May 2021 Outreach

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

May 2021

Rev. Craig Goodrich Session Personnel Finance Facilities

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Preschool Children & Youth Presbyterian Women Women of the Way Christian Education Missions

6 7 8 8 9 9

Worship Staff Spotlight Birthdays New Members Staff

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor In his book entitled Tempered

Resilience,

Presbyterian minister Todd Bolsinger encourages leaders in tough times to "stay calm, stay connected, and stay the course."

And that is exactly what I believe our elders, deacons and staff have done throughout this time of pandemic. And it is what you have done as well as we have continued to worship, love, grow and serve here "in the Heart of Naples with the Love of God." Looking back on April, all programming, groups and meetings continued by Zoom with an occasional exception (the wonderful Presbyterian Women's gathering) and our in-person worship.

We continued to record a worship service on Saturdays for those not yet comfortable returning to live worship.

Though very different this year, Holy Week worship was meaningful and Easter Day was glorious with a choir of our wonderful young soloists, the Hallelujah Chorus and Brice topping it off with the Widor Toccata. Many thanks to all: worship leaders, ushers and greeters who made possible our two live worship services.

In April we also celebrated Earth Care Sunday and announced that we are officially an Earth Care Congregation as certified by our denomination, the PCUSA, for our efforts at environmental stewardship. Many thanks to elder Roni Haggart who leads our "Green Team."

Thank you for your generous giving. Our Generosity Campaign continues and we have two special giving opportunities, for a new playground and replacement of pew cushions (see page 4).

And our Coronavirus Relief Fund is still receiving contributions.

Looking ahead to May, as more of us are fully vaccinated, we expect a gradual movement to more in-person meetings/events with safety protocols. We anticipate a wonderful Mother’s Day Sunday on May 9 and a celebration of Pentecost on Sunday, May 23. Yes, empower us Holy Spirit!

craigg@fpcnaples.org

Also, on May 23 we will have our "Staff Recognition" Sunday, (see page 3) in which we will give thanks for your amazing staff, and highlight the many years of service and dedication of Ashley Houk, Preschool Director (10 years), Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager (10 years), Brice Gerlach, Director of Music (20 years) and Sandy Poore, Facilities Director (40 years). Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate these and all our staff members.

Please read thoroughly and enjoy this issue of the Outreach. Note that the Preschool will conclude another strong year in May, and that our children and youth have been fully and actively engaged.

And wherever you are, whether in Naples or back north, I pray that you may know the peace, comfort, courage, hope and love of the Lord. And yes, let's all stay calm, stay connected, and stay the course.

Gratefully and Faithfully,

From the Pulpit May 2 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Practice Resurrection: Forgiven to Follow” May 9 Mother’s Day Rev. Craig Goodrich “Generations of Faith” May 16 Rev. Rex Childs “Beginning of Wisdom” May 23 Pentecost Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Spirit of Life” May 30 Trinity Sunday Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Three for All”

Saralene Oldham, Clerk of Session, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

Session

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We will continue to hold Sunday morning live worship service at 9:30 a.m. with all safety protocols in place. Meetings, study groups and gatherings will continue to take place via Zoom through May unless other arrangements have been approved.

Required precautions for live worship: · All attendees must wear masks during the entire service. · Social distancing is required. Seating and dismissal will be directed by the ushers. · There will be no singing but you will be able to enjoy the soloists singing the hymns and anthems.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office at 239.262.1311 and ask for Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager. Your understanding of this decision in greatly appreciated.

We wish you blessings and peace.

Barbara Weiss, Committee Chair, bweiss1952@gmail.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff, craigg@fpcnaples.org

Personnel

Staff Recognition Sunday Anniversary Celebration Sunday, May 23

Join us during worship as we recognize our wonderful, dedicated staff.

Following the worship service, a celebration of Sandy, Brice, Sharman and Ashley will be held in the Sanctuary.

We hope you will be a part of honoring these tenures of service to First Presbyterian Church of Naples.

