December 2013 by First Presbyterian Church of Naples

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

December 2013

From the Pastors Dear Friends,

Dr. David Horne, davidh@fpcnaples.org Rev. Jonathan Evans, jonathane@fpcnaples.org

The following letter appeared in the Naples Daily News, Letters to the Editor, as the Letter of the Day on Sunday, November 24.

As my interim pastor time with you comes to a close, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been with you. First ALL ABOUT SHARING Presbyterian Church of Naples has been blessed with I want to publicly thank Vann Ellison of great gifts for ministry and mission. During the first St. Matthew’s House and a few residents part of this transition the congregation participated in of Justin’s Place. the Holy Cow survey and table conversations. This resulted in a new Vision Statement from the Session. So often we think of social service The preparation for the election of a Pastor agencies as places to which we give. Nominating Committee (PNC) was completed. The PNC On Saturday night, just the opposite is online and fully engaged in the search process. I occurred. After Ellison gave an have enjoyed working with the Session, Deacons, and introduction about the realities of committees. Your dedication and faithfulness is homelessness in Naples, a few young important to the vitality of the congregation. The men came and spoke to the youth of church staff has been true colleagues in ministry as we First Presbyterian Church about their worked together. I appreciate their team spirit. My experiences in recovery, how they thanks for all the kindnesses the congregation has became homeless and how they extended to me. Your gracious ways are greatly developed their addictions. appreciated. As you move along in this process between installed pastors, my prayers will be with you. May God’s blessing be upon you.

Our youth gained so much from their candor, their life lessons and their dreams. We learned not just about homelessness, but about being human and overcoming adversity.

Dr. Horne

December Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary December 1 - Holy Communion Isaiah 2:1-5, Phillippians 3:4-14 Table Call Dr. Horne December 8 Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12 John The Baptist Dr. Horne December 15 Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1:46b-55 December 22 Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25 December 29

It was a night our youth will never forget, and we are glad they served us that night.

New Member Class New member classes will be held on Sunday, December 8 and December 15 in the Parlor following the worship service. If you are interested in membership or just want to know a little more about First Presbyterian Church, please join us. To register, you may contact Sharman Pfaus at 239.262.1311, ext. 236 or sharmanp@fpcnaples.org. New members will be welcomed Sunday, December 22 during the worship service.

Music Stewardship

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

A Season of Music A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, December 8, 2013 4:00 p.m.

The service of Lessons and Carols follows the traditional pattern of prayers, lessons and music made popular by King’s College in Cambridge, England. Once again we enter into the well-known story of Christmas and are invited to hear the song of the angels, share in the wonder of the shepherds and resolve to be as persistent as the magi. Experience the hope and joy of rediscovering the miracle and wonder of Christmas as told through beautiful readings and cherished music of the season. Sing some of your favorite traditional carols such as O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and Silent Night. The choir will present special Christmas anthems by living composers. American composers will be strongly represented with Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Dan Forrest’s A Christmas Lullaby, and Daniel Kantor’s Night of Silence. Also featured will be two anthems by Phillip Stopford, a young British composer; A Christmas Blessing and A Child is Born in Bethlehem. Come and remember the reason for the season! There is no charge for the concert however a free will offering will be taken. Reception to follow in Spencer Hall. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.

Christian Education

HUDDLE A men’s lunchtime Bible Study Each Thursday the men’s HUDDLE group meets in Spencer Hall at noon for lunch and Bible Study. Bring your own lunch and join in the study of Second Samuel.

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

Tuesday mornings, 7 a.m. at Skillet’s (4170 Tamiami Trail N. behind Wendy’s).

Adult Bible Study is held each Sunday from 8:30—9:15 a.m. in Room 204. Please contact Gretchen Oakley at 239.591.3467 for more information. The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its narrative supplies a bridge connecting the life and ministry of Jesus to the life of the church and the witness of the earliest believers. The work also constructs a link between the Gospels and the Epistles. In Acts, as Luke describes the spread of the gospel and the ministry of the apostles, he focuses primarily on two, Peter and Paul.

