September 2016 Outreach Newsletter

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God

September 2016

IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich Music

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Finance

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Congregational Care

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Deacons Missions

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Adult Education Presbyterian Women Calendar

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Preschool

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Children & Youth News & Events

12 13 Miss Christie with her toddler class

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

craigg@fpcnaples.org

our wonderful staff and amazing volunteers.

With Labor Day Weekend ahead and the August Olympics now behind us, summer is winding down. We are seeing signs of increased activity at the Church.

The sounds of children at work and play resound as the Preschool has begun another year. And though many are still away from Naples, others have been away and returned.

(See the wonderful article Brice has written about time with his family in Austria).

We say that we are “In the Heart of Naples, with the Love of God.” I think we all understand the first part which refers to our physical location, though the truth is that when dispersed, we are also the “church” throughout the broader community. But could it also be that we are figuratively in the heart of Naples? I hope so.

And the “Love of God”? How are we living out this part of our calling? Where have we seen the love of God? Where have we been the love of God? You see, God’s love is not passive. It is active, outreaching, inclusive and welcoming. It is compassionate and caring. It overcomes fear and breaks down barriers. It is the good news of the love of God in Jesus Christ, what we also call “grace.” In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes that such love, which “rejoices in the truth”, also “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” and never ends. What could be more important, more exciting than to be engaged in this great purpose of making God’s love known?

As we look back, I am grateful for vibrant worship, for the musical gifts of Mary Joy Silmaro, our summer intern, for our back-to-school blessing and commissioning of all teachers, for our six new members who joined this month, each one with a unique journey of faith that has led them to us (see their photos in this issue). I am grateful for those who have joined the communion of saints above, for the joy of fellowship in Spencer Hall after worship, for the faith and work of our elders, deacons and the caring of our Stephen ministers. I am grateful for our continued commitment to Mission. I am grateful for

I am also grateful that our congregation is part of the Peace River Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA). We do not stand alone as a solitary congregation. Rather, we are a connectional church.

The General Assembly (GA) of the PCUSA met this summer in Portland, Oregon, and here is a link (http://www.fpcnaples.org/aboutus) to a summary of the important actions taken and proposed. If you have any questions about the GA, please direct them to me or to your elders.

As we look ahead with hope and love, I am excited about the months ahead. Committees are reconvening after breaking for the summer. Our children and youth programs have begun. A new Women’s Bible Study is beginning in September.

Plans are being made for our 65th Anniversary Celebration on February 11 and 12, 2017 (thanks to Jan Garner and Andie Goodrich for co-chairing this effort). There are a multitude of mission opportunities available to us.

I conclude with offering you this prayer from the late Scottish pastor, John Baille. “O Thou in whom all my ancestors trusted and were not put to confusion, rid my heart now of all vain anxieties and paralyzing fears. Give me a cheerful and buoyant spirit and peace in doing Thy will, for Christ’s sake.

Amen.” (From A Diary of Private Prayer).

So may it be with all of us “In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God.” Gratefully and Faithfully,

Music

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

Michele, Colin and I are now back from what has become our annual trip to the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria. This was our eighth summer attending and Colin has been going since he was six years old! Last summer, Colin sang with the chorus and this year he was allowed to play his violin with the orchestra for their rehearsals!

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The first was to Sachenhausen Concentration Camp, one of the first camps built in the 1930’s. It was a somber place, preserved so that we may never forget the atrocities that happened there.

The second side trip was much more pleasant – we took a train to the town of Leipzig. We went to the Thomaskirche J.S. Bach statue where Johann Sebastian Bach worked from 1723 until his death in 1750 as well as a Bach

Colin playing Bach Double violin concerto

We started our trip with a family vacation to Berlin where we enjoyed a week of sightseeing. It is a great city and full of interesting historical sights.

We stayed in what was once East Berlin but is now the heart of a thriving city. We visited museums, churches and went to a few places in the city where remnants of the Berlin Wall Brice and Colin at the Brandenberg Gate still stand. We also took two side trips outside of the city.

