May 2015 outreach

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

May 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Hannah and Haley Ahlquist at a First Friday/Parent’s Night Out event

From Dr. Browne

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Session

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PNC update Finance Congregational Care

3 4 5

Presbyterian Women Children and Youth Preschool

5 6 7

Calendar Missions

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News & Events

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Rev. Dr. Will Browne,

Interim Pastor/Head of Staff

When I was a child at a boarding school in India, we looked ahead with great expectation to “Going Down Day.” On that day all the students left the school and took buses down the mountain to the trains in the plains. Then off they went for the winter vacation back to their homes and families. One morning the school was alive and full. The next morning it was quiet and empty.

There is a strange inexactitude and prolonged state to seasonal change in Florida churches. On the one hand we have the church calendar year and according to that we are about half-way through the Season of Easter. According to school years calendars we are getting close to the end of the Spring School season.

According to the Winter Resident Season the end is here for most and soon for the rest. And then the vacation season begins for permanent residents who head up north or further away so while they are not ‘winter residents’ they are still not resident here for significant hunks of time in the summer.

Remember Ecclesiastes, ‘there is a time for every matter under heaven….’ All season and all time is God’s creation and gift to us. All we really have is time. And every time is God’s time and is not for us to waste.

willb@fpcnaples.org

Worship Service Time Change Beginning Sunday, May 3 we will worship together at 9:30 a.m.

Fellowship time will be held following the worship service.

We will remain on this schedule until November 22. At that time we will resume two worship services at 8:30 and 10 a.m.

The Chancel Choir begins their summer rehearsal schedule at 8:45 a.m. in the Choir Room.

Children’s Sunday school will be held at 9:45 a.m. following the Children’s Time in the worship service.

ON OUR COVER….

Hannah and Haley Ahlquist

On Sunday April 5, the Ahlquist family (one of our preschool families) was in a severe car accident. Jeff and Annie’s 3-year-old daughter, Hannah was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital where she underwent extensive surgery to stabilize her spinal cord and will require First Presbyterian Church of Naples does not go on months of rehabilitation and care. Their 5-year-old vacation come the end of the Winter Resident Season. daughter, Hayley, was also injured but has mostly The church is grateful for the extra souls that swell recovered from her injuries and is back at the our numbers during the ‘season,’ but we are still and preschool. Jeff and Annie are staying at the Ronald fully the church even when they are back with their McDonald House in Tampa while other family members home churches. This should be the season when we remain in Naples caring for Hayley.

take stock and think ahead asking for God’s guidance and blessing. This should be the season for building and organizing and rejuvenation so that when the ‘Season’ again returns we are ready for the intake with fresh enthusiasm and expectation.

A GoFundMe account has been set up allowing you to offer financial support to the family. You may visit http:// www.gofundme.com/hannahahlquist to donate directly or you may make your donation payable to First Presbyterian Church of Naples, indicating “Ahlquist” in the memo.

To stay current of Hannah’s status, you may visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahahlquist.

Your help is greatly appreciated by the Ahlquist family.

Session

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

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Highlights of Session 

A motion was made to table indefinitely, the results of the town hall meeting regarding same sex marriages.

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The surplus from the Lenten lunches in the amount of $427.28 has been sent to Mision Peniel.

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There will be no communion on July 5.

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Dr. Will Browne will be on vacation the week of May 18 but will preach Pentecost Sunday, May 24.

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Shirley Hagerson will be the Elder representative at the June Deacons meeting.

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We have 208 pledge cards returned out of the 500-600 that were sent out. 208 cards represent a pledge of $580,577. This is 91.1% of our budged goal of $637,000, 28.6% are increases, about the same as last year, 30.7% stayed the same and 10.5% are decreases.

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A follow-up letter will be sent to those who have not pledged. We wish to encourage everyone to return a pledge card, even if it is only for a small amount.

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The finance committee will assist the membership committee in identifying those who have purchased new homes in the area and sending an invitation to worship with us.

