In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God: we worship, we love, we grow, we serve
August 2020
Rev. Craig Goodrich Session General Assembly Finance
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Deacons Missions Children and Youth
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Christian Education Birthdays Staff
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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor Greetings to you as we begin the month of August in what has been and will continue to be a time of extraordinary challenge due to COVID-19 as well as political and social unrest.
So where can we go for encouragement, for faith and hope in this time? I suggest we turn to the fourth chapter of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul writes from the confinement of prison, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” He goes on to encourage those believers and us to center our minds, not on distractions and conflicts and fears, but “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9).
How has it been for you these months? I believe that Paul’s encouragement to pray, to give thanks, to think on the good things and to “keep on doing” is exactly what we are called to do in this time. Please read this issue of the Outreach thoroughly. You will see that even though we have not been meeting in person we have surely been “keeping on.” In fact, this July has been busier than ever. Our online worship viewership far exceeds what our in person worship attendance would be in summer months. And there have been many, many committee and fellowship meetings by way of the wonderful technology of Zoom. Our Reopening Task Force and Session continue to evaluate our response to the COVID-19 crisis, (page 3), and we continue to adapt to the changing circumstances and data with our first priority being your safety. You will also see that we are in a strong financial condition (page 4) and we thank you for your continued caring support and generosity. And thank you for your contributions to the Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund which help support local agencies that provide for people’s basic needs.
craigg@fpcnaples.org
You have an exceptional staff who are committed to keeping on, and are doing so, now working back onsite with masks and taking other precautions. Church offices are not yet open to the public. Our Deacons and Stephen Ministers continue to reach out, making calls to our members, particularly to those who may be feeling the stress of isolation. This crisis has shown us so clearly that the church is not a building, but it is you, it is us. We are the church, the body of Christ. Thanks be to God! And now back to Paul and the Philippians. He writes that he has learned to be content in all circumstances because “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13) May you know the strength and the contented peace of Christ this day. Faithfully and Gratefully,
From the Pulpit August 2 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Enough for All” August 9 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Grabbing a Lifeline” August 16 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Out of the Heart” August 23 Rev. Rex Childs “Exodus: Then and Now” August 30 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Following Jesus: Finding Life”
Session
Saralene Oldham, Clerk of Session, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com
Session Action
At the most recent Session meeting on July 28, the Session took the following actions: •
Approved extending the suspension of worship services until September 13. All church services will be recorded and posted on the church’s website, Facebook and other social media.
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(and candy)! After attending one of the 17+ training sessions led by Nathan Young (Nathan was the General Assembly Producer. . . awesome man!), commissioners and advisory delegates learned how to Zoom the plenaries while reading amendments and reports AND voting on a second device. It soon became obvious how my convention center needed to be staged. The laptop computer was fine. My tablet needed to be placed on my husband’s old humidor on the left of the computer to keep it at eye level and easy to access for reading and voting. Cell phone charged and nearby should I need to contact the Help Desk. Bring it on . . . I’m ready!