Sandy Poore Director of Facilities 40 years

Brice Gerlach Director of Music 20 years

Sharman Pfaus Executive Office Manager 10 years

Ashley Houk Director of Preschool 10 years

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Doug Jensen, Committee Chair, d50.jensen@gmail.com Anna Focht, Director of Finance, annaf@fpcnaples.org

Finance

Dear Friends, Below is the church's year-to-date (YTD) income statement comparison through March 31, 2021. Total Income grew 6% year-over-year and is in line with our expectations for the year. Offerings were up 12%, and as we near the closure of our 2021 Generosity Campaign, we are pleased that our 2021 pledges have exceeded last year's pledged amounts. Although Preschool income is down 10% from last year due to reduced classroom size as we follow CDC guidelines, we are pleased with its rapid financial recovery. Total Expenses increased a modest 2%. YTD Net income was $53,534 compared to $29,863 in 2020. Our congregation has also responded generously to our Pews & Playground Campaigns, and we are grateful for your giving to these worthwhile projects. In the short-term, there is some uncertainty from the continued impact of COVID-19, however in the long-term we are encouraged by our Q1 financial results and look forward to the opportunities ahead.

It is inspiring to encounter supportive members and friends such as yourselves who are willing to take part to help ensure our future. Your donations are an essential component in our fiscal well-being, and we are grateful for your faithful support.

We will continue to joyfully serve our church community, be creative in ways to communicate in-person and virtually, and stay connected in the Heart of Naples with the Love of God. Thanks so much!

With gratitude, Anna Focht Director of Finance Doug Jensen Finance Committee Chair

Give Thanks, Hold Fast, Rejoice!

We have reached a milestone! We are 90% of the way to our goal of $1,500,000! Thank you for your overwhelming response to our 2021 generosity pledge campaign. Already we have received 263 pledges for a total of $1,351,461! If you haven’t already pledged, we hope you’ll do so soon. Your consideration and generosity are greatly appreciated by the entire First Presbyterian Church of Naples community !

Pews

Playground

Looking Ahead to our Future We would be honored if you would consider making a gift to help us reach our goals for these projects!

Pew Seat Cushions – Donated: $28,962 Campaign goal: $50,000 Playground – Donated: $42,844 Campaign goal: $82,000 How to Donate Please designate your gift amount to either Playground, Pew Seat, or both. You may give by check, or give online. Checks may be mailed directly to the church office at 250 Sixth Street South, Naples, FL 34102.

Online donations may be made by going to www.fpcnaples.org/give. When asked to “Select a fund” designate the funds “Pews (Reupholster)” or “Playground (Preschool).”

Donations can also be made through the preschool website at www.fppnaples.org/support-our-school and click the “Donate Now” button.

Facilities

Fran Engelhardt, Committee Chair, engelhardtfran@gmail.com Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

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Two areas in our church facility have received a much needed update.

The kitchen had original vinyl flooring and has now been replaced with COREtec®, a waterproof, wood-look flooring with a 20-year warranty.

The Youth Room was also updated with new flooring. COREtec® flooring was installed in the kitchen/ gaming area and the other side of the room had new carpet tiles installed. Earlier in 2020 new furniture was purchased, a new 70” Smart TV installed and the room was painted with a soothing blue color. The Christian Education office also had new carpet installed to replace the original carpet.

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Preschool

Teresa Doane, Elder, twdoane@hotmail.com Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Personalized Engraved Pavers Available for Purchase Leave your name on the heart of First Presbyterian Preschool for years to come.

We are now offering the opportunity to purchase an engraved paver that will be placed on our playground and will be enjoyed by church members, visitors, staff, and Preschool students for years to come.

Two sizes of pavers are available, 8x8 ($250) and 12x12 ($425), and will be installed on the west end of the playground during the installation of our new playground equipment this summer!