Michele and Brice at the top of the Berlin Cathedral

museum near the church. The organ that is currently being played in the church dates from 2000 as the organ of Bach’s day has long been gone. The museum houses what remains of the organ console from Bach’s time. There is also a house where Felix Mendelssohn lived in Leipzig and it is also turned into a museum. I knew that Mendelssohn was a musical prodigy but I didn’t know that he was also an accomplished and

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Music

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

Church was in good hands with our summer intern, Mary Joy Silmaro. She did a terrific job playing the services while I was away and I am very grateful to the church for establishing the internship this summer. Mary Joy has been my student at Ave Maria University since she was a freshman. She will be a senior this year and I know she has many great things ahead for her!

We will get to hear her play again on October 30 when she will be a featured artist on the Season of Music concert series.

Organ at the Berlin Cathedral

I am also thankful for our group of young soloists who did a marvelous job of providing special music for our services. They are a talented bunch and we are fortunate to have them share their talents with us.

talented painter! His home is filled with his watercolors and oil paintings that are quite good!

After our stay in Berlin, we returned to Vienna and traveled to Eisenstadt to After Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony Concert at the Esterhazy Palace. begin our music festival. It was one of our very best I am looking forward to a great year at our church experiences, not only because the weather was filled with wonderful music! beautiful but because the orchestra and chorus members were excellent!

My role was to accompany the chorus rehearsals and it was a joy to work with them this year. They came with all the music well learned and we had a great time performing Joseph Haydn’s Paukenmesse and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Our trips to Europe have been a time to relax, recharge and make great music.

It was comforting to go this year, knowing that First Presbyterian

Jonathan Byrd, Michele, Colin and Brice

Finance

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

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ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE RETIREMENT ASSETS CAN BE A TAX BURDEN A retirement account, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403 (b), often comprises a large portion of a person's wealth. Yet did you know they are often the most heavily taxed, especially income taxes, and a perfect instrument for making a charitable gift to First Presbyterian Church of Naples at your death?

If you are age 70 1/2 or older, your IRA is often also a tax-savvy way each year to make a charitable gift to FPCN during your lifetime. Seek competent advice.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help FPCN, contact either Fred Garner 239.434.2438 or Linda Gadkowski 508.292.5500.

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.

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Congregational Care

Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net Is the "race" wearing you to emotional or physical exhaustion? Are you not fully feeling that others are running with you? Are you having trouble at times feeling the presence of Jesus with you?

Maybe having a Stephen Minister travel more closely with you for a while could ease the burden. Or maybe you know of another person in need. If so, to learn what Stephen Ministry could offer you or someone you care about, stop at the Stephen Minister table on Sunday or call the church at 239.262.1311.

Referring to Hebrews 12:1-2, Reverend Goodrich recently wrote in "From Craig's Corner":

"Friends, we are all running a race. When we are weary and tempted to drop out, it is good to remember that we are running this race together and that we need to keep our eyes on Jesus."

Deacons

Gary Root, Deacon Moderator, adsroot@aol.com

Deacons Inner Missions What We Do – Connect church members who might occasionally need a hand with everyday tasks to church members who have matching everyday skills.

Examples – 1. Question: “I drive, but I'm having a medical procedure which will require a driver. Can Inner Missions help?”

Answer: “We have church members who have offered to help members needing rides. Let’s try to match your schedule with theirs.”

2. Question: “I have a computer, but am struggling with my emails. Can Inner Missions help?”

Answer: “Yes. We have church members who know computers. Let’s put them in touch with you.”

3. Question: “My TV seems to be on the fritz. Can I get a second opinion before I

make an expensive service call?”

Answer: “We'll try to find a church member who can help you out.”

4. Question: “My smoke detector is beeping, and there’s no way I can deal with it. Can someone give me a hand?”

Answer: “Certainly. Inner Missions has church members who would love to help you.”