First Plenary – Friday, June 19th, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Opening night! I got online early to make sure I could get all my connections working. I could go through the pages and pages of other Commissioners eager to start. In total, there were about 475 Commissioners. 75% of the Commissioners had never been to a • The Session will evaluate whether further General Assembly before. We had about 180 Advisory Delegates extension of the suspension of public worship is necessary at its meeting on August 25. representing Young Adults, Theological Students, Mission Partners and Ecumenical Partners. Advisory delegates voted before Historic 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Commissioners voted, thus sharing their advice with us. In order to Church (U.S.A.) is in the books establish a quorum before each plenary, we had to use the online voting system. “Advisory delegates vote!” Followed by a report out of The Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General their advice. Then, “Commissioners, you have been advised, please Assembly of the PC(USA), says it was “all hands on deck” to make vote!” this online assembly come together. “This was a groundbreaking While the Agenda for the first plenary was short, the discussion and opportunity for us and I’m thankful for the staff for putting together a intense involvement with the present circumstances requiring that significant General Assembly that will change the trajectory of our most of OUR business be deferred to the 225th General Assembly work and move us into the 21st century in many ways,” he said. “This took some time to understand and accept. We had been told before is a time of technology and we have to enter that world and figure out the GA started that our Assembly would be abbreviated for several how to move in a different direction.” reasons: (1) we could not hold virtual working Committee meetings, - From Office of the General Assembly, by Rick Jones (2) we therefore would not need Agenda time to discuss, debate and ____________________________ vote on Committee Overtures and (3) under our current Book of Order, we are not allowed to have an electronic meeting for the General Barbara Weiss, FPCN Elder Assembly AND we MUST meet in the year specified, not a year later. Commissioner, Peace River Presbytery This meant that we could ONLY vote on things that impacted the PC Setting the “Stage” (USA) immediately, specifically: Co Moderators for this Assembly, the After a flight from RSW to BWI, the shuttle takes Stated Clerk and the Budgets for 2021 and 2022. Anything that we me to the Baltimore Hilton Hotel, right across the voted on would have to be approved by the 225th General Assembly in street from the Baltimore Convention Center. I 2022. settle into my room and then head over to the The Commissioners approved the amendment of one Standing Rule convention center to see the exhibits before the which would allow us to meet electronically and suspended another first plenary begins. I take a peek into the Standing Rule which conflicted with the amended Rule. We approved auditorium – and see the decorations, dramatic another suspension of a Standing Rule that would allow staging, theatric lighting, and hear loud music. I Commissioners to add late business to the Docket. To me, this was can feel the energy in the sound of old friends the sticky wicket. and new friends talking and milling around before the opening A special vote was requested by a Commissioner to review the CoPlenary. All feeling the excitement of the seven days of important Moderators’ decision to not seat a representative from the University work, discernment, learning, ministry, service, fellowship and prayer of Redlands Graduate School of Theology which now operates the ahead of us. I see the huge banner “FROM LAMENT TO HOPE” former Presbyterian-related San Francisco Theological School. Based introducing the General Assembly’s theme for the week. It’s here – on the recommendation from the Committee on Theological Education the experience for which I cannot believe I have been elected to to review the status of this merger and hold off seating privileges at serve! Nice dream, but not this year... this time, the Co-Moderators did not seat the representative. A Committee member spoke to their recommendation and the CoInstead, inside my windowless den I set up my own equipment and decorated my space with letters from Melana Scruggs and Rex Childs, Moderator requested a vote from the body on whether or not to seat the Redlands representative. The Commissioners agreed with the Coand a care box sent from the Presbytery filled with bubbles, pipe Moderators’ decision to withhold a seat to Redlands at this time. cleaners, legos, silly putty, coloring book pages with colored pencils Continued on page 10 •
Committee meetings and programs will resume one week prior to the reopening of services in the Sanctuary.
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Finance
Below is the church’s year-todate (YTD) income statement comparison through June 30, 2020. There are several factors that influence the financial outcomes including the seasonality of church attendance, the timing of significant donations of stock and IRA distributions, as well as the timing of payments of significant expenses. Consequently, financial results can vary from month to month within the calendar year, as well as compared to the prior year. Offerings are typically strong during the months of January through May when our northern members and friends are local, and begin to pick up again in October through December upon their return. This year was a particular challenge with the onset of uncertain economic conditions brought about by the impact of COVID-19. However, because of our members’ consistent generosity and interest in online worship service, the church’s offerings have increased over the prior year. When our online worship began in March 2020, our average number of views per service was at 600 which was consistent with regular attendance compared to the prior year. Currently the summer viewing has dropped to 400, however, that exceeds our regular summer attendance of approximately 200 per service. Through June 30, 2020 the church has collected 74% of its pledges, which acts as a financial cushion for the leaner summer months.
