November Outreach Newsletter 2016

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God

November 2016

IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich

2

Music Finance

3 4

Missions

5

Congregational Care Presbyterian Women

6 7

Calendar Preschool Children & Youth

8 9 10

News & Events

12

Events of the Season

15

2

Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

As we approach the month of November and anticipate enjoying Daylight Savings Time, cooler weather here in Naples and the return “home” of many of our friends and neighbors, I am thankful – and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day. How about you? For what and for whom are you grateful?

I am thankful for the past month which included our Fall Festival and saw many children and adults excited about pony rides and bounces, many games, hot dogs and the Preschool Silent Auction. Many thanks to Ashley Houk and Shana Dublan and the team of volunteers! On October 23 we welcomed back to our pulpit the Rev. Winston Lawson.

On Wednesday evenings we engaged the works of Rev. John Claypool as we began “Wednesday Nights at First” with a light supper and program. On Thursdays women met for a Bible study on the apostle Paul led

by Lee Ryan. Our Mission projects started up with a Habitat for Humanity workday and St. Matthew’s House meals. Looking beyond our activities we also witnessed the devastation from Hurricane Matthew and we all continued to watch and feel the political hurricane of presidential politics.

We welcomed new members and said farewell to others who have joined the communion of saints. And on the last Sunday of the month, (this coming Sunday), we will celebrate another grand “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans” and the beginning of our exceptional Season of Music with a concert by our favorite summer music intern, Mary Joy Silmaro.

Looking forward to November, I am hopeful.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night November 5 and gain that extra hour. On Sunday, November 6, we will

craigg@fpcnaples.org

celebrate All Saints Day by remembering those members of our congregation who have died in the last year and we will affirm our own hope of resurrection and our belonging to Christ and one another in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.

On Thanksgiving Day we will gather for worship at 11:30 a.m., followed by a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at noon. The sermon schedule for November is on page 12 Also, as we head toward the year-end, we know that you will receive many requests for “year-end giving.” We hope you will put the church at the head of the line! If you have already fulfilled your pledge we thank you!

And if you find that you are in a position to do so, please consider an extra gift to the church.

Everything you give goes to make possible our work and ministry together here “In the Heart

of Naples with the Love of God.”

Andie and I have crossed the one year mark in Naples. You are a wonderful congregation, and our staff, our elders and deacons are exceptional! What a joy it has been and how exciting it is to look forward to all that God has in store for us!

Thanks be to God! Faithfully and Gratefully,

Music

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

3

A Season of Music Philharmonic Youth Chorus Handel’s Messiah with the Sunday, November 6, 2016 Naples Philharmonic 4:00 p.m.

Orchestra and the Naples Dr. James Cochran, director Dr. Brice Gerlach, assistant director Philharmonic Chorus Michele Byrd, singing skills instructor

The Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus, under the direction of Dr. James Cochran, presents a concert sure to uplift and inspire. The chorus is an auditioned choir of children ranging in age from 6 to 18. They rehearse weekly and perform annually at Holiday Pops and their Spring Recital at Artis—Naples. They also sing for community events and in concerts around the Naples area. They are the best young singers in our community.

Thursday, December 1, 2016 7:30 p.m.

Yaniv Segal, conductor James Cochran, chorus director Nathalie Paulin, soprano Abigail Nims, mezzo-soprano Lawrence Wiliford, tenor Stephen Hegedus, bass-baritone

The concert will feature pieces in many different languages, a medley of Disney songs, and patriotic pieces.

You will love seeing the joy that these children have while singing. Don’t miss the chance to hear 100 young musicians in this special concert.

Experience the power of the 100-voice Naples Philharmonic Chorus as they present Handel’s masterful oratorio. A commentary on the life of Jesus Christ, Messiah remains Handel's best-known work, with performances particularly popular during the Advent season.

To commemorate the holiday season — and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus’ 25th anniversary — the Chorus will perform the work they first performed together as an ensemble in 1991.

Tickets are available for purchase through the Artis—Naples Box Office at 239.597.1900 or online at www.artisnaples.org.

Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the concert. Adult $35, Student $15.

4

Finance

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

Writing to the Church in Corinth the apostle Paul encouraged generous giving, “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

Have you been blessed with abundance?

Have you already fulfilled your pledge?

Are you thinking of making your first gift to the ministry of Jesus Christ in this place?

If so, won’t you consider making a bountiful and cheerful gift by year-end?

Thank you!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help FPCN, contact either Linda Gadkowski, Committee Chair 508.292.5500 or Rev. Craig Goodrich 239.262.1311.

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.

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE As we approach the end of the year, consider giving a gift of highly appreciated stock to First Presbyterian Church. Consult your tax advisor for details.

Missions

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

5

We hope that everyone has visited the Mission Table in Spencer Hall and picked up their Calendar of Events for 2016-2017. Here you will have every date and deadline you need to participate fully in Christ’s work at FPCN. Here are our November mission opportunities.

Please sign up and participate wherever you can:

packs. So I ask you--can you spare some change or a dollar or two when you go to the table to get a cookie? You may also make a check payable to First Our “elves” will be signing you up to ring the Presbyterian Church with the memo marked for Salvation Army bell at Neapolitan Publix the week “Weekend PowerPack Program” (WPPP). Let this be of December 5. You can sit or stand, share the your gift of Thanksgiving! time, or bring a buddy. It’s a wonderful contribution to the Salvation Army and you get to smile and greet There will be many upcoming events and activities a lot of folks in the community in front of our First that I hope you will consider. It is our hands, God’s Presbyterian Church banner. work. Stop by the Mission Table. There is someone there to answer your questions and concerns or call A sign-up sheet will also be available for our next me, Betty Mangos 239.254.9883.

Habitat for Humanity workday Thursday, Betty Mangos, Missions Committee Chair November 17. The bus will leave the parking lot around 7:15 a.m. Join your FPCN friends and have a wonderful fun-filled morning helping families here in Collier County move into affordable housing.

The food we gather in November is given to the The Angel Tree will be available on Sunday, Shelter for Abused Women November 27. Remove a tag from the tree, buy a and Children which protects gift for a child, wrap it and put it back under the tree victims and helps to heal

by Sunday, December 11. These little Christmas and transform lives. gifts mean so much to a child who has so little and to their families. Again this year we support the Ushers will have a Publix bag with food lists children at Lipman Produce. available as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. Food is collected at the Sixth In October we delivered food packs to Big Cypress Street entrance on the second Sunday.

Elementary School as part of the Weekend If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First PowerPack Program. Thank you to everyone who Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed volunteered to deliver food packs, adopt the the 5,000" and placed in the collection plate.

CareBear, or contributed your change to the CareBear on Sunday mornings. Thank you to our Suggested items are: youth who prepare the food packs. Unfortunately baby food or formula, jam or jelly and peanut the CareBear did not get fed very well in September butter, canned chicken, spam or tuna, pasta, pasta and hopefully you will remember that this collection sauce, dried red or black beans, canned vegetables is a very important part in feeding needy children. or fruit.

How needy you ask? We were told some of the Please, no open containers or out of date food. children are homeless. Others have to share this pack with their families. Literally, these are children The Missions Committee thanks you in advance. who may not eat during the weekend if not for these

Feed the 5,000

6

Congregational Care

Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net

A note from a physician…..

Stephen Ministry is a priority in my life.

I use the tools in all kinds of situations—in my Stephen Ministry caring relationship and also in my interactions at home, at church, at work, and with neighbors. It becomes part of your lifestyle.

I also credit Stephen Ministry with giving me the tools to be a better physician.

I’ve learned to hear each patient’s story and know the patient’s heart. Instead of looking at office visits as one more thing to get through, I see each patient as a divine appointment God has provided.

People need this kind of care. Sometimes it’s due to a major crisis like a death, a divorce, or cancer. Other times it’s from being overwhelmed by many small things, all at once. I personally feel called to women around my own age who are caught in the middle between career and family and caring for an aging parent.

