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
August 2014
IN THIS ISSUE From Dr. Weller
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Pastor Nominating
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Presbyterian Women Children and Youth
3 4
Calendar Evangelism Missions
8 9 10
Staff Spotlight
12
News and Events Serving FPC
13 15
Youth Group students at Montreat
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Rev. Dr. Kathleen Weller,
Temporary Head of Staff
Oh may all who come behind us Find us faithful May the fire of our devotion light their way May the footprints that we leave Lead them to believe And the lives we lead inspire them to obey Oh may all who come behind us Find us faithful -- Steve Green
kathleenw@fpcnaples.org
time here draws to an end, I hope there are those things I’ll soon be able to “√” off that list. Because in the end, what matters most to me, is whether those who come behind me—will find me faithful. Have I listened well? Have I discerned with a godly heart? Have I done the best I could with what was before me? Did I leave things better than I found them? Is there more potential for good, and less for harm? Haunting/ daunting questions.
Dear First Presbyterian Friends,
It strikes me that Steve Green’s song is an amazing blue-print for each of us in our life of faith, and in The chorus above particular, in our life within a community of faith. What is from one of my are we doing faithfully? What is it about how we treat favorite contemporary one another that will inspire? What acts of devotion of Christian songs. Steve ours are worthy to be imitated? Will our fingerprints on Green was a talented First Presbyterian Church lead someone else to believe? composer and musician, no doubt. These of course are questions of the Spirit and not But I believe his questions anyone else can answer for us. Mostly, they are inspiration was Godonly proved in hindsight. They are only seen in the sent in the same way the prophets of old first received rearview mirror. But when we desire to keep the what they would say. intention of being faithful before us—surely Steve Green’s chorus can encourage us to live in such a way. I have faced my ministry these past twenty years, May it be said, dear friends, of you and of me, during with the above chorus playing in the background. It this transitional time for First Presbyterian Church of informs my choices (on good days) and keeps my focus Naples that: we all were found faithful! where I believe God intends it to be. You see we don’t “do church” for ourselves. We don’t come together to God bless you for being a blessing, entertain or be entertained. We don’t come together to Pastor Kathleen Susan Stafford, Worship and Music Committee Chair, wcssas@aol.com have our particular fancy tickled. We come together to Worship & Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries , briceg@fpcnaples.org express our devotion. We come together in order that those who “see our good-works will give glory to our Father in heaven” – what Green calls inspiring others to obey. How is it that you think about your participation in worship, or in the work of the Church? How is it that you think about your Bible Study, your weekly or monthly breakfasts or luncheons? What’s in your mind as you give, participate and pray? Do you consider, or hope, that your devotion will be like a fire that inspires?
Preaching in August August 3 Jonathan Evans August 10 Kathleen Weller
In my work as an Interim, from the first day I step on the grounds of a new ministry I wonder about not so August 17 Kathleen Weller much what I am being called to do, but to leave behind. I’ve found that each congregation needs something August 24 Jonathan Evans different; one-size does not fit all. But they need something in particular, that I will leave behind. As my August 31 Rev. Dr. Lou Thompson (Vanderbilt)
Pastor Nominating Committee
Libby Biehl, PNC Committee Chair, infonaples@gmail.com
From Your PNC Committee
In November of 2013, our MIF (Ministry Information Form) was approved and we were able to start receiving resumes or PIF (Pastor Information Forms). To date, we have reviewed over 140 resumes. Our list of potential candidates was narrowed to six individuals in April, and in May, we went to four candidates. Following visits and personal interviews, we had two very qualified candidates. One of these candidates withdrew during our Personality Assessment phase. Members of the PNC visited the final candidate's church, after which the couple visited Naples and our church. At the end of June we were advised of their desire to be removed as a potential candidate for the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff position.
