March 2023 Outreach Newsletter

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

March 2023

Tim Ternes, Director of The Saint John’s Bible Project, and several participants during the Steward/Docent training on February 18. More photos on page 4 from the weekend events.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STAFF LISTING 236.262.1311 Phone Extensions

Rev. Craig Goodrich

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The Saint John’s Bible Event 4

Ministers Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor craigg@fpcnaples.org Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor rexc@fpcnaples.org

2035 2027

A Season of Music

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Finance

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Missions

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

Deacons

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

Stephen Ministry

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Caitlin Hancock, Sound and Video Operator

Presbyterian Women

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Christian Education Jack Fogelman, Kidz Lab Teacher

Intergenerational CE

12

Audrey Gordon, Childcare Provider

Church News

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2012

Membership

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Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth nancyv@fpcnaples.org

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

2039 2044

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

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

2037

Debbie Savage, Director of Finance debbies@fpcnaples.org

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Facilities Lisa Ethier, Custodian lisae@fpcnaples.org

2016

Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance eduardom@fpcnaples.org

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Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities sandyp@fpcnaples.org

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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 Greetings Dear FPC Naples family, There is so much to write about! Not only are we in the heart of Naples, we are in the heart of “the Season.”

The town’s population has swelled and the traffic is heavy. The sun is shining most days and our many friends from the north are gracing us with their presence. Worship attendance, now with two services, has increased significantly and all programs and activities are in full swing as you will see in the pages of this Outreach.

Of particular note is the weekend of February 18-19 during which we focused on and dedicated our Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible, the first hand written and illuminated Bible (in seven volumes) since the invention of the printing press. A wonderful gift made possible by the vision and generosity of Jayne and Al Hilde Jr., their sons Tim, Todd and Bret, and the WestWings Family Foundation. Already it is igniting our spiritual imagination.

It is also now the season of Lent. It began on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes on our foreheads made with the sign of the cross and with the words, “from dust to dust.

You belong to Christ,” recognizing both our mortality and our hope in Christ.

Of Lent, our Book of Common Worship states: “The season of Lent is a time for growth in faith-through prayer, spiritual discipline, and self-examination in preparation for the commemoration of the dying and rising of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a period of forty days- like the flood of Genesis, Moses’ sojourn at Sinai, Elijah’s journey to Mount Horeb, Jonah’s call of repentance to Nineveh, and Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness. The Sundays in Lent are not counted among the forty days, as every Lord’s Day is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection.”

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As we travel this Lenten journey together I hope you will engage in your own spiritual practices, that you will join us for worship in person or online, and that you will be filled with the love of God. The apostle Paul puts it better than anybody in his letter to the Ephesians: “I pray that according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith as you are rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19).

May you enjoy and be inspired by what you see and read in these pages, and thanks be to God! From the heart of Naples with the love of God. Faithfully and Gratefully,

FROM THE PULPIT March 5

Women’s Sunday

Nancy Van Fleet “Living the Questions” March 12 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Water of Life” March 19 Rev. Rex Childs March 26 Rev. Craig Goodrich “A Good Friend”

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Worship and Music

Patty Rutzler, Committee Chair, pattyw33@aol.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

30 participants joined the Steward/Docent training on Saturday, February 18 to learn more about our gift of The Saint John’s Bible. The training was lead by Tim Ternes, Director of The Saint John’s Bible Project.

Tim Ternes speaking on Saturday afternoon

On Sunday, February 19 we welcomed guest preacher, Rev. Dr. John Ross, Executive Director of

The Saint John’s Bible

Heritage Program, at the Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Patty Rutzler, Committee Chair, pattyw33@aol.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

Worship and Music 5

A Season of Music Adam Brakel, organ Sunday, March 5, 2023 4 p.m.

Hailed as “an absolute organ prodigy” by National Public Radio and “one of the most talented organists in the world” by the Chicago Tribune, concert organist Adam J. Brakel is a preeminent artist “with the technique and virtuosity that most concert pianists could only dream of.” (NPR) Adam’s celebrated performances span the globe. Brakel has one of the largest and most diverse performing repertoires in the world. His expansive list includes the entire spectrum of styles featuring the complete organ works of Bach, Bruhns, Buxtehude, Couperin, Liszt, de Grigny, Franck, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Duruflé.