During these times, people need someone safe they can talk to, who will listen, care— and let them get it all out. That’s my role as a Stephen Minister—to be there during those difficult times. I really, really feel like this is the best thing I’ve ever done with my life.

In Stephen Ministry, we are the care-givers and Christ is the cure-giver—and that is an amazing thing, because it allows me to be His vessel. All I have to do is show up, be there, listen, and care. And pray beforehand: “Okay, Lord. I’m going into the trenches here. You gotta be with me and help me.” And He never fails me.

And, you know, I’m different now because of that. I truly feel that God is with me at every turn. I absolutely trust God in my life. Stephen Ministry has deepened my faith, opened so many other doors, and made my life so much more.

Stephen Ministers Serving First Presbyterian Church of Naples Carolyn Bennett Marilyn Currier Katie Geshay Carol Graham Betsy Grant Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Walter Gadkowski Jack Marsh Saralene Oldham Gary Root Suzanne Rose

Presbyterian Women

Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com

Presbyterian Women had a bright beginning to the Bible Study for 2016-2017.

We thank Rev. Goodrich for giving us an introduction to “Who is Jesus?”

The next Gathering will take place on Wednesday, November 2 at noon in Spencer Hall.

We will host Patrick Higgins, VP of Friends of Fakahatchee, from Fakahatchee Strand Preserve in the Everglades. All are welcome to attend this informative gathering. The cost for lunch is $7 and reservations may be made in Spencer Hall following the Sunday service. Bible Study books are also available for purchase ($8).

7

The November Gathering will be our participation in the Thank Offering of Presbyterian Women started in 1888.

Our annual “thank offering to the Lord” continues to be a vital part of women’s giving to the PC (USA). Please prayerfully consider how you can support this important ministry. Grant recipients for this year are 14 in the US and 8 international with more than 40% of the funded projects supporting health ministries.

A special thank you to Jeannie Weigel for her years of dedication to being the Bible Study Coordinator for the Circle Bible Studies which meet monthly from October to May. She also started a weekly Bible study for off-season and during season for our ladies which is now conducted by Adult Education.

This year we welcome Andie Goodrich as our Bible Study Coordinator and look forward to her leadership.

November Circle Meetings “Who is Jesus” Chapter 2 Faith/Joy Circle

Love & Friendship Circle

Peace with Honor Circle

Sunshine Circle

Tuesday November 15 9:30 a.m.

Room 204

Wednesday November 16 9:30 a.m.

Church Parlor

Wednesday November 16 1 p.m.

Church Parlor

Wednesday November 16 12 p.m.

Youth Room

8

Calendar SUNDAY

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

TUESDAY

1

6

7

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2

3

4

5

9 a.m. Nominating 10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 12 p.m. Preschool Parent Meeting 2 p.m. High School Connection 2 p.m. Creative Ladies 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night at First 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministers 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Parent’s Night Out

8:30 a.m.

Communion Prep 11:30 a.m. Youth Chorus rehearsal

8

9

10

11

12

9 a.m. Children’s Sunday 1 p.m. Personnel School Committee 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Concert

8 a.m. Facilities Committee 1:30 p.m. Worship & Music Committee 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee

2 p.m. High School Connection 2 p.m. Creative Ladies 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night at First 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

5:30 p.m.

Congregational Dinner

4 p.m.

Ilgen/Rectanus wedding

13

15 OUTREACH DEADLINE

16

17

18

19

9:30 a.m.

Love/Friendship Circle 1 p.m. Peace/Honor Circle 2 p.m. High School Connection 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night at First 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

7:15 a.m. Habitat Work Day 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking 12 p.m. Preschool Thanksgiving Feast

23

24

Preschool closed 2 p.m. High School Connection 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

11:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving worship service 12 p.m.

Thanksgiving Dinner

25 Church & Preschool closed

14

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

20

9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting

21

22

9 a.m. Children’s Sunday 7:30 a.m.

School Blood Drive 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Seekers & Joiners Class 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church Thanksgiving

27

28

9 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

2 p.m. Robbie Heatherly Memorial service & reception

29

26 9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

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 30 www.fpcnaples.org. Contact Director of Facilities, 8:30 a.m.

