September Outreach Newsletter

In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God

September 2017

IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich

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Music

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APNC

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Congregational Care

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Missions

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Preschool

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Calendar

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Facilities

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Education

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News & Events

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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

Presbyterian minister James Loder, who taught at Princeton Seminary, once posed this question, “What is a lifetime and why am I living it?”

I don’t know about you, but for me how I start my day often determines the course and the spirit of the day and how I answer that question. If I am rushing and do not take the time for meditation and prayer, I often carry an anxious spirit into the day and I am not sure of myself. On the other hand, if I take the time for prayer, gratitude and reflection, I often receive new insights and courage that carry me with expectant anticipation into the day. And I feel like I know who I am.

John Calvin, the father of Presbyterianism, in the 1540’s wrote a prayer entitled “Prayer to say in the morning, when rising.” It provides in part, “My God, my Father, and my Savior, since You have pleased to give me the grace to come through the night to the present day; now grant also this favor, that I may employ it entirely in Your service, that I may not think, say or do anything except to please You and obey your good will; so that by this means all my works may be to the glory of Your name and the edification of my neighbors.”

It sounds simple and somewhat formal to us, but read it again and see the emphasis on gratitude and grace and on the love of and service to God and neighbor. It seems to me that that is what we are about as a congregation, as we live our lifetimes together.

There is much going on in the life of our congregation even during this extraordinarily rainy summer. In August renovations in Spencer Hall and in our upstairs offices continued and are going well; our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee began to meet; we received new members, and the Preschool has started another year!

And looking ahead, Mission opportunities abound, the men’s morning fellowship continues to meet, Women of the Way will start up again with a new fall program, and our Deacons and Stephen ministers will continue to care. In September we will welcome guest preachers Rev. Winston Lawson and Cuban pastor, Rev. Beidy Casas Aragon.

craigg@fpcnaples.org

And at the heart of these “good works” is the love of God. And now coming back to James Loder, listen to how he answers his own question.

“A lifetime is an unfinished act of God’s love; it is intended that we complete that act by returning ourselves to God, directly and through others, in love. In this recognition, we discover that the fundamental data about us are not merely that we are alive and developing, incredible products of a vast expanding universe. Rather, as each life unfolds, gets torn open, stripped of its survival techniques and passing pleasures, and discovers itself as spirit, then it appears from under the surface that we have been created for nothing less than the pure love of God, whose universe is our home.” (From The Logic of the Spirit).

Now I admit that that’s all a bit overwhelming, so let me simply say this: I am so grateful that in this vast universe, which is 14.7 billion years old, we have these brief shining moments together in our lifetimes to finish, as best we can, God’s gracious acts of love.

I hope you are having a meaningful and grace-filled summer wherever you may be.

Gratefully and faithfully,

From the Pulpit September 3 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Finding True North” September 10 Rev. Winston Lawson September 17 Rev. Beidy Casas Aragon September 24 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Last Presbyterian Church”

Music My family and I recently returned from a fantastic three week trip abroad. This year we traveled to Ireland before we again attended the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria.

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

The view from our B&B in Crosshaven

Our trip to Ireland was strictly a family vacation and one we will not soon forget.

Michele’s brother, Jonathan, met us in Dublin and we travelled together all The Cliffs of Moher over the country. We spent our first day in Dublin seeing sights, including Trinity College where we saw the Book of Kells. We then drove counterclockwise around the country, going to Galway, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, Cork, Kinsale and Cobh and finally back to Dublin. It was an amazing trip and we are so grateful for the time to visit such Irish countryside, Dingle Peninsula a beautiful country. with Basket Islands in the background Our music festival in Austria was another wonderful experience. It is now the ninth year we have participated in this festival. One of the highlights for Michele was being asked to sing for a special service at the Hospital Church in Eisenstadt.

There is a mass

by Haydn known as the “Little Organ Michele at St. Stephen’s

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Mass” that was written for this little church attached to the hospital over 200 years ago. The organ pipes are original and it was quite amazing to hear Michele sing the famous “Benedictus” (Blessed Hospital Church Organ in Eisenstadt is he that comes in the name of the Lord) in that small church. The other pieces that we performed were Haydn’s much more substantial Heiligmesse and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy. We were extremely proud of our son, Colin, who got to play his violin with the orchestra this year! He had planned to only play for the rehearsals, Colin playing in St. Stephen’s but was very excited to have been invited to join the orchestra for the Haydn Heiligmesse which we sang once again at St. Stephan’s Cathedral in Vienna. In addition to the gala concert and the church services, we also performed two chamber concerts, one vocal and one instrumental. The vocal concert featured the soloists in an “Evening of Lieder (song)” with pieces by Schubert, Haydn, and Brahms. The instrumental concert featured players from the orchestra and the piano seminar in small ensembles with music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven and Haydn.