All proceeds received from the engraved pavers will help us reach our fundraising goal of $82,000 for our new playground equipment. Get creative and leave a message for all to see-it’s a great way to memorialize your loved ones, honor your family/children/grandchildren!

Visit www.fpcnaples.org/give to complete the order form.

We look forward to including you in our playground renovation project.

Sample paver

Music stations for the new playground

Proposed new playground equipment

Children and Youth

Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, nancyv@fpcnaples.org

During this time, we were able to celebrate the sacrament of baptism for Molly and Wylie Finn offsite. They even had some of their family zoom in for this special event!

Pictured standing: Craig Goodrich, Matthew Finn, Beth Finn, Rex Childs Seated: Wylie Finn, Molly Finn, Corbin Wyant

Our Christian Education meeting for Children and Youth as we discuss how the church is emerging through this time.

An intergenerational experience - Improv for Life class with Craig Price, Director of Community Education and Wellness from the Naples Players. Our youth gathered with some of our congregation to de-stress and have some fun for three classes on Zoom during April.

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Presbyterian Women

Barbara Heissner, Moderator, khh0725@atlanticbb.net Carolyn Smith Bennett, Moderator Elect, cjosmith341@gmail.com

April 14 was a wonderful day for Presbyterian Women as they gathered in the church sanctuary for Martha Waddell’s program “Love in Stitches.”

Thirty-nine of Martha’s quilts were shown in an old-fashioned bed-turning as well as her generous donation of 8 quilts which were all purchased, proceeds going to Collier Harvest. If you missed it, no worries, visit the church website for the taped program, www.fpcnaples.org/women.

The Coordinating Team of PW met prior to the program with the following announcements: Officers for 2021-2022 will be installed May 5 at a Coordinating Team Luncheon.

Moderator: Carolyn Bennett Recording Secretary: Liz Speake Hospitality: Saralene Oldham, Mary VandeVoren, Margaret Green, and Betty Mangos We thank all the women of FPCN for their pledges to the work of Presbyterian Women. Sylvia Marsh, Treasurer, announced that we have collected thus far $9,503, only short of our goal by $900. At next month’s meeting we will be planning our mission giving. Almost all of our pledge contributions go to PW mission work. If you would still like to contribute, please make your check payable to “Presbyterian Women” and mail it to the church.

Women of the Way (WOW)

Our fall Bible Study will be What

My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus.

Circle leaders will be ordering study books for each of their circles (see below). More will be ordered and may be purchased for $10.

Circle meetings will resume in November. Grace Circle meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

The other Circles meet on the third Wednesday of each month. All women are encouraged and welcome to join. For more information, please contact one of the circle leaders listed below.

Grace Circle: Andie Goodrich 404.317.5850 Coke Evans 559.978.5898 Love and Friendship Circle: Martha Waddell 507.581.1480 Peace with Honor Circle: Betty Mangos 239.248.8800 Sunshine Circle: Janet Root 239.227.9787 Janeen McClure 216.570.2340 We wish those who are returning to northern homes, safe travels. Our next PW Gathering is scheduled for November 2 in Spencer Hall and it is our prayer that it will be live and in-person.

Andie Goodrich, Co-Coordinator, andie.goodrich@gmail.com Pat Nordbrock, Co-Coordinator, patnordbrock@gmail.com

ALL women of the church are invited to attend the WOW Spring Bible Study.

During our six weeks together we will focus on the second half of the study guide “Psalms” (At His Feet Series) by Presbyterian authors Hope Blanton and Christine Gordon as we explore the lessons of six selected psalms and what they mean for our lives today. Even if you didn’t attend the first half of Psalms last fall, the lessons are structured in a way that you can step in and fully participate in the study and small group discussion during this series.

To register, e-mail fpcwomen2017@gmail.com Dates: Thursdays, May 6 - June 10 Time: 9:30-11 a.m. at the church; ZOOM times to be determined by the individual group/s.

NOTE: If you plan to attend and need a study guide, you can either order one through Amazon or Barnes and Noble, OR, when you register let us know if you'd like us to order one for you.