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has already chosen our Pastor, and we are working very hard to find that individual. We lean on God's schedule, for He knows who and when is the right time for this position to be filled. We ask you, the congregation, to continue praying for us as we discern God's will in providing the right Pastor to lead our church. If anyone knows of a potential candidate for us to consider, please contact us either by phone at 239.352.7472 or by e-mail at infopncnaples@gmail.com As PNC members, we are a dedicated group of people who with God's help are striving for what is best for First Presbyterian Church of Naples. We all want our new Pastor to succeed so that we may continue to be a strong church. We are truly honored to be a part of this process, and we thank you for your continued support. Blessings, Libby Biehl PNC Chair
This has been very disheartening for the committee as we felt strongly that the last candidate was the one God had called to our church. So during the month of July, we began the process again. We know in our hearts God
Presbyterian Women
Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, flgoodnight@aol.com
Piece of Salad Luncheon All ladies are invited to a Piece of Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, August 6 at noon in Spencer Hall. Bring a favorite item for a salad buffet such as chopped meat, vegetables, cheese, dried fruit, etc. Lettuce, beverage and dessert will be provided. School supplies will be packed for Grace Place following the luncheon. For more information or questions, please contact Ann Goodnight at 239.263.1820.
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Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Youth
Youth Group Begins
August 20
Ice Skating
4 - 7 p.m. In the Youth Room
All middle and high school students are invited to join Shana Monday, August 4 on a trip to
Students in grades 6 - 12 are invited to join us for games, snacks, lessons & fellowship. Feel free to be you!
Germain Arena for some ice skating! $7 includes: EVERYTHING ! ! Transportation, skate rental and meal! Meet at the church at 11 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. Let’s have some fun before we head back to school!
Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
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In early June, seven students from the FPC Youth Group, along with youth leaders Shana Dublan and Mike Calyore, embarked on a weeklong Youth Conference in Montreat, North Carolina. This time offered the young people a safe space to explore their identity in a Christian community. Rooted in the creative, redeeming, and continuing story of God’s love, this conference aimed to challenge and empower participants to discover their gifts so that together they can reach out and be the church in the world. Activities included morning energizers, music, keynote speakers, small group meetings, afternoon recreation activities, and evening worship. Here are some of the thoughts from the students.
Montreat was a roller coaster. We laughed , cried , got angry, rock It helped me grow spiritually and made hopped and didn’t sleep. Most of me want to learn and do more with my all , we grew closer to each other and faith. It was amazing and I can’t wait to to God . It was an amazing personal experience , and I’m so thankful for go again. it. Mackenzie Marie
The Montreat experience helped me get closer to God. I feel that my relationship with God became stronger. It changed me, helped me be more open about other people and now my faith is stronger and new friendships were built. Daniel Montreat is a place where you can talk about God without judgment and where you can bond with others through God. Hayley
It was a great place to learn about God, and ourselves. I loved it. Thank you all for your generous donat ions to let us go. Isaac It’s a place where you get to show and learn who you really are. It’s also where you learn about your connections with God. Eric
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Children and Families
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Children and Families
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
High Seas Vacation Bible School
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Calendar SUNDAY
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Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
2
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 9:30 a.m. Communion Bread Cutters
9:30 a.m. Communion Set up
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8:30 & 10 a.m. Communion Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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5
7
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Preschool Office Opens 11 a.m. Youth Group
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 12 p.m. PW lunch Study (separate location) 4 p.m. PNC meeting 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group
7 p.m. Meditation/ Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
Preschool Teachers returns 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Potluck Dinner
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UNDY SUNDAY 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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12
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UNDY SUNDAY Blessing of the Backpacks 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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15 OUTREACH
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 4 p.m. PNC meeting Study (separate location) 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9:30 a.m. Crowd Control Training 10:30 Preschool Staff Training 4 p.m. Mission Committee
10 a.m. Sew&Sews 10:30 a.m. Preschool Open House 7 p.m. Meditation/ Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
DEADLINE 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 10:30 a.m. Preschool Open House 1 p.m. Mission trip/ Mision Peniel
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19
21
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Preschool begins
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 4 p.m. PNC meeting 7 p.m. Meditation/ Study (separate location) 4 p.m. Youth Group Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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Deadline for monthly Outreach is the fifteenth of the month prior to that edition. Submit all items to publications@fpcnaples.org. If submissions are not received prior to the deadline, we cannot guarantee that your article will be considered for publication for that month. 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.