The festival brings together approximately 150 people from all over the world. Some of the countries besides the United States that were represented include China, Kenya, Hungary, Poland and of course, Austria! It is an amazing experience to study these great musical works and bring them to life in the town where Haydn lived and worked!

We once again felt the power of music to bring people together and to feel a sense of unity. It has been a real privilege to travel internationally and to make music with musicians from around the world.

It was great to go but now we are recharged and excited about the season ahead!

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APNC

Finance

Endowment Committee Think ahead. You have a will and an IRA/retirement account. You think you are all set. Remember...the beneficiary form on

The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is busy at work and although much of what has been accomplished so far is homework, it has been necessary and quite a learning experience.

The committee has elected Barbara Weiss as Moderator, Bill Kearney as Vice Moderator, Jennifer Haire as Secretary (with backup from John Slager), and Betty Mangos for Communications.

Other committee members are Cleve Cleveland and Doug Jensen.

Dave Rea, who is our Peace River Presbytery liaison, will be joining us at our meetings. Craig is an important part of our discussions going forward and we will respect and encourage his input regularly.

The APNC is a committee of the congregation and there will be many updates to you along the way. For now, pray for us. We are honored to be given this task.

your IRA trumps your will. Check to make sure your beneficiaries are correct.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help First Presbyterian Church of Naples, please contact Endowment Committee Chair Linda Gadkowski at 508.778.6126 or Rev. Craig Goodrich.

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.

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

You can pay for Chancel flowers, make a donation to the Benevolence Fund, Missions, Preschool Angel Fund, Feed the 5,000, Stewardship, Season of Music and more.

Visit our website 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 Steve Bowser, Director of Finance.

Congregational Care

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

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When we started coming to Naples and attending First Presbyterian, I fell into my old pattern. This included HUDDLE, COW, adult Sunday School, Bible studies, and whatever else I could find (Grace Place, St. Matthew’s House, etc.). Still, Stephen Ministry was not on my radar.

Tom Clark Stephen Minister Well, here I am, a Stephen Minister. A couple of years ago, I didn’t even know what a Stephen Minister was, and now, I actually am one.

I grew up in the Detroit area, and lived there till I retired. From infancy, I attended Presbyterian churches where my parents were always active. As I grew older, I followed in their footsteps – youth groups, mission trips, Sunday School, etc.

As I grew older this turned into multiple stints as an Elder, church treasurer, adult Bible school, and PNC member. As a CPA, I even audited the churches books a few times. I also helped out on other projects as needed. All this time, I was never exposed to Stephen Ministry.

Then about a year ago, Marilyn Currier (“Recuitaire Extrordinaire”), asked me to consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

This was actually a big step. Moving from the types of things I was doing (more autonomous, group activities) to actually ministering to people on a one-to-one basis. Plus, I didn’t know a thing about it.

Especially, if I had the skills to be successful. I agreed to research and prayerfully consider it while I was up north at our cottage for the summer.

What I found was amazing. This ministry helps people deal with a multitude of issues in more ways than I could ever describe. My training emphasized this.

And, as Andie commented on in her testimonial, it offers to be a “Christ-like” experience. I feel this experience is for both the Care-receiver and the Care-giver.

I thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity.

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Missions

Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com

Your Missions Dollars

at work…

Did you know that summer months are especially difficult for our local food pantries?

Our FEED THE 5,000 monthly food drives help greatly, but still there is much need. To that end, the Missions Committee donated a total of $2,000 ($500 per agency) to help re-stock the shelves at the following pantries – Salvation Army, St. Matthew’s House, Mision Peniel and Grace Place. Thanks to all of you who have donated to the Local Missions Fund.

Mission Opportunities to serve others… and some of the ways you can participate!

Pray! Pray for the agencies we support, and pray for your fellow church members who are volunteering their time and talent to these projects and others.