Hanging of the Sandy Poore at 239.262.1311 ext. 228 or Greens sandyp@fpcnaples.org to reserve a room for your 2 p.m. High School meeting. Please do not assume that if a room is Connection vacant that it is available for use. This will alleviate 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal any awkward situations from occurring.

7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

We are each a child of God and when He created us, he had a plan. Some of us have special talents such as singing, dancing, sewing, etc. Some of us are tall, some are short. Some of us have dark hair; some of us have no hair. Some of us need glasses and wheelchairs while others don’t. No matter what we look like on the outside, we all can impact one another’s lives.

I’ve recently had conversations with two mothers that have children with special needs.

Each one contacted me to discuss the possibility of enrolling their child in the Preschool for the 2017-2018 school year. Yes, some parents are already exploring their options and we are only a couple of months into the current school year!

One of the children has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the parent is looking for a positive social and educational experience for her child. She explained the severity of her child’s diagnosis and asked that I be completely honest with her regarding our ability to serve her child.

She told me that she knew I couldn’t reject her child simply based on the diagnosis because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but she went on to tell me that she would prefer me to be honest with her than to tell her something to appease her. She told me she wanted her child to attend a school where he was wanted, not somewhere that was just willing to enroll him.

The other child is paralyzed from the waist down and is confined to a wheelchair due to a birth defect. This mother told me she had been told by providers that their facility couldn’t accommodate a wheelchair and she

9

too recognizes that this is against the law, but she too feels that she would prefer to find a provider that wants to serve her family than to fight over legal battles. I explained to her that I feel that we could positively impact her child’s life and that I knew he would have an impact on our lives, and our other students’ lives as well.

Obviously, caring for children with special needs does require more-more staffing, different equipment, different techniques, special accommodations-and both the families and I realize this. Over the last five years, the Preschool has served a couple of children that have been diagnosed on the ASD, have been confined to a wheelchair after a horrible car accident without reluctance. And we would welcome future opportunities to serve many families.

We are here to show the students and their families God’s love and acceptance and it saddens me that other providers are unwilling to explore options that would benefit themselves and the families.

10

Children & Youth

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

We have all seen somebody standing on the side of the road with the sign “homeless anything will help” and I know we all feel compelled to do something. The youth have been talking about doing something in response to this need. Starting Sunday, November 20 you can pick up your Homeless care package in Spencer Hall. This pack will include essential items we all need for basic care; including soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, just to list a few of the items. We will also be including a card of encouragement. The youth are asking that you simply pick one up and place it in your trunk or backseat. The next time you see someone in real need you will have something to give to them in the name of Christ.

Items you can donate for this ongoing youth outreach are travel size shampoo/conditioner, floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, soap, comb, travel first aid kit, travel sewing kit, mini hand sanitizer, matches, wet wipes, tissues, 1 gallon Ziploc bags. Please drop items off in Spencer Hall. ____________________

We are looking for a few volunteers to chaperone the youth to Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. This year we will leave Monday, December 27 at 9 a.m. and travel by church bus to Macon, Georgia where we will stay overnight at FPC of Macon. The next day we finish our travel to Blue Ridge Assembly Inn, our home away from home until Saturday, December 31. We stay overnight again on the way home and will be back in beautiful Naples on Sunday, January 1, 2017.

On the first Friday of the month we host a Parents Night Out where you can bring your children to Church for a night of FUN! They are sure to enjoy themselves while YOU have some time to relax.

We take children from birth to grade 5 and if you have an older child they are welcome to come and volunteer as a youth leader.

This event is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and only costs $20 per family. Registration forms are available online www.fpcnaples.org/children or in the church and preschool office.

November’s movie is Veggie Tales Jonah. Dinner will be chicken noodle casserole, steamed mixed veggie and mac and cheese. In December our movie will be Mickey’s Christmas Carol and for dinner, ham, mashed potatoes and green beans.

___________________

On behalf of the Christian Education department we say THANK YOU to all the volunteers who helped with the Fall Festival. As always it was a wonderful event and wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Children & Youth

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

Fall Festival Fun!

