In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God
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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff I hope you are having a blessed Easter Season. That’s right. Easter is a season. It began with our glorious worship on Easter Sunday and it lasts until Pentecost Sunday which this year is June 4. All the days of May are in Easter.
So how are you celebrating? And what does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to you and to us together? Theologian David Ford in his book The Shape of Living describes resurrection in this way: “For the first Christians the resurrection of the crucified Jesus was an overwhelming event that filled their lives and their horizons. If Christ was truly risen then everything was different. They stretched language to try to express it: it meant new birth, new creation, new hope, acceptance by God, a fresh start in forgiveness, new community across old barriers, an inundation of the Holy Spirit, and the presence of the risen Christ. The dominant note in all this was joy.” Ford goes on to say, “Joy tests us by inviting us to be transformed by it. Most of us are deeply distrustful of the possibility of joy. There are good reasons for our distrust. The yearning for joy opens us to repeated disappointment and the world is full of deceitful or over-hyped promises of joy. To be transformed by joy means to trust, even surrender and that is a massive risk.” (Pages 183-184) I don’t know all of what Ford means by this. I do know however that joy is not a goal in itself but is experienced most often as a byproduct. And I do know that amidst all the trials and disappointments of life, there is joy in our
craigg@fpcnaples.org
being together as a community of grace. There is joy as we engage in our worship, our work and our witness, as we proclaim the good news of resurrection in word and in deed and as we care for each other and this world which God has made and called “good.” There is joy as we look to Jesus. The Naples “Season” may be ending but Easter is not. As we look back over the month of April we have said “farewell for now” and “God be with you there” to many of you. And yet, our life together continues, perhaps at a welcome slower pace. I hope that in this Easter Season you will take time for yourself and for God. I hope that you will trust God and that, wherever you may be in the month of May, that you will discover the joy of resurrection. Faithfully and Gratefully and Joyfully,
From the Pulpit May 7 “Invitation to Breakfast” Rev. Craig Goodrich May 14 “Restored and Forgiven” Rev. Craig Goodrich May 21 Rev. Craig Goodrich May 28 Rev. Craig Goodrich
Finance
Richard Green Finance Committee Chair, rgreen@cbcworldwide.com
Ministerial Budget for 2017 and 2016 financial results
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“Changing and Inspiring Lives for Christ”
Our Plan of Ministry A. To provide meaningful, uplifting and life changing worship every week. Last year we held 76 worship services with 658 in season and during the off season an average of 200 people gathered to praise God and hear his word. The music each service was again outstanding. The special music events were well attended and the Season of Music program was a great success. We are especially blessed with a wonderful organ that is inspirationally played by Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries. The Easter and Christmas Eve services were attended by 1432 and 1086 worshipers. Six parents presented their children for baptism. The Children’s Choir continues to perform and is growing. Our Stephen Ministry continues to comfort those who need spiritual help. Sixty two new members joined the church last year. Since our wonderful minister, Rev. Craig Goodrich has joined us, we have over 115 new members. Our budget includes the hiring of an Associate Pastor in the 4th quarter of 2017. Our capital expenses to improve the church have included new carpet and a new video system. We look forward this year to increased attendance and membership. The first 2 months of 2017 have seen a 5% increase in attendance over a large increase in 2016. Budget total for 2017 is $628,800 (This total includes a percentage of the pastor’s salary and housing, expenses and insurance; an Associate pastor, staff, office supplies and equipment, utilities, telephone, insurance and maintenance.)
B. To nurture persons in their faith journey. Our church has never been one to feel that once a dedication to Christ was made we were finished or that God was finished. It is the reason that we spend a lot of energy and prayer seeking to determine how to help all persons grow in their relationship with the Lord, whether they are three or ninety-three years old. Last year our Sunday school classes continued to grow and we now have 10-15 children attending (32 attended on Palm Sunday). Our Vacation Bible School was a big success. The youth group grew from 8 to 12 students last year. We also offered financial classes for those who were seeking financial guidance. We offered adult education groups including; Adult Sunday School, Wednesdays at First, Women of the Way, Presbyterian Women, Sew and Sews, Prayer Shawl, Lunch Bunch, Huddle, Men’s Club and Men’s Morning Fellowship. We will continue to grow our adult groups and youth retreats. Our preschool tuitions cover all school expenses and contributes to the church’s overhead. The school is looking for a slight increase over last year. Budget for 2017 Total $267,400 (This total includes a percentage of the pastor’s salary and housing, expenses and insurance; staff, children, adult and youth ministry, office supplies and equipment, utilities, telephone, and maintenance.)