Brakel’s performance highlights include the complete works of César Franck, and, most notably, the fiendishly difficult Six Etudes of Jeanne Demessieux, of which Adam is one of the few organists in the world to have performed and recorded in its entirety. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory and Duquesne University, Adam has a rich and decorated musical pedigree, having studied with Donald Sutherland and Dame Gillian Weir. Adam was most recently appointed Director of Music for St. James Cathedral and the Diocese of Orlando, Florida.

The Combined Choirs of First Presbyterian Church of Naples and Moorings Presbyterian Church Sunday, March 26, 2023 4 p.m.

This concert will be presented at Moorings Presbyterian Church 791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL 34103 Drs. Brice Gerlach and Christopher Dekker will direct the 70-member combined choirs of Moorings and First Presbyterian Churches in a performance of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem as well as several complimentary choral anthems. The singing will also be accompanied by organ and a professional orchestra.

Lenten Organ Concerts Wednesdays

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 2023 12 - 12:30 p.m.

The spectacular Ruffatti pipe organ is featured in six Lenten organ recitals offered by our Director of Music, Dr. Brice Gerlach.

In these informal concerts Brice takes the time to explain some of the mechanical workings of the organ and offers some musical insights about the pieces on the program. After the recital, the audience is invited to the console to ask questions and see the beautiful woodwork and craftsmanship of the Ruffatti. Tours of the pipe chambers are also offered each week.

6 Finance

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

2023 GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN Growing Together Joyfully truly expresses the initial response to our 2023 Generosity Campaign!

For our 2023 campaign, the Generosity Committee opted to focus on growth in all areas instead of setting a numerical goal for either the number of pledges or for the total dollar amount of the pledges. Nevertheless, we all know that the tithes and offerings received by First Presbyterian Church of Naples are critical to support the ministry, missions, and operations of our vibrant church.

As of mid-February, we have received 187 pledges totaling $1,059,967! When we compare this to mid-February in 2022, we see growth of 23% in the number of pledges and of 12% in dollars pledged. Thank you to each and every one of you who have completed a pledge card already!

We are still accepting 2023 pledges via Commitment Card, online submission, or by contacting Debbie Savage, Director of Finance, directly. We are so excited to watch God continue to move in the hearts of our members as we worship, love, grow, and serve in the heart of Naples with the love of God!

The Palms Society Legacy Giving The Palms Society is a way to honor those who include the church in their long-range gift and estate plans. Your gift will empower future generations to make visible the extraordinary light that comes from God. Our endowment helps support the church, contribute to key programs and protect the church from adverse financial circumstances. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Amy Manley, 239.272.6821 or Debbie Savage, Director of Finance, 239.262.1311.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Linda Gadkowski for serving as Chair of the Palms Society these last six years. Linda’s goal when accepting the position was to encourage 85 members to join the Palms Society Linda Gadkowski by remembering the Church in their testamentary plans or giving. Having achieved her goal, she is retiring with joy and satisfaction. Amy Manley has now accepted the role as Chair of the Palms Society. We thank Linda for her steadfast love, creative enthusiasm and generosity to First Presbyterian Church as she has worked tirelessly to grow the legacy of support for the church for many years to come.

Missions

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

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This month we are helping to restock the food pantry of St. Matthew’s

Feed the 5,000 House.

Ushers will have a list available as you leave the Sanctuary the first Sunday of March. Food donations will be collected at the 6th Street church entrance on the second Sunday of the month, March 12.

If you prefer, monetary donations can be made online at www.fpcnaples.org/give or checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000" and placed in the collection plate.

Suggested items are: Dried beans Rice Chips Crackers Pasta & Sauce Canned tuna

Canned chicken Oatmeal Cereal Peanut Butter/Jelly Condiments Macaroni & cheese

Join our work crew on Thursday, March 9 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 Yancey Brame at 239.331.7731 or jybrame@gmail.com.

L to R: Jeanne Perkins, Cari Rieder, Susan Neal, Susan Kogan, Don Merz, Yancey Brame, Bob Guyett, Walter Gadkowski, Doug Borland. Present but missed photo: Scott Macdonough.

Instant mashed potatoes Canned soup Canned vegetables Canned fruit Single-serve snacks

Would you like to join us for a short work day at Misión Peniel?

