June/July Outreach Newsletter

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

June/July 2012

From the Senior Pastor

2 Page 8

From the Associate Pastor 3 Worship and Music

4

Feed the 5,000

Finance

4

continues throughout the summer‌

Congregational Care

5

Calendar

6

Rev. Jonathan Evans

Christian Education

8

works with the PCUSA and the Waldensian Church this summer in Buenos Aires, Paraguay and Uraguay.

Children Preschool and Children Mission News and Events

Celebration

9 6 10

see page 10 for more info

Check out his story on page 3

Commitment

Compassion

2

From the Senior Pastor

Dr. Edward Thompson, Senior Pastor, edwardt@fpcnaples.org

Dear Members and The word “evangelical” defines the central essence of the Friends, gospel as consisting of an understanding of salvation through Jesus, his life, death and resurrection, along with a The west coast high regard for Holy Scripture. To be “evangelical” is to town of Troon, hold dearly that our salvation is through faith, not works.

Scotland, is only a As “evangelicals” we preach and practice a faith that 40 minute train attests to Jesus’ invitation to come and follow. To be journey from “evangelical” is to take most seriously the words of Glasgow. I have scripture and to turn to them to hear the fresh word of God. very fond memories of living I wish to take back this word from its often very exclusive there for 7 years. and narrow understanding. In the book The Scandal of the Certainly, I don’t Evangelical Mind, author Mark Noll, a professor at miss the gray skies Wheaton College, urges us as evangelicals to use our and rain which we minds and best intellect to engage with our culture and our seemed to have daily from November through April. world at large. He argues in this book that sadly “the Troon was a wonderful place to watch sunsets, and from scandal of the evangelical mind, is that there is not much of our Manse, which overlooked the seafront, we enjoyed an evangelical mind.” We would do well to read once sunsets without leaving the house! For those of you who again the works of Jonathan Edwards, 1703-1758. have been fortunate to play the wonderful golf course, Edwards, often thought of as one associated with the Great Royal Troon, you know well the row of red sandstone Awakening, (a revitalization of religious piety that swept homes between the golf course and the town, of which the through the American colonies between the 1730’s and the Manse was one! The prevailing wind made its impact on 1770’s). He was also most comfortable reading the works everybody and everything, including the trees. Most days it of John Locke and Isaac Newton. He strongly encouraged felt that no matter in the love of God with the whole mind. Such an endeavor which direction you was also “good, sweet, holy, beautiful, and honoring to walked, you were walking God.” into the wind! I’m sure some days that if the wind Let us at First Presbyterian Church be a full gospel church, actually stopped blowing, a congregation defined by the saving work of Jesus, people would just fall revealed to us in and through scripture. May the Cross be down! This photograph is central, not just as something that hangs in the sanctuary, of some trees in Troon. but central in our hearts and minds, may the Cross make its mark on our lives. Let us as a congregation use our best Not all memories though are good ones. One rebarbative intellect in the reading and understanding of Holy Scripture memory is of a small independent church which called as the Word of God, afresh for our lives today. In hearing itself “The Full Gospel Church.” Perhaps they had decided the good news of the gospel how can we be anything but that the other churches in the town, of which there were “evangelical!” We are called to live this gospel and to many, were only “half” gospel churches, or certainly less share it with the world around us. Let us do this with heart than full gospel! and mind. In this season of Pentecost may the wind of God’s Spirit blow hard upon us, in whichever direction we A similar offense can be felt today when the word walk, and may the wind of God blow in such a way that we “evangelical” is used. Some have deemed that such a word can stand up straight and not fall can only be used to describe people with a certain set of over! beliefs or interpretations of Holy Scripture. We hear this word often being used in the public square and claimed by politicians of all shades of political color. Evangelical is a wonderful word and at its best it describes all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus.

Children and Youth From the Associate Pastor

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

NAPLES BIKE RACING! Competitive cycling right in front of our church! Bill and Carol are enjoying the excitement, offering water, and information about our church.

Every once in a while, you have a brief window of opportunity that can pay big dividends. In mid-April, our church was informed that bike races were going to take place May 5-6. We decided that it is a best witness to our faith to be welcoming and supportive of this community initiative.

