In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God
June 2017
IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich
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Music
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Congregational Care
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Missions
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Endowment
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Calendar
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Preschool
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Children & Youth
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News & Events
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See page 3 for the story of the cross
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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff
How do you keep track of your time? I use two calendars. One is on my phone and computer and is a version of Microsoft Outlook. The other is the good, old fashioned “Timemaster” with full spread weekly pages. I still like the “hard copy” and the ability to write things in. I also use it to carry with me a collection of inspirational sayings that I have accumulated over the years and which I keep tucked in the inside flap. Many of these treasures are worn and dog-eared.
craigg@fpcnaples.org
ministers caring and calling; and some wonderful events: the youth pancake breakfast, the celebration of our marvelous Communications Coordinator, Kathleen Law’s 15th anniversary with the Church, Mother’s Day with flowers, sermons on the postresurrection Jesus. Our Presbyterian Women have concluded another season, and the Preschool will celebrate their first graduation ceremony! Mission efforts continue. We miss all of you who have headed north, but there is much ahead for us here.
And looking ahead: We will welcome our summer One is dated March 2, 1992 and is a handout from a music intern, Colleen Kilpatrick. June 4 is Pentecost class I had at Columbia Seminary with Dr. Ben Sunday. Let’s all wear red! Trinity Sunday is June 11 Johnson, a mentor of mine. The class was on and is also the date of our Deacons’ Brunch. “Discerning the Will of God.” Here are some of my Everyone is invited. The preaching schedule is listed favorites and I offer them to you as you consider below. Women of the Way will continue to meet as God’s will in your life, and as we together seek to will the Men’s Morning Fellowship. And also please discern God’s will for our congregation. note the upcoming Vacation Bible School in July. “The will of God begins where you are – it is in you, In all of this let’s give thanks and seek to discern beneath you, part of you; it is under your next step.” God’s will. May it come with clarity and conviction and may we have the energy to respond! “Life is a school in which we learn the language of God, so that God’s will may be discerned and Gratefully and Faithfully, embraced; all students have a right to fail because through failure they learn more perfectly.” “Disciples should always have more confidence in God’s power to reveal his will than in their competence to discern and do it; the weight of it is on God.”
From the Pulpit
“The will of God manifests itself at the interface of our gifts, call, and understanding in the concrete circumstances of our lives.”
June 4 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Hearts on Fire”
“Intimations of God’s will for the future may come to us through intuition and imagination. They come with clarity, conviction, and energy to respond.”
June 11 Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Ministry of Trinity”
And finally, “No greater prayer can be prayed – “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done!”
June 18 Rev. Bill Crawford
As we move into the month of June and its slower pace here in Naples, I am grateful for the month past: Elders and deacons faithfully serving; Stephen
June 25 Rev. Craig Goodrich
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries Tori Woodcock and Alana Ferraro are soloists with our Chancel Choir and travelled with the FGCU Chamber Choir to the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The Worship and Music Committee supported them in their travels and they sent us this letter: Dear First
Presbyterian Church of Naples, We want to thank you for all the support and love you have shown us. This church has helped us in so many ways and we are forever grateful for the support you have for the music program at FPC of Naples. Today we stopped by the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. There are over 100,000 Crosses from all over the world. To show our love and thanks, we put a cross for the church on the hill. Thank you for always supporting us in our various travels and musical journey. We learn so much from travelling abroad and wouldn't be able to do it without the generosity of this church. From, Tori Woodcock and Alana Ferraro
briceg@fpcnaples.org
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Summer Music Intern We welcome Colleen Kilpatrick as our summer music intern. She will be working with Dr. Brice Gerlach for two months this summer. Colleen is a graduate of Ave Maria University. She is an accomplished organist and her work at First Presbyterian Church will involve playing the organ for worship services, accompanying the choir and conducting the choir as well as learning about other aspects of our music program. Colleen Kilpatrick began her piano studies at age four. After moving to Florida in 2007, she received awards in several youth piano competitions in Southwest Florida before entering Ave Maria University in 2012. A music major with concentrations in piano and sacred music, she graduated in May 2016 as valedictorian ex aequo, recipient of the departmental award in music. At 18 years old, Kilpatrick was the youngest member of her graduating class. She served as staff accompanist and coach at her alma mater during the 201617 academic year. Kilpatrick has been studying organ with Brice Gerlach since 2015. She has held positions at Ave Maria Church and Hope United Presbyterian Church in Estero. This is her second year performing in the Festival of Great Organ Music. She will be attending graduate school this fall at the University of North Texas, with a major in collaborative piano and concentration in organ.
