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
NOVEMBER 2012
An Afternoon of Song November 11 4:00 p.m.
From the Senior Pastor
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Children and Youth 3 From the Associate Pastor 3 Worship and Music
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Christian Education
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Calendar
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Preschool
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Mission
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Finance
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Congregational Care
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News and Events
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Celebration
PW gear up for another season! See page 7 for details
Read about how our members take action Page 11
You’re invited to join us each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel
Commitment
Compassion
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From the Senior Pastor
Dr. Edward Thompson, Senior Pastor, edwardt@fpcnaples.org
Dear Members and Friends, No doubt you have found this edition of Outreach in a mailbox full and overflowing with political flyers warning you of the dangers that will befall us if the “other” person should be elected to serve as President. This is only my fourth Presidential election and my second in which I have been entitled to cast a vote. I’m optimistic that democracy can produce a fair and good result, but such optimism is challenged each cycle. I struggle to accept that the excess of money raised and spent on such a race for public service does actually serve us well. Certainly, to be in the advertising industry seems a good option with such a shot in the arm every four years! Sadly, it seems to me that we have put many of our public offices up for sale and the price is always moving up. The consequence is that not everyone who might or ought to run for public office can, due to the price tag! As much as we might support or oppose any one political candidate, let us show appreciation for those who put themselves forward in the honest and earnest attempt to work for the betterment of our society. Regardless of their political affiliation, we do indeed have many worthy individuals on all sides of the aisle who seek to bring public service the very best. For all such candidates I wish them the best. Further, let us be mindful of those within our congregation who serve in elected capacity on city or county Boards and State legislature. From the gospels we hear Jesus respond to a political question regarding to whom should we pay tax. “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and to God the things that are God’s.” Luke 20:25. We live and walk in that mix of the public and the private day after day. Jesus calls us first to be followers yet, as followers, we are to lead lives that bear witness to Christ and
bring about the best for society. That, for many of us, means playing an active role as volunteers to civic and religious organizations, seeking to advance. Sunday by Sunday we pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, and within the Lord’s Prayer we use the words, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I consider this a prayer for action, for involvement, a prayer that leads us and pushes us into public service either as an elected and paid official and/or as a volunteer serving in some capacity to advance a cause that makes a difference for good to the many rather than the few. Let us never tire of praying these lines and let us never tire of turning this prayer into action by the way we live and the choices we make. So, only a few days left to vote and only two months before the Presidential inauguration and the start of another four year cycle of electioneering.
Children and Youth From the Associate Pastor
Rev.Jonathan JonathanEvans, Evans,Associate AssociatePastor, Pastor,jonathane@fpcnaples.org jonathane@fpcnaples.org Rev.
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Our children take part in all parts of the worship, including the Call to Worship, Confession, Passing of the Peace, Proclamation of the Word (scripture and meditation), Lord’s Supper, and lots of singing throughout.
As I write
this, we’ve had three services. With each service, I realize more and more how important this undertaking of our church is. I realize how important our work as I see our children participating in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday and being shaped through this sacrament. They learn about the body of Christ, to which they contribute and from which they receive love and nurturing. They learn songs alongside their parents, relatives, and friends, young and old. They learn that they sing not to perform, but to praise. They learn the biblical story of their ancestors in the faith. To date, we’ve talked about Noah, Moses and the Exodus, and the Temple waters (Ezekiel 47). Other lessons will be on the baptism of Jesus, the temple reading of Jesus, the calling of the disciples.
At the same time we make worship accessible to children, the service also inspires our adult members. The music is diverse in style and genre. We also include art, creative uses of light and graphics, storytelling, and crafts. We don’t do this to be flashy, but to bring imagination to a liturgy that deserves it. You really won’t find anything like this in other churches. You can find other places with a rock band and a flashy speaker, but this style of worship is a generational phenomenon that is slowly fading away. In other churches you can also find a church that has traditional worship with a strong Sunday School program, but this model usually separates children from the experience of worship and being the body of Christ. You are invited to continue taking part in this holy experiment we call Currents. Try it for a while and see how it shapes your faith. You’re invited also to bring someone along!
