June 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 2015

IN THIS ISSUE From Dr. Browne

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Session

2

Finance

3

Presbyterian Women Congregational Care

3 4

Deacons Children and Youth Preschool

4 5 7

Calendar

8

Missions News & Events

9 10

VBS 2014 fun!

Cooper Garcia, son of Anne DeVoe Garcia and Ian Psota, son of Liz Richter Psota.

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Rev. Dr. Will Browne,

Interim Pastor/Head of Staff

From the first Sunday of June 2015 to Nov 29, 2015 we are in the liturgical season of “Ordinary Time.” How deadly dull that seems. When I was in seminary we had a fellow student out of the Methodist tradition that used their designation of the season as “Kingdomtide.” Only, being the stuffed shirt that he was, he always said it stretched out with an octave drop for each syllable.

King DOM TIDE! It always gave the rest of us the giggles. Those giggles made us miss the point. This is the season in which we are entrusted by God and empowered by the Spirit to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into hungry and hurting people.

Session

willb@fpcnaples.org

The story from Advent through Easter season has been about God’s intervention of incarnation in the birth, life, ministry, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Now the story is about how we humans carry the story forward into our ‘ordinary’ lives.

If you are like me you love stories but especially good stories about yourself. We eagerly wait our turn at dinner parties or in conversation with our friends for a chance to talk about ourselves. Well this is the season – a long season – when the story becomes about our efforts to live out the story of God’s grace. It is our turn in the conversation. It is our chance to stand center stage. Let us listen to all the stories of the growing church for they are our story. And, the story is not done and the current chapter is ours to write. How good and faithful and merciful and loving can we make it?

Libby Biehl, Clerk of Session, libbykb629@gmail.com

Highlights of Session Meeting May 26, 2015     

        

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The resignation of Bonita Krauss as elder was accepted with regret.

Dr. Will Browne will be on vacation from June 20 – 27. He will preach on June 21.

Patty Rutzler will serve as Elder representative at the June meeting of Deacons.

Session approved the hiring of John Mercier Associates, LLC to assist the Stewardship Committee in consulting with the church regarding its giving. i A motion was made and approved to present to the congregation for approval the sale of the 150’ parcel of the north parking lot to the congregation at a Special Congregational Meeting, May 31, 2015. (Called by Session at its May 24 Called meeting). ii A motion was made and approved to replace the dehumidifying unit, the west chancel air conditioner and compressor at a cost of up to $60,000, funds to be used from the Temporary Restricted Account.

Missions Committee requests that we increase our mission budget for next year. This will be part of the consultant’s emphasis.

Christian Education is working on a new Fall schedule for Adult and Children’s Sunday School.

Volunteers are needed for Vacation Bible School.

A new Lead Sunday School Teacher has been hired.

A New Member orientation will be held on Sunday, May 31 in the Parlor.

Kim Shoellhorn will ask Deacons to recruit people to help prepare coffee for Sunday mornings.

A motion was made and approved for the Presbyterian Women to collect school supplies for Grace Place in July.

A motion was made and approved of the following dates for Presbyterian Women: Veterans Sunday, November 8, 2015, the women will distribute flag pins; Blanket Sunday, January 17, 2016; PW Sunday will be March 13, 2016.

Our intention is that John will help us be a church that gives with gratitude, hope and generosity. He will conduct a study by talking with many of you. Those conversations will be confidential. Our prayer is that as we work on all of this we might come to the place where we meet our operating budget out of direct congregational giving without use of unrestricted endowment funds. ii Session approved sending the expanded proposed sale of the north end of the north parking lot to you, the congregation, for approval. The perception of the Session was that God had been graciously generous in the proposed offer. And, the funds received would enable us to move ahead into the future with gratitude, great facilities, and energy.

Finance

Natalie Duff, Director of Finance, natalied@fpcnaples.org

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Endowment Committee Have you considered having your legacy continue at First Presbyterian Church after your lifetime?

If so, please consider a current gift, a gift in your will or trust, or a gift by a beneficiary designation in a life insurance policy, a retirement account, or a bank or investment account.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help First Presbyterian Church of Naples please contact Dr. Will Browne or Natalie Duff at 239.262.1311 or Endowment Committee members Linda Gadkowski at 508.778.6126 or Fred Garner at 239.434.2438.

