In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God: we worship, we love, we grow, we serve
July 2021
Rev. Craig Goodrich Worship Session Finance
2 2 3 3
Congregational Care Christian Education Children & Youth Preschool Personnel
4 4 6 7 8
Church News Birthdays New Members Staff
10 11 11 12
2 Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor In Psalm 121 the psalmist proclaims and prays, “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” We know about comings and goings, don’t we? Many of you are or will be away from Naples in July. Our seasonal friends are back north and many of you who are fulltime here are also getting away. May the Lord bless and keep all our comings and goings! In fact, as I write this, I am at our family beach house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The home was built by my parents, George and Nancy, in 1983, 38 years ago. Andie and I have come here with our children and now grandchildren almost every year since. Walks on the beach, riding waves, catching up on our lives and our dreams, puzzles on rainy days, morning coffee, evening wine, and too many books to read. It is a time of restoration, reflection and joy. A time for looking back with gratitude and ahead with hope. And very much a time to live in the present day, the “now,” for that is the only day we have. As one writer put it “the divine moment is the present moment. Collectively, as we look back over the days and moments of June, we give thanks for “Graduation Milestones Sunday” in which we recognized all those who are moving on to the next level and heard a wonderful sermon by Nancy Van Fleet. We celebrated our Preschool Graduation. And for the first time in fifteen months we publicly received new members. Hurray! See photos (Page 11). The Reopening Task Force, so ably chaired by Elder Tom Morr has continued to make recommendations to your Session as we move towards greater in person connections, even as we remain vigilant as the pandemic continues. The most recent Session action is reported on the following page.
craigg@fpcnaples.org
Looking ahead to July, we will celebrate the Fourth of July with patriotic music. Our preaching schedule with a focus on the distinct themes of “power” and “forgiveness” is set forth below. And don’t miss our Staff Spotlight on page 8, this month featuring our Director of Music, Dr. Brice Gerlach. Also in July, two long awaited projects will begin. The first is the playground renovation and the second is the replacement of the pew seat cushions. There is still the opportunity to give to these good works (Pages 3 & 7). And speaking of giving, we thank you for your continued generosity and encourage you to keep it up during these slower summer months. Wherever you are, wherever you find yourself in this gift of a day, in all your comings and goings I pray that you will be filled with the faith, hope and love of God in Jesus Christ. And that you will live this day to God’s glory. Because, after all, if not now, when?
Gratefully and Faithfully,
FROM THE PULPIT July 4 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Paradox of Power” July 11 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Riches of Grace: Forgiveness” July 18 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Best Reasons to Forgive” July 25 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Power Within”
Session
Saralene Oldham, Clerk of Session, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org
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UPDATE TO WORSHIP and MEETINGS Session Update • Masks are no longer required for in-person worship if you have been vaccinated and have adhered to the two week waiting period following your vaccine. This protocol also pertains to children of all ages. • Effective immediately, social distancing will be discontinued and fellowship time will resume following worship in Spencer Hall. • Due to the improved numbers of those vaccinated and the decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Collier County, it was determined that the Reopening Task Force has completed its work and were dismissed from their duties. Decisions moving forward will be made by the staff and standing committees of the church. On behalf of the church, Session extends their deepest appreciation and gratitude to those who served on the Reopening Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is because of their contributions, efforts, discernment, and many hours of research that FPCN’s congregation and staff remained safe during the pandemic and there were no reported cases of COVID-19 as a result of attending worship, meetings or activities of the church. Members of the Reopening Task Force included Chair Tom Morr, Jill Crawford, Fran Engelhardt, Rev. Craig Goodrich, Shirley Hagerson, Roni Haggart, Jim Kier, Deborah Meeson-Vige, Sharman Pfaus and Barbara Weiss.
Finance
Doug Jensen, Committee Chair, d50.jensen@gmail.com
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 contact Anna Focht, Director of Finance. Did you know? For the 2021 tax year, people who take the standard deduction may be able to claim a tax deduction for cash gifts of up to $300 to a charity or church – like the First Presbyterian Church of Naples! Joint filers may be able to claim up to $600 in deductible gifts. Your gift is appreciated and will make a difference in the lives of our church community. Thank you for your support!