C. To witness to our faith in service beyond ourselves. First Presbyterian has always been conscious of the fact that Jesus said, “Go into the whole world.” We see ourselves as servants and laborers in a vineyard that does not belong to us. In the past year we joined with other churches in supporting missions worldwide through the Presbytery and the General Assembly. The Session chairman on Missions is guiding us on many local Charity programs that serve others; Habitat for Humanity, Feed the 5000, Meals of Hope, Back to School Power-Pack (Care Bear), One Great Hour of Sharing and Mision Peniel. There are others that we as a congregation are involved with like Salvation Army bell ringing. Our budget includes an increase for our Mission efforts. Budget total $676,400 (This total includes a percentage of the pastor’s salary and housing, expenses and insurance; staff, support services, office supplies and equipment, Mission programs, Pastor retirement funds, utilities, telephone, and maintenance.)
In 2016 our income exceeded the prior year and we reduced the deficit by over $200,000 from the prior year down to a small deficit of $132,000. Our plan is to have no deficit in 2017. Total needed (excluding the Preschool expenses) to fulfill our mission of “Changing and Inspiring Lives for Christ”: $1,572,000. A detailed line-item budget is available in the church office for anyone who wishes to review it. Richard Green, Finance Committee Chair
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Congregational Care
Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net
adventures is followed by living in neighborhoods resembling ghost towns. Certainly, “yearrounders” may consider summer a time they enjoy a more THE BUS, THE BUS THE B-U-S, ISOLATION AND A peaceful Naples. But, especially SEASON OF NEED for our congregants with decreasing mobility, it means One member of our church family told of a time in isolation and a heightened his younger years when his family prepared his contrast of their current situation older sister for the joy of first attending school. Each school morning there was the bustle of getting with a more fortunate lifestyle. ready and the chatter about how exciting the school Our church family has ways to soften isolation through deacon contacts and congregational care day would be. Then the toddler, his mother, and visits. his school age sister would walk to the school bus stop happily chanting, “the bus, the bus, the b-u-s”. An additional caring ministry offered by First Sister would board the bus, off to adventure. The Presbyterian is our Stephen Ministry which serves little boy would trudge back home to spend a long those of us who are facing an overwhelming season day playing alone. of need. Remember that this care is free, confidential and one-to-one. God doesn’t expect us Similarly to many in our congregation, the end of to carry our burdens alone. Visit the Stephen “the season” is exciting...a time to gather with Minister table on Sunday or call the church office if northern family and friends...a time to travel. But you or someone you know might be helped. for some members in our congregation, summer means isolation. For many remaining in Naples, all the bustle of neighbors getting ready for new
Presbyterian Women
Joan Gust, PW Moderator, jrwgust@gmail.com
The Presbyterian Women will hold their last Gathering of the season on Wednesday, May 3 at noon in Spencer Hall. Luncheon reservations ($7) can be made in Spencer Hall following the services on Sunday, April 30. The program will be the conclusion of their Bible Study.
Our Sew and Sew ladies have been busy over the past year, and would like to brag a bit. We will be sending about 25 dresses to Africa in the next few weeks, and 11 blankets to Guatemala. Over this time period we have sent about 170 hats also to Guatemala. These hats have been made in homes of our members and members' friends' homes.
Missions
Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com
We’re back in the kitchen again! at St. Matthew’s House on Thursday, May 25 cooking and serving dinner to the residents. We need choppers, stirrers, mixers, scoopers, and servers. We also need some new menu ideas.
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Feed the 5,000
Sign up to work and/or bring your menus to the Mission Table in Spencer Hall following Sunday worship. We will be in the kitchen from 2-6 p.m. that day so find your apron and plan to join us.