Remember please, these thoughts are general in nature and are not meant to be specific as to your personal situation or to take the place of your professional advisors.

Presbyterian Women

Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com

The Presbyterian Women’s May Luncheon brought an end to our winter activities.

Dr. Will Browne led us in a conclusion of our winter Bible study, “Stepping Up, A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent.” Thank you, Dr. Browne for the lesson Psalms.

A big thank you also goes to the Presbyterian women who volunteer to cook from scratch our outstanding and healthy lunches.

PW gave Ann Goodnight, retiring Moderator, a thank you gift for being such a dynamite moderator. She will be missed as our moderator, but she is not going far as she will still be a part of Presbyterian Women.

As May melts into June, summer rains and heat are already here. But what else will summer bring?

Presbyterian Women will still be serving cool lemonade punch and home baked cookies. July will bring a request for everyone to bring in school supplies for Grace Place for Children and Families. In August, Presbyterian Women will have a working luncheon to organize the collected school supplies.

If you move, change telephone numbers or get a new email address, please inform the office. We want the Presbyterian Women’s Directory to be accurate when we print in the fall.

Yours in sending you God’s love and peace, Joan Gust PW Moderator

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Congregational Care

Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net

medical school, my work toward my specialty of by new Stephen Minister, Walter Gadkowski anesthesiology, and my 37 years of medical I was delighted when I was asked to practice, mostly at Cape become a Stephen Minister for First Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Presbyterian Church. I was told that I Massachusetts. would be attending about 50 hours of training over the next three months, and then would We have three daughters go on to help the pastor by visiting with parishioners who joined us along the during their times of special need. way, and now two sons-

STEPHEN MINISTRY

I considered the offer prayerfully, and realized that this is what God wants me to do next, so I said “Yes.”

in-law and three healthy grandchildren, who are a perpetual source of joy.

So now, as Linda and I go through retirement, I am My dear wife, Linda, and I have been married for 47 a Stephen Minister, available to help people at FPC years, and she has been my rock and my support in their times of special needs—including illness, through thick and thin for all these years. She death of a close relative, divorce, or other situations. encouraged me to accept this new challenge. We I am pleased that God has chosen me. had met in college, and she was with me all through

Deacons

Kim Shoellhorn, ksgjobs@yahoo.com

DEACON COMMITTEES Blood Bank & Health Issues

Mary Vande Voren, (Chair), Pat Collins, Jane Long, Jeannie Weigel

Flowers Arranging Flower Delivery

Florence Calyore and Midge Murdock (Co-Chairs) Cris Crider, Linda Gadkowski, Suzanne Rose Florence Calyore, Midge Murdock

Friendship/Attendance Books

Gary Root & Bob Collins (Co-Chairs)

Christmas & Easter Remembrances

Kim Shoellhorn and Pat Collins (Co-Chairs)

Deacon Sunday

Kim Shoellhorn (Chair)

Receptions & Events

Nina Howard, Kim Shoellhorn, Mary Vande Voren (Co-Chairs) Gary Root, Suzanne Rose, Terri Storter, Grant Wagner

Greeter Coordinator

Mary Vande Voren (Chair) monthly by parish

Communion to Homebound

Jeannie Weigel (Chair), Nina Howard, Gary Root

Deacons Brunch (October)

Kim Shoellhorn (Chair)

Transportation

Kim Shoellhorn (Chair)

Children and Youth

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

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Beginning August 16 Christian Education will be launching a completely NEW Sunday Morning Education time for everyone.

WHY WE’RE DOING THIS...

We would like to move towards “whole congregational education.”

This means on Sunday mornings everyone from nursery to adults will be learning the same lectionary text on their age appropriate level.

HOW WE’RE DOING THIS...

Parents will bring their children to their classrooms beginning at 8:45 a.m. At 9 a.m., all educational opportunities will begin. All classes will conclude at 9:25 a.m., giving parents time to pick up their children to worship together at 9:30 a.m. Families can enjoy the service together and following the Children’s Time all children grade 5 and under will be dismissed for structured “hands on” activity time which revolves around Sunday’s lesson. They will enjoy many different activities to help reinforce the Scripture.