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Worship and Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
An Afternoon of Song James Cochran, Michele Byrd and Brice Gerlach Sunday, November 11, 2012 4:00 p.m.
A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, December 9, 2012 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.
The concert season opens with a bang! Our Director of Music, Brice Gerlach and his wife, Michele Byrd, combine talents with James Cochran, Director of Music at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church for an exciting afternoon of keyboard and vocal music. In addition to the magnificent Ruffatti pipe organ, Brice and Jim will be playing a Rodgers digital organ as well as a new Blüthner grand piano. The variety of sounds this combination of instruments can produce is amazing. It will be like an orchestra concert with only two keyboard players. The program will include baroque gems, opera classics, hymn arrangements, and some Broadway! You won’t want to miss this special concert!
Sing some of your favorite traditional carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, and many others. Our Chancel Choir will offer such favorites as John Rutter’s Shepherd’s Pipe Carol and Christmas Lullaby, Harold Darke’s beautiful setting of In the Bleak Midwinter as well as Natalie Sleeth’s lovely Baby, What You
Goin’ to Be?
Come and remember the reason for the season! Mark your calendar now for this yuletide afternoon.
Worship and Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
The Chancel Choir rehearses each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Handbell Choir
Join us each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. for rehearsal. For more information please contact our Director of Music, Dr. Brice Gerlach 239.262.1311 ext. 239 briceg@fpcnaples.org
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6 Children Christian Education Youth Christianand Education
Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Wednesday Evening Dinner and Bible Study continues through November 14. Dinner 5:45 p.m. Class 6:30 p.m.
PAUL
JOSHUA
Dr. Edward Thompson
Rev. Jonathan Evans
Dr. Edward Thompson will offer a class on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews and also a Roman citizen who traveled the Mediterranean. These two rivers of influence converge in his letter to the church in Corinth.
What do you do with the grotesque violence of the bible, particularly in the book of Joshua? How do we understand this scripture as authoritative and binding as the rule of life and faith for us? You are invited to wrestle with these questions and the book of Joshua through this course. If time permits, we will delve into issues surrounding Jesus and violence.
The following themes will be covered: Cross and Christian Unity, Kingdom and Family Ethics, Freedom and Responsibility, Worship in the Church, and Resurrection and Christ’s Victory. Let’s gather and learn together.
Please be sure to sign up for dinner and you are encouraged to register for the class to help us be prepared. To register for dinner and/or class contact Kathleen Law 239.262.1311 ext. 213 or kathleenl@fpcnaples.org $7 per meal. Dinner reservations are required by the prior Monday.
Adult Bible Study We meet each Sunday in Room 204 from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. We are returning to our study of the book of John. The 8:30 a.m. time will continue until the church begins two services in January 2013. For more information call Gretchen Oakley at 239.591.3467.
HUDDLE The Huddle men's Bible Study group has reconvened as we join each other with a continuation of our study of the Pastoral Epistles. We are sharing our understanding of 1 Timothy to be followed by Titus. Please feel welcomed as we meet each Thursday at noon until 1:00 p.m. in Spencer Hall. Just bring your own lunch and join us for this fellowship and study. For more information, please contact Roger Miller at 239.774.5552.
Christian Education
Kathleen Law, Law, Administrative Administrative Assistant Assistant for for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org Kathleen
November Circle Meetings Tuesday, November 13 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Wednesday, November 14 9:30 a.m. Love 9:30 a.m. Friendship 9:30 a.m. Grace/Peace 12:00 p.m. Sunshine 1:00 p.m. Honor/Spencer Monday, November 19 7:00 p.m. Eventide
Church Parlor
Marcia Kempers
239.262.7599
Church Parlor Room 201 Youth Room Youth Room Church Parlor
Mary VandeVoren Carolyn Mollers Katie Geshay Janet Root Dorothy Gomori
239.353.1620 239.213.1577 239.592.5358 239.963.9838 239.417.0107
Youth Room
Margaret Green
239.430.4757
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Calendar
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WED
This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call or visit the web www.fpcnaples.org. Deadline for monthly 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, we cannot guarantee that your article will be considered for publication for that
4 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
5 10:00 a.m. Fire Department Puppet Show
6 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 10:00 a.m. Fire Department Puppet Show 11:00 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support
7 10:30 a.m.PW Team 12:00 p.m. PW 5:00 p.m. Bell 5:45 p.m. Dinn 6:30 p.m. Adu 7:30 p.m. Choi
11 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 11:00 a.m. Evangelism Mtg. 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church 4:00 p.m. Season of Music Concert
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13 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 8:00 a.m. Facilities Mtg. 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 3:00 p.m. Communications Mtg. 4:00 p.m. Mission Mtg.