Join the Mission team on Friday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will travel by carpool to sort and bag donations of produce, canned goods and other pantry items. Sign up in Spencer Hall at the Mission table. For more information and trip details contact Lee Ryan at va4ryans@gmail.com.

8 Missions

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

Sunday, March 12 Representatives from several local agencies we support will be available in Spencer Hall to visit with you following each worship service on Sunday, March 12.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about:

MEALS OF HOPE PACKING PARTY March 25 Did you know there are people going hungry right here in Collier County? Did you also know the Missions Committee is sponsoring a fun, rewarding, easy, interactive way to help fight hunger locally?

Invite your neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and fellow church members to join together on the morning of Saturday, March 25. We will measure, weigh, seal and label nutritional meals for those in need. The ideal packing event involves 100 enthusiastic, caring volunteers, and we encourage you to be one of them.

Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. and the fun continues until late morning. This is an event for anyone from ages 10 to 100. Many of the jobs can be done from a sitting position. For information or to sign up please go to the Missions table in Spencer Hall following church services during the month of February. Questions? Contact Jan Witman 508.948.7586.

Meals of Hope is a 501(c)(3) organization that hosts packing events in southwest Florida. They are highly organized and provide all the ingredients, measuring devices, scales, plastic bags, sealers, boxes, pallets, and even some muscle to help us put everything together.

This packing event is funded by generous donations from those who worshipped together at First Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve.

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

On February 12, 2023 we celebrated Deacons’ Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity for our members and guests to meet their deacon in Spencer Hall after each service. Hopefully, you took advantage of this and now can associate your deacon’s name with a face and a personality.

In 2023 we have thirty-four deacons serving approximately eight hundred and fifty members who live in thirty parishes delineated geographically. Each deacon, or deacon couple, serves only one parish. While deacons perform many different services for the congregation, the most important function of a deacon is to be your representative with the Church. If you have any questions or concerns relating to our Church, please do not hesitate to contact your deacon.

Following up on our Deacons’ Sunday experience, the Deacons offer you the following benediction:

May God make your life joyful!

Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, but by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes; Not by making your path easy, but by making you sturdy to travel any path; Not by taking hardship from you, but by taking fear from your heart; Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, but by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows; Not by making your life always pleasant, but by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.

GOD'S LOVE, PEACE, HOPE & JOY! Anonymous

Deacons

DEACONS Class of 2023 Pat Collins Tedi and Gene Fraley Lucy Koll Eileen Malstrom Betty Plum Barbara and Roger Simons Susan Sonderby Deb & Harry Streamer

Class of 2024 Mary Armstrong Marti Beard Norman Brown Pam Fisher Amy Manley Sylvia and Jack Marsh Melissa McClayton Sarah Nichols Ali Norris Gary Root Liz Speake

Class of 2025 Cindy Esler Gary Nordbrock Karen and Roy Parker Cari Rieder Sue Shenk Nancy Walkenhorst Janice and David Witman Janet Yanushefski

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

10 Stephen Ministry

Saralene Oldham, Stephen Ministry Co-Leader, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com David Witman, Stephen Ministry Co-Leader, dpwitman@hotmail.com

Our church has been a Stephen Ministry church since February 12, 1988, making ours one of the longest continuously operating Stephen Ministry programs within the United States. At the present time, Stephen Ministry consists of over 13,000 congregations being served by over 600,000 Stephen Ministers.

Christ Caring for People through People

We are all on our own spiritual journeys and experience joyful periods when we feel very close to God; however, it is inevitable in every life to encounter hardship, loss and suffering when we do not recognize or feel the blessings of God. God surrounds us with his blessings at all times, but it is human nature to be distracted by the challenges of human existence. Those challenges can often cause us to lose our focus on God during times when we most need God. In effect, we allow physical, emotional and spiritual blockages to impede our own healing.

Stephen Ministers work best with people who are inbetween periods of closeness to God and separation from God and who are challenged for various reasons as a result. We form steady, trustworthy relationships with people who need to see more clearly their own connection with God by talking freely with their Stephen Ministers who are always willing to listen reflectively without judgment or agenda to help our care receivers refocus on the peace only God can give them. A one-on-one relationship with a Stephen Minister will last as long as a care receiver needs and wants it to last.