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

Christian Education

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Wednesday Morning Men Faith and Fellowship Join other committed men in our congregation on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Following the presentation there will be a time for questions and discussion. We will gather via Zoom, at 8 a.m.

May 5 - Tom Clark leads us with the topic “Job” May 19 - Craig Goodrich leads us with the topic “Nehemiah” For Zoom instructions contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org or Bill Kearney at skearney239@comcast.net.

Missions

A men’s

Bible Discussion Group All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us via Zoom each Thursday from 10:45 a.m. - noon For Zoom instructions contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org

Cleve Cleveland, Committee Chair, Carleton_cleveland@hotmail.com Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor, rexc@fpcnaples.org

Wednesdays at First Join us for our final offering of Wednesdays at First, Make It Your Mission to Get to Know our Mission Partners Better” (via Zoom). This session will consist of two 20 minute presentations each followed by 10 minutes for Q and A. Focus will include their community involvement, needs, volunteer roles, education, and how our donations help them continue the mission work in the community.

May 5 - Salvation Army and Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance The program begins at 6 p.m. Please register by contacting Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant, ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org.

Worship

Patty Rutzler, Committee Chair, patty233@aol.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

There is a pressing need during the Sunday worship services for members who would volunteer to be ushers during the late spring, summer and fall months. You would only be asked to usher one Sunday per month and would join one of four teams led by head ushers Gary Nordbrock, Jack Marsh, Richard Beach and Bill Kearney. We ask that you give serious consideration to this request and, if willing, contact Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager at 239.262.1311 or sharmanp@fpcnaples.org.

Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Blessings from Gary, Jack, Richard and Bill

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Personnel

This month we shine a spotlight on Kathleen Law as Communications Coordinator. Having faithfully served the church for 19 years, Executive Office Manager, Sharman Pfaus says: As our Communications Coordinator, Kathleen is exceptional! She keeps the church informed of activities and news through the weekly eblast, bulletin and monthly newsletter. The need for increased communication during the pandemic was managed exceedingly well by Kathleen. The enthusiasm Kathleen has for her job is shown through her creativity and management of the website along with the number of publications that are produced by her. Kathleen serves as staff liaison to the Membership committee and is the go-to person for technological support. She is a true gift to FPCN and a valued member of the staff!

Kathleen was born and raised in Atlantic Highlands, a small shore town in New Jersey. She enjoyed spending summers at the beach either in New Jersey or at her family home on Martha’s Vineyard, where her mother was born and raised. Even now, she loves to visit and catch up with her aunts, uncles and cousins who live there. She and her sister have been busy tracing their roots back to the Mayflower, from which she is a 13th generation descendant.

She attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) where she studied English Literature and Business. In fact, she loves when her favorite show, “Jeopardy” has a category on literature and she can answer all the questions. “I feel quite proud of myself when I can do that,” she says.

Barb Weiss, Committee Chair, bweiss1952@gmail.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org

Stephen Ministers

Kathleen Law

Communications Coordinator The Jersey winters were cold and damp, car insurance was expensive, roads were pot-hole filled, and I felt it was the right time for a change. After toying with the idea for a few years, in 1992 I left my job at Waterford-Wedgwood as an inventory manager, packed up a U-haul and towed my car down with the help of a friend. It was hard to leave family and friends behind but I had one dear friend here who helped me get settled and here I remain.

Why did you choose to work at a church?

I began working at St. Ann Catholic Church through a temp agency, then I eventually came to First Presbyterian Church in 1994. Dr. Russell Mase was the Senior Pastor and yes, Sandy was here then too!

Church work is very different from working for a big company. I worked in New York City on Wall Street and in Mid-town Manhattan and the cut-throat mentality was not for me. Working for a church is much more friendly, supportive and compassionate.

What do you like most about working here?