Anna Focht, Director of Finance annaf@fpcnaples.org To date, we have 271 pledges totaling $1,306,100 toward our goal of 325 pledges and $1,500,000. Concurrently the church has taken measures to reduce expenditures during this uncertain economic environment and has experienced savings on the expense side. Additionally, capital expenditures have been put on hold until further notice, unless they are deemed essential, such as air conditioner replacements and roof repairs. The FPC Preschool closed in midMarch 2020 following recommendations from the Florida Department of Education and Collier County Public Schools (CCPS). As a result, pro-rata spring tuition receipts were either refunded to families or applied to fall tuition at the direction of the family’s wishes. Currently, the preschool is planning re-opening this fall in accordance with CCPS and CDC guidelines, however uncertainty over schools re-opening still exists. We are pleased with the financial results so far this year. You play a significant role in the church’s ministry and we thank you for being an important part of our wonderful First Presbyterian Church of Naples community. With gratitude, Anna Focht Director of Finance Doug Jensen Finance Committee Chair
Become a member of the Palms Society
Please consider making a legacy gift and joining the fifty-one other members of the Palms Society. Your gift will help assure that our efforts to provide wonderful worship and music, mission outreach, ministries of care, and education and programs for children, youth and adults, all continue for years to come. As always, we pledge to do the most good with the resources that you have entrusted to our care. Legacy giving, sometimes generally referred to as “planned giving,” is a donation made by an individual through a will or other formal designation. Legacy gifts are typically prepared with a financial planner and are meant to reflect the values and desires of the donor. As the name suggests, most donors want to leave a legacy or memory of their life through their posthumous giving. And legacy gifts do not have to be monetary, either. They can include material goods, property, stocks— anything that is of value to the Church. No gift is too small to become a member of the Palms Society here at The First Presbyterian Church of Naples. If you want to remember our church, please contact either Craig Goodrich (craigg@fpcnaples.org) Anna Focht (annaf@fpcnaples.org), or Linda Gadkowski at 508.292.5500 to learn more about joining the Palms Society.
Deacons On Saturday, July 18 our deacons gathered to show appreciation to our wonderful worship leaders who provide us with an online service every week!! After filming the worship service, they surprised the staff in the parking lot!
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Missions
Carleton Cleveland, Mission Chair, carleton_cleveland@hotmail.com
Peace River Presbytery Newsletter Article 7/6/2020
experienced mass contagion due to overcrowded living conditions.
The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, Inc. is happy to announce a resounding “yes” vote from the Collier County Planning and Zoning Commission last Thursday to build 128 decent, safe, hurricane-resistant rental units for low-income farmworker families in Immokalee.
At last year’s spring stated Peace River Presbytery (PRP) meeting, $100,000 was pledged to start us on our way to purchase the land,10 acres off Lake Trafford Road in Immokalee. Through the generosity of our churches, we exceeded the pledge and after the final meeting of Collier County Commissioners in September we expect to close and begin the infrastructure. Short term, IFHA is dedicated to solving the problems of families living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions such as mold, rats, snakes, poor or no electrical connections, poor or no bathing and toilet facilities, families forced to live with strangers in the house, broken appliances and other fixtures, lack of play and study areas, and rents consuming 50-60% of the family’s income per month. Especially in these times of coronavirus, the population has
Long term, we hope for a community with pre- and afterschool care, playgrounds, computer access, homework assistance, adult education, religious services and affordable rents. Children will do better in school. Families will be safer and healthier. Housing has been the missing link for many years in assisting farmworker families to escape poverty and exploitation. Lower rents will free up needed money to buy food, clothing, medicines, and other necessities. The ripple effect will be economic growth and stability for the city of Immokalee. The IFHA goal is to build affordable, low-
maintenance, well-managed housing with this neighborhoodmodel and have the dilapidated trailers some now call home condemned by the county. IFHA, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization and this project will be entirely funded by foundation grants, individual and organization donations. There will be no mortgage and IFHA will be exempt from paying real estate tax. Take a look at our website: IFHA.info We are so grateful to the churches of Peace River Presbytery for your prayers and faith in our mission and giving us the jump-start to do what we know the Lord is calling us to do. You are our partners in this endeavor. Any questions can be directed to Carleton Cleveland 203.247.9118 or Alan Pennick 941.735.1231. And we congratulate the addition of our newest board member PRP Executive Presbyter Rev. Melana Scruggs. Welcome aboard! Our Hands--God’s Work.