So, we scrambled quickly and recruited 22 volunteers! We handed out water to those passing by and we helped the race, serving as course marshals. Thank you for all those who helped!

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Something I’m excited about….

About twelve years ago, I experienced a year of transformation as a Young Adult Volunteer (mission volunteer) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. That experience allowed me to see what it means to follow Jesus in a radical way. That year changed how I see everything, from my nationality to my faith. Much of these changes came by caring for the people there and trying to see how God is at work among them.

Just recently, I came across an opportunity to re-engage with people of faith down there. This June, I will be spending a week getting to know leaders from the Waldensian Church (www.waldensian.org) in Buenos Aires, in Chaco (an impoverished province just south of Asuncion, Paraguay), and Uruguay.

The Waldensian Church originated with the preaching of the merchant Valdo (Waldo of Lyons, from whom the church’s name originates), 1140-1217. Waldo believed in the value of the evangelical poverty of the early church and, after a profound spiritual crisis, gave all his assets to the poor in order to freely preach the gospel.

The movement, known as “The Poor of Lyons” in France and “The Poor Lombards” in Italy, continued to spread Snorkeling! throughout Europe. But in a short time it was accused of Where? Pennekamp Coral Reef in Key Largo! heresy and thereafter participants were repressed and Who? Anybody who can swim, although you don’t have to persecuted by the civil and religious authorities. Despite snorkel to go. very difficult times and the violence of the Inquisition of When? June 2, leaving FPC at 7:15 a.m. and returning the Catholic Church, the movement continued to approximately 7:00 p.m. evangelize and succeeded in establishing an important Cost? $30 for children and youth and $55 for adults. community in the western Alps of the Piedmont, the South Why? Why not? But to enjoy God’s creation and launch of France, Germany, and even in southern Italy (in our Overboard theme for Vacation Bible School.

Calabria). Their itinerant preachers were called “Barba” (a How? Sign up by calling the church or signing up on the dialectical word for “uncle”, bulletin board. meaning a distinguished What to bring? Water, snacks, lunch, sunblock, towel, person), from which derived snorkeling gear (if you have it), money for dinner.

“Barbetti” (followers of the Barba), a popular name used until recent times in Piedmont to indicate Waldensians.

Today, the Waldensians are located not only in Europe, but in Argentina, Uruguay, and North Carolina. The Waldensians in South America are now seeking relationships with churches and organizations within the PCUSA. I am excited to be a part of this initiative, and I ask that you pray for my discernment and safety as I travel.

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Worship and Music

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

Summer Choir Summer Choir meets each Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Choir Room for warm-up and rehearsal before singing for the 9:30 a.m. service.

If interested in joining the Summer Choir, please contact Brice Gerlach at briceg@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 239.

Finance

Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org

Financial Report Offerings Budgeted through (the month) April ……$554,062 Actual Offerings through (the month) April……….$540,823 Actual Offerings are less than Budget by…………..$ 13,239 If you have particular questions in relation to church budget and expenses, please speak to a member of the Finance Committee or contact Michele Martin, our church accountant, 239.262.1311, ext. 242. The finance committee members are: Lloyd Doerflinger (chair), Terry Brennan, Jan Gazdic, Russ Kempker, Bob King, Karen Martin, Bill Stafford and Tom Stevens.

Congregational Care

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

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What Stephen Ministers are equipped to do‌The

The Deacons

request the pleasure of your company The Deacons will be hosting a Sunday Brunch following our worship service on Sunday, June 10.

A continental breakfast of fruit and freshly baked goods, orange juice and coffee will be served.

Put the date on your calendar now and come join in the friendship and fellowship of this annual event.

Stephen Ministers are available to those who need someone to walk with them through a difficult journey, loss of a loved one, change of residence, loss of a job, separation/divorce, family difficulties, etc.

To help you in identifying a Stephen Minister, please note the blue name badges they wear.

The Stephen Ministers are available to help answer your questions regarding Stephen Ministry and/or direct you to the Stephen Ministry table in Spencer Hall. You may also call Rev. Jonathan Evans at 239.262.1311 ext.

224.

The Stephen Ministers also have included a shelf in the church library which includes a collection of books and resources on Christian care-giving. Please feel free to stop by during regular office hours to browse the selection available.

