In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God
July 2017
IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich
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Missions
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Finance
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Congregational Care
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Calendar
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Preschool
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Presbyterian Women
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Children & Youth
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News & Events
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Naples Pier photo taken by Keith Gahagan
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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff In Psalm 121 the psalmist proclaims and promises, “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” Another way of putting this is that God will be with us wherever we go.
craigg@fpcnaples.org
Please see Shana’s letter to our congregational family on page 9.
Shana has served our youth and congregation for the last three and one half years and, to borrow a phrase from our Presbyterian Book of Order, has done so with great “energy, intelligence, imagination and love.” We will surely miss Shana and wish her the very best in It being July in Naples, many of you who are her new call. We will celebrate her ministry on “seasonal” are away from your Naples home and Sunday, July 16 with a reception for Shana, many who are fulltime here are also getting Shawn and her family after worship. away to cooler climes. May the Lord bless and keep all our comings and goings! In the meantime, in all your comings and goings I pray that wherever you are you will be filled As we look back over June (a very rainy month with the faith, hope and love of God in Jesus here!) we give thanks for the arrival of our new Christ. And that being so filled, you will seek to accountant, Steve Bowser, page 10. And we serve him and others in everything you say and have mourned the departure of our saints, do. Thanks be to God! Richard Green, Nancy Stevens, Aubrey Lovegrove and Alan Foster. Gratefully and Faithfully, Our youth have returned from their annual pilgrimage to Montreat, North Carolina. Our deacons hosted a marvelous brunch with amazing food and fellowship. And see the wonderful photos of the Preschool Graduation! (Page 7). Looking ahead to July, there is much that is happening! We will celebrate our American heritage on the Fourth of July and with patriotic music in worship on July 2. Our preaching schedule includes the Rev. Susan Rice on July 23 and is set forth below. There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, July 9 to elect the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. Also please note, the exciting facilities renovations which will take place over the summer (page 11). Finally, we announce to you that Shana Dublan has accepted a position as Director of Children and Family Ministries at the First United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Indiana.
From the Pulpit July 2 “A Blessed Heritage” Rev. Craig Goodrich July 9 “Yoked for Life” Rev. Craig Goodrich July 16 “Good Soil Faith” Rev. Craig Goodrich July 23 Guest Preacher Rev. Susan Rice July 30 “The Ultimate Security” Rev. Craig Goodrich
Missions
Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com
Weekend PowerPack Program Volunteers from FPCN delivered food packs for 12 children every Friday in April including the Thursday before Easter with a special Easter treat or two. Thanks to everyone for their support of this program which collects donations each Sunday morning in the CareBear in Spencer Hall. Three children of these 12 left at the end of April, all in the same family, and all homeless. We pray for them that they are safe and well-fed. The Weekend PowerPack Program is a national program and we are proud to work with a Peace River Presbytery partner, Moorings Presbyterian Church, alternating months to deliver food packs to needy children. It will be our turn again in August when school resumes, so look for updates, keep leaving your change in the CareBear, and sign up to volunteer to deliver the packs to Big Cypress Elementary School. We are making a difference! Your Missions Committee has made contributions to the following agencies:
Columbia Seminary (in honor of Pastor Goodrich) Guadalupe Center Grace Place Habitat for Humanity Helps Outreach Immokalee Child Care Center Juan Kempers Presbyterian Seminary Mision Peniel St. Matthew's House The Shelter for Abused Women and Children
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Following are excerpts from some of the thank you notes received from these organizations.
From Immokalee Child Care Center: “Your support allows us to fulfill our mission to provide a quality preschool education and child care for children enrolled at the Immokalee Child Care Center. The Center strives to give the children the foundation needed to be able to start elementary school with confidence, knowledge and a positive attitude toward education - a key factor to a better future for these children." From The Shelter for Abused Women and Children: “The Shelter values your support as we work to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence in Collier County." From Habitat for Humanity: "Your kindness marks a transformative difference in the lives of a local family." From St. Matthew's House: “Your gift is already being used to accomplish our mission to serve meals to the hungry, groceries to the working poor, structured recovery programs to those struggling with addictions and a comfortable bed for the homeless...Currently 930 children of the Collier County School District are confirmed to be homeless and officials believe the actual number is much higher."
