November Outreach Newsletter

The First Presbyterian Church of Naples

November 2015

Gblessive thanks to him, his name.

Psalm 100

IN THIS ISSUE Rev. Craig Goodrich

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Music Finance

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Missions

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Congregational Care

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Calendar Presbyterian Women

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Preschool Children & Youth

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News & Events

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff Dear members and friends of FPC Naples, As we head into the month of November and anticipate the great American holiday of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of these encouraging words in Colossians: “Above all,

clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called into one body and be thankful.”

(Colossians 3:14-15).

“And be thankful.” There it is. In another place Paul writes, “Do not worry about anything, but

in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6). In other words, practice giving thanks to God, be grateful.

craigg@fpcnaples.org

I am thankful for all of the faithful leaders and saints who have worshipped and served Jesus Christ through the years in this place, through all the ups and downs.

I am thankful for all who return to Naples each year and for those who are here year round, who together make up this special congregation.

I am thankful for our dedicated staff, each of whom continues to give their best every day.

I am thankful for a safe journey from Atlanta to Naples and for the excitement that Andie and I feel about this call...even thankful for the boxes unpacked and those yet to be unpacked.

I am thankful for the many warm expressions of welcome we have received, including a handmade card from the children.

I am thankful for all that we have to learn about this congregation, Naples and “Season.”

Especially, I am thankful for the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord, the love which binds us together come what may.

I have come to believe that giving thanks, the discipline of gratitude, is one of the most significant Christian practices. It determines how we see the world.

I invite you to join me in practicing thanksgiving this season.

So as we approach this Thanksgiving, here are some things for which I am thankful: Grace, peace and courage to you.

I am thankful for your call to serve this Craig congregation as your pastor and for all the hopes we share, and those yet to be discovered.

I am thankful for a wonderful first Sunday replete with the pipes and drums of the “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan.”

I am thankful for all that is ahead this month as we anticipate the congregational dinner on November 13, the “Season of Music” and its wonderful offerings, the beginning of Advent, and so much more.

Music

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

A Trio of Friends James Cochran, Brice Gerlach and Michele Byrd-Gerlach Sunday, November 1, 2015 4:00 p.m.

Our Director of Music, Brice Gerlach and his wife, Michele Byrd-Gerlach, combine talents with James Cochran for an exciting afternoon of keyboard and vocal music. You won’t want to miss this event!

In addition to the magnificent Ruffatti pipe organ, Brice and Jim will be playing a Rodgers digital organ as well as the Blüthner grand piano. Three keyboards, three friends in concert.

The program will include baroque gems, opera classics, and some Broadway favorites. As a special treat, Brice and Michele’s son, Colin, will also join in on his violin!

This concert will be sure to entertain you.

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Matthew Martin, organ Friday, November 20, 2015 7:00 p.m.

Matthew Martin is a composer and Organist of the London Oratory.

He followed an organ scholarship at Magdalen College, Oxford with postgraduate work at the Royal Academy of Music, London where he studied with David Titterington and won all the major performance prizes, including the DipRAM - the Academy's highest award for performance in a finals recital.

From 2001-2004 he continued his studies with Marie-Claire Alain in Paris and in 2006 was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for "distinction in the music profession." Matthew has held positions at New College, Oxford, Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Cathedral, and since 2001 has been involved with the annual Edington Festival of Music within the Liturgy where he is director of the Nave Choir of men and boys.

As a recitalist, he has given concerts both in the UK, including at the Cheltenham, Spitalfields and South Bank festivals, and as far afield as Japan and Australia. In 2010, he was invited to play the recital at the annual presentation of diplomas for the Royal College of Organists in Southwark Cathedral.

With a varied program, this concert is sure to bring the Ruffatti organ to life!

This concert is sponsored by Fratelli Ruffatti and Central Music. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this amazing musician.

It’s a family event!

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Music

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

A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, December 6, 2015 4:00 p.m.