Donate! Give a bag of groceries when the Feed the 5,000 crew is collecting!

Feed the Care Bear with your pocket change during Coffee Hour. Proceeds go to the purchase of food for children at a local elementary school who otherwise would not have enough to eat over the weekends when school is in session.

Drive! Our church delivers this food to the elementary school every other month. We are seeking drivers for the months of October and December, so look for the sign-up sheet at the Missions table if delivering is your thing!

Volunteers pick up the power packs at the church office and deliver them to the school, all while enjoying the smiles of the children and the staff!

Collect! In October, we will be asking for the following to take to Mision Peniel in Immokalee for the farm workers: Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, disposable razors and deodorant; shoes, especially work boots and tennis shoes, all sizes; baseball caps and visors; bath towels, sheets, pillows and light blankets; long sleeved work-type shirts, pants, bandanas, sweatshirts and jackets.

Build! If swinging a hammer, wielding a paint brush or learning new construction skills is your thing, come join fellow church members on Thursday, October 12, Tuesday, November 7 and Tuesday, December 5 as we

Missions

Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com

volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families! You do NOT need to have special skills to volunteer! There are tasks for all.

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including Habitat for Humanity, Guadalupe Center, Immokalee Child Care Center and Mision Peniel.

Serve! Save Friday, October 27 to volunteer at Mision Peniel in Immokalee. This Presbyterian Mission has moved to a new location complete with much more space (and it’s air-conditioned!) You can help to prepare the following for distribution - meals, groceries, or clothing - and then assist in welcoming those who receive the items you have prepared.

Tour and Learn! Mark November 10 on your calendar, and hop on the church bus for a day in Immokalee. You’ll learn first-hand about the missions our church supports there,

This month our food collection is for St. Matthews House.

St. Matthews House feeds the hungry, houses the homeless, and provides an opportunity to change lives for the better in a caring, disciplined, spiritual environment.

Suggested items are: Coffee Sugar Powdered milk Pasta Pasta sauce Dried beans Canned fruit Peanut butter Jam or jelly Canned tuna/chicken/ meat Hot or cold cereal

Ushers will have a Publix bag available as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of August. Food donations will be collected at the 6th Street church entrance 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.

Please no open containers or out of date food.

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Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

Calendar SUNDAY

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

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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SATURDAY

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5 p.m. First Friday 9 a.m.

Event/Parent’s night Communion Prep out

This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled. For additional information, call or visit the website www.fpcnaples.org. Contact Director of Facilities, Sandy Poore to reserve a room for your meeting.

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Communion Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

4 LABOR DAY Church office closed Preschool closed

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1 p.m. Personnel Committee

8 a.m. Men’s Morning 7 p.m. Cumberland Fellowship Church 3 p.m. Youth Group 4:30 p.m. APNC 7 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music

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9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

8:30 a.m.

Preschool portraits

8 a.m. Facilities Committee 8:30 a.m. Preschool portraits 1 p.m. Worship and Music Committee 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee

3 p.m. Youth Group 4:30 p.m. APNC 7 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music

7 p.m. Cumberland OUTREACH Church DEADLINE

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9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

4 p.p. Adult Education Meeting

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

8 a.m. Men’s Morning 7 p.m. Cumberland Fellowship Church 3 p.m. Youth Group 4:30 p.m. APNC 7 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music

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4 p.m. Session

3 p.m. Youth Group 4:30 p.m. APNC 7 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music

7 p.m. Cumberland Church

9:30 a.m. Worship Joiners Class 10:30 a.m. Seekers and 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 1:30 p.m. Cumberland Anniversary celebration

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Facilities UPSTAIRS OFFICE SPACE

Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org SPENCER HALL/KITCHEN

Office space with cubicles Pass thru between Spencer Hall and Kitchen-before

Offices are framed

Pass thru - demolition day

Wall completed Offices have walls!

Facilities

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

Marc painting the Choir Room

HALLWAY BEHIND KITCHEN

Several feet of closet space being installed in hallway

JASSIMEDES ROOM

Counter removed for closet installation prep

Closet frame installed

SPENCER HALL LIGHTING

Hanging lights removed and new wiring being installed

New energy efficient lighting installed

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Education

Fall Festival Planning

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Education

The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church

are starting to think about the upcoming season. Phone calls and emails are going back and forth as plans are coming together. A new PW membership directory is being assembled. Also being planned is the schedule of circle responsibilities for hosting the monthly Gatherings and for providing Sunday morning punch and cookies.