5. Question: I would occasionally like to help out. How can I share my skills?

Answer: We are gathering names and skills and would love to include you. Please call one of the people below or stop by the Inner Missions table.

These are simple, real-life issues that some of our church members are willing and able to help their fellow members deal with. We'd love to offer a helping hand.

Stop by the Inner Missions table after church to offer your services or to request some help. Or, call Jeanne Perkins, 239.348.5500, or Deborah Meeson-Vige, 703.201.2268.

Missions

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

The Missions Committee has finalized dates for mission events through this fall and next spring. We hope that you will make an effort to be a part of at least one. A copy will be available on the Mission Table in Spencer Hall and online.

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Missions IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

Missions is a very important part of our work as a church. Although many volunteer in the community on an individual basis, what we participate in as a church is a significant Christian outreach that we want to be involved in. Need is around every corner and it isn’t met unless we do it.

And it is closer than you think. Did you see the man who came in for coffee last year? He sat in Spencer Hall, a bit on the edge of his seat. I was serving cookies and punch and made an effort to introduce myself, but seeing me approach, he quickly left. After cleaning up and with few people left at church, I saw him outside on the bench in the courtyard. I knew enough not to approach him, but I called St. Matthew’s House who made sure that he was safe. As an individual, I could not do much. As a church that gives to St. Matthew’s House, I could feel assured his needs would be met in a loving and Christian way.

Be a part of our mission work at FPCN. The calendar of events gives you every detail about how to be involved, whether it is a day at Habitat for Humanity, or serving a hot meal to farmworkers at Mision Peniel in Immokalee.

Some require more energy and stamina than others, but there is something for everyone.

Support Feed the 5,000 by taking a bag on the first Sunday of every month and filling it with groceries, or donate to this worthy cause.

Remember that part of your tithe and offerings, a part of the church budget, support missions so be generous to our church.

There is also a Mission Project Fund that supports a variety of local and international missions as needed and I encourage you to give to that fund as well. This is a fund that we use for one-shot needs such as helping the youth participate at

Relay for Life, or buying food to prepare for our workdays at St. Matthew’s House, or supporting a mission trip or a special need.

And please don’t forget the CareBear on Sunday mornings. When school started in August, we delivered Weekend Powerpacks (food for the weekends) to children who we know do not have much to eat while not in school. You give your change, we buy the food, our youth package it, and volunteers deliver--a great church participation project! You can even adopt the CareBear. Stop by the Mission Table in Spencer Hall and sign-up.

Betty Mangos, Missions Committee Chair

Feed the 5,000 This month our efforts will help support St. Matthew’s House. St. Matthews House provides food for the hungry, housing for the homeless, and an opportunity to change lives for the better, in a compassionate, disciplined, spiritual environment.

Ushers will have a Publix bag with a list of desired food items available as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. Please bring your food to the 6th Street church entrance before service on the second Sunday.

If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000" and placed in the collection plate.

Suggested items are: Coffee, sugar, powdered milk, pasta, pasta sauce, cans of fruit, cans of vegetables, cans of soup, cans of beef stew or spam Please, no open containers or out of date food.

The Missions Committee thanks you in advance.

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Adult Education

Andie Goodrich, Adult Ed. Leader, andie.goodrich@gmail.com

Women’s Fall Bible Study A new nine-week Women’s Bible Study will be held on Thursday mornings beginning September 22. Please join facilitator, Lee Ryan from 9 - 11 a.m. for a study of Paul.

The apostle Paul led a dramatic and fascinating life from his conversion on the road to Damascus to his imprisonments, to his speeches in the public square. His letters shaped the believers in the early church just as they do today. In this study guide by Jack Kuhatschek we will survey both the highlights of his life and the core teachings in his writings.

Study guides ($6.50) are available in Spencer Hall following the service.

For more information, contact Lee Ryan at 703.938.5343 or Pat Nordbrock at or 708.837.8553.

