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
April 2016
IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich
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Music Stewardship
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Presbyterian Women Missions
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Congregational Care
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Deacons Calendar
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Preschool
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Children and Youth
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News & Events
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Grace Place Literacy Day Volunteers: Saralene Oldham, Jeanie Weigel, Deb Warren, Jeanie Perkins, Kymberly Dorsey, Carol Graham
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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff Dear Friends,
With the glow and joy of Easter morning worship still with us, I write with gratitude for you and our congregation in what is an exciting time in the life of our church. As you read this issue of the Outreach, you will see a very active church. Read the reports on mission projects, the all congregation St. Patrick’s dinner, and youth and children’s activities. Review the photos of another great class of new members who joined on Easter morning. And consider how you will participate and serve in the months ahead. Looking back, highlights of the Lenten Season included the weekly Wednesday organ concerts by Brice Gerlach, open to all and replete with tutorials on the organ and its many pipes, and our Maundy Thursday worship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Hispanic congregation pastored by Rev. Ramon Garcia and which meets weekly in our chapel. That evening we worshipped together as we remembered the last supper at which Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and instituted the Lord’s Supper. We engaged in a handwashing, celebrated communion and heard meditations by Ramon and myself, translated by our own Loida Garcia. It was a wonderful evening! Good Friday saw us gathering to listen to the Gospel of John’s account of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. And Easter morning we were with Mary Magdalene and Jesus at the
craigg@fpcnaples.org
tomb and were encouraged to be open to the joy of Easter. But here’s more good news. Easter is not over! It is a season and continues for six more Sundays until Pentecost. So in this continuing Easter season the sermons will explore the significance of resurrection, as seen in these familiar stories: the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Thomas demanding proof of the resurrection, Peter and the disciples meeting Jesus for breakfast on the beach in Galilee, Peter’s rehabilitation by Jesus and the command to “feed my sheep,” and the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Of course, that is Sunday morning. As you can see from the Outreach, our exquisite musical offerings continue, mission opportunities abound, as do fellowship and service opportunities for both men and women. One final note to all you seasonal folks who will be heading back north in the weeks ahead. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for being us. Our hearts go on the road with you. We wish you many blessings and a safe return to your Naples home next year! Faithfully and gratefully,
P.S. Late breaking news: We have just met our Courageous Generosity Campaign goals! As of today, March 31, you have made 266 pledges for right at $800,000! This is a fantastic step towards financial health. Thanks be to God, to Duncan Connell and the committee and to all who have so faithfully pledged and given!
Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
The Naples Philharmonic and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus
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Spring Scholarship Concert Sunday, May 1 4 p.m.
Beethoven Mass in C Yaniv Segal, conductor James Cochran, chorus director Saturday, April 9, 2016 7:30 p.m.
The Naples Philharmonic and Naples Philharmonic Chorus present Beethoven’s Mass in C as part of Artis—Naples’ Around Town series. Beethoven’s Missa solemnis and Ninth Symphony are better known, yet his Mass in C has remained a favorite work (especially among singers) for its elegant balance, lovely melodies, and idiomatic vocal writing. The work is divided into the usual five sections (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus/ Benedictus, and Agnus Dei) and interweaves the soloists and the chorus throughout. It employs the standard classical orchestra and its form, texture, and balance associate it with classical rather than romantic works. Nevertheless, the characteristic sudden extremes of dynamic, and the dramatic flourishes of Beethoven’s later works appears fleetingly, usually at moments of heightened joy or anguish. The concert will be held in the church Sanctuary. This is a ticketed event and tickets must be purchased through the box office at Artis—Naples or at the door on the evening of the concert. Tickets are $35. For additional information, contact the Artis—Naples Box Office at 239.597.1900 or online.
Victoria Woodcock Alana Ferrarao Kaylyn Williams Join us for a special concert celebrating the talent of three of our Chancel Choir soloists! They have each been accepted for music study in Europe this summer. The program will include opera arias, art songs and Broadway hits. The proceeds from this concert will help defray the costs of their tuition. Come and support these young musicians as they share their great musical talent with us!