In Memoriam Dottie Robertson October 30, 2011 Dorothy Blamire April 26, 2012

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Calendar

Sunday

3

Monday

4

8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship Communion 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 10:30 a.m. VBS meeting 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

10

Deacons’ Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

5

6

7

7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

1:15 p.m.

Preschool staff luncheon

10:00 a.m.

Creative Ladies 12:00 p.m. Summer Bible Study

13

14

(separate location)

10:30 a.m.

Worship & Music 11:00 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

11

12

9:00 a.m.

Preschool Summer Camp

7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

Friday

Saturday

1

2 Snorkeling Trip

8

9

15

16

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Preschool Summer Preschool Summer Camp Camp (separate location) 9:30 a.m. Stephen 8:00 a.m.

Ministry Facilities 10:00 a.m. Sew & 9:00 a.m.

Sews Preschool Summer 10:00 a.m. Creative Camp Ladies 11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m. Summer Alzheimers special Bible Study speaker 4:00 p.m.

Children’s Ministry Committee 5:00 p.m. VPK standards training

9:00 a.m.

Preschool Summer Camp

17 Father’s Day 18

19

22

23

8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

29

30

8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Deacon Brunch 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Churchay School 10:rch

24

20

10:00 a.m. Creative Ladies 12:00 p.m. Summer Bible Study

(separate location)

5:30 p.m.

Deacons’ Meeting

25

8:30 a.m. Choir 9:00 a.m. Vacation Rehearsal Bible School 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

21

Preschool “California Pizza Kitchen” all day fundraiser

26

27

7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

9:00 a.m. Vacation 9:00 a.m. Vacation 9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School Bible School Bible School 12:00 p.m. Summer Bible Study

(separate location)

9:00 a.m.

Vacation Bible School 4:00 p.m. Session

28

Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

Sunday 1

Monday 2

8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

Tuesday 3 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

Wednesday Independence Day!

Thursday 5

Friday

Saturday

6

7

13

14

12:00 p.m. Summer Bible Study

(separate location)

11:00 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

8 8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Churchay School 10:rch

9

15

16

10

Church office Closed

11

7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

9:30 a.m. Stephen 6:00 p.m.

Ministry Movie Night 10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews 12:00 p.m. Summer Bible Study

(separate location)

8:00 a.m.

Facilities

8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

17

12

18

7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

19

20

21

12:00 p.m. Summer Preschool Bible Study “California Pizza Kitchen” all day fundraiser

(separate location)

5:30 p.m.

Deacon’s Meeting

OUTREACH DEADLINE 22

23

8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

29 8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12:00 p.m.

Cumberland Church

24 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

25

26

27

28

10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews

(separate location)

3:00 p.m.

Endowment Committee

30

31 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)

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This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call or visit the website. Deadline for monthly Outreach is the fifteenth of the month prior to that edition. Submit all items to publications@fpcnaples.org.

If submissions are not received prior to the deadline, we cannot guarantee that your article will be considered for publication for that month.

Youth Christian Education Christianand Education 8 Children

Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Children

Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

We’re daring to dive deep in Operation

Overboard VBS! There are many areas where we’ll need your help.

Photographer - visit the stations of VBS and capture the fun and excitement of our little “divers” making crafts, playing games, singing and learning Bible lessons.

Shepherd - guide “divers” to each activity station. Help them to review what they’ve learned each day, assist with the “divers” at the opening and closing each day.

Music - learn the music and motions (with the DVD) of the songs, motivate the “divers” to sing and dance, teach them the movements to the songs along with the DVD. Crafts - Organize the craft area each day with the supplies needed. Clearly explain the directions for how to complete the crafts.

If you have any questions or would like to help with VBS, please contact Kathleen Law—kathleenl@fpcnaples.org or Rev. Susan Rice susanr@fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311.

99

Families Praying Together Friday, April 27 three families joined Pastor Susan and Pastor Jonathan for a time of fellowship and prayer. Families were able to experience prayer together as they moved from station to station.

Stations included Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession and Requests.

Children and families were able to write and draw their prayers as they read scripture together and prayed together. After everyone completed their stations everyone came back together to share their prayers as a group. Children prayed out loud and all were able to experience prayer as a friendly conversation.

