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
October 2014
IN THIS ISSUE From Dr. Browne Music
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Finance
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Evangelism
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Presbyterian Women
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Missions
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Calendar Preschool
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Children and Youth Staff Spotlight
10 12
News and Events Serving FPC
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Rev. Dr. Will Browne,
Interim Pastor/Head of Staff
Dear Saints of FPC Naples,
willb@fpcnaples.org
that I am deeply honored to be called as your Interim Pastor. I will do my best to serve you and find joy in the service. I love the interaction between life and scripture, the amazing, and creative and loving ways of our God, and I will do my best to share that joy and that call from God in sermons with you. I love the energy and beauty of music praising and honoring God – so I promise not to sing too loudly!
I am most grateful for the opportunity to walk and serve with you in the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Naples. I am particularly glad Somehow in the economy of God’s grace, the that my first official action will be celebrating human fragility of the church has always been the Lord’s Supper with you on World the context in which my heart finds joy. I look Communion Sunday. Having grown up as a forward to finding that joy with you. missionary child in Pakistan and India, and having travelled to many countries while Yours in Christ’s Service, serving in World Mission for our PCUSA church, I have found that wherever Christ is Will loved and served, I am home. I love World Communion Sunday because on that day you and I get to be part of the rolling Sacrament of Communion as it starts on the far side of the world and rolls without stop or break in one continuous loving service around the world. Susan Stafford, Worship and Music Committee Chair, wcssas@aol.com Not only are we brothers and sisters in Christ Worship & Music with each other at FPC (and what a great Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries , briceg@fpcnaples.org feeling for me to start service with you as a brother in Christ who has instant sisters and brothers in you) we are sisters and brothers with Christians in every part of the world. In a strange way you, who are the Body of Christ here, call those of us who are staff to welcome you into your own place in God’s house. Whether you are aware of it or not, you invite us to hold dear and embody the best of what you are as a congregation. I will have a great deal to learn about you in order to be effective in my journey with you. But, even before I start, I already know enough of who you are and have experienced enough in my brief contacts with elders and staff, to know
Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
We have another year of exciting concerts planned for
A Season of Music at First Presbyterian Church. We start the year off with an organ concert featuring some of my students from Ave Maria University. The second concert will feature the young voices of the Philharmonic Youth Chorus in a wonderful afternoon of music of varied styles including some special Christmas music. You can come and get into the Christmas spirit with our annual Lessons and Carols service featuring the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian. In the New Year, we welcome the Chrysalis Chamber Players performing a concert of music from the Baroque, including one of J. S. Bach’s famous Brandenburg Concertos. In February, our Chancel Choir will combine with the Chancel Choir of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church and a chamber orchestra to present a concert celebrating the work of John Rutter. The featured work will be Rutter’s famous Requiem. In March, the Philharmonic Chorus, the Ave Maria Chamber Choir and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra will present Joseph Haydn’s masterwork The Creation. The season will close with concert pianist, Petronel Malan. She performed on our series a few years ago to rave reviews and we are excited to have her back for another concert on our magnificent Blüthner grand piano. This series is filled with a variety of artists and styles of music. It is my hope that you will attend one or more of our concerts and that you might invite someone that has never attended one of our concerts before. It is a great opportunity for us to reach out to others in our community that they might discover the beautiful music at First Presbyterian Church.
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A Season of Music Brice Gerlach and Ave Maria University Organ Students Sunday, October 26 at 4 p.m.
This concert will feature some up and coming young organists. Organ students from Ave Maria University will join our director of music, Brice Gerlach for a concert of great music. Some of these students played at Artis—Naples in June on the Festival of Great Organ Music recital. You will be amazed at their ability to play the mighty Ruffatti. Please plan on attending and supporting great young talent!
Doors open at 3 p.m. There is no charge for the concert. A freewill offering will be taken.