December Circle Meetings Date

Circle

Place

Hostess

Phone

Wednesday, December 11 12:30 p.m.

Honor/Spencer

Church Parlor

Dorothy Gomori

239.471.0107

Monday, December 16 7 p.m.

Eventide

Church Parlor

Irene Lichtefeld-Neff

239.262.8464

Tuesday, December 17 9:30 a.m.

Faith/Joy

Church Parlor

Barbara Korntheuer

239.591.0260

Wednesday, December 18 9:30 a.m.

Grace/Peace

Church Parlor

Katie Geshay

239.592.5358

9:30 a.m.

Love

Church Parlor

Mary Vande Voren

239.353.1620

12 p.m.

Sunshine

Church Parlor

Jeanenne Somers

239.434.2168

Presbyterian Women

Our

January 8 meeting program will be Mark Danni the director of the Theater Zone. An accomplished actor as well as director, he is looking forward to an exciting season of productions. His personal story is very poignant and moving. (Incidentally, Mark directed a Passion Play performed by church members at FPC â€œa fewâ€? years ago!)

Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, flgoodnite@aol.com

The February 5 Gathering will be a

Fashion Show.

Our own vivacious models will delight us with many trends, colors and the newest styles from Draper and Damons.

Calling all knitters and those who crochet! Join in the formation of a Prayer Shawl Ministry.

The menu is chicken Caesar salad, croissant, sliced tomatoes, and strawberry rhubarb crunch with whipped topping. January will also bring a new weekly daytime Bible Study and our Blanket Sunday, January 19, when we collect blankets and sweatshirts for those at St. Matthews House. Please watch for notices in the Sunday bulletin and on the e-mail blasts. Many Blessings and Joy to you all during this Advent Season.

Our first organizational meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at 10 a.m. Lessons will be offered and yarn will be given out. If you have any questions please call Dorie Tichenor 239.775.4246, Joan Gust 239.262.4488 or Gail Clark 239.331.3312.

Preschool

Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org

You are cordially invited to join us for the

First Presbyterian Preschool Annual Christmas Sing Along First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Thursday, December 12, 2013 Six o’clock in the evening

supporting

First Presbyterian Preschool Tuesday, 12/10/2013, 4-6 pm Barnes & Noble Waterside Shops Bookfair ID #11211190

Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Barnes & Noble Waterside Shops 4:00- 6:00 pm

Online sales valid from 12/10/2013-12/15/2013

Get your picture taken with Santa Story telling  Face painting  Balloon Artist Visit BN.COM/bookfairs to support us online from 12/10/13 to 12/15/13 by entering Bookfair ID #11211190 at checkout.

supporting

First Presbyterian Preschool Tuesday, 12/10/2013, 4-6 pm Barnes & Noble Waterside Shops Bookfair ID #11211190

A percentage of your Barnes & Noble purchases will benefit our school/organization.

Online sales valid from 12/10/2013-12/15/2013

Children and Youth

Andrea Plueddeman, Director of Children and Family Ministries andreap@fpcnaples.org

WINTERJAM Retreat WEEKEND Middle and High School Students January 10-12 2014

Friday, January 10 we will leave the church after school and drive to Tampa where we will sleep at Forest Hills Church. On January 11 we will attend WINTERJAM Concerts featuring Colton Dixon, Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, Thousand Foot Crutch and many more. After the concert we will drive back to Naples and sleep at the church and attend worship on Sunday. No Youth Group on Sunday, January 12. Itâ€™s going to be an amazing weekend! $35 includes transportation, concert tickets, dinner Friday, breakfast and lunch Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Dinner Saturday is on your own at the concert. You can bring extra money for souvenirs! Sign up/pay by January 8. Contact Andi Plueddeman at 239.262.1311 ext. 229 or andreap@fpcnaples.org for information and retreat details. All students must have a Health Information and Permission Form on file to attend.