What is the Weekend PowerPack Program? Our church participates in this national program that provides food on the weekends for school children. These are children that were recognized by teachers and school personnel because they were eligible for free breakfast and lunch at school and were anxious to return on Mondays because they had not eaten over the weekend. FPCN participates on a rotating basis with Moorings Presbyterian Church to provide food packs (the number as requested by the counselor) to children in need. We buy the food items with money collected in the CareBear each week. Our youth package the food packs and leave them at the reception desk. A volunteer picks up the packs and delivers them to Big Cypress Elementary School, our adopted school. The Weekend PowerPack Program will start up again in August. In April we delivered 9 packs every Friday, a decrease of 3 packs per week as a result of three homeless children moving with their family to Georgia for work. Thank you to the congregation for your donations in the CareBear every Sunday that keep this work going, to those of you who “adopt” the CareBear keeping him during the week and bringing him in on Sundays, and to everyone who deliver food packs to the school. We also thank our youth who have prepared the food packs every week. To be a part of this wonderful ministry, sign up at the Mission Table in Spencer Hall. There are many ways that you can participate. We hope that you will join this very worthwhile mission work. There are detailed instruction sheets and someone always willing to help you.
The food we gather in May will be given to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. The Shelter protects victims, and helps heal and transform lives. Suggested items are: Jam or jelly Peanut butter 2 cans tuna or chicken 2 lbs. Pasta 2 cans pinto, kidney or baked beans 2 cans fruit Apple juice Baby food or formula Ushers will have bags with the food list available as we leave the Sanctuary on May 7. Please return them to the Sixth Street church entrance before service on Sunday, April 9. 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. Please note: when you head north for the summer, you can bring in your non-
perishable, unopened food
and we’ll donate it to the next Feed the 5,000 recipient.
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Calendar
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
May SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
7
8
8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 8:50 a.m. Upper Room Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Youth Choir 10:30 a.m. Seekers & Joiners Class 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
4
5
11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group
8 a.m. Men’s Morning Fellowship 8 a.m. Cookie Baking 10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 12 p.m. Preschool Parent Committee 2 p.m. High School 4 p.m. Youth Group
3:30 p.m. Organ Crawl 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
12 p.m. Preschool 8:30 a.m. Teacher Communion Prep Appreciation Lunch 5 p.m. First Friday Event/Parent’s night out
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10
11
12
8 a.m. Facilities Committee 1 p.m. Worship & Music 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee
2 p.m. High School 4 p.m. Youth Group
11 a.m. Sew & Sews 9 a.m. 7 p.m. Cumberland Cookie Baking Church
13 8 a.m. Youth Outing
14
15
16
17
18
8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 8:50 a.m. Upper Room Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
OUTREACH DEADLINE 1 p.m. Personnel Committee
3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting
8 a.m. Men’s Morning Fellowship 2 p.m. High School 4 p.m. Youth Group
9:15 a.m. Women of 9 a.m. the Way Cookie Baking 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministers 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
21
22
23
24
25
26
4 p.m. Session 6 p.m. Preschool Fantastic Finale
2 p.m. High School 4 p.m. Youth Group
9:15 a.m. Women of the Way 11 a.m. Sew & Sews 11 a.m. VPK Graduation practice 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
9 a.m. Cookie Baking 11 a.m. VPK Graduation practice
30
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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.
8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 8:50 a.m. Upper Room Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
28 8:45 a.m. Summer choir rehearsal 8:50 a.m. Upper Room Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
29 MEMORIAL DAY Church office closed Preschool closed
12 p.m. Preschool 2 p.m. High School VPK Graduation 4 p.m. Youth Group 12:30 p.m. Preschool Graduation luncheon
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6
20
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Preschool
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org It is so hard to believe that we only have five weeks of school left! Where did the year go??? We have a very busy month ahead of us. Lots going on; special visits, special performances, and, unfortunately, sad departures.
The first week of May will find us celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. This is the week that gives the parents and the administration the opportunity to truly show our gratitude for the love, dedication, and efforts of our teaching staff. The staff will enjoy bagels, coffee, yogurt parfaits, a taco bar, and, best of all, a luncheon hosted in their honor at Osteria Tulia on Friday, May 5.