Stephen Ministers are not counselors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, pastors or other professionals who require licenses, degrees or years of advanced study.

While Stephen Ministers do receive extensive training in Christian care giving, we do not presume to deal with things like severe depression or despair, suicidal tendencies, mental health issues, complete lack of faith or other matters requiring professional intervention.

If you, or someone you care about, is going through a difficult in-between period with issues that impede your enjoyment of God's grace in your life, we strongly urge you to consider contacting Stephen Ministry for someone who will be there to listen reflectively without judgment or agenda as long as you want as you work to restore the spiritual peace and comfort found only in God's grace. You can contact Stephen Ministry through Pastor Craig, Pastor Rex, the church office, or a Stephen Leader (Saralene Oldham or David Witman). We will be pleased to arrange a time to discuss this with you in person and at your convenience.

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

Carolyn Bennett, Moderator, cjosmith341@gmail.com

Presbyterian Women

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From beginning to end, our February Gathering achieved the bringing together of so many for such a good cause: The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, Inc. (IFHA).

Lots of participation to make 105 salads for those sharing the day with us, to create attractive center pieces, to gather in Spencer Hall, to learn of the needs of Immokalee through the voices of Dr. Arol Buntzman and Pastor Miguel Estrada, to shop at the Farmer’s Market, and to view the completed quilts that will be given by us as “house warming” gifts to the recipients of a new home from the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance.

By all standards our PW Gathering was a success! However, the bottom line for this mission outreach is to ensure healthy and secure housing for the farmworkers and other low income families. If you haven’t already done so, consider a gift to IFHA. Checks can be sent to: IFHA, ATTN: Alan Penick, Treasurer, 600 Sawgrass Bridge Road, Venice, FL 34292. Learn more at www.ImmokaleeFairHousing.org.

PW will not be hosting a Gathering in April. In lieu of a luncheon and program we encourage you to attend the services during Lent. You might even consider inviting a friend to one of Brice’s noon organ concerts and then go out to lunch! Our Circle groups will meet in April.

Continued blessings to all.

Carolyn Bennett, Moderator

This is our second fashion show featuring models from our church who have purchased their outfits from a thrift store! Lots of sparkle, fun, & laughter!

Mission Work of Presbyterian Women this year has been focusing on Immokalee: The collection of blankets for Misión Peniel; our program on February 1 featuring Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance along with our PW quilting project, and a Farmer’s Market featuring produce from Immokalee; and now, Pathways Early Learning Center.

Pathways has many initiatives that enrich the lives of those, especially the very youngest, in Immokalee. Join us to learn more about this wonderful organization and their approach to child development.

12 Intergenerational CE

Sacred Habits Lenten Journey

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

THE BOOK OF

ACTS

Wednesdays at 1 p.m. during Lent March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5

Women’s Ministry Bible Study

You are invited to join us this Lent as we engage in the contemplative practice of Viseo Divina (divine seeing) on the art of Vincent van Gogh.

All women are invited to join us for a weekly Bible Study held on Mondays at 1 p.m. in the Parlor. Please bring your Bible.

We look to covenant with each other week by week as we delve into God’s Word.

The word “Lent” refers to the “lengthening” light, the growing days that, in time, will coax the sunflowers to open, the wheat fields to rise again, and the irises to bloom.

What better companion on this forty-day pilgrimage, then the art of van Gogh?

In our Lenten devotional by SALT, the words of Scripture and the paintings and letters of Vincent van Gogh will be our guides.

Each week, biblical texts and van Gogh’s work throw light on each other, pointing toward simple, powerful practices we will engage in together.

So grab your favorite Bible and we’ll travel this Lenten journey together toward the light of Easter morning – with Vincent van Gogh as our guide.

If you are attending the Lenten Organ Concerts, we invite you to bring your lunch to enjoy before Sacred Habits in the Youth Room.

Contact Nancy Van Fleet for more information at nancyv@fpcnaples.org.

For more information contact Janeen McClure at jrmc@airmcclure.com.

A Men’s Bible Discussion Group

All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us in Spencer Hall each Thursday at noon. March 2 the HUDDLE will not be held due to the Presbytery Meeting being held at our church.

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.