Please consult your personal advisors on all tax and financial issues related to any charitable gift you may be considering.
Pews
Playground
Looking Ahead to our Future We would be honored if you would consider making a gift to help us reach our goals for these projects! Pew Seat Cushions – Donated: $45,736 Campaign goal: $50,000 Playground – Donated: $59,070 Campaign goal: $82,000 How to Donate Please designate your gift amount to either Playground, Pew Seat, or both. You may give by check, or give online at www.fpcnaples.org/give. Checks may be mailed directly to the church office at 250 Sixth Street South, Naples, FL 34102. Donations can also be made through the preschool website at www.fppnaples.org/support-our-school and click the “Donate Now” button.
Palms Society
Linda Gadkowski, Committee Chair, linda.gadkowski@gmail.com Anna Focht, Director of Finance, annaf@fpcnaples.org
The Palms Society is a way to honor those who include the church in their long-range gift and estate plans. Your gift will empower future generations to make visible the extraordinary light that comes from God. Our endowment helps support the church, contribute to key programs and protect the church from adverse financial circumstances. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Linda Gadkowski, 508.292.5500 or Anna Focht, Director of Finance, 239.262.1311.
4 Congregational Care
Saralene Oldham, Committee Chair, soldham@helmsbriscoe.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org
Please assist the church office staff and the Congregational Care Committee in taking better care of you. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Be sure to notify us when you change dwelling places, i.e. rehabilitation facility. Tell us about changes in address, phone numbers, e-mail; especially if you are returning from the north. Let us know when you are sick and/or in the hospital. Remember that the hospital doesn’t always notify us if members are there. If you are admitted to the hospital, please tell them you are a member of First Presbyterian Church Naples. Notify us if you aren't receiving church mail, e-mail or the monthly newsletter.
You may contact the church office at 239.262.1311 or e-mail Angie Johnson, angiej@fpcnaples.org.
Christian Education
Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor, rexc@fpcnaples.org
Wednesday Morning Men Faith and Fellowship The men’s Wednesday morning group will not be gathering during July and August. They will reconvene in September and are considering gathering in-person at the church along with a Zoom connection for those who have not returned to Naples or for those who may not be ready to join in person. Our topic for September will be the Book of Acts. More information will be forthcoming as Larry Comstock along with Bill Kearney are in the process of developing an outline of the presentations. Contact Bill if you are willing to be a presenter for one of the defined topics. If you any comments or questions, please contact Bill Kearney, skearney239@comcast.net or Rev. Rex Childs, rexc@fpcnaples.org.
A men’s
Bible Discussion Group All men are invited and encouraged to gather with us in Spencer Hall each Thursday at noon. If unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom.
Please contact Rev. Rex Childs at rexc@fpcnaples.org for Zoom instructions and a link to the meeting.
Christian Education
Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Rev. Rex Childs, Associate Pastor, rexc@fpcnaples.org
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6 Children and Youth
Roni Haggart, Committee Chair, vhaggart@gmail.com Nancy Van Fleet, Dir. of Children & Youth Ministries, nancyv@fpcnaples.org
2021 “BE YOU” Youth Retreat
Ten youth and young adults met online for our “BE YOU” virtual retreat. We talked about who God made us to be, enjoyed some deep reflection and listening, and engaged in contemplative practices. In the evening, we met online for a virtual bonfire complete with s’mores that were sent prior to the retreat in a special FPC Retreat Box. One of our youth joined us from the other coast – the gift of technology!
VBS – Compassion Camp – Changing the World with Lovingkindness On Sundays during the summer, we are meeting online for our VBS. Each week, we have a new Bible story, new songs, new ways to pray and amazing crafts. We even planted some seeds and will watch them grow during the summer as we are reminded of the seeds of lovingkindness that God plants in each of us to share with those around us. VBS also has an environmental component to support who we are as a Green Church! If you have a child or grandchild who would like to join us virtually, it’s not too late. Contact Ashley Hancock at a.