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Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
A Season of Music 2014-2015 Sunday, October 26, 2014 - 4 p.m. Brice Gerlach and Ave Maria University Organ Students Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 4 p.m. Philharmonic Youth Chorus Sunday, December 7, 2014 - 4 p.m. Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, January 25, 2015 - 4 p.m. Chrysalis Chamber Players – Music of the Baroque Era Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 4 p.m. First Presbyterian Chancel Choir and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Chancel Choir combine for a special concert celebrating the music of John Rutter. The concert will feature Rutter’s Requiem. This concert will be held at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. March 29. 2015 - 4 p.m. Philharmonic Chorus and Ave Maria University Chamber Choir with the Naples Philharmonic present Haydn’s oratorio The Creation. Sunday, April 19, 2015 - 4 p.m. Petronel Malan, piano Lenten Series of Organ Concerts: All Concerts will be held from 12-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Finance
Natalie Duff, Interim Director of Finance, natalied@fpcnaples.org
Financial Report August 31, 2014 YTD 2014
YTD Budget 2014
YTD 2013
YTD Budget 2013
Offerings Other Income Total Operating Expenses
645,660 250,724 990,508
597,959 236,247 1,091,114
672,696 272,441 1,092,835
698,374 261,986 1,199,297
Operating Gain/Loss
-94,124
-256,908
(147,698)
(238,937)
Evangelism
Joan Gust, Evangelism Committee Chair, jrwgust@gmail.com
Rain or Shine! When the thunderstorms moved in on Friday, September 12 we moved the Beach Party Potluck to Spencer Hall and had a great time! Join us on the second Friday of each month for a potluck dinner. Good times, great people and fantastic food!
First Presbyterian Church has remained “home” to many members through the ups and downs, highs and lows, good times and bad times. We recently asked some of you to tell us why you remain faithful to FPC and each month we’ll bring you some of the responses we received. 1. This is God’s church, the one we have been supporting with our time, finances, and talents, all of which come from Him. We have no reason to start over. 2. We have been at FPC for 18 years and have gotten to know so many people. We love these friends and acquaintances, so are staying put. 3. Walking into FPC is part of being “at home” here in Naples. It is just so comfortable. Submitted by— Susan and Bill Stafford
Gerald Neff and Irene Lichtefeld-Neff
Diane Stellema and Margaret Green
Betty Mangos
Mary Vande Voren and Karen Ryan
John and Nancy Kay
John and Joanne Slager
Dan Stellema and Pat Warner
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Presbyterian Women
Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, flgoodnight@aol.com
Joint Circle Gathering October 15 is our first Gathering of the new season. The introduction to our new Bible Study, �Stepping UP, a journey though the Psalms of Ascent�, by Beth Moore will be our program. We hope to be introduced to Dr. Will Browne at the same time so we may welcome him to FPC.
The Coordinating Team will meet before the Gathering at 10:30 am. The Circles will begin their meetings the third week in November. November will also bring our recognition of veterans during the November 9 worship service and our Thank Offering at the Gathering. We welcome all the ladies of the congregation and their friends to take part in our activities.
Our menu for the luncheon will be Sloppy Joes, slaw, relishes, dessert and beverage. Please watch the bulletin about luncheon reservations and study guide sales.
Missions
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
Feed the 5,000
Desired food items are:
peanut butter jam or jelly Luke 9:10-17 cans of tuna, chicken or meat cans of fruit kidney, pinto, or baked beans This month, our 2 pounds of pasta food pantry contributions go pasta sauce to The Shelter for fruit juice Abused Women baby food or formula and Children. Please take a Publix bag from an usher as you The Shelter serves to prevent leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month, and return it with food to the Sixth Street and prevail over domestic violence through advocacy and social change. The Shelter protects church entrance on the second Sunday of the month. If you prefer, checks may be made payable victims, and helps to heal and transform lives. to the "First Presbyterian Church," with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
Missions
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
Several members of our church traveled on August 15th to serve at Misión Peniel. You might have seen our picture in last month’s Outreach. We arrived there around 3 p.m. and it was already beginning to storm. There were many already in line to get in. The whole time we were packaging beans and rice, assembling bags of canned goods, and arranging clothes and shoes, I worried about them outside. There they were, men, women and children standing in the thunder, lightning and rain just to get the things they need to survive.
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Linens blankets, flat sheets, towels, pillows General Items Ziploc bags Plastic grocery bags plastic spoons/forks paper napkins and paper towels Food Spam, tuna, canned meat, oatmeal, cereals, powdered milk, white rice, beans, noodle soups, canned chili, pastas, canned vegetables, canned fruit, jelly, peanut butter.