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Missions
Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com
If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First cans of tuna, chicken or ham Presbyterian Church" with canned vegetables the memo marked "Feed the cans of kidney, pinto or 5,000" and placed in the baked beans collection plate. rice Please no open containers or dry pasta and sauce out of date food. macaroni and cheese cans of fruit peanut butter jam or jelly Suggested items are:
Feed the 5,000
Ushers will have bags with During summer months, the food list available when temporary jobs and work you leave the Sanctuary on hours are fewer. Our help is July 2. Please return them to especially important. the Sixth Street church In July we support the entrance before service on Salvation Army, an Sunday, July 9. evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
Finance
The Palms Society The Palms Society is a means for providing church members and friends an opportunity to remember the church in their estate planning, reflecting a commitment to the ongoing ministry of the Church “In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God.�
Information is available at the Welcome Table in Spencer Hall or you may contact the Chair of the Legacy Giving Committee, Linda Gadkowski at 508.292.5500 or Rev. Craig Goodrich.
Summer Giving Summer is in full swing which for many of us means time away from Naples and church. Wherever you may be, we hope it is for you a time of rest, renewal and encouragement. We would also encourage you, if and when you are able, to continue to make your contributions to the church and to make payments on your pledges. This will help greatly with our cash flow. Although the pace slows down, our ministry and expenses continue. We continue to be grateful for your financial commitment and prayerful support. Remember that you can give online at www.fpcnaples.org/give and you can setup recurring gifts if you desire. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the church office. Thank you!
Congregational Care
Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net
Stephen Ministry Testimonial by
Andie Goodrich It’s the paradox of time! On the one hand it feels like Craig and I have been a part of FPCN for years; on the other, time has flown. But one thing is sure. Every day we are aware of the goodness and rightness of our call to this place and to the people who make our church such a strong and loving community. And more personally, Craig and I have experienced a deep and complementary partnership in ministry here, working together while also finding our individual ways of service and purpose. For me, one of these “callings” that opened up recently is to our Stephen Ministry program. I took the plunge at Marilyn Currier’s urging (bless her!) when I signed up for the intensive Stephen Ministry training from January – March of this year. It’s something I’d wanted to do for several years, and it was my time to make the commitment.
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You could say that I come honestly by the care-giving/ministry “gene,” by nature and by nurture. I am a pastor’s daughter (PCUSA), raised in a home where compassionate caring for others was as much a given as going to school or brushing my teeth! I found my particular ways of care-giving played out when I insisted that my brothers come to my woodshed “hospital” to have their backyard battle wounds tended. Or when I subjected my teenage friends to my earnest counsel for their problems – whether they wanted to hear it or not. These were arenas where I found energy, satisfaction. And the care-giving impulse continues today. Now I have the opportunity to be a Stephen Minister, equipped to care in this community I’ve come to love. I’m learning in life generally -- and Stephen Ministry training emphasizes -- that caring for another person is more about simple presence and attentive listening than fixing problems, and I would like to be that loving and Christ-like presence for some. I don’t think there’s a greater privilege. And as we’ve all experienced when we share of our time and energy and hearts with others, we end up receiving much more than we’ve given.
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Calendar SUNDAY
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
MONDAY
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8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
Set up for VBS
9 8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
SATURDAY
Throughout the month of July we will be collecting school supplies for Grace Place. Please see details on page 8.
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Set up for VBS
Set up for VBS 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
Set up for VBS 9 a.m. Cookie Baking 5 p.m. First Friday Event/Parent’s night out
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9 a.m.
8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m.
9 a.m.
9 a.m.
9 a.m.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School
OUTREACH DEADLINE
Vacation Bible School
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8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship with Rev. Susan Rice 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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FRIDAY
4 Independence Day CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Vacation Bible School
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7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Reception for Shana Dublan 10:30 a.m. VBS Celebration 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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THURSDAY
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7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9 a.m. Cookie Baking
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7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9 a.m. Cookie Baking
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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.
Preschool
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
Congratulations Graduates The Voluntary Pre Kindergarten (VPK) students graduated on May 30, 2017. We pray for God to watch over them as they begin their Elementary School years.
First Presbyterian Preschool Caring for the children of the Naples community since 1965
School begins Wednesday, August 16
We still have openings in the 3 and 4 year-old classes. Please contact Preschool Director, Ashley Houk for tours and information. ashleyh@fpcnaples.org 239.262.8315 www.fpcnaples.org/preschool
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Presbyterian Women
Back to School Supplies The Presbyterian Women are collecting school supplies for Grace Place of Naples. During the month of July please place your donations in the designated collection boxes in Spencer Hall, the Church Office and Narthex.