The idea behind this is continuity and unity. As a parent I love the idea that my child will be learning, on a more basic level, the same scripture as I am learning in class. Christian Education believes giving parents an extra tool throughout the week to help guide their children in the way of Christ. It is what we are all called to do.

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Children and Youth

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

Family, children and youth Events Vacation Bible School July 6-10

It is time to start thinking about how you will be able to help our church at VBS this summer. We will be running VBS in a format that is simple and easy to follow.

We are looking for Elementary Station leaders for: Bible Expeditions – You will work with children in small groups to reinforce the bible story/lesson of the day.

We are also in need of CREW leaders. A Crew leader is a friend and helper. How many crew leaders we need depends on how many children we have. I am sure we will need at least 10! Each crew leader will only have 5 children in their group. Each child will be in a different grade level, making each group able to help out each other. The Crew leaders take children around to different stations to enjoy learning the bible lesson of the day in many different ways.

Imagination Station – You will help children understand the bible story through hands on science!

Still hesitant… we are looking for a decorating crew to come in the week before, registration help, photographer, supplies KidVid Cinema – You will organizer and truly help children understand the bible story through many other things. visual enhancement (movie).

Please contact Shana Glacier Games – You will be voted Dublan and let her the best as you reinforce the Bible know how you can help this year. story with games.

VBS training is scheduled for Sunday, June 28 and We also need Preschool Station 10:45 and Monday June 29 at 11 a.m.

Leaders for: Bible Adventures - You will work with children in small groups to reinforce the bible story/lesson of the day.

Craft and Play - You will help children understand the bible story through hands on activities.

VBS GIVING TREE

Please visit our VBS Giving Tree in Spencer Hall. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to donate food for the children's snacks the week of VBS. Grab a tag or two and return the items to Spencer Hall.

Do you have any winter items we might be able to use for decorations? We’re creating a Mt. Everest summit KidVid - You will help children understand the bible environment for our VBS theme. Perhaps you have skis, winter jackets, ski boots, small white Christmas story through visual enhancement (movie). trees, tents…..anything to help make our Mt. Everest Games - You will be voted the best as you reinforce summit look spectacular! Clearly mark your name on the Bible story with games. the donated item and place in Spencer Hall.

Station Leaders receive booklet material to teach from. All the instructions are included in the guide and CREWS will rotate to your station for their activities.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOU’RE YOUR HELP!

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

As I have written the last few months, introducing you to all of the Preschool staff, I have enjoyed sharing with you the amazing individuals that I have the pleasure of working with each day. The hard work and dedication of the staff make the Preschool program what it is today. Almost 50 years ago, the Preschool opened its doors and began serving the families of Naples. While none of us were here in 1965, we are all proud to be able to say we are a part of it today.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my “left hand”. Literally, Liz Psota sits to my left in our office and often plays a very important role in helping me make decisions, etc. Liz voiced an interest in working with us several years ago and she’s proven to be an invaluable addition since joining our staff two years ago. One of Liz’s children is currently enrolled in the Preschool, with one year left before she leaves for Kindergarten. Liz’s oldest child Liz and her daughter, Leah. completed our program last year and will be moving into the first grade next year. She graduated from Elon University with a degree in Leisure and Sports Management. She also completed the Teacher Immersion program at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Before starting her family, Liz taught a combined 4th and 5th grade class for two years. She has been working at FPP for two years. Liz was once very active in the FPCN youth group and remains a member of the church.

I have been the director at FPP since April 2011 and a member of FPCN since 2005.

I graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a degree in Human Development, and from East Carolina University with a MS in Child Development. I have a son that is completing 4th grade this year. (As you can see, it’s much harder for me to talk about myself, so I will leave it at that!)

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We have had a wonderful volunteer that has been working with us since March 2013 (2 years). Beth Tomkow also a member of FPCN. She greatly enjoys coming in to the Preschool and spending some time with our students and staff. She can often be found Beth with some of our students. drawing with the children or playing games with them both in the classroom and on the playground. Beth is a fabulous person that we consider one of our own!

You have now been introduced to all the staff that served First Presbyterian Preschool during the 2014-2015 school year. Next year may bring slight changes, but the quality of the care that we provide for our students will never be compromised and is always our top priority!