Missions
Carleton Cleveland, Mission Chair, carleton_cleveland@hotmail.com
Our sister church in Cuba has opened for worship again, with strict restrictions. Beidy reported that she was both excited and nervous about their first Sunday back. They are allowed to have 52 worshippers in addition to Ary, Beidy, and the musicians. Youth are allowed to attend, but no children until September. Here are some photos of the pre-opening cleaning, and the first Sunday.
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Children and Youth
Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth nancyv@fpcnaples.org
Funday School This summer, our children and youth have been meeting on Zoom for Funday School. Each Sunday as many as 22 children and youth have joined us to experience God’s love through friendship and fun. The amazing thing about our time together is that our children and youth lead us in prayer, scripture reading, and reflection – a practice necessary for their faith
formation. Our themes tie into scripture and we enjoy singing and praying together. We also had two lessons on our environment, both researched and led by our youth. This time reminds us that we can be together even while we cannot meet at church. Here are some pictures of the Funday School experience!
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Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth nancyv@fpcnaples.org
Montreat@Home
A total of 11 youth joined us as we experienced Montreat@Home the week of June 29 – July 3, 2020. Montreat@Home was a balance between contemplation and creation. We met twice daily to listen and cultivate our faith as a community on Zoom, even in the midst of social distancing. We began our days with a time of listening to the word of God through stories, scripture and videos to guide us in exploring the conference theme, “We Are” - and then we met later in the day to live our response to the theme. We had time for contemplation – engaging in a different spiritual practice daily – realizing that even though we can read or quote a scripture, it does not go far unless we interiorly integrate it into our lives. We addressed
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questions of the heart and encouraged our youth to lean into their inner authority to embrace their dignity as a child of God. Our format enabled the youth to enjoy more intimate conversations together in “breakout rooms” while also engaging in some rituals which included anointing one another virtually and closing our week with a candlelight ceremony. We also shared how God inspires us while enjoying a virtual campfire and reading our own handwritten poems that illustrated how God shows up in our individual lives. After our closing ceremony, we invited our youth to share their Montreat@Home experience – one that proved to be meaningful in the midst of our new normal. We were so inspired to see how a gathering on Zoom could be so deep and meaningful.