The staff works as one team, not as individuals on different teams. When one person succeeds we all succeed, we celebrate each others accomplishments, and we grieve with each other over losses and hard She and her husband, Bill, met times. It’s been a true blessing to get to know the hundreds of members over the years (22 including in 1994 and were married in the old sanctuary by Rev. Don the 3 years in the 90’s). The hardest part of working here is when someone you’ve known and loved for Sherman in 1998. They love to travel and have logged over so long moves or passes away. But you also get to 20 cruises, with their favorite experience the joys as well...seeing youth group kids destination being St. Maarten. grow up and get married, have children, their parents becoming grandparents, etc. That’s when it hits me as to how long I’ve worked here.

Kathleen enjoys spending time in her backyard butterfly garden which is visited by at least a dozen varieties of butterflies and she even has several host What is the best part of your job? plants for the caterpillars. In 2015 her hard work in I’m learning every day and what I do is different every day. I could work on updating the website, the garden paid off when National Wildlife designing a magazine ad, filming videos, formatting Foundation certified her yard as a Wildlife Habitat. the newsletter, negotiating a price for advertising, running the cameras for a service, gathering Why did you choose to move to Naples? information for reports, updating addresses and I first came to Naples in the mid-1980’s when my emails, dropping off a mailing to the post office, parents were seasonal residents and I loved the finding out what’s wrong with someone's computer. beaches and how clean and new everything was.

Every day is a learning opportunity!

Membership

Deborah Meeson-Vige, Committee Chair, Deborah.meeson@gmail.com Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

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Happy May Birthdays!

May 2 Bev TenCate May 5 Vicki Jessopp Jerry Miller May 6 Barbara Church May 7 Jenny Haire Frank Kiningham

May 10 Pete Debbink Sandy Johnson May 11 Cathy Trampe May 12 Ashley Byrd Tina Guilliford Jim Lutz May 13 Norman Brown Mozelle Padgett

May 8 Kathy Grandi Judy HumphreyBirthdays May 14 February Tom Grady May 9 Marv Herb Mike Calyore Terri Storter Barbie Kellam Linda Wood Tom Norris

May 15 Susan Sonderby May 16 Michael Holmberg May 18 Doris Frace Roxanne Hanks Robin Huffman Dan MacLea May 19 Christine Brady Kathie Doerbaum Dellie Nevins Tom Tichenor May 20 Howard Anker Jan Jeckel

May 21 Kristin Brandt Mark Rhein

May 27 Madison Connell Taylor McGinn Betty Plum

May 22 Paul Corwith

May 28 Dick Banko Barbara Gibson

May 23 Kay Pfouts May 24 Bob Fultz

May 30 David Gunning Bob VanderPolder

May 25 Hannah Jones Sallie Wright

May 31 Edith Andrew Rich Miller

May 26 Sue Guyett Karen Parker Leah Psota Nancy Walkenhorst

Please welcome the following new members.

They will be introduced during worship at a later date.

If you would like to become a Member or Affiliate Member, please contact the church office.

Lois and Gene Miller Affiliate Members Parish 7

Carole and Gary Sissel Members Parish 25

Thank You Dear First Presbyterian Church, Thank you for your recent gift to Grace Place for Children and Families’ Food Pantry.

Your gift is helping families prevent short term difficulties from becoming long term disadvantages. Together we are helping families we serve work towards a brighter future for themselves and all of Collier County.

In gratitude, Lära Fisher CEO, Grace Place for Children and Families

Susan Kogan Affiliate Member Parish 26

In Memoriam Benjamin “Ben” Currier March 29, 2021

Carolyn Starns April 3, 2021

Marcia Kempers April 6, 2021

First Presbyterian Church of Naples

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

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

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

Ext.

E-mail

2035 2027

craigg@fpcnaples.org rexc@fpcnaples.org

Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries

2039

briceg@fpcnaples.org

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

2012 2029

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

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

2042 2000 2013 2036

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

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

2016 2014 2028

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

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

2009 2038

ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lindsayw@fpcnaples.org