Circles will be using this year's Horizons Bible Study, "Cloud of Witnesses."

Books have been ordered and will be available for purchase shortly. The program for October's Gathering will be an overview and introduction of the study presented by Rev. Craig Goodrich.

WOW (Women Of the Way) is our women's weekly study organization.

They had a summer study on Ecclesiastes and you can read about it to the right.

As usual, we look forward to greeting all our "snowbird" members as they start returning in October and we anticipate an active and fulfilling season.

Carolyn Mollers Moderator

Mark your calendars now for a seven week Fall Bible Study on Thursday mornings from October 5 - November 17. Our focus will be the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in the gospel of Matthew. We'll explore indepth these "attitudes that ought to be" which bring a transformative message of hope and change to followers of Jesus, change that begins on the inside and moves outward in love and compassion.

ALL women of the church are invited to be part of this growing fellowship of study and care where friendships are forming and no one is on the sidelines. Gathering time is Thursdays, 9:15 - 11 a.m. in Spencer Hall. Signup begins on September 10 and study materials will be available then.

For further information contact Jill Crawford 508.207.5105.

Hope to see you there!

Women Of the Way (WOW) is sponsoring an FPC Women's Potluck Social at the home of Andie Goodrich.

The only agenda is being the enjoyment of each other's company and, undoubtedly, delicious food! Whether you've been part of a WOW event or not, ALL women are invited to attend on Wednesday, September 13 from 5 7 p.m. Details about what to bring and directions to the Goodrich’s will follow. Come along!

For additional information contact Andie Goodrich 404.317.5850.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

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News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Men’s Morning Fellowship

Thank You Dear Friends,

The Men’s Morning Fellowship will continue on Wednesdays, September 6 and 20 beginning at 8 a.m.

September 6 the topic will be “Men and Calling” led by Jon Gartley. September 20 the group will be led by Cleve Cleveland. The topic is to be announced but guaranteed to be exciting, so check the bulletin for more information.

Please be reminded that gatherings are open to all men of the church so please join us as you are able.

Having recovered from my recent surgery I just wanted to thank the church and the members who were so kind and helpful during my confinement.

Many, many thanks to Pastor Goodrich, Shirley Hagerson, and Gary Root for their visits and calls. Pastor Goodrich visited me in the hospital and the rehab center, Shirley presented me with a beautiful prayer shawl made by the Presbyterian Women. Gary Root visited me in the rehab facility with a get well card signed by several members and staff. These visits were very much appreciated.

Thanks again, Gerald Knudson

Dear Friends, We are so appreciative of your time and want to thank you for your many prayers for my older sister, Tammy Hutchinson who suffered a heart attack in May of 2017. Your many prayers and our were answered as she is now doing her weekly rehabilitation and gaining her confidence back.

Our deepest gratitude— In Christ, Tedi and Gene Fraley

News and Events

Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org

Membership at First Presbyterian Church

One becomes a member of the church by professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

We receive members by a firsttime profession of faith, by letter of transfer from another church or by a reaffirmation of faith in Christ.

If you would like to become a member of this church or if you have questions about the church, we invite you to come to the Seekers and Joiners Class on Sunday, September 24 in the Parlor following the worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship services.

Lynne Marie Laval-Yeh

Contact Joanne Slager, 239.272.1568 for more information.

New members will be received on Sunday, October 8.

Mitch Norgart

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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

STAFF Name Phone: 239.262.1311 Minister Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor

Ext.

E-mail

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craigg@fpcnaples.org

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briceg@fpcnaples.org

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jenb@fpcnaples.org

Office Steve Bowser, Director of Finance Loida Garcia, Church Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager

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steveb@fpcnaples.org loidag@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org sharmanp@fpcnaples.org

Facilities Marc Donell, Maintenance Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities Tina Romero, Custodian

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marcd@fpcnaples.org sandyp@fpcnaples.org tinar@fpcnaples.org

Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Liz Psota, Preschool Administrative Assistant

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ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lizp@fpcnaples.org

Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries Christian Education Jen Breen, Administrative Assistant to CE Bethany Gordon, Sunday School Lead Ashley Hancock, Nursery Care Lead