Christian Education

Growing Young

Do you want to be a part of this initiative but don’t feel called to work directly with our children and youth? Think about joining us for prayer as we continue on this journey.

We meet every Friday at 12 noon on Zoom to pray for 30 minutes. Join us whenever you can! Contact Ashley Hancock at ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org for Zoom information.

Religious Leaders Series

A new monthlyChristian Education series will begin on Sunday, October 9 from 8:30—9:15 a.m. in the Chapel. We will take a look at religious leaders of the past. This program, originally presented to the Wednesday Morning Men: Faith and Fellowship, was well received. The first presentation on October 9 will concentrate on Saint Augustine, presented by Chuck Work. November and December topics will be announced closer to the dates. No reservation is needed. For more information, please contact Bill Kearney at skearney239@comcast.net or 239.348.2871.

Women’s Ministry Bible Study

All women are invited to join us for a weekly Bible Study held on Mondays at 1 p.m. in the Parlor. We are currently reading the Gospel of John.

This is a women’s fellowship/study with no homework. Please bring your Bible. We look to covenant with each other week by week as we delve into God’s Word. For more information please contact Janeen McClure at jrmc@airmcclure.com.

16 Christian Education Join us for Sacred Habits

Thursdays, October 13, 20 & 27 from 8 - 9 a.m. in the Chapel A Journey into the Interior Inspiring transformation through the labyrinth experience

Facilitated by Nancy Van Fleet

Join us for our fall session of Sacred Habits as we explore the labyrinth. Spiritual practices, like the labyrinth, can help us in our walk with God. The labyrinth is a spiritual practice that, through history, has emerged in popularity in times of crises.

Labyrinths have been found all over the world, dating from earliest antiquity. Once popular in the Middle Ages, labyrinths have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity. According to Veriditas, an organization that promotes labyrinths world-wide, they are used "to quiet the mind, recover a balance in life, and encourage meditation, insight, selfreflection, stress reduction, and to discover innovation and celebration. The practice of labyrinth walking integrates the body with mind and the mind with the spirit. They can be found in medical centers, parks, churches, schools, prisons, memorial parks, spas, cathedrals and retreat centers as well as in people's backyards." We invite you to a three-week labyrinth experience – in person or online. Each session will include the ritual of lighting a candle, time in silence, labyrinth introduction, and the opportunity to walk our canvas labyrinth (or do a finger labyrinth walk if joining us remotely) so we can all gain a deeper understanding of this practice. We will also provide time to reflect in the practice together. Week 1 – Theme: Pilgrimage Week 2 – Theme: Homecoming Week 3 – Theme: Mystery and Awe

In addition to being Director of Children and Youth Ministries here at FPCN, Nancy is a Veriditas Certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator having trained with the leader of the labyrinth movement, Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress. She works with people of all ages in classes, retreats and programs to present the labyrinth and walks with them in the mystery. Her work was recently featured in Lucy Tobias’ book, Circle the Center –Labyrinths in Florida. Nancy creates, walks, and photographs labyrinths as a spiritual practice in her own life.

A Men’s Bible Discussion Group

All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us in Spencer Hall each Thursday at noon. Bring a Bible and your lunch! If unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom. Please contact David Fister at davidf@fpcnaples.org for Zoom instructions and a link to the meeting.

Wednesday Morning Men: Faith and Fellowship

Join us on the first and third Wednesdays in October at 8 a.m. in Spencer Hall. We welcome Rev. Craig Goodrich on October 5 and Larry Comstock on October 19 with an overview of the book “Love Your Enemies” by Arthur C. Brooks. Coffee and pastries will be served. We look forward to your participation if and when you are able to join us. For more information and questions, please contact Bill Kearney at 239.348.2871 or skearney239@comcast.net.