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Congregational Care
Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net
Stephen Ministers are laypeople—Christian men and women—trained to provide one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Since 1975, more than 650,000 people from more than 12,000 congregations and other organizations have been trained as Stephen Ministers.
Stephen Ministers Serving First Presbyterian Church
Cynthia Anderson Carolyn Bennett Janie Casassa Tom Clark Isabelle Connell Marilyn Currier Katie Geshay Andie Goodrich Carol Graham Betsy Grant Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Walter Gadkowski Jack Marsh Saralene Oldham Gary Root Suzanne Rose
Fun
Fellowship
Food
You are invited to join the Deacons on Sunday, June 11 for a delicious brunch following the worship service! Open to all!
Missions
Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com
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Feed the 5,000 The food we gather in June will be given to Youth Haven. Youth Haven, located in Naples, provides abandoned, neglected, or abused children with shelter, counseling, therapy, and training. Suggested items are: cans of meat, fish or chicken canned vegetables rice pasta and sauce macaroni and cheese baby food fruit cups or applesauce peanut butter jam or jelly Ushers will have bags with the food list available as we leave the Sanctuary on June 4. Please return them to the Sixth Street church entrance before service on Sunday, June 11. If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000" and placed in the collection plate. Please no open containers or out of date food.
Endowment
Linda Gadkowski, Committee Chair, lgadkows@capecod.net
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.
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Calendar SUNDAY
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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9:15 a.m. Women of the Way 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Cookie Baking Communion Prep 5 p.m. First Friday Event/Parent’s night out
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4 Holy Communion 5
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8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
8:30 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 1 p.m. Personnel Committee
8:30 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group
8:30 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 8 a.m. Men’s Morning Fellowship
8:30 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 9:15 a.m. Women of the Way 11 a.m. Sew & Sews 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
8:30 a.m. Preschool Summer Camp 9 a.m. Cookie Baking
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12
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Youth in Montreat
Youth in Montreat 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 1 p.m. Worship & Music
Youth in Montreat
OUTREACH DEADLINE Youth in Montreat 9:15 a.m. Women of the Way 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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Youth in Montreat 8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Deacon Brunch 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
Youth in Montreat 9 a.m. Cookie Baking
Youth in Montreat
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3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting
8 a.m. Men’s Morning 9:15 a.m. Women of 9 a.m. Fellowship the Way Cookie Baking 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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4 p.m. Session
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10 Youth in Montreat
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9:15 a.m. Women of 9 a.m. the Way Cookie Baking 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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
Teacher Appreciation Week has come and gone, but the Preschool staff certainly enjoyed every bit of the consideration that was awarded. The Preschool Parent Committee plans a week of activities each year to show the staff just how important they are. All of the parents of the Preschool students are invited to participate by donating or sharing in the activities. On Monday, the staff enjoyed breakfast. Parents provided coffee, juice, bagels and cream cheese. Tuesday brought with it yogurt and fresh fruit parfaits, while Wednesday’s activities included a nacho bar! Thursday’s treats were cupcakes and cookies. The week ended with a fantastic lunch held at Osteria Tulia on 5th Avenue. Owner and chef, Vincenzo Betulia, is a parent of three children who once attended the Preschool. In addition to the daily activities, the staff was presented with beach towels that had been monogrammed with their initials. These small gifts of appreciation were intended to show the teachers how grateful the families are for the positive impact they have on the children’s lives.
I, too, am very thankful to have such a great group of teachers! Each teacher is dedicated to ensuring that the students have a fully beneficial experience while enrolled at the Preschool. I’m lucky to work with such talented women.