Children’s Choir All children grades K-5 are invited to join Dr. Brice and Miss Shana in the Children’s Choir Room following worship for music and singing.

Parents can enjoy an extra cup of coffee while the children practice.

Experience the hope and joy of rediscovering the miracle and wonder of Christmas as told through beautiful and cherished music of the season. This special worship service, made popular by Kings College Cambridge, has become a tradition at First Presbyterian Church.

Our Chancel Choir will sing many favorite Christmas anthems including the Birthday Carol by Sir David Willcocks, Sans Day Carol

by John Rutter, Mid-Winter by Bob Chilcott and the Ave Maria by Franz Biebl.

Sing some of your favorite traditional carols such as O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, and many others.

Come and remember the reason for the season. Mark your calendar for this yuletide afternoon.

Prepare for Christmas in a relaxing and spiritual way.

Children will be finished at 11 a.m.

The Children’s Choir will sing during the worship service on Sunday, November 15.

Did you know…

The worship service is available to view online?

Sunday service video is available on Sunday afternoons.

You can also purchase a CD or DVD by signing up in Spencer Hall.

Music Finance

Richard Green, Finance Committee Chair, rgreen@cbcworldwide.com

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Deacons Fund By placing an offering in the Deacon's Benevolence Fund PINK ENVELOPES on Communion Sunday, the Deacon's are able to give assistance to: Helps Outreach Salvation Army St. Vincent de Paul Society

By following the teachings of Jesus, your generosity greatly helps the less fortunate in our community.

Endowment Committee Is your estate plan current? Please prayerfully consider a gift to First Presbyterian Church of Naples in your will or trust, or by a beneficiary designation in a life insurance policy, bank or retirement account.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help First Presbyterian Church of Naples, please contact Endowment Committee members Linda Gadkowski at 239.775.9901 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.

The Birthday Mission Fund The Birthday celebration invites members and friends to give one dollar or more for each year of their life on a Sunday nearest to their birthday.

These monies are placed in the permanent endowment of the church and the income supports the youth of our congregation who work on mission projects.

Online Giving Did you know you can make your gifts online?

You can pay for Chancel flowers, make a donation to the Benevolence Fund, Feed the 5000, Wish List, Birthday Fund, Stewardship Tithe, Missions, Season of Music and more.

Visit our website at www.fpcnaples.org and look for the “GIVE online� link at the bottom of the home page. Here you will be able to establish a secure online account.

For more information or if you need help setting up your account, please contact Sharman Pfaus at 239.262.1311 ext. 236 or at sharmanp@fpcnaples.org.

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Missions

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

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 Our food drive for November is for the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. The Shelter works to prevent domestic violence, protects victims, and helps to heal and transform lives.

RED KETTLE Campaign

It’s that time of year again!

Don’t forget to sign up in Spencer Hall as a Salvation A Christmas Tradition Army bell ringer for the week Desired items are: of December 7-11. We will be Each year we partner with peanut butter Lipman Produce (formerly manning both doors of the jam or jelly known as Six L’s Farm) to help cans of tuna, chicken or meat Publix on Neapolitan Way. migrant farm workers families cans of fruit kidney, pinto or baked beans Why not sing some Christmas with gifts for Christmas. The pasta Carols while ringing the bells? Angel Tree will be available in Spencer Hall on Sunday, pasta sauce Or wear your Santa hats and November 29. The tree will be fruit juice fun Christmas outfit? Get a baby food or formula group of friends together and decorated with tags for children aged newborn-12 years old. get in the Christmas Spirit.