For the entire month of October there will be a collection in Spencer Hall for Misión Peniel. When you are at the grocery store; Walmart, Target, etc., check the sales and clearance racks. Or just pick up some of these items. They are so very much appreciated. And if you’d like for us to shop for you, just send a check made out to “First They come into this tiny shelter for a cup of hot Presbyterian Church” with Misión Peniel in the beans and rice, plus a little food they can take memo line. If you could see the need for yourself, home, and they get a few things from the “store”--a you’d know why I’m asking. pair of shoes that may not fit perfectly, but work, a baby blanket, some socks. They ask whomever is Betty Mangos standing at the table and then the volunteers go to Missions Committee Chair work through the donations to find what they need. This is what they need:
Mission Bus Trip
Toiletries: tooth brushes and paste, deodorant, shampoo, razors, soap. And if you’ve been to hotels Join us November 11 for a trip to see some and have the little bottles/bars, this is the perfect of our local mission recipients… place to donate them. Clothes (if used, please in good shape and clean) new men’s underwear, small, medium and large socks men’s jeans and pant size 28-38 men’s shoes size 7-11 women’s and children’s clothes and shoes jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters
Grace Place, St. Matthew's House, and Helps Outreach.
The church bus will leave the church parking lot at 9:30 a.m. We will have lunch at 12 p.m. at St. Matthew's House. Please sign up by calling Betty Mangos at 239.254.9883 or the church 239.262.1311.
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Calendar
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
October SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
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.
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12 p.m. Preschool 4 p.m. Youth Group Committee 7 p.m. Cumberland 4 p.m. PNC meeting Church 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 9:30 a.m. Communion Bread Cutters
9:30 a.m. Communion Set up
5 World
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11
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Communion Sunday 8:30 & 10 a.m. Communion Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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FRIDAY
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10
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 4 p.m. PNC meeting Study (separate location) 7 p.m. Choir 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s rehearsal Support Group
10 a.m. Sew&Sews 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Beach Party Potluck
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12
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15
8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
9:30 a.m. Bible Facilitators
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 2 p.m. Missions Committee 3 p.m. Personnel
OUTREACH 4 p.m. Youth Group DEADLINE 7 p.m. Cumberland 12 p.m. PW Church Gathering 4 p.m. PNC meeting 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal
Preschool closed 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
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8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. High School Connect 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
3 p.m. Finance Committee
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 4 p.m. PNC meeting 10 a.m. Sew&Sews Study (separate location) 7 p.m. Choir 4 p.m. Youth Group 5:30 p.m. Deacons rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 4:30 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal 6 p.m. Dinner for All
5:30 p.m. Price/ Nash Wedding
26 Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans
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28
31 HALLOWEEN
8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Family Fun Day 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Concert
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23
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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 4 p.m. PNC meeting 11:30 a.m. Lemasters Study (separate location) 5:30 p.m. memorial service 4 p.m. Session Fall Festival 4 p.m. Youth Group
Preschool closed 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 9:30 a.m. Communion Bread Cutters
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Preschool
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
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When you think “Preschool”, what comes to mind?
name. Picture it: the children are playing in the dramatic play area of a classroom. A variety of materials are provided for the children including menus, paper and pencils, costumes, play food and dishes. What do these materials have to do with learning? Let’s dissect-menus link to reading, paper Children laughing, learning, and pencil link to writing, costumes and play food having fun? Playgrounds, lunch, link to social role play. All of these skills have been nap?? Hopefully, when you think Preschool, you do easily identified as school readiness skills. not think “day care”. Those of us in the business feel strongly about being called day cares. We do not care for the day, we care for your children! Things change over time and expectations of early learning programs change with them. There are many different reasons why families utilize early learning programs. Some parents work full time and need someone to care for their children while they work, some parents use early learning programs to provide opportunities for their children to socialize with other children their age, and many parents, now, are looking for quality early learning programs that can teach their children school readiness skills. School readiness skills are important for our children for a multitude of reasons. Children are expected to enter Kindergarten with a set of skills that will prepare them to hit the ground running, ready to learn. These skills include letter recognition and sound recognition, counting, fine motor skills including holding a pencil and cutting with scissors, being able to resolve conflict and work well with peers, among many others. Play is an integral part of learning in the early childhood setting. Even scribbling, then later drawing/painting, are skills that are later developed into writing skills. Yes, it’s true, children can learn just as much through play as they do through instructional time; and play is much more appropriate for children. Gone are the ditto sheets, but are instead replaced with practical application methods such as tracing the letters in a child’s
Play begins in our early programs, 18 month and 2 year old programs, and extends to our Voluntary PreKindergarten (4 and 5 year olds). Social play such as sharing and taking turns takes priority in the early years. Building on that, children then learn shapes, colors, letters, and sounds of letters. Knowledge of the letters and sounds of the letters is directly related to reading skills. In short, a child cannot learn without play. We must always keep play at the forefront and ensure our children are being provided with developmentally appropriate materials and activities to develop the skills needed to succeed in school, and in life.