Some of the prayers included: “God, may you please help Nittny my cat get his eye sight back?”

“God, thank you for my family.”

“God, will you please help my daddy feel better?”

“God, I am sorry for hitting my brother.”

“God, you are awesome!”

“God, thank you for the trees.”

These are just a few of the prayers offered up by the children and families. The time was also filled with laughter and fellowship as families and children got to know one another.

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John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org Mission

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 During summer months, visitors are away, some seasonal jobs are gone, and the Naples area has fewer donors. But those less fortunate still need food.

We are scheduled to help the following agencies: June - Youth Haven, which provides a safe, homelike environment, with emotional and therapeutic support.

July - Salvation Army's mission is to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to meet human needs in His name.

August - Grace Place is a faith-based community center, teaching literacy, language, and life skills to at-risk children, and impoverished families.

If you are able to help others who are in need, on the first Sunday of each month, pick up a Publix bag with a list of suggested food items as you leave the Sanctuary. Food is collected on the second Sunday of the month, before the service, at the 6th Street church entrance. If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" and the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."

News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

HELP! HELP

!

The Sew & Se ws need someo ne to trim the cancelled st amps which w e receive from our many faithful membe rs.

We would be so ap someone would preciative if co a month (secon me and join us twice d and fourth Th urs from 10:00 a.m . to 2:00 p.m. in days) Room 205.

Please call eith er Marcella Co e 239.262.0765 o r Mary Burns 239.514.3098 if you have any questions.

Looking for som et only two days a

hing to do

month?

Check out this op portunity!

News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

Dear Friends, How fortunate we are to have a caring church family. Your prayers, cards flowers, and visits carried me through an unexpected stay in the hospital during Easter week. Thank you Rev. Dr. Thompson and Rev. Jonathan for your visits and prayers. Thanks to the three angels, Betty, Shirley and Bet who were my links to the reality of dependence on friends.

Although we never know what is in store for us, God is always with us. Thank you, God. With sincere gratitude, Pat Warner Dear Judy, Alan and I enjoyed your thoughtful and caring visit Sunday afternoon. Our sincere thanks to you and the church for thinking of us. We do appreciate the attention given to all the members. Also, many thanks for the pretty potted plant in my favorite color! I’m giving it TLC—a reminder of all the goodness FPC does 24/7. Thank you.

Marge Foster Dear Midge, Thank you for taking time to bring a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the church and the lovely card. It certainly brightened my day with the thoughtfulness!

Bobbie Imbrie When you have a health issue and are almost 1,190 miles from home, your away-from-home church family means so much. I wish to thank the congregation, the Chancel Choir, Pastor Edward and Pastor Jonathan for your prayers, your hospital visits, flowers, cards, e-mails and your phone calls during my recent hospitalization and recuperation. I am still recuperating in Ohio and under cardiac rehabilitation, but doing well.

Liz Miller

Check Scanner - $1,500 Upgrade computer projectors - $2,500 Replace Sanctuary cameras - approx. $12,000 Mobile white boards for classrooms - $400 Please contact Edward Thompson (edwardt@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311) for any questions on the items for the wish list.

Fun times at the Church Picnic!

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

First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311 or fax 239.262.1275

The Staff of First Presbyterian Church Name

Ext. E-mail

Pastoral Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson, Senior Pastor Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor Jeremy Kreuze, Summer Intern Sharman Pfaus, Executive Assistant

235 224 214 236

edwardt@fpcnaples.org jonathane@fpcnaples.org jkreuze@gmail.com sharmanp@fpcnaples.org

Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries

239

briceg@fpcnaples.org

Christian Education Rev. Susan Rice, Dir. of Children & Family Ministries215 Kathleen Law, Publications & Admin. Asst. for CE 213

susanr@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Facilities Sandy Poore, Facilities Department Manager Michael Rutoski, Facilities Superintendent Leticia Martinez, Custodian

228 241

sandyp@fpcnaples.org michaelr@fpcnaples.org leticiam@fpcnaples.org

Finance Michele Martin, Accountant

242

michelem@fpcnaples.org

Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Deborah Weidner, Admin. Asst. for Preschool

209 246

ashleyh@fpcnaples.org deborahw@fpcnaples.org