2016-2017 First Presbyterian Preschool Staff
Christie Bandit (10 years) Alexis Dixon (2 years) Nicki Birrell Jentgen (5 years) Clare Ditheridge (10 years) Colleen Kennedy (12 years) Marylee Finman (7 years) Vicki Briggs (1 year) Jean Oppegaard (2 years) Maria Buell (3 years) Isabella Junkroski (6 years) Claudia Schembri (5 years) Jenny Merino (1 year) Leslie Barreto-Wilkinson (5 years) Sarah Lezgus (1 year) Chrissy Adams (3 years) Liz Psota (4 years) Ashley Houk (6 years)
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Vacation Bible School July 10th-14th 9 am-noon Please complete one form per child. Age 3 (must be potty trained) through completed grade 5. Middle School kids can sign up to help lead activities. Registration must be in no later than July 1st Registration Before June 2, 2017 Cost: $25 for the first child, $15 each additional sibling, $50 maximum fee. Late Registration After June 2, 2017 Cost: $35 for the first child, $25 each additional sibling, $70 maximum fee CHILD’S NAME ________________________________________________________________ GENDER ______ AGE (at time of VBS) ______ BIRTHDATE _____/_____/_____ GRADE/CLASS COMPLETED ______ PARENT/GUARDIAN ___________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________ CITY _______________ ST _______ ZIP___________ PRIMARY # ________________________ CELL# ______________________ E-MAIL ______________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT: _____________________________________________ RELATIONSHIP _________________ PHONE # ’s ____________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________
T-SHIRT SIZE: circle one YS
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HEALTH INFORMATION: Food or other allergies: ______________________________________ Medications: _______________________ Special needs/dietary restrictions: _________________________________________________________________ Liability Release We (I), in consideration for our child/youth attending First Presbyterian Church of Naples Children, Youth, and Family Ministry activities and being under the age of 21, do hereby release, forever discharge and agree to hold harmless First Presbyterian Church of Naples and the directors thereof from any and all liability, claims of demands for personal injury, sickness of death, as well as property damage and expenses, of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred by the undersigned and the child-participant that occur while said child is participating in First Presbyterian Church Children, Youth, and Family Ministry trips and activities. Furthermore, we (I) [and on behalf of our (my) child-participant] hereby assume all risk of personal injury, sickness, death, damage and expense as a result of participation in recreation and related activities involved therein. Further, authorization and permission is hereby given to said church to furnish any necessary transportation, food and lodging for this child. The undersigned further hereby agree to hold harmless and indemnify said church, its directors, employees and agents, for any liability sustained by said church as a result of negligent, willful or intentional acts of said child, including expenses incurred attendant thereto. We (I) are the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of this child, and hereby grant our (my) permission for her (him) to participate fully in First Presbyterian Church of Naples Children, Youth, and Family Ministry activities, and hereby give our (my) permission to take said child to a doctor or hospital and hereby authorize medical treatment, including but not in limitation to emergency surgery or medical treatment, and assume the responsibility of all medical bills, if any. Further, should it be necessary for the child/youth to return home due to medical reason, disciplinary action, or otherwise, we (I) hereby assume all transportation costs. Further, we (I) agree to allow First Presbyterian Church of Naples to use any photographs or video of my child for the purpose of First Presbyterian Church publicity. Either of both parents/guardians must sign. If divorced or separated, custodial parent or legal guardian must sign. This form is valid through August 31, 2017.
Mother’s Signature: _____________________________
Date: ____________
Father’s Signature: _____________________________
Date: ____________
Information update or revocation of this document is the responsibility of the parent or guardian and must be received in writing at First Presbyterian Church, 250 Sixth Street S, Naples, FL, 34102.
Children & Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children & Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Sunday School
We are looking for a few people over the summer to help keep our Sunday School running. Check your calendar for Sunday, June 11 We need one nursery helper – we will have a supervisor in the room, we just need an extra set of hands. 2 teachers are needed for a combined Sunday School class. We have all the material, we just need YOU. We are also in need of Summer Sunday School substitutes. Some of our wonderful volunteers would like to have some down time this summer, however we need of people to replace them. We have all the materials you will need and will work with any hours you are able to give us.
FIRST FRIDAY CONTINUES THIS SUMMER Our First Friday has been so popular we are offering them throughout the summer. We have events planned on June 2, July 7 & August 4. This is a wonderful time to spend together and the jobs are easy. Please contact Shana if you are able to cook, help at the registration table, help with a craft or just hold a baby. The First Friday events are held from 5-9 p.m. but many of the jobs are a fraction of that time.