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Stewardship
Duncan Connell, Generosity Committee Chair, duncan.connell@seiinternational.com
It’s with great joy and gratitude we can announce that we have exceeded our goal of pledges and met our financial target for this year. I believe I can speak on behalf of the entire committee that the thanks truly belong to God, the arrival of Pastor Craig, but also to each of you as you have searched your hearts and made a heartfelt commitment that this is truly your church “home.” With this initial goal met, not only does it make preparing operating budgets possible, it instills a certain spirit among each of us. This wonderful achievement is fantastic and as the year goes on perhaps we’ll close in on the amount required to meet our overall operating expenses. Once again, thanks to each of you, but more so THANKS BE TO GOD! FYI, in the event you have not yet pledged, Commitment cards remain in the pews, as well as in Spencer Hall, or you can also pledge online at www.fpcnaples.org/give. There’s also one that can be completed a few inches below where you’re looking right now! Warmest regards to all, Duncan!
Missions
This commitment may be revised or cancelled at any time.
Presbyterian Women
Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S GATHERING LOOKING FORWARD The April Gathering will be held on Wednesday, April 6 at noon in Spencer Hall. The program will feature Dorie and Tom Tichenor speaking about their time in the Peace Corps. Circle
Date & Time
Menu: meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables and lemon pie. Make your reservation in Spencer Hall on Sunday morning or call the church office. Lunch cost is $7. Looking ahead: The May Gathering will be the conclusion of our Bible Study. Combined circles will meet at noon in Spencer Hall on Wednesday, May 4.
Place
Hostesses or Leaders Chris Jones Barbara Korntheuer
Phones
Faith/Joy
Tuesday, April 19 9:30 a.m.
Room 204
Love & Friendship
Wednesday, April 20 9:30 p.m.
Church Parlor Barbara Heissner Mary Vande Voren
410.643.1075 239.353.1620
Sunshine
Wednesday, April 20 12 p.m.
Youth Room
239.494.1623 239.963.9838
Peace with Honor
Wednesday, April 20 1 p.m.
Church Parlor Katie Geshay Dorothy Gomori
Missions
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Jeanenne Somers Janet Root
239.566.8888 239.591.0260
239.592.5358 239.596.8829
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
Feed the 5,000
In April we gather food for Helps Outreach. Helps Outreach provides food, clothing, and furniture to those in need, with services provided by volunteers. Each person who receives aid is interviewed, and receives spiritual and financial counseling. 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. Most needed items are: Jam or jelly Peanut butter Canned chicken or ham Pasta Pasta sauce Macaroni & cheese Hamburger Helper Rice Red or black dried beans Canned peas, corn and/or green beans Canned soup
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Missions
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
On March 12, 84 volunteers gathered in Spencer Hall and packaged 44,712 for Meals of Hope to help the homeless and hungry in Collier County, all in about 2 1/2 hours. Thank you for this wonderful mission work. These meals will go to the Harry Chapin Food Bank and will be distributed to agencies we support. Our Christmas Eve Offering funds this project. Mission committee members Karen Ryan & Carol Graham are to be commended for a wonderful event.
Missions
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
We have been a busy mission church! In March, we went to Habitat for Humanity where we laid tile, caulked and painted doors. Walter sang, Jim told jokes, the girls chatted and Joan drove the bus.
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Weekend Power Pack Program We are continuing this program as partners with Moorings Presbyterian Church in delivering food packs for needy children - to sustain them through the weekend. Donations made to the Care Bear enable us to purchase food for the youth to package - along with an encouraging note to the students. In February, the counselor asked that we increase our number from 5 to 9. Packets need to be delivered to Big Cypress Elementary by volunteers on Friday morning. So, we need volunteers for April to make these deliveries. After leaving your change to feed the CareBear, please sign up to make a delivery one Friday in April. We need $5 to $6 for each food packet; and hope to collect at least $50 per week – just in case they need to add more packs to the number we are already doing.