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Children and Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Connect
A new social ministry for High School Students
Sunday, October 19 at 12 p.m. SKY ZONE $20 Sky Zone Paperwork MUST be completed prior to trip. http://www.skyzone.com/fortmyers/Online-Waiver
Contact Shana Dublan to register: shanad@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 229
Youth Group Thursdays 4 - 7 p.m. In the Youth Room Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for games, Dinner, lessons & fellowship. Feel free to be you!
Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Fall Festival We are looking for six “heroes� to volunteer to run these booths.
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Q: Name some favorite Movies? A: Comedy— The Parent Trap Christmas— White Christmas Sci-Fi—Star Trek and Harry Potter films Q: What are some of your favorite TV shows? A: NCIS and Big Bang Theory
Sandy Poore Director of Facilities In an effort for you to get to know the church and preschool staff a little better, we will be spotlighting one staff member each month in the Outreach. We hope you enjoy this new monthly feature! Q: Where did you grow up? A: My first 7 years were spent in NY, then 8 years in NJ. In 1974 my parents moved the whole family here (I have 6 siblings). We were stunned when we saw our house—we wondered where the rest of it was! It had no second floor or basement like we were used to! Q: How long have you worked at First Presbyterian Church? A: I have been here for 32 years BC— Before Children! Q: Are you married? A: My husband, Eugene and I have been married 36 years. Q: Do you have any children? A: I have two grown children; a daughter, Jennifer, married to Evan and a son Dustin. Q: Do you have any grandchildren? A: Jennifer and Evan have beautiful twin girls, Ashleigh and Alyssa, who are 4 years old. Q: Where can we find you when you’re not working? A: Spending time with family and friends or in Boston visiting my daughter and granddaughters. Q: Which sports do you enjoy? A: Football—Go Dolphins! My husband and I have season tickets.
Q: Favorite Actor/Actress? A: Mark Harmon, Hugh Jackman and Reese Witherspoon. Q: What would be impossible for you to give up? A: Chocolate—I am a certified Chocoholic! Q: What profession would you not like to attempt? A: Preaching or painting. Q: What sound or noise do you love? A: Rain storms, waves and laughter. Q: What sound or noise do you hate? A: Nails on a chalkboard...and they do still make them! Q: Name a few things on your bucket list. A: Visit Australia and Europe. Q: What would you like God to say to you when you arrive at the pearly gates? A: Relax—All is well! Some of the above questions were taken from “Inside the Actors Studio”
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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Dinner for All Each month we gather in groups of usually 5-8 in the comfortable setting of someone's home for fellowship and a meal. Church members, friends, couples and singles, are invited to Dinner for All on Friday, October 24. For more information or reservation, please contact Diane Stellema at 239.455.8796 or dandis37@gmail.com.
Save the Date
Do you like to Garden? We’re looking for volunteers to help makeover our flower beds.
February 13, 2015 Valentine’s Dinner with entertainment, by Peter Strachan and love song sing-a-long
For more information Joan Gust at 239.262.4488 jrwgust @gmail.com
Potluck Dinner & Halloween Movie October 10
Spencer Hall
5 p.m.