Presbyterian Women

Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com

The Presbyterian Women will begin their new year on Wednesday, October 19 with a Combined Circles Gathering in Spencer Hall at noon.

The new Circle study for 2016-2017 is titled, “Who Is Jesus?”

On their way to Philippi, Jesus turned to his disciples and asked, “Who do people say that I am?” If asked, what would we say? The Horizons Bible Study will walk us through scripture, deepen our understanding and help us answer that question.

The study books will arrive shortly and may be purchased ($8) in September. Reverend Goodrich will introduce the study at the first luncheon in October.

We are looking forward to the new season of meeting and studying together.

Calendar

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

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september SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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. Contact Director of Facilities, Sandy Poore at 239.262.1311 ext. 228 or sandyp@fpcnaples.org to reserve a room for your meeting. Please do not assume that if a room is vacant that it is available for use. This will alleviate any awkward situations from occurring.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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11 a.m. Preschool Chapel 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Cookie Baking Communion 5:30 p.m.

Prep First Friday/Parent’s Night Out

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5 LABOR DAY 6

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

Church office 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Closed Support Group Preschool Closed

11 a.m. Pre. Chapel 12 p.m. Preschool Parent Committee 2 p.m. High School Connection 2:30 p.m. Congregational Dinner mtg 4 p.m. Middle School Youth Group 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

11 a.m. Preschool Chapel 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

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14 11 a.m. Pre. Chapel 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. MSYG 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

15 OUTREACH DEADLINE

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

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3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting

9 a.m. Life Line 10 a.m. 65th Anniversary Committee 11 a.m. Pre. Chapel 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. MSYG 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 11 a.m. Preschool Chapel 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

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28

29

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4 p.m. Session

11 a.m. Pre. Chapel 2 p.m. High School Connection 4 p.m. MSYG 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal

9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 11 a.m. Preschool Chapel 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

12 p.m. Cumberland Church 5 p.m. High School Youth Group

11 9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 5 p.m. HSYG

1 p.m. Personnel Committee

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9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Seekers & Joiners Class 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 5 p.m. HSYG

25 9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:40 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 5 p.m. HSYG

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SATURDAY

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10

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9 a.m.

Cookie Baking

11 a.m. Preschool Chapel 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

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Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Circle time with Mrs. Kennedy’s VPK class

Oliva

Lucas and Ms. Alexis “Take a picture of me!” Addison

Making new friends in Ms. Nicki’s toddler class

“Look what I can make!” - Mrs. Appegaard’s VPK class

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

The beginning of our 51st school year at

First Presbyterian Preschool

“Go down the slide with me Ms. Christie!”

“How does the sand feel in between your fingers?”

Sensory table fun with Ms. Claudia’s class

Susanna

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Children & Youth

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

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP

lessons that they can use throughout the week. We also enjoy games and activities.

Light snack is provided.

FIRST FRIDAYS All children are invited to join us on Friday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. for the movie, Joseph, King of Dreams.

Parents can enjoy a night out while the children have a night of fun!

SUNDAY MORNINGS September 4 kicks off our Sunday morning excitement.

All students in grades 9-12 are invited to join us on Sunday nights from 5-7 p.m.

Nursery is open upstairs in Room 205 at 9 a.m. and ends fifteen minutes following the service.

If your teenager is looking for a thought provoking Bible Study, this is that group. This year we will explore the birth of the church and learn about many of the amazing trailblazers who helped it happen.

Your may bring your child or youth to the youth room at 9 a.m. We will learn songs and dance, have games and fellowship. For children 4 years and older we will go to the Sanctuary five minutes before service begins and remain until after the Children's Time. We will return to Sunday School where your child will be grouped according to their age and/or grade.

After worship your child will be in the Children’s Choir Room (next to the Chancel Choir Room upstairs) where for 20 minutes they will learn music that will be sung during worship once a month. All children (excluding nursery) may be picked up from the Children's Choir Room at 11 a.m. If your child does not wish to participate in choir they may be picked up immediately following worship. Children’s Choir begins Sunday, September 18.