PLEASE—no open packages This year we are introducing or out of date food. a new two-part tag. Please Volunteering not only take the bottom half of the tag Ushers will have a Publix bag increases the donations, it is a which will have the gift recipient with a list of desired food items wonderful outreach for us at information. Please fill out your FPCN. available as you leave the name and phone number on the _____________ Sanctuary on the first Sunday top half of the tag, which will of the month. Please bring remain with us. your food to the 6th Street Please wrap the gift securely church entrance before the and put the tag on it. Some gift service on the second Sunday. ideas are learning toys, ethnic If you prefer, checks may be dolls, books, board games, made payable to "First puzzles, roller skates, balls and Presbyterian Church" with the craft kits. Gifts should have an memo marked "Feed the approximate value of $20.

5,000."

Please return the wrapped gift

by Sunday, December 13.

The Angel Tree

Missions

Betty Mangos, Mission Joan Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com

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Director of World Missions (PCUSA) to speak at FPCN On November 18, the Missions Committee will be hosting the Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Missions for the Presbyterian Church (USA).

We became very familiar with this agency because our former interim pastor, Dr. Will Browne, had also served at this post and brought us valuable information and advice. Dr. Farrell will speak at 9 a.m. in Spencer Hall.

A continental breakfast will be served. There will be representatives present from many churches in the Peace River Presbytery.

Mission activity at FPCN was at a high during the month of October.

There were workdays at Mision Peniel and Habitat for Humanity. We prepared an evening meal for residents of St. Matthew’s House. We collected clothing and household items for those served by Mision Peniel. We took our love of Christ outside these walls and shared our blessings with others.

Thank you for your participation.

MisionPeniel

For more information, please call Betty Mangos 239.254.9883. ________________ On October 22, Peace River Presbytery celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Mision Peniel.

We congratulate Pastor Miguel Estrada and the continuing good work that he shares in Immokalee with the farmworkers. A celebration and recognition took place at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers.

Habitat for Humanity

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Congregational Care

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net

The Congregational Care Committee would like to remind you of a few things: PLEASE…

“Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations to increase care and outreach to hurting people.

Through Stephen Ministry, congregations are able to equip and empower a team of lay­ people—Stephen Ministers—who provide one-to -one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing grief, unemployment, hospitalization, loneliness, divorce, financial stress, a terminal illness, or other life difficulties.

Below is the testimony of someone who has experienced working with a Stephen Minister when asked the question: What would you say to someone who’s considering receiving care from a Stephen Minister?

Asking for a Stephen Minister is the best thing I could have done for myself. Stephen Ministry is transformational. As a care receiver, you’ll grow so much through your Stephen Minister’s care, concern, and compassion for you—you may not even recognize yourself afterward! And you’ll be a lot better off for it.

I would encourage anyone who is suffering, dis­ couraged, or going through a difficult time to ask for a Stephen Minister. And if someone offers a Stephen Minister to you, say, “Yes!” It really is life-changing.”

...notify us when you change dwelling places. ...give us any changes in information such as address, phone, e-mail and cell phone. ...tell us when you are sick, in the hospital or plan on having surgery. ...let us know where you will be for rehabilitation. ...take care of yourself. ...eat well—laugh every day and remember, we care about YOU! Contact: Shirley Hagerson Director of Congregational Care 239.596.3125 Church office 239.262.1311

Calendar

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

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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Daylight Saving time ends 9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 Communion Worship 10:30 Children’s Choir 12 p.m.

Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Concert –Trio of Friends

6 p.m. Naples Orchestra rehearsal

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

11 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m.

PW Gathering 12 p.m. Preschool Parent Committee meeting 7 p.m. Choir

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9 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 Children’s Choir 12 p.m.

Cumberland Church

6 p.m. Naples Orchestra rehearsal

7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

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9 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 Worship 10:30 Children’s Choir 12 p.m.