A-G, dessert H-P, salad/side Q-Z, main course To sign up visit Sign Up Central, in Spencer Hall, call the church office or go online to www.fpcnaples.org
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Thank You Thank you to everyone for all the cards, calls and prayers. A special thank you to the women for the beautiful prayer shawl. I’m truly blessed to be part of the FPC family. Phyllis Kruger Dear Pastor, Staff and Parishioners: We are pleased to announce that the fruits of another successful “Undy Sunday” campaign have been harvested. This year, through the caring efforts of 37 religious communities and congregations, we received a record crop of undies and socks, which were segregated, sorted and delivered to 36 Collier County elementary and charter schools, plus the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Youth Haven, Children’s Advocacy Center, Catholic Charities’ Guadalupe Social Services, Hope for Haiti and Laces of Love. We sincerely thank you, your staff, and most importantly the members of your congregations for their generous support and monetary contributions. God Bless everyone involved. Sincerely, John Fitzgerald and Donald Campbell Co-Chairmen Catholic Charities of Collier County Dear Friends, Thanks so much for your generous and faithful support with your gifts. Last year, The Salvation Army provided assistance to more than 47,749 people in need right here in Collier County. Thanks again for partnering with us here in Collier County as we continue to serve suffering humanity by “Doing the Most Good.” May God bless you today! Dan Proctor, Major Naples Regional Coordinator Dear Friends of FPCN, Thank you for your words of comfort, calls, cards and well wishes during Tony Wolfe’s illness and since his passing. Your kindness has been appreciated more than you know. Please join me in celebrating Tony’s life on Monday, November 3 at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception at the Naples Lakes Country Club. Blessings to you all. Patty Rutzler
In Memoriam Jan Stephens August 25, 2014
Tony Wolfe September 22, 2014
Flu Shots October 31 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Hope HealthCare Services is offering flu vaccinations administered by certified nurses on October 31, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church. Hope’s Visiting Nurses are clinically trained and certified to administer flu shots and other immunizations to adults and children ages 9 and older who weigh 66 pounds or more. Patients can select from three flu vaccination options: standard influenza, $25; high-dosage, $50; and pneumonia, $75. Standard Medicare Part B, Railroad Medicare and United Medicare Supplement are accepted as payment. Members of all other health plans, including HMOs and special Medicare plans, will be charged directly for services and may seek reimbursement. Cash and checks are also accepted. No appointment necessary.
Serving First Presbyterian Church of Naples Program Staff Dr. Will Browne Interim Pastor/Head of Staff Dr. Brice Gerlach Director of Music Ministries Shana Dublan Director of Children and Family Ministries
Office Staff Sharman Pfaus Executive Assistant Natalie Duff Interim Director of Finance Kathleen Law Coordinator of Communications
Facilities Staff Sandy Poore Director of Facilities Leticia Martinez Custodian of Facilities
Audio Visual Staff Mike Calyore Sound and Video Technician
Preschool Staff Ashley Houk Director of Preschool Liz Psota Preschool Administrative Assistant
Session
Deacons
15 Parish
Libby Biehl Nominating Committee
Jeanie Weigel
1&2
Katie Geshay
3
Ed Boot Facilities
Janet and Gary Root Midge Murdock
6
Norman Brown Evangelism
Florence Calyore
7
Nancy and John Kay
8
Janie Brown Casassa Personnel, Nominating
Grant Wagner Annabella Richardi
10
Franklin Ellis Stewardship, Finance
Kathy Grandi
11
Terri Storter
12
Keith Gahagan Christian Education
Suzanne Rose
14
Jane Long
15
Richard Green Audit, Finance, Endowment
Doris Frace Richard Barkley & Susan Corryn
16 17
Joan Gust Evangelism, Facilities
Linda Gadkowski
18
Barbara and Rick Blattner
19
Kim Shoellhorn Garnick
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Eric Holt Personnel, Endowment, Audit Hansen Long Clerk of Session, Transition Team, Personnel, Stewardship Betty Mangos Missions, Worship and Music Joe Patton Christian Education Patty Rutzler Nominating, Worship and Music Joanne Slager Evangelism Susan Stafford Worship and Music
John Crider
4&5
9 & 13
21 & 30
Joanne and Jim Applegate
22
Pat Stevens Chris Miller and Jackie Cusick
23 24
Barbara and Jack Marsh
25
Mary Vande Voren
26
Stephen Ministers Cynthia Anderson Janice Austerman JoAnn Beggs Carolyn Smith Bennett Janie Brown-Casassa Marilyn Currier, co-leader Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Ron Lacy Laura McDonald Saralene Oldham, leader Suzanne Rose Pat Schubarth
First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
Join us On Sunday, October 26 at 10 a.m. for
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan With The St. Andrews Society and The Harp and Thistle Pipe Band
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8