If you shop at Office Depot/Office Max, please remember to tell them that we participate in the “Give Back to School� program and mention First Presbyterian Preschool. 5% of your total will be donated to the Preschool for the purchase of school and office supplies. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Please make your checks payable to Presbyterian Women with a memo for school supplies. Thank you!
Children & Youth
Children & Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children & Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Thank You Dear Friends, Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl delivered by Shirley Hagerson. It warms my shoulders and my heart as I think of your loving and caring generosity. With love, Marge Gunden _____
A special note to Shirley Hagerson about the delightful Prayer Shawl she delivered to me in the Rehab Center...I kept those prayers within the shawl wrapped around me the whole time, and they truly healed me quickly! Thank you ladies who knitted the shawl, prayed over the shawl, delivered the shawl, and created the lovely poem included with the shawl! Thanks so much for everything! Donna Fiala
We welcome our new church Accountant, Steve Bowser. Steve is originally from Morgantown, West Virginia and moved to SW Florida in 2009. In 2013 he and his family moved to Charlotte, N.C. for two years for his wife’s job and in 2015 they moved back to SW Florida. Steve has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible from Central Bible College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Belmont Abbey College. He and his wife, Billie Jo have been married for 20 years and are licensed foster parents to two small children. In his free time, Steve enjoys golfing, cycling, going to the beach, kayaking, and travelling. Those closest to Steve know he is a die-hard West Virginia Mountaineer fan. He studies tax laws for fun, is crazy organized, and loves sports. Steve comes from a big family of 4 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Dear Friends, How blessed I am to call FPC my home church for 34 years. You all came to surround me with the comfort I needed to help me heal. Your prayers made me stronger and your flowers brightened the room and the prayer shawl warmed me like I never knew those shawls could! I hope to be back soon; until then I send thanks and blessings to you all. Love, Barbarann Budd
In Memoriam Richard Green June 7, 2017
Nancy Stevens June 7, 2017
Aubrey Lovegrove June 18, 2017
Alan Foster June 27, 2017
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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Collier County Emergency Management Hurricane season is upon us and early preparation is essential. Tropical storms and hurricanes routinely cause power outages that impact every facet of our existence and we want you to be ready! What if you did not have power/ utilities or safe drinking water for a week or more? Collier County Emergency Management advocates that The First 72 Is All You as there may be no available services or supplies for a few days (72 hours) after a storm. Be sure to have at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day to ensure hydration. For just 3 days, that’s 12 gallons of water for a family of four. Stock your hurricane kit with prepackaged foods that are high in protein, such as peanut butter or granola bars. Also, ensure you have enough prescription medication to last a week or more. Florida’s Emergency Prescription Refill law guarantees you access to a refill during a disaster. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Please visit Emergency Management’s website at www.collierem.org or the DOH-Collier website at www.collierprepares.org for disaster planning ideas and items you will want in your disaster kit.
This summer we are undertaking some needed renovations.
In Spencer Hall we will be replacing the lighting with more energy efficient LED lighting. In the Kitchen we will replace lighting, and remodel the work areas. In the Jassimedes room we will be adding an ushers coat closet. In the hallway behind the kitchen, we will be adding additional closet space. On the second floor administration area we will be replacing cubicles with offices. In the Preschool we will be replacing the carpet in each of the classrooms.
Please be aware of “work in progress” signs as some areas may be closed off temporarily while the work is being completed. You will also be asked for your patience when we relocate Sunday fellowship hour during construction. Follow us on Facebook for renovation pictures and updates! (www.facebook.com/fpcnaples)
First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8
STAFF Name Phone: 239.262.1311 Minister Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor
Ext.
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craigg@fpcnaples.org
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briceg@fpcnaples.org
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jenb@fpcnaples.org shanad@fpcnaples.org
Office Steve Bowser, Accountant Loida Garcia, Church Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager
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steveb@fpcnaples.org loidag@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org sharmanp@fpcnaples.org
Facilities Marc Donell, Maintenance Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities Tina Romero, Custodian
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marcd@fpcnaples.org sandyp@fpcnaples.org tinar@fpcnaples.org
Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Liz Psota, Preschool Administrative Assistant
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ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lizp@fpcnaples.org
Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries Colleen Kilpatrick, Summer Music Intern Christian Education Jen Breen, Administrative Assistant to CE Shana Dublan, Dir. of Children and Family Ministries Ashley Hancock, Nursery Care Lead Daly Cline, Nursery Care Provider