Cumberland Church OUTREACH DEADLINE

12 p.m. Preschool Thanksgiving Feast 6 p.m. Naples Orchestra rehearsal

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9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Congregational Meeting 10:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

Preschool closed 6 p.m. Naples Orchestra rehearsal

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8:30 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

7:30 a.m. Blood Drive 6 p.m. Naples Orchestra rehearsal

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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SATURDAY

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9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 1 p.m. Preschool Happy Feet 5:30 p.m. First Friday/Parent’s Night Out

Session Retreat

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7 p.m. Choir 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal 11 a.m. Decorating Committee

10 a.m. Sew & Sews 4 p.m. Middle School Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 1 p.m. Preschool Happy Feet 5:30 p.m.

Congregational Dinner

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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

9 a.m. World Mission speaker 9:30 Love & Friendship Circle 1 p.m. Peace w/ Honor Circle 7 p.m. Choir 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

4 p.m. Middle School Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 1 p.m. Preschool Happy Feet 7 p.m. ConcertMatthew Martin

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Preschool closed 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate

Preschool closed 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

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Happy Thanksgiving

Preschool closed Church office closed

location)

9:30 a.m. Bible Facilitators 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group 1 p.m. Preschool Happy Feet 2 p.m. HS Youth

location)

8 a.m. Facilities Committee 1 p.m. Preschool Happy Feet 1 p.m. Mission Committee 1 p.m. Worship & Music Committee 2 p.m. HS Youth

location)

1 p.m. Preschool Happy Feet 2 p.m. HS Youth 3 p.m. Finance Mtg. 5:30 p.m. Deacon’s

location)

5 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry 4 p.m. Middle School Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

Church office closed 11:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Service 12 p.m. Thanksgiving Dinner

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Presbyterian Women

Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jwrgust@gmail.com

Sew and Sews Join us for our next

Gathering on Wednesday, November 4 at 12 p.m. in Spencer Hall.

If you enjoy sewing, we could certainly use you in our group. A group of Presbyterian Women, we meet twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays from 10 a.m. until around 2 p.m. During this time we sew, cut out stamps for profit, and bring our lunch for a time of fellowship.

Over the years this dedicated team of seamstresses have made dresses, aprons, bibs, pads, quilts, caps - and so many other items - for those in need.

If you enjoy sewing (nothing out of the ordinary – just simple items), we would love to have you join us.

The program will feature Barbara Tyrrell, the new director of Fun Time Early Childhood Academy.

A delicious lunch of salad, chicken lasagna, garlic bread and pumpkin bars will be served. The cost for lunch is $7 and reservations can be made in Spencer Hall.

All women are invited to attend.

Please call the church office to leave your name and number and we’ll follow up with you. Or just come to Room 206 in the Education Building on the second or fourth Thursday of the month.

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Recently First Presbyterian Preschool was invited to participate in the Naples Alliance for Children Worthy Wages Child Advocacy tour. Guests of the tour included local educators from FSW, city and county government officials, as well as state government officials. The purpose of the tour was to highlight the need for quality early childhood education opportunities.

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“The Worthy Wages” bus tour visited Mrs. Shields VPK class during ‘Free Friday’.

While at FPP, the guests were treated to a display of morning activities in the VPK and three year old programs. The focus of the conversation while at FPP was the lack of funding that providers receive for services provided through state and federal programs. Unique to our program this year is our service of several special needs children. One of our three year old classrooms was set up to serve a child diagnosed with Autism, a child with identified sensory and motor delays, and a child that is wheelchair bound. These special circumstances bring to the forefront the need for additional staffing, support, and training for those working with children Teacher Bernie Shields accepts a necklace from VPK student with special needs. In order to provide these Olivia Brown, 4, during a classroom playtime (Carolina additional services and support, funding must be Hidalgo/Staff Naples Daily News) available.

As in many areas of business over the last few years, budget cuts have affected the early childhood field as well. Funding has been decreased for Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) programs, as well as funding providing low income families with affordable child care options. The tour guests were a part of a discussion throughout the morning, at the three child care facilities, that stressed the importance of continued and increased funding for such services to ensure that our children are receiving the quality services that are so instrumental to their development.