8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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SATURDAY
20
27
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12 p.m. Nominating 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible 4 p.m. PNC meeting 10 a.m. Sew&Sews Committee Study (separate location) 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Meditation/ 4 p.m. Session Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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23
30
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
Evangelism
Joan Gust, Evangelism Committee Chair, jrwgust@gmail.com
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Heart Rhythm Screening Atrial Fibrillation-$70
Tuesday, September 16 9 a.m.—1 p.m. Spencer Hall Carotid Artery Disease/Stroke Screening-$70 The carotid artery/stroke disease screening procedure is simple, painless, and noninvasive. You will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table. After applying gel to your neck, the technologist will move an instrument called a transducer on your neck to create images of the carotid arteries and assess the rate of blood flow within them.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening-$70 (AAA) is a condition in which the lining of the blood vessel called the aorta is enlarged within the abdomen. Because abdominal aortic aneurysms are likely to tear if they reach 5 centimeters in diameter, monitoring is important for preventing a rupture. A ruptured AAA can cause blood loss, shock, and death.
Peripheral Arterial Disease/ABI Screening-$70 Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. PAD screening is done by using the ankle -brachial index (ABI). This ABI screening is painless, quick, and non-invasive. It will identify most cases of peripheral arterial disease.
Atrial fibrillation also known as irregular heartbeat, is a condition that can cause a stroke. A stroke results from the disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) and can cause a clot that travels to the brain where it results in stroke.
Osteoporosis Risk Assessment-$60 We use ultrasound to detect the risk of osteoporosis by measuring for the bone mineral density of your heel. The heel is measured because its bone is similar to that found in the hip, where fractures occur most often. Bone mineral density is a powerful predictor of skeletal strength and fracture risk, especially when considered along with other factors such as gender, age, and family history. When you receive an osteoporosis screening, you will simply place your foot in a painless ultrasound device called a bone densitometer and the bone mineral density of your heel will be measured. Special Packages available to us: Package 1 Stroke, Vascular Disease & Heart Rhythm Package—4 tests only $139 Package 2 Add an Osteoporosis Screening for only $10 more—5 tests only $149
Please call 888.653.6450 to register for your preventative health screening. No appointments can be made through the church office. Screening results are provided to you in 21 days. All participants with abnormal results are directed to take the report to their physician. Life Line Screening does not file insurance claims nor provide referrals to any physician’s group or hospital. Life Line Screening does not participate in the Medicare program and the cost of the screening services is not covered or reimbursable by Medicare.
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Evangelism
Joan Gust, Evangelism Committee Chair, jrwgust@gmail.com
Your Evangelism Committee has been meeting to plan a fall Congregational Dinner. The night will include a great meal, old fashioned sing-along, fantastic music by our Director of Music Ministries, Dr. Brice Gerlach, and a featured entertainer, Peter Strachan. Peter will provide musical presentations as well as sharing some fun entertainment. We have tentatively picked the night of Friday, November 7 and will confirm the date in September. Tentatively mark your calendars now.
Missions
Tickets will go on sale when all the arrangements have been confirmed. Unfortunately, we will have to limit the number of tickets that will be available. More details will follow. The Committee wants this to be a time for First Presbyterian Church members to come together, have a good meal, enjoy each others company, and have some good laughs. Our hope is that the event will receive your support.
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 During the summer months, visitors are away, some seasonal jobs are gone, and the Naples area has fewer donors. But, those less fortunate still need to eat.
Sunday of the month. Please return your contributions on the second Sunday of the month. Most needed items are: 1 pound dried rice 1 pound dried beans 1 can vegetables 1 large box, powdered milk 1 box dry children’s cereal 1 jar peanut butter 1 jar jelly 1 can chicken 1 pound pasta 1 jar pasta sauce
During August, we will collect food for Grace Place, a faithbased community center, teaching literacy, language, and life skills to at-risk children and If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First impoverished families. Presbyterian Church" and the memo marked "Feed Ushers will have a Publix bag with a list of desired food items available as you leave church on the first the 5,000."
Missions
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
Supporting Missions
isn’t just about giving money. It could be that “just giving money” makes us complacent actually. We’d like to think that if a cause had enough money given to it that we could eradicate the problem altogether. The Presbyterian Church USA says that “Mission
is God’s work for the sake of the world that God loves”. It is Christ-centered, and made active by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Probably not something we think about while just writing a check.