First Sunday of VBS— taking time to give a Father’s Day blessing.
Preschool
Teresa Doane, Elder, twdoane@hotmail.com Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
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Personnel
Barbara Weiss, Committee Chair, bweiss1952@gmail.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff, craigg@fpcnaples.org
Rev. Craig Goodrich writes: “Brice is a joy to work with, and an absolutely dependable and trustworthy team player and colleague. For twenty years now, Brice has anchored this congregation through ups and downs with his extraordinary gifts of music, leadership and Christian character. Brice has led the choir, designed wonderful Seasons of Music concert series, mentored many talented young singers and musicians, and inspired us all. Thank you Brice Gerlach and here’s to at least twenty more years!” Brice has been involved in church music most of his life. After starting piano lessons at age 5, he became interested in studying the organ. At the age of 12, he began organ lessons with Dr. Robert L. Slusser, the Director of Music at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, where his family attended. Throughout his high school years, he studied music and played for church services at his home church. Brice was also involved in his high school music program, playing the clarinet and piano for many choirs and in the jazz band. For his undergraduate degree, he attended the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Russell Saunders and was awarded the Performers Certificate for excellence in playing. After a one year break, Brice attended Indiana University, where he received a master’s degree in organ performance and a doctorate in choral conducting. While at Indiana, he studied with Larry Smith, a protégé of Russell Saunders, as well as Jan Harrington and Robert Porco for conducting. This is where he met his wife, Michele. In 1994, the couple moved to Naples where Brice was appointed Director of Music at Naples United Church of Christ. After serving that church for seven years, Brice moved to First Presbyterian to become Director of Music. He was especially intrigued by the Ruffatti organ, which was under construction in Italy.
Brice Gerlach
Director of Music Ministries Brice and Michele have been very involved in the musical community in Naples. Brice was the organist at Temple Shalom for five years and Michele sang in the choir there. Michele has sung at Trinity by-the-Cove Episcopal Church since 1994 and both Brice and Michele worked with the choruses at Artis—Naples for 25 years, retiring from that work in 2020. They have performed countless concerts and recitals in Naples and the surrounding areas over the last 27 years. In addition to the work at First Presbyterian, Brice teaches organ, conducting and directs the Chamber Choir at Ave Maria University. He was named Artist in Residence at the University in 2019. Brice had a few health scares years ago, surviving stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma twice. With the help of great doctors and lots of prayers from his church family, he has been cancer free since 2004. Between Brice’s two bouts with cancer, Michele and Brice had a great blessing: the birth of their son, Colin. He continues to bring great joy to them as he is growing into a fine young man. One of the things that Brice, Michele and Colin enjoy most is travel. They have been to Europe many times to participate in music festivals and usually extend their trips to travel as a family. The Chancel Choir traveled to Switzerland, Scotland and England to attend the International Church Music Festival led by Sir David Willcocks. Also, for many years, Michele was the soprano soloist for the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria. Even Colin has performed at the Austrian festival. Brice feels very blessed to be a part of First Presbyterian Church and to be Director of Music. It is more of a calling and a passion than a job. This church has been so supportive of the music program that Brice feels it is a privilege to serve the church these past 20 years and he looks forward to at least 20 more!
Personnel
Barb Weiss, Committee Chair, bweiss1952@gmail.com Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor, craigg@fpcnaples.org
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On Sunday, May 23 we celebrated not only Pentecost Sunday, but Staff Appreciation Sunday. If you were unable to attend, or have not yet viewed the service, please log on to our website (www.fpchaples.org/ worship) to watch the taped service. When the worship service concluded, we kept the cameras rolling and filmed the Anniversary Celebration honoring the following employees reaching milestones for continuous service to our church.