Wednesday Morning Men:

Faith and Fellowship Gather with us on Wednesday, March 1 and March 15 in the Youth Room at 8 a.m. for coffee, pastries and fellowship.

We will continue with the topic of “Aging, Are We Prepared?”

Small group discussions will be followed with sharing of the summaries of these discussions.

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

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

Wednesdays at First Lent with

Intergenerational CE 13

The Intergenerational Christian Education Committee held two sessions of Wednesdays at First involving serious mental health issues that impact increasing numbers of people of all ages. The presentations were well attended and well received.

The Saint John’s Bible

March 8 Rev. Craig Goodrich March 22 Rev. Rex Childs March 29 Rev. Craig Goodrich and Rev. Rex Childs Dinner ($10) will be available at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentations at 6 p.m.

Children, youth and their families can dine at no cost!

Reservations may be made either in Spencer Hall or by contacting 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.

Nancy Dauphinais, Chief Operating Officer at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, talked about shining a light on mental health. The impact of COVID-19 has included unprecedented anxiety, depression, stress, isolation, bereavement, and grief, and has put young people disproportionally at risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviors.

50% of lifetime mental health conditions occur by the age of 14; 75% develop by age 24. DLC is a comprehensive behavioral health service provider, is available to all, provides convenient care, and is affordable. Mental health conditions are treatable and manageable. Suicide is preventable. There is hope. Ask for help!

DLC Crisis Hotline: 239.315.2538 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—Call 988 The Crisis Text Line--Text 741741 Clarke Pollard, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Support Network serving Collier County, emphasized that they deal with all types of cognitive decline: Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, vascular and others. Dementia is a category which may include 100 different forms; the 4 diseases mentioned above account for over 80% of all dementia cases.

Dementia is not terminal. Alzheimer’s is. It affects one in three families.

The Alzheimer’s Support Network has a full suite of services and a team of care guides. It is always free of charge. The Support Network provides important information to caregivers/ care partners, holds more than 30 support group meetings each, has a 24 hour helpline, and has an informed referral service. Learn to become a care partner. Find help and accept it when offered.

Virtual dementia tour: contact help@support.network or Clarke@support.network Support Network: 239.262.8388; info@support.network

14 Intergenerational CE

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

The “Unplugged and Living the Questions’ Retreat Ten youth and five adults travelled to Parrish, FL on February 19-20 to unplug from all technology and cell phones in order to better connect with God, ourselves and each other while living some of the questions we have about our faith. Faith stories were shared by some of the adults in our congregation as we continue to “Grow Young.” It was an enriching retreat for all as we continue to build an intergenerational church.

“I was able to be a part of the youth retreat at Dayspring Retreat Center with our youth. The programing resulted in bringing the adults and youth into a more interrelated community with an enhanced understanding of the diverse spiritual nature of everyone involved. By the end of the retreat there appeared to be a shared desire to further explore our collective social as well as spiritual concerns and experiences. I look forward to our next get -together. The commitment and energy directed toward the spiritual development of the youth in our community and the future of the church is vital as we “Grow Young”. This ministry is providing an indispensable opportunity for everyone at First Presbyterian Church to participate in personal as well as collective spiritual growth.”

God’s Peace, Tim Stover

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

Intergenerational CE

Sunday Meeting after church Sunday Kidz Lab

Gen We Sunday Children’s Time Gen We Gathering

“Manna” Young Adult Retreat at Montreat, NC

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16 Intergenerational CE

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

Growing Young event Sunday, March 5

Our Gen We “Tech Help Sunday” in February was so popular that we are repeating it in March. Join us in Spencer Hall, after the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday, March 5. The youth and young adults will help to answer your technology questions. Bring your phone, computer or even an iPad.

Young Adult Group

Sunday, March 19 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.

Kidz Lab

meets in the Youth Room on Sundays after the Children’s Time. On the first Sundays of the month, GenWe Sundays, children stay in the service and worship with their families.

Children in Kindergarten through grade 6 are invited to this faith formation journey based on the weekly lectionary choices. Children in Kidz Lab engage with the same lessons that their parents hear in church, which encourages family conversations after the service.

Youth Outing & Lunch March 26

Join us after church as we walk to The Bowl for lunch and then enjoy a walk on the Greenway.

Contact Nancy Van Fleet with any questions.