We were honored and delighted to be chosen to participate in the tour and thank both the Naples Alliance for Children (NAFC) and the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (ELC of SWFL) for supporting the early childhood community of providers.

Caleb Schertell hammers at a desk during Friday playtime (Carolina Hidalgo/Staff Naples Daily News)

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Children and Youth

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

Middle School Youth Group meets each Thursday from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

High School Youth Group is held on Tuesday afternoons from 2 - 4:30 p.m.

The church bus will pick up students at Naples High School at 2 p.m.

December 4 Time: 5:30—8:30 p.m.

Movie: Frozen Dinner: Kristoff’s meatball sandwiches, Sven’s carrots, Elsa’s icicles (cheese sticks), Olaf’s buttons (black olives), Anna’s frozen dip (ranch) with Olaf’s arms (pretzel sticks), and root beer floats.

Price: $20 per family Registration forms available in Spencer Hall and online.

If you are interested in any of these events, either as a volunteer or participant, please contact Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at shanad@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 229.

News and Events

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

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Yes, I would like to support the First Presbyterian Church Youth Group and pre-order a live Christmas Tree!

Name: ___________________ Beginning Sunday, November 1 you can pre-order a live Christmas Tree.

Our Youth Group will be selling Fraser Fir trees to help raise money for youth programs.

Phone: ___________________

Throughout the year we offer many different opportunities for youth to connect with Christ outside of youth group and worship service.

Participating in missions, conferences and recreational events are just a few of the things we do and yes, we also fundraise.

# of 6-7’ trees ____ @ $75 = $ __________

Help support the youth AND get something you want...a beautiful real North Carolina Christmas tree (snow is not included, sorry) at a great price.

6-7’ $75.00 7-8’ $90.00 8-9’ $120.00 A 50% deposit of the total cost is required. Pre-order forms are also available in the church office, Spencer Hall and online.

The trees will ONLY be available for pick up on: Friday, December 4, 12-6 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

E-mail: ___________________

# of 7-8’ trees ____ @ $90 = $ __________ # of 8-9’ trees ____ @ $120 = $ __________ Total $ __________ - 50% Deposit $ __________ Balance due $ ___________ 50% deposit is required when ordering your tree.

Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church of Naples and mark in the memo “Christmas Tree”.

PLEASE KEEP THIS SECTION

First Presbyterian Church Christmas Tree Sale Balance due $ ___________ Pre-ordered trees will be available for pick up on the following dates ONLY: Friday, December 4 from 12—6 p.m. or Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m.—2 p.m.

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

Congregational Dinner Friday, November 13

A Night on

Broadway

Blood Drive Monday, November 30 7:30 a.m.—12 p.m.

Sign up in Spencer Hall on the following Sundays: November 15, 22 or 29 or contact Mary Vande Voren at 239.353.1620.

Featuring Brice Gerlach and Michele Byrd-Gerlach Music will include many Broadway hits from Gershwin, Kern, Bernstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others.

Tickets $20 On sale each Sunday in Spencer Hall following the service.

Preschool Director, Ashley Houk, in the Bloodmobile!

News and Events

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

Celebrations

&

Events

of the

Season

Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m.

Season of Music Concert featuring organist, Matthew Martin Thursday, November 26 at 11:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Service 12 p.m.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Sunday, November 29 First Sunday of Advent Service time change to 8:30 & 10 a.m.

Angel Tree in Spencer Hall Wednesday, December 3 at 12 p.m.

Presbyterian Women's Gathering Christmas mini-concert with Brice and Michele Friday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Parent’s Night Out/First Friday Event—Movie: Frozen Saturday, December 5 at 9 a.m.

Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 6 at 4 p.m.

Season of Music Concert, Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Week of December 7 Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers Thursday, December 10 at 6 p.m.

Preschool Christmas Event Sunday, December 20 Cumberland Christmas Service Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5 p.m. Family Worship Service 7 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Service Saturday, December 26 Youth Ski Trip

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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