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The Choir Hall air conditioner will be replaced at a cost of $7,762 from the TR capital reserve account.

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A special offering for earthquake victims in Nepal will be taken beginning May 3.

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A specific fund for people to make donations to the Ahlquists (Preschool Family) who were in a serious car accident on Easter Sunday will be set up. Donations will be accepted at First Presbyterian Church and forwarded to the family to assist with ongoing expenses as a result of the accident.

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One worship service will be held at 9:30 a.m. from May 3 through November 22, 2015. The children will attend the worship service and then go to Sunday school following the Children’s Time. Adult Sunday School will follow the worship service at 10:30 a.m.

while we strive to hear His will each time we meet, which is now becoming twice a week. We are fueled and encouraged by your prayers and show of support.

Many of you have served on a committee such as ours and know the commitment and dedication involved. Your love, kindness and support of all that we are doing is so vital to the success of our committee.

Currently we have five candidates we are considering.

Our Pastor search began August 2013 in which time, the All are at different stages in the process. We are Committee experienced the loss of a loved one and the encouraged by the qualifications and backgrounds from birth of another. But the process continues, as we have these individuals and are looking forward to getting to looked at over 250 PIF's (Pastor Information Forms) from know them. candidates, listened to countless sermons, checked hundreds of references and had several Skype interviews. We are a congregation made up of wonderful and loving We have visited a few pastors in their churches to hear disciples of Christ. May we continue to be led and serve them preach and have also had two visit us. I would love God with all the gifts he has provided to us. to be telling you now that we have found "the one" God has called to First Presbyterian Church of Naples, but that Many Blessings, will be when God brings us the right person.

Libby Biehl While the process has not been a quick or an easy one, it Pastor Nominating Committee Chair has certainly kept us from making selections that would have turned out to be the wrong person for our church. We know God is leading us through this process

From Your PNC Committee

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Finance

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

We appreciate everyone that has taken the time to complete their pledge card. To date, we have received 208 pledge cards.

This represents $580,577 or 91.14% of our goal of $637,000.

Of the pledge cards received, 58.65% are increases, 30.77% stayed the same and 10.58% are decreases. If you have not turned in your pledge card, they can be placed in the offering on Sunday morning, brought to the church office or mailed to the church.

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

If so, please consider a current gift, or 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.

Financial Report March 31, 2015 YTD 2014

YTD 2015

YTD Budget 2015

Offerings Other Income

349,960

331,871

376,909

116,940

125,680

133,659

Total Income Total Operating Expenses Net Gain

466,900

457,551

510,568

350,213

360,902

398,216

116,687

96,649

112,352

Congregational Care

Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net

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daughter’s illness, and death from a heart attack at age thirty.

But even the Carol Graham, her challenging times husband Bob, and their came, hand in children began attending First Presbyterian Church hand, with blessings through upon moving to Naples from the Midwest (mainly a further Wisconsin) in 1973. She strengthening of says, “Our church holds many fond memories for already firm ties with God, family, us; and, we look forward to adding more such and friends. memories.”

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Carol feels fortunate to be blessed with wonderful family and friends. She was lucky to spend 40 years in a teaching career that was so rewarding. There were indeed a few challenges along the way; most notably their youngest

Presbyterian Women

Being involved in various volunteer capacities at First Presbyterian Church and elsewhere, and now with Stephen Ministries, provides Carol with a way to share the blessings in her life.

Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, flgoodnight@aol.com

The Gathering for Presbyterian Women will be held on May 6 at noon in Spencer Hall. Dr. Will Browne will present our program on the Bible Study conclusion of "Stepping Up" A Journey Through the Psalms of Missions Ascent.

Menu: Apple sausage bake, peas and carrots, and dessert. Please make reservations for $7 in Spencer Hall following church service. All are welcome to attend.

Please be sure to notify the church office of any address, phone and email changes when they occur to help us keep our directory information current.