HIGH SCHOOL WEEKDAY CONNECTION If you are interested in a relaxed topic driven discussion, this is your group. Every Wednesday from 2—3:30 p.m. we will meet at a local restaurant and enjoy fellowship and connection. For the month of September we will meet at Panera Bread, located on the northeast corner of Hwy. 41 and Golden Gate Parkway.

Please keep in mind this event does not include transportation.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m.

Every week your child is invited to join us for fun and fellowship. We have weekly life

Registration forms may be found online or in Spencer Hall.

The cost is $20 per family which includes dinner, craft/ games and the movie.

The Christian Education Ministry is looking for volunteers to help with FALL FESTIVAL on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:30—7 p.m.

This is always a super fun event for everyone. The Preschool hosts their silent auction that night to benefit the Angel Fund and we have games and food!

Please contact Shana Dublan to find out how you can help.

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

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Mark your calendars for our next congregational dinner to be held on November 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. in Spencer Hall.

WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US

for a celebration of our Veterans and a night of comedy with Brenda Stelzer.

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) will be on sale beginning each Sunday in October 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.

Thank You

In Memoriam Joan Quay July 18, 2016

Robbie Heatherly Dear Church Family, George and I want to thank all of you who were so helpful and caring during our recent medical concerns.

Thank you for the lovely flowers, phone calls, cards, food and visits! We felt very blessed to be surrounded by all of your caring—we were deeply moved.

God Bless all of you, Jacque and George Coombs

August 5, 2016

Peter Sonderby August 17, 2016

Donald Bunker August 29, 2016

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. The last time our church hosted a Life Line Screening event, 9 lives were potentially saved!

For those people who are unsure, vascular disease is progressive and this means that if it's been longer than a year since you were last screened, it's time again to go through the safe, non-invasive process.

Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to:

 blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke;  abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta;  hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease;  atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk;  and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis.

Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete.

In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1.888.653.6450 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/communitypartners.

No appointments can be made or cancelled through the church office.

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

Then join the Seekers and Joiners Class on Sunday, September 18 in the Parlor following the worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship service.

New members will be received on Sunday, September 25.

From the Pulpit September 4 “The Rest of Our Lives” Exodus 20:1-11; Mark 2:23-28 September 11 “Lost and Found” Psalm 14; Luke 15:1-10 September 18 “Under Management” Psalm 62; Luke 16:1-13 September 25 Guest Preacher, Rev. Bill Crawford “Having Experienced Mercy…”

Mark 12:28-34; Romans 12:1-21

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Please welcome the following new members who were received into the congregation on Sunday, August 21, 2016. Our next class will be held on Sunday, September 18. Contact Joanne Slager or 239.272.1568 for more information.

Gene and Tedra Fraley

Daisy Scott

Calvin and Janet Koonce

Nancy Wallace

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

First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311

Staff Listing Minister Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor ext. 235 craigg@fpcnaples.org Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries ext. 239 briceg@fpcnaples.org

Christian Education Shana Dublan, Dir. of Children/Family Ministries ext. 229 shanad@fpcnaples.org Bethany Gordon, CE Assistant ext. 212 bethanyg@fpcnaples.org Kymberly Dorsey, Nursery Supervisor Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director ext. 209 ashleyh@fpcnaples.org Liz Psota, Preschool Administrative Assistant ext. 238 lizp@fpcnaples.org

Office Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager ext. 236 sharmanp@fpcnaples.org Loida Garcia, Church Receptionist ext. 200 loidag@fpcnaples.org Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications ext. 213 kathleenl@fpcnaples.org Sharon Smith, Director of Finance ext. 242 sharons@fpcnaples.org Facilities Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities ext. 228 sandyp@fpcnaples.org Tina Romero, Custodian of Facilities ext. 216 tinar@fpcnaples.org