11

12

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Wednesday Nights at First Food for Heart and Mind—Fall 2016

We continue our program in November. Enjoy supper, fellowship and stimulating teaching and discussion. Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program 6 - 6:55 p.m. Register in Spencer Hall or contact the church office at 239.262.1311 or fpc@fpcnaples.org.

November 2 — An In-depth Study of Mending the Heart by John Claypool.

Book study and discussion led by Craig Goodrich, which will focus on the themes of forgiveness, grief and gratitude.

November 9 — “The Election is Over and Jesus is Still Lord.”

Led by Craig Goodrich, a conversation on faith and politics, civility, unity and hope.

November 16 — Handel’s Messiah.

An insightful and joyful evening with Dr. Brice Gerlach and the classic and biblically inspired work of George Frideric Handel.

In Memoriam

From the Pulpit Rev. Craig Goodrich, preaching November 6 “Saints in Light” Colossians 1:9-14, John 14:1-2 November 13 “Love Rules” Matthew 22:34-40, 1 Corinthians 13 November 20 “Thine is the Kingdom” Colossians 1:15-9, Luke 23:33-43 November 24

Bob Kibler

Thanksgiving Day

October 16, 2016

“Grace and Gratitude”

Fred Bell

November 27

October 26, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

The Season of Hope: “Wake Up to Hope” Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

13

The Angel Tree A Christmas Tradition

A Celebration of our Veterans and a night of comedy with Brenda Stelzer

November 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.

Each year we partner with Lipman Produce (formerly known as Six L’s Farm) to help migrant farm workers families with gifts for Christmas. The Angel Tree will be available in Spencer Hall on Sunday, November 27. The tree will be decorated with tags for children aged newborn-12 years old.

Please take the bottom half of the tag which will have the gift recipient information. Complete the top half of the tag with your name and phone number which will remain with us.

Please wrap the gift securely and put the tag on it.

Some gift ideas are learning toys, ethnic dolls, books, board games, puzzles, roller skates, balls and craft kits. Gifts should have an approximate value of $20.

Please return the wrapped gift by Sunday, December 11.

Spencer Hall.

The evening will begin with the musical talents of Brice and Michele Gerlach leading us in patriotic songs honoring our veterans. Dinner will be provided by Wynn's Catering. The evening will conclude with entertainment by local ventriloquist, Brenda Stelzer and her pal, George, who will have you laughing throughout their performance!

Tickets ($25 per person) are on sale in Spencer Hall following the service and in the church office during the week.

Join members and friends as we gather to have a good time.

14

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Are you interested in knowing what First Presbyterian Church has to offer?

Then come to the Seekers and Joiners Class on Sunday, November 20 in the Parlor following the worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship service.

Please welcome the following new members.

Our next class will be held on Sunday, November 20. Contact Joanne Slager jjslager493@aol.com or 239.272.1568 for more information.

New members will be received on Sunday, November 27.

Thank You

Richard & Barbara Beach

Thank you so much for the flowers you brought to me at NCH and at The Arlington. The visits and flowers brightened my day and my room!

Sincerely, Dot Benedict.

Kitty Wildman

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Celebrations

&

Events

of the

Season

Sunday, November 6 at 4 p.m.

Season of Music Concert featuring The Philharmonic Youth Chorus Thursday, November 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Service Thanksgiving Dinner at 12 p.m.

Sunday, November 27 First Sunday of Advent Angel Tree in Spencer Hall Wednesday, November 30 at 9 a.m.

Hanging of the Greens Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Messiah, Philharmonic Concert Tickets available through Artis-Naples Friday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Parent’s Night Out/First Friday Event—Mickey’s Christmas Carol Sunday, December 4 at 4 p.m.

Season of Music Concert, Combined Choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church Week of December 5 Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers Wednesday, December 7 at 12 p.m.

Presbyterian Women's Gathering Christmas mini-concert with Brice and Michele Friday, December 16 at 9 a.m.

Preschool Christmas Event Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Blue Christmas Service Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5 p.m. Family Worship Service 7 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Service Sunday, December 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship

15

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