Calendar

Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

1 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

2 9 a.m. PW Bible Facilitators 10 a.m. Preschool Fire Dept. Puppet Show

3 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 10 a.m. Preschool Fire Dept. Puppet Show 11 a.m. Alzheimer's Support Group

4 10 a.m. Coffee & Co 10:30 a.m. PW Coor 12 p.m. PW Gatheri 12 p.m. Preschool P 1:30 Preschool Fire 2 p.m. CHAOS 7 p.m. Choir

8 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. New Member Class 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Season of Music Concert

10 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study

11 10 a.m. Coffee & Co 12:30 p.m. Honor/Sp 2 p.m .Christian Edu 2 p.m. CHAOS 7 p.m. Choir

(separate location)

8 a.m. Facilities Committee 12 p.m. Staff Christmas Luncheon 4 p.m. Preschool Barnes & Noble Bookfair (separate location)

15 16 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 11 a.m. Katie Pennock Memorial Service 9:30 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Eventide Circle Christmas Remembrances delivered 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. New Member Class 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 5 p.m. Sunday Night Live OUTREACH DEADLINE 22 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9 a.m. Called Session Meeting 9:30 a.m. New members received 9:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 5 p.m. Sunday Night Live

29 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church

17 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)

9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 10:30 a.m. Preschool Polar Express 4 p.m. Deacons’/Session Meeting 5:30 p.m. Deacons’ Meeting

Christmas Eve Services

18 9:30 a.m. Grace/Pea 9:30 a.m. Love Circl 10 a.m. Coffee and 12 p.m. Sunshine C 2 p.m. CHAOS 7 p.m. Choir

Merr

5 p.m. Family Worship 7 & 9 p.m. Traditional Worship

31 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)

Deadline for monthly we cannot guarante

This calendar does no Contact Facilities Man use. This will alleviate

Calendar

EDNESDAY

omfort rdinating Team ing Parent Committee meeting e Extinguisher training

omfort pencer Circle ucation Committee

ace Circle le Comfort Circle

ry Christmas

Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

5 6 12 p.m. HUDDLE 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking 1:30 Preschool Fire Extinguisher training 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

12 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 12 p.m. HUDDLE 6 p.m. Preschool Christmas Sing-A-long 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

13 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking 4 p.m. Potluck Dinner and Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long

14 1 p.m. Advent Workshop/ Candyland Christmas 3 p.m. Deacon Christmas Remembrances Preparation

19 12 p.m. HUDDLE 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

20 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking 2 p.m. Youth Christmas Party

26 Church office closed 7 p.m. Cumberland Church

27 9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking

y 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, ee that your article will be considered for publication for that month.

ot necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call 239.262.1311 or visit the website www.fpcnaples.org. nager, 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 e any awkward situations from occurring.

Missions

Keith Gahagan , Mission Committee Chair, keithgahagan@yahoo.com

Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 This month we are using our food drive to assist Youth Haven. If you are able to help this worthy program, pick up a Publix bag from an usher as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. The bag has a list of desired food items. Bring your food contribution to the Sixth Street church entrance before the service on the second Sunday of the month. If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" and the memo marked "Feed the 5,000." Suggested items are: 1 jar peanut butter 1 jar jam/jelly 1 pound rice 2 cans tuna, chicken or meat 2 cans vegetables 2 pounds pasta 2 baby food items Macaroni and cheese fruit cups or applesauce Together we provided 64 bags of food to The Shelter for Abused Women and Children last month and contributed $705 to the Feed the 5,000 fund. The Shelter for Abused Women and Children and the recipients thank you.