14 9:00 a.m. Bible 9:30 a.m. Grac 9:30 a.m. Love 12:00 p.m. Sun 1:00 p.m. Frien 1:00 p.m. Hon 5:00 p.m. Bell 5:45 p.m. Dinn 6:30 p.m. Clas 7:30 p.m. Choi
18 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
19 7:00 p.m. Eventide Circle
20 21 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible 5:00 p.m. Bell Study (separate location)
25 8:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Currents 12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
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27 28 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible 5:00 p.m. Bell Study (separate location) 7:30 p.m. Choi
Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
DNESDAY
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THRUSDAY 1 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2 3 1:00 p.m. PW Search Committee 9:00 a.m. Communion prep
month.
Coordinating
W Gathering Ringers ner ult Education Class ir Rehearsal
e Facilitators ce/Peace Circle e Circle nshine Circle ndship Circle nor/Spencer Circle Ringers ner sses ir Rehearsal
8 9 9:00 a.m. Tour of Avow Hospice 10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
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15 OUTREACH DEADLINE
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10:00 a.m. Visitation Care Ministry 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
16 11:00 a.m. Preschool Thanksgiving Feast
24 Ringers
Ringers ir Rehearsal
Office Closed 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Service 12:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Dinner
Office Closed
29 12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
30 6:00 p.m. Session/Deacons combined meeting (separate location)
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10 Preschool
Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
Several weeks ago, we held a discussion during example, we’re able to Chapel about what plants need to grow. Responses show that with a warm, ranged from water, sun, rain to seeds, and more. We loving environment (our then talked about how plants can grow bigger and hearts) we are able to fuller with the use of fertilizer. Next, we made a grow new things similar connection to our own lives. God provides us with water (learning to care for and food to help us grow, but the best part of all is when he others) when provided “fertilizes” our souls. We spoke with the right ingredients about using our (patience, prayer, love and of course water and sun!) prayers to thank God for the blessings we have and to ask for help when needed. We often like to watch plants grow at the Preschool. Recently, one of our three year old classes decided to try to grow a pumpkin inside a pumpkin. The class opened the pumpkin up and placed soil inside with the existing seeds. Lo and behold, a new pumpkin vine began growing. Using this
Preschool Director, Ashley Houk with her son, Seth and husband, Scott
Preschool Mission
John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com
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by Gretchen Oakley, Mission Committee Secretary
It is 8:30 a.m. and Patty Rutzler, our first “Mission Action—First Pres Style” candidate is on her way out the door. I was lucky to catch her. I needed a picture of her to go with her story. As you can see, she found one of her with a young girl who is saying thank you for being my mentor and that brings us to Patty’s story.
Patty comes from a volunteering background. At eleven she was helping rake leaves or spring cleaning neighbors’ flower beds. It was always for free. That was the family directive. One day a lady gave her a silver dollar which she proudly showed her mother who said, “Thank you,” took it, and put it in a jar.