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completion of VPK for our oldest students. Our VPK classes will participate in a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 30 at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to come and celebrate with us and our graduates. The Preschoolers are also looking forward to a visit from the Naples Humane Society mobile pet adoption center. Our students will enjoy an informational presentation about the Humane Society and will have the chance to explore the mobile adoption center. Who knows, maybe someone will go home with a new pet!!!
The last day of school is Thursday, June 1. Our students always enjoy one last class celebration on the last day of school, when friendships are solidified for many years to come. It’s been a glorious year with many Our students will enjoy one achievements and activities. We’ll be back at it last visit from the librarian again on Wednesday, August 16 when the Preschool for story time, as well as will welcome some returning friends and some new one more gymnastics class, friends as well. before the year ends. Our Happy Feet participants will share in a few more soccer tricks before the last day of school.
We will hold our annual Fantastic Finale on Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. This evening’s performance gives all of our students the possibility to shine in front of moms, dads, grandparents and friends. Consider joining us for the celebration in the Sanctuary! New this year, we will also mark the
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
YM
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AL AXL AXXL
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
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FIRST FRIDAYS We are in search of First Friday volunteers, Friday May 5. Someone to help cook and prepare the meal (menu includes chicken nuggets, braided rolls, fruit salad, veggies/dip). Someone to hold one, possibly two babies. A volunteer in the craft room. First Friday will continue, due to popular demand, through the summer months. Please sign up to secure your volunteer spot for these months (June-August) as well. YOUTH LOCK-IN The Youth Group will enjoy a Disney-themed lock in on Saturday, May 20. We are looking for a volunteer for the night shift, which will be from 7 p.m.—6 a.m.
VBS Trainings will be held Thursday, May 18 and Tuesday, June 6. Crew Leaders train from 1011 a.m. on both days, and Station Leaders train from 11 a.m.—noon on both days. We are in very serious need of several volunteers at this time. Please don’t wait to sign up!
Pancake Breakfast fundraiser Following the service on Sunday, May 21, the youth will host a pancake breakfast including eggs, bacon and other goodies. A free will offering will be taken with all proceeds benefitting the Youth. We will also have the remaining 144 envelopes available for you to make a donation for the Youth Montreat trip this summer. 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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New Members
Please welcome the following new members and Affiliate members. Our next class will be held on Sunday, May 7. Contact Joanne Slager, 239.272.1568 for more information.
Carleton “Cleve� and Linda Cleveland Donna Estler
Don and Roxanne Barry
Are you interested in knowing what First Presbyterian Church has to offer? Then come to the Seekers and Joiners Class on Sunday, May 7 in the Parlor following the 9:30 a.m. worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship services. New members will be received on Sunday, May 14.
Nancy Erdly
Dale and Charlotte Waters
In Memoriam Julia Stagg April 1, 2017
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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“Women of the Way” May 18—June 29
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. Chittister’s insightful voice brings these age-old words to us in a way that challenges us to pay full attention and to trust where God might be taking us in each season. Her constant refrain is that nothing we experience can take us outside the sphere of God’s love and redemptive purposes for our lives. Each gathering will include time for fellowship and facilitated small group discussion. Class sign up will be in Spencer Hall on May 7 and May 14. Books may also be purchased in Spencer Hall for $10. Date: Thursdays, May 18-June 29 Time: 9:15—11 a.m. Place: Meeting room to be announced
Men’s Morning Fellowship
The Men’s Morning Fellowship will continue on May 3 and May 17 beginning at 8 a.m. Nick Linn will lead the men on May 3 with the topic “Men and Play” and Bill Crawford will lead the group on May 17 with the topic “Men and Rest.” We encourage all interested men of the congregation to attend any or all of the gatherings. Morning refreshments will be available.
Happy Anniversary Please join us on Sunday, May 21 during the worship service as we celebrate Kathleen Law on her 15 year anniversary as an employee of First Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in Spencer Hall.
First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
Beginning May 7 we return to one worship service at 9:30 a.m. Summer Choir rehearsal will be held before worship at 8:45 a.m.
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8