A Spiritual Practice of Identifying Our Emotions
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Session
Continued from page 3—General Assembly When we reviewed the business to be considered in 2022 versus 2020, the Commissioners, in a 425 yes to 39 no vote, agreed that the business was properly separated. The Docket was approved by a 467 yes vote to 2 no vote. After we agreed to the Rules, the division of business and the docket, several Motions came to the floor. Three Motions to add items to the Agenda passed (see: 02-095, 02-096 and 02-030 on www.PCBiz.org). At this point, we had not even started the process to consider and vote on Co-Moderators for our General Assembly. It was 11:30 p.m. We voted to add an extra session to Saturday evening, June 20th, for that purpose. Saturday, June 20th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Poor People’s Campaign Moral March on Washington. Commissioners and Delegates were encouraged to participate in this virtual March on Washington. Numerous celebrities, religious leaders (including our PC(USA) Stated Clerk) spoke to the virtual attendees about the importance of this movement. A number of people impacted by their lack of ability to get work, have food and proper housing spoke to us about the need for justice for all. Continuation of First Plenary – Saturday, June 20th 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. We meet the candidates for Co-Moderators of the 224th General Assembly: Alexandra Hendrick and Moon Lee Elona Street-Stewart and Greg Bentley Marie O’Connell and Arthur Fullerton After watching videos about their ministries and service to the PC (USA) and having the opportunity to ask questions of them, the Commissioners voted to elect Elona Street-Stewart and Greg Bentley as our Co-Moderators. Ilona, a ruling elder, is the first indigenous woman to serve as a Co-Moderator; Greg is a teaching elder. Second Plenary – Friday, June 26th 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. While the Commissioners approved, confirmed, invited and established many items with gusto, the most important work we did, in my view, was learning about the budget for 2021 and 2022. Staff did an excellent job of making very complicated “financial issues” seem understandable. Remembering that one of the major reasons we had a virtual General Assembly was to adopt the budgets for 2021 and 2022, this orientation to the budgeting process was very helpful. Third Plenary – Friday, June 26th 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. I would strongly encourage the reader to go to www.pc-biz.org to read the critical business items that were approved during this session: 00-29 The amended “On the Church in This Moment in History” 00-30 “On Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic” 00-95 and 00-96 A Report from the Native American Coordinating Council and the Native American Church Property Report Here is the Church at its best trying to deal with immediate issues of the day. As you might imagine when you read these statements, the discussion was lively and heartfelt. Fourth Plenary – Saturday, June 27th 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. The fourth Plenary’s Order of the Day was to hold the election of our Stated Clerk. Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson was nominated to serve his second four-year term. We learned about his educational and
career background along with all that he has accomplished during his first term as Stated Clerk. He was elected and celebrated by all participants as we met his wife, also a pastor, and his daughter, a seminary student! Fifth Plenary – Saturday, June 27th 1:45 p.m.- 4 p.m. The majority of this plenary was devoted to higher and theological education. We confirmed the election of the new President of McCormick Theological Seminary, David Crawford. We also approved new Trustees to related seminaries, granted permission for theological schools to celebrate the Lord’s Supper and approved the list of Presbyterian-related Colleges and Universities. We also approved extending the terms for special committees, teams and task forces whose work began at the 223rd General Assembly. Sixth Plenary – Saturday, June 27th 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Here is where the excellent staff work earlier made a difference. The budgets were approved. The issues for discussion were not related to the work presented as much as they were for trying to set up a procedure to meet again if the budget projections were not satisfactory. And to try to place a Motion that would say that no PC (USA) agency would lay off any staff. Neither of these Motions passed, but it DOES show the heart of Commissioners who are very proud and protective of their denomination and staff. The only major change made was to the per capita. Since 2018, the per capita has been set at $8.95 per full time member of a church. It was recommended and approved that the per capita been increased by three cents per full time member, to $8.98. It was noted that per capita giving is down 2.7%. The General Assembly adjourned after spending eight minutes and 46 seconds in silence as we prayed. Saying Good Bye to 224GA -- What I will never forget... -the opportunity to serve Peace River Presbytery as a Commissioner and for their graciousness in preparing me before, during and after this privileged service -the pastors, staff, Session and friends at First Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida for their prayers, love, support and food -the wonderful leadership of PC(USA) – what an incredible staff! Can you imagine having only two months to go from Auditorium “bricks and mortar” convention planning to meeting in a Cloud? Can you imagine the patience shown by the Parliamentarian, the Help Desk staff, the Office of the General Assembly Staff and amazing tech people led by Nathan Young? Their faces, their kindnesses, their abundance of love was amazing! -the opportunity to support the Poor People’s Campaign, to feel totally accepted in saying Black Lives Matter, to better understand and care for the rights and needs our indigenous brothers and sisters -hearing the voices of my sibling Commissioners and Advisory Delegates who expanded my belief that we are in “this” together and that despite differences of opinion, we truly care for one another. -that, in my own way, I was a pioneer. I was part of either “the first ever” or “the one and only” virtual General Assembly -feeling sad that there were people and programs and Motions and reports that weren’t able to be cared for, supported, voted on or received. Pioneering isn’t perfect. But I believe that we came as close to perfect as we could. And pray for forgiveness if I misjudged or misunderstood.