Front row: Susan Craig, Roxy Barry, Walter Gadkowski Standing: Karen Ryan, Jeanie Perkins, Chuck Evans, Joan Gust, Betty Mangos, Don Barry, Donna Estler
Oh, and one final request to help with this wonderful project: Adopt the CareBear! Choose a month, take him home and bring him back. He’s so cute! _________________
Friday, April 8 we will be preparing the evening meal at St. Matthew’s House. We will meet there at 2 p.m. to prepare, cook, and serve. There’s a sign up sheet at the Missions Table in Spencer Hall or contact Betty Plum at 239.732.8799. Our final Habitat for Humanity workday for the season will be Tuesday, April 12. Hop on the bus and travel to one of the Habitat sites for a fun day with your fellow FPCN volunteers. We do a little bit We also went on a of everything. Things most of us have never done Mission Tour to before! It’s quite an experience and as we always Immokalee and we say when we return--it’s good for the soul. The bus introduced Craig to the leaves at 7 a.m. and returns around noon. Jeanne agencies we support Perkins can sign you up at the Missions Table or you there. Guadalupe may call the church office at 239.262.1311. Center is one of our highest rated charities; You know a church means service, not serve us. Join us when you can or support our Local Missions and, we loved seeing how much these children learn. Lunch was provided at the Immokalee Child Fund. Care Center with many cute smiles and singing by the pre-school children. Everyone loved buying fresh inexpensive vegetables at the Farmers’ Market. On the way home, we pulled into the Mision Peniel parking lot and said hello to Pastor Miguel and the scheduled volunteers for the day.
Missions
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Congregational Care
STEPHEN MINISTRY St. Theresa’s Prayer Christ has no body now but yours No hands, no feet on earth but yours Yours are the eyes through which He looks Compassion on this world Yours are the feet with which He walks To do good Yours are the hands with which He blesses All the world
Deacons
Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net
A Stephen Minister has the ears to listen with compassion, the mouth to ask an occasional clarifying question, and the hands to join yours in prayer as you work through an especially difficult time.
Gary Root, Deacon Moderator, adsroot@aol.com
Inner-Missions: Missionary Work Within Our Church Carry each others’ burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV We often think of mission work as helping those outside the church. However, we who live and work in Naples can be missionaries WITHIN our church! Do you have time to help someone in our church? The Deacons are forming an “Inner”-Mission group of volunteers whose focus will be serving the Lord through helping those within the congregation. We are asking that you prayerfully consider what time or talents you could share with your church family. Examples of time: Spending time with someone recuperating from an illness so the spouse can do errands Take someone to church who doesn’t drive Taking packages to mail Picking up groceries Playing a board game together Delivering Sunday’s DVD and watching together Doing a load of laundry Emptying/loading the dishwasher Returning/checking out library books Replacing batteries in smoke detectors Changing light bulbs Enjoy a movie together (DVD or at theatre) Examples of talents: Cooking and delivering a meal Helping with computer problems Teaching a skill Simple sewing Help declutter and share with St. Matthew’s House Basic household repair, fix-up or clean-up If you would be willing to help in this important new initiative, or if you have additional skills or ideas, please contact Jeanne Perkins. Someone will contact you as we become organized. As an “Inner-Mission Angel,” you can be a helping hand!
Calendar
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
April 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.
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FRIDAY
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SATURDAY
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9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5:30 p.m. Parent’s Night Out/First Friday
Communion prep
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3 8:30 & 10 a.m.
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Communion Worship 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
10 a.m. Men’s Club 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 3 p.m. Philharmonic 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s dress rehearsal Support Group 7 p.m. Philharmonic dress rehearsal
11 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 7 p.m. Choir 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal
9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry 10 a.m. PW Bible Facilitators 12 p.m. Huddle 2 p.m. HS Youth 4 p.m. MS Youth 6 p.m. Confirmation 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
10:30 a.m. Marcella 7:30 p.m. Coe memorial Philharmonic service Concert 3 p.m. St. Matthew’s House volunteer work
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8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 1 p.m. Personnel 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study Committee 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Christian Education Committee 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