Christmas is almost at our door just waiting to spring upon us with special plans, fun events and an opportunity for each of us to help feed our hungry world. March 1 we will need many hands, young, old and in between, to fill bags with a nutritious meal for a family of four. This meal will fill four hungry mouths for only $.20. Yes, you heard correctly, a family of four for only $.20. If you would like to contribute please make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church and write “Meals of Hope” in the memo. More news will be coming but until then Merry Christmas and God’s Blessings! Your Mission Committee

The Angel Tree Each year we decorate a tree in Spencer Hall with tags that have children’s names of migrant farm workers at Six L Farm in Naples. If you would like to purchase a gift for a needy child, please take a tag from the tree. We ask that all gifts be securely wrapped and tagged. Some gift ideas are: learning toys, ethnic dolls, books, board games, craft supplies, puzzles, roller skates, skate boards, and gift certificates to Walmart or Target. Gifts should have an approximate value of $20. Please return the wrapped gift by Sunday, December 15.

Congregational Care

Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org

attended: Christian Education, Deacon, Moderator of a UCC Church, and her love of reaching out to the homebound through Christian Visitation. Throughout her life’s journey she has been blessed with God’s grace to survive some very disappointing tephen Ministry is a program of and painful situations. Over the our congregation that equips years as her relationship with God lay persons to provide distinctively grew, she was inspired to share the Christian one-on-one care to those spiritual nourishment given to her who are experiencing various kinds with others. The Stephen Ministry of life needs and circumstances in program along with its training our congregation. Stephen provided her with this opportunity. Ministers back up our Pastors with visits to people who are hospitalized. Every Sunday there is a Stephen Minister at the table in Spencer Hall available for talk and prayer.

This month we are featuring First Presbyterian Church Stephen Ministers, Carolyn Smith Bennett and Barbara Gibson in an effort to “Meet the Stephen Minister.” This pictorial preview represents an opportunity to introduce these Christian lay leaders who are helping make a difference in our Church and in the lives of those hurting individuals they serve.

Carolyn Smith Bennett Carolyn has always enjoyed participating on various committees in the churches she has

Comfort &

Coffee & Comfort, a mutual-help grief group, meets each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Parlor. If you, or someone you know, has experienced a significant loss, Coffee & Comfort is an opportunity to share with an understanding, compassionate group. The group will be limited in size so that all may participate. Marilyn Currier, MSW, Stephen Minister Leader, facilitates the group with the assistance from Martin Blied, a member of the previous Coffee & Comfort group.

Barbara Gibson Taking the training for Stephen Ministry had been suggested to Barbara by her previous church; however, she was still parenting and working. The program has been terrific for her. She has become a better listener, empathized, and supported those upset by unexpected life events. Her faith has been challenged and enriched by each of her care receivers. Seeing them able to cope again has been her greatest reward.

Please contact Marilyn Currier at 239.434.6239 if you would like to be a part of this group.

In Memoriam Jim Schubarth 11-10-13 Katherine Pennock 11-15-13 Marion Chambers 11-17-13 Mildred Morgan 11-18-13 Marjorie Foster 11-19-13 David Wadsworth 11-30-13

Finance

Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org

Financial Report October 31, 2013

Actual YTD Budget YTD 2013 2013

Actual YTD Budget YTD 2012 2012

Offerings

803,496

807,996

952,908

969,788

Other Income Total Operating Expenses

344,230

345,970

382,664

401,785

1,419,692

1,491,534

1,339,478

1,413,320

Operating Gain/(Loss)

(271,966)

(337,568)

(3,906)

(41,747)

If you have particular questions in relation to church budget and expenses, please speak to a member of the Finance Committee or contact Michele Martin, our Director of Finance, 239.262.1311, ext. 242. The Finance Committee members are: Jan Gazdic (chair), Terry Brennan, Don Grandi, Bob King, Karen Martin and Bill Stafford.

YEAR END CONTRIBUTIONS PLEASE NOTE: All 2013 contributions MUST be either postmarked by December 31, 2013 or received in the church office by 2 p.m. on December 31, 2013 in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction for 2013. As we approach the end of 2013, persons who make year end contributions might want to consider donations of stock. Also remember that the IRA Charitable Gift opportunity is available through December 31, 2013. Please contact Michele Martin at 239.262.1311 ext. 242 or michelem@fpcnaples.org if you wish to make a stock donation.