All of the Mission projects that we support here at First Presbyterian Church need money. No surprise there. St. Matthew’s House is feeding homeless people every single day. They are giving out bags of groceries from their pantry. Grace Place is trying to provide after-school and summer programs for neighborhood kids to teach them “the way they should go”. Habitat for Humanity is able to get low-income families into their first house. Is money needed? Of course. But the money should come with a catch--your prayers, your demonstration of love for another, your participation in healing and helping. Here at FPC we give to our mission projects through the church budget. Together, we are a Missional Church. I am the new Missions Chair and I intend to tell you in every Outreach exactly what kind of outreach we are doing. Look at the opportunities available. Join us for hands-on caring and blessing. We can help people. It is our calling. I ask you to support First Presbyterian Church as we go about the business of healing, ministering to the poor, sick, lonely, and powerless. We can be a part of freeing those engaged in sin, fear, oppression, hunger, and injustice. It’s not just words. It’s real and we should be a part of it. Betty Mangos Missions Committee Chair
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MISION PENIEL OPPORTUNITY:
SERVE AND BE
Join us on Friday, August 15, from 1-7 p.m., when we journey to Mision Peniel in Immokalee to serve hundreds of farmworkers a meal.
This is a rich experience for all. If you would like to participate, please contact Rev. Jonathan Evans at jonathane@fpcnaples.org or call the church office at 239.262.1311.
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Q: Favorite Actor? A: The late Paul Newman (love those blue eyes!) Q: Favorite Book or author? A: The Celestine Prophecy and other spiritual or selfhelp books.
Sharman Pfaus
Q: Who (dead or alive) would you like to meet? A: Ronald Reagan for his intelligence and Reba McEntire for her business success. Q: What would be impossible for you to give up? A: Cookies! I am a cookie monster!
In an effort for you to get to know the church and preschool Q: What profession other than yours would you like staff a little better, we will be spotlighting one staff member to attempt? each month in the Outreach. We hope you enjoy this new A: Social Work. monthly feature!
Q: What profession would you not like to do? A: Taxi cab driver.
Q: Where did you grow up? A: Chelsea, Michigan. Q: What brought you to Naples? A: A job offer as a Church Administrator.
Q: What sound or noise do you love? A: Waves on the beach.
Q: What sound or noise do you hate? Q: Are you married? A: Anything loud. A: Yes. My husband, Bill and I have been married for Q: What are some things on your bucket list? 38 years. A: More travel, writing a book and dance lessons Q: Where does your husband work? A: He’s a Condominium Association Manager for an Q: What would you like God to say to you when you arrive at the pearly gates? 89 unit high-rise building in Bonita Bay. A: “Come on in.” Q: Do you have any children? A: We have four grown daughters; Jennifer, Jill, Some of the above questions were taken from “Inside the Actors Studio” Cheryl and Rachel. Q: Any grandchildren? A: Yes, three granddaughters; two 5year olds and one 2-year old. Q: Where can we find you when you’re not working? A: The beach, pool or gym. Q: Name some favorite Movies? A: Comedy–Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Drama-Gone with the Wind and Military Movies; ChristmasIt’s a Wonderful Life and Charlie Brown’s Christmas; Musical–
Cinderella.
Q: What are your favorite TV Shows? A: Downton Abbey, Nashville, and Dallas.
Pictured above: Son-in-law Adam and daughter Jill, husband Bill, Sharman, daughters Jennifer, Rachel and Cheryl with granddaughters, Madeline, Kiersten and Taylor.
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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Pot-less Potluck Pizza Party Friday, August 8 6 p.m. $5 per person At the home of John and Joanne Slager sign up in Spencer Hall, Call Joanne at 239.649.5481, Or call the church office.
Dinner for All Preschool Open House Thursday, August 14, drop in between 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for Tuesday/Thursday students. Friday, August 15, drop in between 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for Monday/Wednesday/Friday and 5 day students. School begins Monday, August 18
Church members, friends, couples and singles, are invited to a member’s home on Friday, August 22. For more information or reservation, please contact Diane Stellema at 239.455.8796 or dandis37@gmail.com.
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
In Memoriam
Thank You
Jacqueline Mackey February 2, 2014
The entire Warren family wishes to thank everyone who sent Dick thoughtful cards and prayers during his illness and after his passing. He loved this church and had great hopes that we would become a strong congregation as it was when we joined many years ago. He was overwhelmed by the special caring from all of you.