Christian Education
Jill Crawford, Committee Chair, jillccrawford@gmail.com
Wednesday Morning Men Faith and Fellowship Men, are you looking to deepen your faith? Join other committed men in our congregation on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Following the presentation, we join in some question and answer sharing and follow-up discussion. We will gather via Zoom, at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5 with Rev. Craig Goodrich leading the discussion ”What Matters Most” and August 19 with a topic to be decided. For Zoom instructions contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org.
A men’s lunch-time
Bible discussion group Stay connected all summer! All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us via Zoom each Thursday from noon to 1:15 p.m. For Zoom instructions contact Karl Heissner at khh0725@atlanticbb.net.
August Birthdays August 1 Lisa Ethier Saralene Oldham Garrett Richter August 2 Linda Deldin Nancy Erdly Adren Hance Emma Owens August 3 Dave Buley Duncan Connell Cameron Holmberg Anne Marie Weber August 4 Augie Ingoglia Lucy Kuhne Russ Richardson Corbin Wyant August 5 Pam Fisher Don Harlow Jackson Maxwell Ramona Winger August 6 Brice Gerlach Fred Hoffman JoAnn Luster Bill Scott
August 7 Jean Kasten
August 14 Joyce Butts
August 8 Paul Casassa Laura Colville Linda Secrest Jan Witman
August 15 Nancy Kiningham Michael Mans Karen Martin
August 10 Sam Allen Ali Claremont Sted Garber, Jr. Pat Hueter Jeff Rogers
August 17 Julia Bussell Tucker Claremont John Jordan August 18 Jolly Birtwistle
August 11 Jerry Perkins Dan Stellema Owen Witmer
August 20 William Brock Jane Graham Grant Wagner
August 12 Pat Bailey Emery Holmberg Gene McCree Mary Nourse Cal Pratt
August 21 Pamela Pellerito Marie Simele
August 13 Geri Brandt David Brewin Gretchen Knoll Tom Gallant Cathy Norris Sandy Poore
August 24 Frank Iarossi Marty Kempers Forrest Thye Sue Vernia
August 22 Adelaine Fraley Kathleen Maier
August 26 Barbara Henneman Dee Hook Geoff Wardwell August 27 Judy Fultz Patricia Mac Minn Nancy McLaughlin August 29 George Craig Stephen McClure August 30 Kristi Anweiler Linda Cleveland Terry Hoogenboom Gary Nordbrock John Rader Catherine Willett
August 31 Troy Bussell Gene Fraley Patti Schubarth Bob Walkenhorst
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First Presbyterian Church of Naples
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8
250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
STAFF LISTING Name Phone: 239.262.1311 Ministers Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor
Ext.
2035 2027
craigg@fpcnaples.org rexc@fpcnaples.org
Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries
2039
briceg@fpcnaples.org
Christian Education Jack Fogelman, Kidz Lab Teacher Audrey Gordon, Childcare Provider Ashley Hancock, Christian Education Assistant Nancy Van Fleet, Director of Children and Youth
2012 2029
ashley.hancock@fpcnaples.org nancyv@fpcnaples.org
Office Anna Focht, Director of Finance Maria Huffman, Administrative Assistant Angie Johnson, Office Assistant/Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager
2042 2037 2000 2013 2036
annaf@fpcnaples.org mariah@fpcnaples.org angiej@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org sharmanp@fpcnaples.org
Facilities Lisa Ethier, Custodian Eduardo Martinez, Maintenance Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities
2016 2014 2028
lisae@fpcnaples.org eduardom@fpcnaples.org sandyp@fpcnaples.org
Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Lindsay Willkomm, Assistant Preschool Director
2009 2038
ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lindsayw@fpcnaples.org