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director—10 years
Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries—20 years
Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager—10 years
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities—40 years
10 Church News
In Memoriam Donn Denniston
Stephen Ministers
May 30. 2021
Charles “Chuck” Gomori June 13, 2021
Marilyn Vernon June 13, 2021
Thank You
Dear Friends, Our family has been amazed by the number of people who have reached out to us since Chuck passed away. Each prayer, card, phone call or e-mail has touched our hearts - thank you! A special word of thanks to Jack & Sylvia Marsh for creating the pins the ushers have been wearing in Chuck's memory. Chuck loved ushering and being a part of First Pres. Thanks for the memories. Dorothy, Karen & Ken Martin & Cindy Gomori
The church office will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.
Scheduling Meetings & Events
__________
Dear Members and Friends, I am truly touched and grateful for the outpouring of love and appreciation you have expressed through your cards, calls and gifts as I celebrated 10 years of service with you at FPCN. The day celebrated in the sanctuary was so well thought out and planned by the Personnel committee. A special thanks to Barb Weiss and the Personnel committee, Session, the Palms Society co-chairs, Linda Gadkowski and Roni Haggart for their gift of including me in the legacy of the church, the Presbyterian Women for the delicious cake specially made for me and to Rev. Craig Goodrich for his thoughtful and heartfelt words of affirmation. Saying thank you cannot express enough the fullness I feel in my heart. Thank you for making my “job” so enjoyable and fulfilling. With gratitude, Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager __________
Dear Friends, Thank you so much for the thoughtful staff appreciation Sunday. It’s an honor to be a part of this fantastic staff and congregation. The gifts of goodie basket, Palm Society membership, monetary gift for years of service, the delicious cake and of course, the many beautiful cards. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support received. The First Presbyterian Church is truly the best and I am blessed! Love, Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities
Please note, as we return to holding meetings and events at the church, there is the ability to offer a hybrid style meeting. This means your meeting can be held in person but for those unable to attend, they may have the option to join the meeting via Zoom. We have limited availability due to space/equipment necessities. Therefore, we will offer this service on a “first come, first serve” basis. Please be sure to schedule ALL meetings, whether in-person, Zoom or hybrid, through Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities at sandyp@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 2028
Deborah Meeson-Vige, Committee Chair, deborah.meeson@gmail.com Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Membership
July 1 Brian Boeve Doc Neumann
July 9 Connie Abston
July 17 Don Boyd Isabelle Connell Donna Estler Eric Holt
July 10 Pat Barton Mark Hastings Harry Verhey Beverly Vining
July 2 Bob Padgett July 3 Sharon Cumming July 4 Susan Craig Shirley Bartholomew Estella Platte Bruce Rogers
July 18 Logan Batcher Amy Frick
July 12 Richard Beach Richie Eisenhauer Beth Tomkow Steve Yarbrough
July 20 Jerry Nichols Austin Quinn Reilly Witmer
July 5 Ann Herring
July 13 Marjorie Cashion Maxwell Kellam
July 21 Nathan Owens Jack Tiller
July 6 Kevin Batcher
July 14 Richard Trampe
July 7 Jacque Coombs Janet Magennis Karen Newton
July 15 Emry Brandt-Zorbalas Nancy Daniel
July 22 Susan Corryn Kathy Patton Lois Tichenor
July 8 Bill Crawford Morgan Forsythe Barbara Gray Holly Jensen Ted Pierce
July 16 Andrew Haradean David Jackson
July 23 Steve Hendrick Sally Lutz
July 26 Joan Gust Harriet Tobin July 27 Forest Reeves July 28 Gary Krueger Mark Mollers July 29 Ron Avola Norm Brown Jane Payne July 30 Roxy Barry Ruth Batcher July 31 Joy Buck KC Hornbach David Mills Lynn Thye
July 24 Joan Debbink Katy Mann
Please welcome some of our newest members!
Jeff and Julie Camp
Don and Ann Herring
Bud Elliot
Not pictured: Kristen Fox
Ali Norris
Gay Stover and her husband, Rev. Timothy Stover
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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 Angie Johnson, Office Assistant/Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager
2042 2000 2013 2036
annaf@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