This will end my term as Moderator so I send a very special “Thank you” to you all for your sharing in this very special group of our congregation. You have been a help to the church in offering Our last Gathering had the Bible studies, lunches, installation of the new officers for programs of help to others, the coming year and a mission mission support, cookies and presentation by the Tumaini especially fellowship. Those of Fund representatives. The Easter Egg Trees and you leaving town, we wish you safe travels and Easter Bonnet table decorations were sold to benefit those of you staying here please watch the Outreach that mission with a total of $145 being raised for the and Bulletins for summer activities. fund. Thank you to Betsy Grant for the decorations.

God bless you all, Ann Goodnight

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Children and Youth

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

Family, children and youth Events The Relay for Life event on April 17 was one of fellowship, outreach and service. A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers, without whom we would not have been able to participate.

Many of you donated items, time, monetary gifts and prayers of which we are so grateful. Between donations for the homemade goods at the booth and online donations, we were able to raise approximately $1,100 for the American Cancer Society. Five of our youth stayed overnight and walked the track. They had a great time participating in themed laps complete with outfits!

One of our students won the raffle for a 32” flat screen TV!! This is something I am sure they will never forget and you helped to make that happen.

Thank you.

Other opportunities to volunteer

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.

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

KidVid Cinema – You will help children understand the bible story through visual enhancement (movie) Glacier Games – You will be voted the best as you reinforce the Bible story with games.

We also need Preschool Station 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 activates.

KidVid - You will help children understand the bible story through visual enhancement (movie) Games - You will be voted the best as you reinforce the Bible story with games.

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.

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.

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Sunday school assistant – Just one Sunday a month will greatly help with our program. Simply come on Sunday and be an extra set of eyes. Our lead teacher will handle everything.

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Chaperone—help chaperone trips with the youth group. Dates to be determined.

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Youth Group Assistant—High School Youth Group will be held on Tuesdays from 3—5 p.m. Help is needed from 2:30—5:15 p.m. to ride the bus during high school pick up and to stay at youth group. If you have Still hesitant… we are looking for a decorating crew to been looking for a way to get involved, this come in the week before, registration help, photographer, supplies organizer and truly many other is it! things. Please contact Shana Dublan and let her know how you can help this year.

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

I have introduced you to our toddler/two year old staff and our three year old staff. This month, I would like to introduce you to our Voluntary PreKindergarten/VPK (4/5 year old) staff. These staff are responsible for ensuring that our children are prepared with the skills they need to be successful as they enter Kindergarten.

Our VPK students are busy each day practicing their numbers, letters, phonograms, as well as their social skills.

Bernie Shields is our longest serving staff member. She has taught at First Presbyterian Preschool for 36 years! She has seen many changes, but continues to love her children the same as when she first began Bernie Shields and Angela Kuenzle her career here. Mrs. Shields holds a Florida Child Care Professional Credential. She can also be found teaching our VPK students Yoga on Friday mornings.

Angela Kuenzle joined the Preschool as a teacher’s assistant five years ago and currently works with our three year old and VPK students in Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Shields, and Ms. Erin’s class. Angela’s two youngest children graduated from FPP and now attend Lake Park Elementary. Mrs. Kuenzle is often found floating among all the classrooms, lending a hand whenever needed.

Carmen Dunwiddie has been teaching at FPP for 25 years.

Mrs. Dunwiddie joined the staff of FPP as a teacher’s assistant and worked with Mrs. Shields before moving into a Carmen Dunwiddie and Marylee Finman teaching position.

She also holds a Florida Child Care Professional Credential. Mrs. Dunwiddie also enjoys teaching our children Spanish.

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Marylee Finman has been a teacher’s assistant at FPP for five years. She had two children that completed our program before entering Kindergarten at Lake Park. Mrs. Finman is very creative and has developed unique lyrics for the end of year performance (sung to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame)!

She can often be found working on art projects with the children or helping to create the parent bulletin board.

Colleen Kennedy has been teaching at FPP for nine years. Both of her children attended FPP as well.

Mrs. Kennedy holds an Colleen Kennedy Associates degree.

Fridays, Mrs. Kennedy conducts Science experiments with the children as they explore the world around them.