Ashley Houk Preschool Director

Summer Preschool Schedule: Last day of school June 3 Preschool office open June 4 through 12, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Office closed June 15-August 3

Having fun during Chapel time.

Ashley Houk, Director, can be reached by e-mail at ashleyh@fpcnaples.org at any time.

Preschool tours are available by appointment.

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Calendar SUNDAY

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

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

2

3

4

5

6

1:30 p.m.

Nominating Committee

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

Last day of Preschool 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee

7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking

Youth Montreat trip

7 Communion

8

9

10

11

12

13

8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church Youth Montreat trip

9 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp Youth Montreat trip

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

9 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee Youth Montreat trip

9 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 10 a.m. Sew&Sews

9 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking Youth Montreat trip

Youth Montreat trip

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Deacon Potluck 12 p.m. Cumberland Church Youth Montreat trip

OUTREACH DEADLINE

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

1 p.m. Bob Martin Memorial Service 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee

7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking

21 Father’s Day

22

23

24

25

26

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

4:30 p.m. PNC Committee

7 p.m. Cumberland Church VBS set-up

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking VBS Set-up

J U N E

location)

11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group

location)

8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp Youth Montreat trip

location)

3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons

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

location)

28

29

30

8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 10:45 a.m. VBS training 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

11 a.m. VBS training VBS Set-up

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)

VBS Set-up 4 p.m. Session

7 p.m. Cumberland Church Youth Montreat trip

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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 Facilities Manager, 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.

Missions

Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17

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Just a few of our

Mission Partners St. Matthews House is a Christian ministry that feeds and reaches out to the homeless of Collier County. They provide meals and temporary housing. Thousands of meals are served each month.

Grace Place is a Christian organization which ministers to the children of Golden Gate City. These children get the necessary support to grow and be educated in our community in ways that will assure they become productive citizens.

Youth Haven, located in East Naples, provides abused or neglected children shelter in a safe healing home, counseling, therapy, and learning skills. The food we gather this month will support the capable caring services of Youth Haven.

Wish List: 1 can of meat, fish, or chicken 1 can of vegetables rice pasta pasta sauce peanut butter jam or jelly macaroni and cheese baby food fruit cups or applesauce Please take a Publix bag from an usher on the first Sunday of the month, and return it with food to the Sixth Street entrance before church on the second Sunday of the month.

Checks are welcome, should be payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000," and placed in the collection plates during the service.

The Shelter for Abused Women and Children is leading the community to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change. They provide solutions to end domestic violence today and for future generations.

Helps Outreach receives and distributes anything of value: food, clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous items are given to those in need, without charge.

Helps Outreach has a simple mission: To help the poor and the needy of Lee and Collier County by clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and ministering to the hurting.

The Immokalee Child Care Center cares for children that range in age from one month to five years old. They enjoy playtime, reading, games, songs, arts & crafts, and even working with their first computers. They also enjoy two hot meals plus a snack each day, and of course, naptime. The goal of the Immokalee Child Care Center is to make sure every child has a running start at a successful life.

The Alzheimer's Support Network spends much of their time helping families on an individual basis.

With a small but knowledgeable staff they are able to help over the phone or in person with specialized groups, such as a Grief Group for those who have recently lost their loved one, a group for those who have a loved one in an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Home, a Men's Meeting for the Male caregiver, and many more.

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Festival of Great Organ Music June 7, 2015 3 p.m.

Artis-Naples Tickets: $20

Please join us Sunday, June 14 following the worship service for a Potluck brunch.

Please bring a dish to share!

Sign up in Spencer Hall or call the church office at 239.262.1311.

Thank You

The Festival of Great Organ music features nine of the finest organists in Southwest Florida including our own Dr. Brice Gerlach and two of his students from Ave Maria University.

The program will highlight works of Bach, Buxtehude, Gigout, Alain, and Widor. Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of great music on the 3,604 pipe Casavant organ!

Tickets are $20 and are available at the box office of Artis-Naples.