Online Giving now available We are excited to offer you the opportunity to make your contributions online using a secure server. This feature allows you to make a contribution towards the Stewardship Fund, Flower dedications, Deacons Benevolence Fund, Feed the 5000, Birthday Mission Fund, Season of Music and the Preschool Angel Fund. You will find a link on the bottom of the front page of our website, “GIVE online”. You can set up a onetime gift or a recurring gift. If you wish to set up a recurring gift, click on “Create Account” when prompted to set up an account which will allow you to edit your transaction at any time. Online giving accepts checking or saving accounts and VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. If you choose a checking or savings account, the Church will not incur any fees related to your transaction. The Church has computers available for you to use. If you have any questions or need assistance in setting up a gift, please contact Michele Martin, Director of Finance at 239.262.1311 ext. 242 or michelem@fpcnaples.org.

News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

Browse through the pages to learn about the ministries of First Presbyterian Church. Enjoy the new opportunities to register (and when necessary, pay) for events and the option for secure online giving. If you missed a worship service, then visit the Resources page to watch recent services. Also on the Resources page you can read the latest Outreach newsletter or look through the Season of Music brochure. You can even order your Christmas Poinsettia online! The Preschool page allows parents to stay connected with school happenings and download the necessary forms for registration. Also available is Preschool tuition payment through our secure online giving option. There is so much to see and do with more to follow.

News Newsand andEvents Events

Send Send all all publication publication submissions submissions to: to: publications@fpcnaples.org publications@fpcnaples.org

Thank You A meeting of approximately 150 Presbyterians gathered at our church on Thursday, November 21 for business, worship, inspiration and service. On the Wednesday night prior to the Presbytery meeting, many of the representatives from other churches served a meal to the needy in Immokalee and learned more on the mission work in that area. A very special THANK YOU goes to our staff and volunteers that spent many hours, serving, planning and sharing. The volunteers on the planning team were: Katie Geshay, Jeanenne Somers, Betty Mangos, Barbara Church, and Chuck Gomori. A special thanks to Sharman and Sandy who were working with me in planning and along with the help of Betty Mangos and Barbara Church finished my job as organizer when health issues interrupted me. Thank you all very much! Ann Goodnight

problem. If you are willing to help call Kathleen Law at 239.262.1311. Thanks again and Merry Christmas! Gretchen Oakley, Mission Committee  I wanted to send a thank you for continuing to keep me in your prayers It means the world to me to know that U have support coming from all over. Thank you for your prayers as they have truly helped during my time of need. God Bless you all, Crystal Fulton  There are not enough words to say how thankful I am for everyone who worked and attended the Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks to those who cooked the food (good job Mike, on the turkeys) those who set the dining room, those who cleaned and washed the dishes and especially those who enjoyed dinner. Joan Gust

Many thanks to all of you who have volunteered to ring the bells for the Salvation Army’s 2013 fund raiser. We have all the time slots filled, but we could use two or three substitutes—just in case of a

Ushers are needed

for the Season of Music Concert Series and Christmas Eve Worship. Please sign up in the Jassimedes Room off the Narthex. If you have any questions, please see Chuck Gomori or call him at 239.417.0107.

News and Events

Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org

Each year the Deacons assemble gifts to be delivered to those who are homebound, in need of some TLC or perhaps lost a loved one this past year. Members of the congregation are encouraged to help deliver these gifts to those who live close to them. Christmas Remembrances will be delivered on Sunday, December 15. If you're available to deliver a gift after worship, please pick up the addressed gifts in the Sanctuary after the service. Thank you for your support.

Potluck dinner and Christmas Sing-a-long Friday, December 13 Join us in singing all the old time Christmas Carols around the piano with Marilyn Currier. Those whose last name begins with the following, please bring: A-G, main course; H-P, dessert; Q-Z, salad/side. Caroling begins at 4 p.m., Dinner at 5 p.m. Sign up in Spencer Hall or by calling the church office at 239.262.1311.

First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311 or fax 239.262.1275

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