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We have so many opportunities to help with VBS. You CAN DO SOMETHING! During the days before and after VBS there are opportunities for crafting, decorating, painting, organizing as well as a Sunday Celebration and clean up the week after. If you have ANY time before or after the week of July 10-14 please contact the CE department so we can get you on the schedule. If you are able to help July 10-14, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon we have a REAL need for leaders and helpers. There are special training classes on June 6 to help equip you with everything you will need. VBS Sunday Celebration will be held on July 16 from 9 a.m.—2 p.m. We are trying something different this year. We will have VBS children come into service with their parents for a performance. After service parents are encouraged to go out for lunch while their children stay here and enjoy an afternoon of water-filled fun. We need people to help watch the water slides, help with food preparation and clean up. Also, the YOUTH GROUP will be leading the worship service that day!!! This day will be super busy but AMAZING. Please contact Shana and let her know where you want help out.
If you are interested in an event, either as a volunteer or participant, please contact Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at shanad@fpcnaples.org or 239.262.1311 ext. 229.
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Thank You Please welcome the following new members and Affiliate members. Our next class will be held on Sunday, June 25. Contact Joanne Slager, 239.272.1568 for more information.
Thank you to all involved in last months food drive. It was a big success. Our food pantry was just about empty. Sometimes experiencing a lack of resources wakes us up to the fact that only by the Grace of God can we operate in this world. It just want you all to know how much we appreciate all that you do for Helps Outreach allowing us to serve thousands of people monthly with food, clothing, furniture and most important, to deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God Bless you all. Joe, Angie & Volunteers Helps Outreach
Phyllis Harris
Michelle Power
“Women of the Way” For Everything a Season by Joan Chittister All women of the church are invited to a discussion of this thoughtful book by Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister. Through the study we’ll look closely at the well-known passage in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” and discuss together how we can approach the various seasons of our lives, whether times of joy, grief or something in between. Each gathering will include time for fellowship and facilitated small group discussion. Date: Thursdays through June 29 Time: 9:15—11 a.m.
Dear First Presbyterian Church of Naples, Your gift of $3,000 has helped to ensure that the over 800 students attending our educational programs have the tools necessary to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their children. Your gift has made life-changing opportunities possible for hard-working students like Estrellita, who is finishing her first year at the Culinary Institute of America this spring. Without your partnership, Estrellita would not have been able to attend Grace Place programs for the five years she did. She would not have received the same level of support and encouragement to become the first in her family to graduate from high school. She would not have had a team dedicated to guiding her through the application process and helping her identify scholarships to assist with the financial strain of college. But with us by her side, she had the tools to help her reach her dreams. Thank you so much for your support to our work with children and families. In partnership, Timothy Ferguson Chief Executive Officer Grace Place THANK YOU SO MUCH The youth collected $799 from the Pancake Breakfast. For many of the youth that helped with the event, all of those funds will go towards their monetary requirements for Montreat.
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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Celebration Men’s Anniversary Sunday, May 21, 2017 Kathleen Law Morning 15 years of service Fellowship The Men’s Morning Fellowship will continue on Wednesdays, June 7 and 21 beginning at 8 a.m. Jon Gartley will lead the study on June 7 with the topic “Men and Prayer” and Drs. Tom Gahagan and Ralph Dotson will lead the group on June 21 with the topic “Men and Health. It has been decided that gatherings will not be held in July and we will come together again on August 2 and 16. Topics will be shared in the August Outreach and the Sunday bulletins on appropriate Sundays.
Please be reminded that all gatherings are open to all men of the church so please do drop in and drop out based on your schedules.
Dear friends, I can’t believe it’s been fifteen years since I walked back into this church to begin what has become my second, and much longer, opportunity to serve all of you. There are so many memories during these years. I've attended weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and church dinners. Together we’ve celebrated the births of your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We’ve cried over the death of loved ones, prayed for healing and peace and even sang VBS songs together! But what I enjoy most of all is doing what I do everyday. It’s always something different, never mundane and I've so loved getting to know each and everyone of you. Thank you for the wonderful celebration and the generous gifts. I can’t imagine working at a more fulfilling job. You’ve all made my time here go so quickly and I look forward to many more opportunities to serve you in the years ahead. With gratitude,
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