     

1 commercial grade vacuum cleaner—$900 Locked cabinet for audio/visual equipment in the Youth Room—$600 Pulpit and Lectern (See Will Browne) - $1,200 Dri-Dek floor coverings for the boys and girls bathrooms (public restrooms in Preschool) - $450 Preschool Bye Bye Buggy Tire Replacements $332.45 x 2 = $664.90 Commercial grade office shredder—$1,000

Donations for the above items would be welcomed and appreciated.

Please contact Sharman Pfaus 239.262.1311 with any questions on the items for the wish list.

Still in rough shape, I was pleased to receive a prayer shawl delivered by Shirley Hagerson. This meant a lot, in addition to providing surprising warmth.

Finally at home, and gradually recovering from open heart surgery at NCH, I want to thank the many members who gave prayers, support, and encouragement from the days in hospital and at the Glenview until now. These included Rev. Browne, Walt Gadkowski, the Kays, Currys, Rogers, Applegates, Bennetts, Slagers, Curriers, and Chris Jones, Saralene Oldham, Jeannie Weigel, Betty Mangos, Mariellen LeMasters, and Dr. Gene McCree. I apologize to any I have not named; the kindnesses of so many members will always be appreciated.

Bob Graham

In Memoriam James Minnis May 2, 2015

Hazel Freeman May 8, 2015

July 6-10, 2015 9 a.m.—12 p.m.

Please complete one form per child. Age 3 (must be potty trained) through completed grade 5. Middle School students can sign up to help lead activities. Cost: $25 for the first child, $15 each additional sibling, $50 maximum fee. .

CHILD’S NAME ________________________________________________________________ GENDER ______ AGE (at time of VBS) ______ BIRTHDATE _____/_____/_____ GRADE/CLASS COMPLETED ______ PARENT/GUARDIAN ___________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________ CITY _______________ ST _______ ZIP___________ PRIMARY # ________________________ CELL# ______________________ E-MAIL ______________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT: _____________________________________________ RELATIONSHIP _________________ PHONE # ’s ____________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________

T-SHIRT SIZE: circle one YS

YM

YL

AS

AM

AL AXL AXXL

HEALTH INFORMATION: Food or other allergies: _________________________________________ Medications: _______________________ Liability Release We (I), in consideration for our child/youth attending First Presbyterian Church of Naples Children, Youth, and Family Ministry activities and being under the age of 21, do hereby release, forever discharge and agree to hold harmless First Presbyterian Church of Naples and the directors thereof from any and all liability, claims of demands for personal injury, sickness of death, as well as property damage and expenses, of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred by the undersigned and the child-participant that occur while said child is participating in First Presbyterian Church Children, Youth, and Family Ministry trips and activities.

Furthermore, we (I) [and on behalf of our (my) child-participant] hereby assume all risk of personal injury, sickness, death, damage and expense as a result of participation in recreation and related activities involved therein.

Further, authorization and permission is hereby given to said church to furnish any necessary transportation, food and lodging for this child.

The undersigned further hereby agree to hold harmless and indemnify said church, its directors, employees and agents, for any liability sustained by said church as a result of negligent, willful or intentional acts of said child, including expenses incurred attendant thereto.

We (I) are the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of this child, and hereby grant our (my) permission for her (him) to participate fully in First Presbyterian Church of Naples Children, Youth, and Family Ministry activities, and hereby give our (my) permission to take said child to a doctor or hospital and hereby authorize medical treatment, including but not in limitation to emergency surgery or medical treatment, and assume the responsibility of all medical bills, if any.

Further, should it be necessary for the child/youth to return home due to medical reason, disciplinary action, or otherwise, we (I) hereby assume all transportation costs.

Further, we (I) agree to allow First Presbyterian Church of Naples to use any photographs or video of my child for the purpose of First Presbyterian Church publicity.

Either of both parents/guardians must sign. If divorced or separated, custodial parent or legal guardian must sign.

Mother’s Signature: _____________________________

Date: ____________

Father’s Signature: _____________________________

Date: ____________

Information update or revocation of this document is the responsibility of the parent or guardian and must be received in writing at First Presbyterian Church, 250 Sixth Street S, Naples, FL, 34102.

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

Worship with us this Summer!

Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Fellowship time is held following the service.

Children’s Sunday School is held at 9:45 a.m.