7 a.m. Habitat for Humanity work day 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 1 p.m. Worship & Music Committee 2:30 p.m. Mission Committee
7 p.m. Choir
9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 10 a.m. Sew & Sews 12 p.m. Huddle 2 p.m. HS Youth 4 p.m. MS Youth 6 p.m. Confirmation 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
OUTREACH Relay for Life DEADLINE 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Relay for Life
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9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 3 p.m. Finance Mtg. 5:30 p.m. Deacon’s
9:30 Love & Friendship Circle 11:30 a.m. Alzheimer’s Volunteer Lunch 12 p.m. Sunshine Circle 1 p.m. Peace w/ Honor Circle 4 p.m. J. Dean memorial service 7 p.m. Choir 7 p.m. Cumberland rehearsal
9:15 a.m. Women’s 9:30 a.m. Cookie Bible Study Baking 10 a.m. Sew & Sews 12 p.m. Huddle 2 p.m. HS Youth 4 p.m. MS Youth 6 p.m. Confirmation 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 4 p.m. Session
7 p.m. Choir 12 p.m. Huddle 7 p.m. Cumberland 2 p.m. HS Youth rehearsal 4 p.m. MS Youth 6 p.m. Confirmation 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
Communion prep
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Preschool
Easter is a very special holiday for Christians around the world. A holiday that is celebrated in many ways with both the young and the old. The chocolate, the Easter eggs, the baskets, the bunnies-all memorable symbols of the holiday for our Preschool children. But there are other important symbols of this holiday and it’s our role to ensure that our children understand those as well. Our Preschool students participate in a Chapel lesson at least once a week. During the month of March, we used our Chapel lessons to discuss Easter. When asked why we celebrate Easter, one of our 4 year old students, Olivia, was able to tell me “we celebrate because Jesus died.” And when asked if anyone knew why Jesus died, Olivia answered, “for our lives”. The answers from our younger students were more simple-“so we can get candy”, “for the Easter bunny”, and others. The events of Jesus dying on the cross can be difficult to discuss with children, especially younger children, so we use objects or symbols that are familiar to the children to help make a connection. Children understand mistakes easier than they understand “sin” so we often speak about making mistakes-using hurtful words or actions, etc. One of our Chapel lessons included the use of chocolate syrup to represent our mistakes. As I poured the syrup in my hand, we observed how it spread so easily through my fingers. We spoke about how our mistakes can also run through our lives or how, for example, when we tell a lie, it often requires us to tell another lie to cover for the first and so on. It’s easy for sin, or mistakes, to take over our lives.
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
After we observed the syrup (our mistakes) taking over our lives (my hand), we spoke about how Jesus died on the cross for us so that we could pray and ask for forgiveness of our mistakes. I used a baby wipe to clean my hand. The wipe symbolized my prayers for forgiveness and Jesus’ ability to clean my heart. I often find it difficult to determine whether the Chapel lessons are resonating with the students. I ask myself if I was able to present the information in a manner that was easy to understand at their age. Did I use a lesson that is relevant, meaningful, exciting? I’m always looking for reassurance that I’m on the right track with our lessons and it’s always extra exciting for me to receive validation that, in fact, I am providing meaningful lessons. With the lesson mentioned above, a student that was unable to provide me with information about why we celebrate Easter on Wednesday, was able to tell me that we celebrate Easter for Jesus on Thursday (3 year old Finley)! Our Preschool students enjoyed celebrating Easter. In addition to our Chapel lessons, our celebrations included Easter Egg Hunts, special snacks and art activities, and the traditional VPK “Easter parade”.
Ashley Houk Preschool Director
Children and Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
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Family, children and youth Events FIRST FRIDAY PARENT’S NIGHT OUT
For our LAST First Friday this school year, we will be talking about how to use our Gifts to help. One area we will be focusing on is the earth. The older children will be watching “The Lorax” and the younger ones will enjoy a shorter Veggie Tales movie. As always we will have several different things for the children to enjoy while you are out enjoying yourselves. We will have pizza for dinner. There will be fun games, a movie, and a relevant Bible lesson! For only $20 a family, children will have an awesome time, and parents will be free for a night out while their children learn something! Event time: 5:30—8:30 p.m. Registration forms are available online, in the Christian Education, Preschool or church offices. Event Date: Friday, May 6 Registration deadline is Friday, April 25.
Relay for Life This year we will sponsor a food table. We are looking for people to help make “Walking Tacos” (super easy) fruit smoothies and collect money. This is an amazing event to be a part of. Plan to help out on Friday, April 15 from 2-8 p.m. Contact Shana for details.