Harold Hogg June 3, 2014 Lee Lemasters July 10, 2014 Frederick G. Ray July 19, 2014 David Fisher, Sr. July 27, 2014 Dear Members of Session, This past Sunday our congregation prayed for you and your congregation during the celebration of The Lord’s Supper. These are certainly challenging times to be the church and we are grateful for your shared ministry. Each month, at the time of The Lord’s Supper, we pray for three churches throughout the nation and the world. Our prayers for you were in honor of a specific request from one of our members. I hope that this letter encourages each of you as together we seek to share Christ’s reconciling love to our communities. With appreciation, Dr. W. Douglass Hood, Jr. Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach
We bid farewell
to the following members as they move from their First Presbyterian Church family to new beginnings: Rudy and Julie McCullough Indianapolis, IN
Fondly, Deb Warren Dear First Presbyterian Church, I want to thank you for the beautiful flowers that were delivered for my 88th birthday. Marge Berlin Dear First Presbyterian Church of Naples, I am deeply grateful for your faithful, generous support for The Salvation Army. Your food pantry donation and monetary gift will help restore broken lives of people who are facing hunger, homelessness, and abuse. Thank you for sharing so generously from your hardearned resources with us. May God bless you for your compassion. Major Daniel Proctor Regional Coordinator/Corps Officer The Salvation Army To all the Volunteers, A BIG thank you from all of us here at the church for everything you did for VBS. We had a total of 58 children who enjoyed a week of learning and fun. From making decorations to bringing in food all the way to the Sunday celebration, we had a wonderful week and YOU helped to make it all happen. Shana Dublan Director of Children and Family Ministries
Serving First Presbyterian Church of Naples Program Staff
Session
Dr. Kathleen Weller Temporary Head of Staff
Ed Boot Facilities
Jeanie Weigel
1&2
Katie Geshay
3
Rev. Jonathan Evans Associate Pastor
Norman Brown Evangelism
Janet and Gary Root Midge Murdock
6
Dr. Brice Gerlach Director of Music Ministries
Janie Brown Casassa Personnel, Nominating
Florence Calyore
7
Nancy and John Kay
8
Shana Dublan Director of Children and Family Ministries
Franklin Ellis Stewardship, Finance
Grant Wagner Annabella Richardi
10
Keith Gahagan Christian Education
Kathy Grandi
11
Terri Storter
12
Richard Green Audit, Finance, Endowment
Suzanne Rose
14
Jane Long
15
Joan Gust Evangelism, Facilities
Doris Frace Richard Barkley & Susan Corryn
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Eric Holt Personnel, Endowment, Audit
Linda Gadkowski
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Barbara and Rick Blattner
19
Kim Shoellhorn Garnick
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Hansen Long Clerk of Session, Transition Team, Personnel, Stewardship
John Crider
Office Staff Sharman Pfaus Executive Office Manager Michele Martin Director of Finance Kathleen Law Coordinator of Communications
Facilities Staff Sandy Poore Director of Facilities Mike Rutoski Superintendent of Facilities Leticia Martinez Custodian of Facilities
Audio Visual Staff
Betty Mangos Missions, Worship and Music Joe Patton Christian Education
Mike Calyore Sound and Video Technician Patty Rutzler Nominating, Worship and Music Preschool Staff Ashley Houk Joanne Slager Director of Preschool Evangelism Liz Psota Susan Stafford Preschool Administrative Worship and Music Assistant
Nursery Staff Kelsey Santalla Rosemarie Santalla Marianna Vargas
Deacons
15 Parish
4&5
9 & 13
21 & 30
Joanne and Jim Applegate
22
Pat Stevens Chris Miller and Jackie Cusick
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Barbara and Jack Marsh
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Mary and Al Vande Voren
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Stephen Ministers Cynthia Anderson Janice Austerman JoAnn Beggs Carolyn Smith Bennett Janie Brown-Casassa Marilyn Currier, co-leader Barbara Gibson Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Ron Lacy Laura McDonald Saralene Oldham, leader Suzanne Rose Pat Schubarth Sam and Karen Smith
First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
Congregational Meeting A meeting of the congregation will take place on Sunday, August 10, 2014 following the 10 a.m. worship service for the purposes of approving the revised bylaws of First Presbyterian Church Naples and electing Libby Biehl as elder to fill a vacant term for Class of 2015. Draft copies of the bylaws are available on the website at fpcnaples.org/resources or in Spencer Hall.
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8