduation Milestone – May 24, 2020

Graduation this year looked much different than in the past. Our graduates had no idea that a normal day of school would be their only closure to this rite of passage.

As a church, we wanted to celebrate them and imagined a way we could do it. On May 24, over 50 family and church members from our congregation gathered on Zoom to celebrate our 18 graduates. Some of our graduates shared what the church has meant to them over the years while they each received a different milestone keepsake.

we as a congregation celebrate with you.” And, it was a time for all of us to recognize God’s presence in our everyday lives. The milestone keepsakes they received were designed, handcrafted, and painted by liturgical artist Dawn DeinesChristensen, who has found a purpose-filled way to meld together both her strong faith and strong talent. Each graduate also received a gift card from the congregation blessing each student in a tangible way. We ended our time in a prayer as we raised our hands to surround our students with God’s love. It was an invitation to be together even when we were apart.

As a congregation, we were able to say “This is an important time and

On Sunday, June 14, our son, Colin, celebrated his scouting career at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

He has been a part of scouting since he was in first grade as a cub scout and it is a great accomplishment to have risen all the way to the rank of Eagle.

The Court of Honor was a small ceremony to honor Colin and several people who have been important to Colin in his scouting journey. We are grateful to all who have supported Colin over the years.

Brice and Michele Gerlach

Christian Education

Jill Crawford, Committee Chair, jillccrawford@gmail.com

Wednesday Morning Men Faith and Fellowship Men, are you looking to deepen your faith?

Join other committed men in our congregation on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Following the presentation, we join in some question and answer sharing and follow-up discussion.

We will gather on Wednesday, July 1, via Zoom. Our presenter will be Rev. Bill Crawford with his topic, “Black Lives Matter—A Faith Perspective.”

A men’s lunch-time

Bible discussion group All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us via Zoom each Thursday from noon to 1:15 p.m.

For Zoom instructions contact Karl Heissner at khh0725@atlanticbb.net.

For Zoom instructions contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org.

July Birthdays July 1 Brian Boeve July 3 Sharon Cumming July 4 Shirley Bartholomew Susan Craig Brittany Hance

July 9 Connie Abston Carolyn Allen

July 16 Andrew Haradean David Jackson

July 10 Pat Barton Mark Hastings

July 17 Don Boyd Isabelle Stewart Donna Estler Eric Holt

July 6 Kevin Batcher

July 12 Richard Beach Christian Calyore Richie DeVoe Richie Eisenhauer

July 7 Jacque Coombs Ben Currier

July 13 Marjorie Cashion Maxwell Kellem

July 8 Bill Crawford Matt Fisher Morgan Forsythe Holly Jensen

July 15 Emery Brandt-Zorbalas Nancy Daniel

July 18 Logan Batcher Amy Frick Kelly Garrick July 20 Tom Clark July 22 Susan Corryn Sharman Pfaus July 23 Steve Hendrick

July 24 Jo Debbink July 25 Karl Heissner July 26 Joan Gust July 28 Gary Krueger

July 29 Ron Avola Norm Brown July 30 Roxy Barry Ruth Batcher July 31 Joy Buck KC Hornbach

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First Presbyterian Church of Naples

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

250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311

STAFF LISTING Name Phone: 239.262.1311 Ministers Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor

Ext.

E-mail

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craigg@fpcnaples.org rexc@fpcnaples.org

Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries

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briceg@fpcnaples.org

Christian Education Jack Fogelman, Kidz Lab Teacher Audrey Gordon, Childcare Provider Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth

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ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org nancyv@fpcnaples.org

Office Anna Focht, Director of Finance Maria Huffman, Administrative Assistant Angie Johnson, Office Assistant/Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager

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annaf@fpcnaples.org mariah@fpcnaples.org angiej@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org sharmanp@fpcnaples.org

Facilities Lisa Ethier, Custodian Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities

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lisae@fpcnaples.org eduardom@fpcnaples.org sandyp@fpcnaples.org

Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Lindsay Willkomm, Assistant Preschool Director

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ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lindsayw@fpcnaples.org