Second through fifth grade students are invited to join in camp activities like ziplining, rock climbing, group games, crafts, and worship! Experience God in a fun, exciting, and beautiful setting at Cedarkirk’s Spring Bash. This 24-hour retreat also includes an adventurous night in a Rustic Cabin and an opportunity to meet new friends in Christ. This is a great introduction to Cedarkirk for younger campers! On-site check-in is from 6-7 p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m. The event concludes following a 5:30 p.m. dinner on Saturday. Date: April 22-23 Cost: $65—includes everything Travel schedule: Meet at church on Friday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. and return Saturday night. We currently have a large need for several people to help make Vacation Bible School the best in town! This year’s theme is Egypt and looks to be super fun. Please contact Shana to let her know you want in on all this fun!!
If you are interested in any of these events, either as a volunteer or participant, please contact Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at 239.262.1311 ext. 229.
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Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
HUDDLE A men’s lunchtime Bible Study
The Men’s Club 10 a.m. coffee & fellowship 10:30 a.m. program (ladies are welcome) Monday, April 4 The Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Each Thursday the men’s HUDDLE group meets in Spencer Hall at noon for lunch and Bible Study. Bring your own lunch and Bible.
Adult Bible Study
The Sunday morning Adult Bible will continue through the month of April. Please join us in Room 203 at 9 a.m. for a study on The Parables of Jesus.
Nicole Johnson Jennifer Hecker The good news – we live in paradise. The bad news – growth seems unstoppable. The Naples area ranked 10th in the nation for growth, and our anticipated build-out population is over 1 million residents. If our local governments have plans to appropriately manage growth, why does it sometimes feel like development is out of control? Nicole Johnson, Director of Growth Management and Planning, will explain why it isn’t about no growth, but about ensuring the location and timing of future development is compatible with protection of our natural resources and quality of life. Surrounded by water, it is hard to imagine that Florida is running out of clean freshwater to keep our environment healthy and meet the needs of our growing population - yet that is the case. Prime potable water supplies are being consumed faster than replenished, used in some cases for one-time industrial uses, and are vulnerable to contamination from new techniques of oil drilling involving the underground injection of hazardous chemicals. Jennifer Hecker, Director of Natural Resource Policy, will explain how Florida can confront and overcome its water challenges with better water resource management and protection so that both the environment and its residents have sufficient clean freshwater for the future.
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Thank You First Presbyterian Church, A most appreciative thank you for all the visits, prayers, care & concerns during my recent hospitalization. God Bless, Chris King Dear First Presbyterian Church, I would like to thank you for your participation in our Family Literacy Day. You did a wonderful job preparing the Book Give Away and Make and Take. We appreciate all of the effort that you put into the day! We look forward to continuing to work with you in the future. Sincerely, Tim Ferguson Grace Place Thanks for remembering me at Easter. The cross is really something special. Jerry Harvatt Dear Betty (Mangos), Saturday was my first volunteer experience with First Presbyterian Church. I arrived in the morning and took the bus to Grace Place with 10 other members of FPC that I never met, they were very welcoming and supportive. When we arrived, we were given our assignments for the Grace Place Family Morning, which included activities for the children and parents together as a family of exercise, arts and crafts, receiving a book to read, creating trail mix and other snacks, and story hour. Each family received a stamp in their “passport” after participating in each station and completed passports went into a bucket for a raffle. Then, Grace Place served lunch to the families. It was such an uplifting morning watching the families interact together and the children's enthusiasm and smiling faces. I had the best experience from meeting fellow members of FPC to learning about Grace Place and all it offers to under privileged families in the Naples area. I have told so many about my day and wanted to thank you for providing the opportunity to me, and to encourage others that may be first time volunteers. Thank you, Mary Jo Bovich Dear Friends at First Presbyterian Church, Thank you so much for your thoughtful card and support after Kathy’s passing. Its hard to believe that I have already gone to church there for almost 60 years and my kids have “graduated” from nursery school. Fondly, Dale Chlumsky
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets each Tuesday in the Youth Room from 9—11 a.m. All are invited! We knit and crochet beautiful shawls that are given to those going through life-changing health issues and more. Each shawl is blessed before its given to a recipient.
In Memoriam Marjorie Berlin March 17, 2016
Marcella Coe March 25, 2016
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Congregational Dinner March 12, 2016
News and Events
Rachel Holloway
Gilbert Long
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Steve & Phyllis Hendrick
Sylvia Marsh
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Barbara & Gordon Kellam
Martha Quinones
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
In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God
Celebrate with Us Sunday Mornings! Worship 8:30 and 10 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9 a.m.