Dana Muller and Isabella Sala-Junkroski also share their time with the VPK classes. You were introduced to them last month as they also work with the three year old classrooms.

They both have spent the last four years working with the students and staff at First Presbyterian Preschool.

Isabella Sala-Junkroski and Dana Muller

You have now been introduced to all of the teaching staff at the Preschool. We each hold our own unique talents that we bring together to make our Program what it is today. We look forward to serving many more generations in the future.

Ashley Houk Preschool Director

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Calendar SUNDAY

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

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1

SATURDAY

2

8:30 a.m.

Preschool Parent/ teacher conferences 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5:30 Parent’s Night Out

3 Communion

5

6

8:45 a.m. Choir 1:30 p.m.

9:30 Worship Nominating 9:45 a.m. Children’s Committee Sunday School 10:30 am May Day Pot Luck Brunch 11 a.m. Photo sessions 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group

12:p.m.

PW Gathering 12 p.m. Preschool Committee 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee

10 Mother’s Day

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location)

7 National Day of Prayer

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12

13

14

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8:45 a.m. Choir 9 a.m. PW Bible 9:30 Worship Facilitators 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 11 a.m. Photo sessions 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

4:30 p.m. PNC Committee

10:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry Meeting

OUTREACH DEADLINE 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking

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19

20

21

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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

4:30 p.m. PNC Committee

4 p.m. Youth Group 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking

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28

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6 p.m. Preschool Fantastic Finale

10 a.m. Sew&Sews 9:30 a.m. Cookie 4 p.m. Youth Group Baking 6:45 p.m. Parent Meeting for youth trip participants 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

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8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 11 a.m. Photo sessions 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

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8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m. CE Committee 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 1 p.m. Worship and Music Committee

location)

25 MEMORIAL 26 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)

9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 4 p.m. Session

(separate location)

10 a.m. Sew&Sews 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons

8:45 a.m. Choir DAY 9:30 Worship Church Office 9:45 a.m. Children’s Closed Sunday School Preschool Closed 11 a.m. Photo sessions 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

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location)

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9:30 a.m. Cookie 1 p.m. First Aid/CPR Baking 4 p.m. Youth Group 12 p.m. Teacher Appreciation 4:30 p.m. PNC Luncheon (separate Committee 7 p.m. Cumberland location) Church

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23

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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.

8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School Please do not assume that if a room is vacant that it is available for use. This will alleviate any awkward situations from 11 a.m. Photo sessions occurring.

12 p.m. Cumberland Church

Missions

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

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summertime is one of the worst times for the food pantries here in Collier County

Many children who have been able to get free breakfast/lunch at school do not eat when they get home so that there is enough for the rest of the family.

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 The Shelter for Abused Women and Children will benefit from our food drive in May. The Shelter works to prevent domestic violence. It protects victims, and helps to heal and transform lives.

Requested items:

Betty Mangos and Shirley Hagerson at our Relay for Life Booth

baby food or formula kidney, pinto, or baked beans canned fruit canned tuna or chicken or meat 2 pounds pasta pasta sauce fruit juice peanut butter jam or jelly 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.

News and Events

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

Thank You Thank you for the goodie bag which was recently delivered by a lovely lady. It was so thoughtful and I appreciated it. Please keep me in your prayers.

Pat McCorkle

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1 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.

May Day Potluck

Please join us Sunday, May 3, following the worship service for a May Day Potluck brunch.

Those whose last names begin with the following, please bring: A-G, dessert; H-P, side/salad; Q-Z, main course.

BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY Each Tuesday morning we meet at 7 a.m. at Skillet’s on the north trail (behind Wendy’s just north of DeVoe Cadillac). Bring your Bible and your appetite! Everyone is welcome.

In Memoriam Joann Leo April 6, 2015

July 6-10, 2015

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. All registrations due by June 1, 2015.

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.

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

July 6-12

9 a.m.—12 p.m.

Registration form and fees available on inside page or online at www.fpcnaples.org/children