Church News

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Share a Meal We are pleased to offer “Share a Meal” on Friday, March 3.

BLOOD DRIVE

Monday, March 20, 2023 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

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

Hosts/Hostesses are asked to welcome attendees into their homes to share a meal for 4, 5, or 6 people. Hosts are responsible for furnishing the main entrée and soft drinks. Guests will provide side dishes.

For details or if you would like to host or attend a “Share a Meal” please visit Spencer Hall or call Marjorie Cashion at 240.483.7535.

Free cholesterol screening Mini Health Screening Photo ID required Eat a meal before giving blood Be well hydrated on donation day You are never too old to donate You can donate every 2 months

CHURCH TOUR All are welcome to join a "Behind the Scenes" church tour on Sunday, March 26 between the services.

Guides and guests will assemble at the front of the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. and take a 30 minute tour around the campus.

We welcome you to become more familiar with the layout and activities at FPCN. Contact Sarah Nichols for additional information, sarahsnichols@gmail.com or 615.268.5407.

In Memoriam Robert Kibler, Jr. September 14, 2022

William Thomas January 2, 2023

David Buley

January 20, 2023

Doris Johnson

February 20, 2023

18 Church News

Thank You Dear First Pres, There are heartbreaking, heartwarming and heartrending moments in our lives and we reach for a lifeline of assurance.

My lifeline came in a visit from Shirley Hagerson holding the most beautiful prayer shawl you could imagine. Knowing it was created by many loving hands bringing the love of God was the answer. The best decision John and I made was to join First Pres and you have supported me since his loss. Thank you all for your cards, flowers, calls and concerns. I am blessed to be a part of you.

Spring Forward

Dear members of the congregation of FPC, Thank you for your gift of $1,124 from your Feed the 5,000 contributions.

Your investment in our survivors dreams and their safety is an investment in our entire community because violence in the home does not stop at the front door.

It impacts all of us.

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 12.

Remember to Turn your clocks ahead!

In peace and gratitude, Linda Oberhaus CEO The Shelter for Abused Women and Children

With God’s love, Nancy Kay P.S. I just stay wrapped in this beautiful shawl!

Easter Lily Order Form You are invited to purchase a beautiful lily to decorate our Sanctuary on Easter Sunday. The cost is $25 per plant/dedication. Please PRINT your information and submit this form to First Presbyterian Church, 250 Sixth Street S., Naples, FL 34102. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church, and indicate “Lily” on the memo. Deadline for dedications is March 26.

Note: one dedication per form. Additional forms can be located in the church office or online.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Name of donor(s) ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________

# of Lilies _________ ($25 each)

In HONOR or MEMORY of: (circle one) _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note: this will not be a tax deductible contribution.

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

Membership

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March Birthdays March 1 Mary Lou Hudtloff

March 12 Anne Wenger-Hornbach

March 2 Bert Patton Roger Weber

March 13 Doug Patton Ilagene Ruff

March 3 Elizabeth Miller Sara Linn

March 15 Vicki Barron

March 26 Amy Hance

March 16 Inge Myers Mike Simpson Sharlene Kearney

March 27 Tom Ingram Grace Bucarelli-Merritt Margee Minnis Suzi Martin Peter Jouwstra Vicki Lubben

March 4 Ralph Lytle Sarah Miller Roxanne Sherry March 5 Peggy Lyon Lynda Harrington Sally Jackson March 6 Kent Barron Margaret Green March 7 Joe Masterson March 8 Josh Patton Ken Modesitt March 11 Joyce Witt Linda Grove

March 17 Gay Stover Gary Tincu Sandi Button March 18 Suzanne Rose Hansen Long March 19 Charles Mundt Chris Jones Ellen Bourne

March 23 Chris Calyore Vicky Cohen March 24 Gary Godley

March 28 Ginny Nicholson Barbara Ledinsky Nancy Kuhl

March 30 Margie Wardwell March 31 Mary Stover

March 22 Jami Boyd John Gulliford Rick Towers

Seekers & Joiners Class

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, March 19 at 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Congregational Dinner March 15 Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Catered dinner Old fashioned sing-a-long Performance by Celtic Spirit School of Irish Dance Cost: $25 per person Tickets available in Spencer Hall following the services or at the church office during office hours.