In 2002 Patty moved from I also asked Patty if she Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Dudlene Grand-Jean with mentor Patty Rutzler remembered a special moment in Naples and became a member of her work with the “kids,” and she told me about Lasha First Presbyterian Church. If you are acquainted with Mae. Lasha Mae asked why Patty was working with her Patty, you know she is not able to sit and contemplate, at because, “I have a tutor. What are you?” “I am here to least not for very long. So, she joined the Boys and Girls help and love you,” said Patty. “I’m a volunteer.” “What is Club in 2003. In those days the Club was working out of a a volunteer?” asked Lasha Mae. Patty said, “Look it up, one room schoolhouse/church until the Campus at the Lasha Mae.” Lasha Mae went to the dictionary and found corner of Santa Barbara and Davis Boulevard came into out that “A volunteer offers their services to help being. another.” Lasha Mae, hands on hips, fell into a chair and said, “You must be rich.” And from everything Patty told I asked Patty why she chose the Boys and Girls Club in which to invest her time. She said, “It’s always been kids. me about her work I think she must feel very rich indeed I used to teach blind kids to read. I need to be involved.” as she engages in her version of “Mission Action---First Pres Style!” And involved she was and is! She advises anyone who is interested in working with the Boys and Girls Club that P.S. It is only fair that you, the congregation, should be they need lots of energy and want to work with children warned that the Mission Committee will, in the coming who are easily distracted. months, be looking for evidence of “Mission Action-First At the moment Patty is mentoring high school children. Pres Style!” During the summer if the children are full time participants, they get a complete breakfast. Others come at 2:30 p.m. and are given supper from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. As you may guess, along with mentoring, Patty is very often seen in the kitchen. She works two days a week and sometimes more. The volunteers feed over one thousand children per school year.
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John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org Mission
Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 The Shelter for Abused Women and Children will receive our food pantry items in November. The Shelter serves to prevent, and prevail, over domestic violence. The Shelter protects victims and helps heal and transform lives. Suggested items are: Baby food or formula 2 cans kidney, pinto, or baked beans 2 cans fruit 2 cans tuna or chicken 2 pounds pasta big jar of apple juice peanut butter jam or jelly If you are able to help others who are in need, on the first Sunday of each month, pick up a Publix bag as you leave the Sanctuary with a list of suggested food items. Food is collected on the second Sunday of the month before the service at the 6th Street church entrance. If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" and the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
It’s Christmastime—almost! The Shelter for Abused Women and Children has given us a holiday wish list. They are asking for new and unwrapped gifts. They will not accept any items of a violent nature. Wish list items include: Gift cards for Publix, Walmart, Payless Shoes, Target, Walgreens, CVS Children’s board games Nightgowns/PJ’s for children, teens Disney DVD’s Hair dryers/flat irons Make-up/lotions Towels and bath items Books Dishes/pots & pans Twin comforters/sheets Items can be dropped off to Options Thrift Shoppe 968 Second Avenue North, Naples 239.434.7115. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. These items are NOT to be dropped off at the church.
Volunteer as a homework helper with a needy child: Our mission partner, Grace Place for Children and Families, needs volunteers in their after-school programs. Help with homework and reading one or more afternoons a week (3:15- 5:30 p.m.). You will make the difference in the life of a child. Contact Dave at 239.455.2707 or dave@graceplacenaples.org
Can you hear “them bells” a ringing? It’s that time of the year! The Salvation Army is looking for help. First Presbyterian Church has agreed to man the south door of the Neapolitan Publix December 5, 6, and 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shifts are two hours. If you can volunteer or need information please call the church office or John Oakley at 239.591.3467. Come ring those bells!
Finance
Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org
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Financial Report Offerings Budgeted through (the month) September……….$906,425 Actual Offerings through (the month) September……….….$886,791 Actual Offerings are less than Budget by………………...…$ 19,634 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 church accountant, 239.262.1311, ext. 242. The finance committee members are: Lloyd Doerflinger (chair), Terry Brennan, Jan Gazdic, Russ Kempker, Bob King, Karen Martin, Bill Stafford and Tom Stevens.
Congregational Care
Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor jonathane@fpcnaples.org
Christmas Remembrances will be delivered on Sunday, December 16. If you're available to deliver a gift after worship, please pick up the addressed gifts in the Sanctuary after the service.
In Memoriam Leslie Warner, Jr. October 4
FPC Blood Drive Monday, December 3 7:30 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Jean Schaffer October 5 Phyllis Sorensen October 6 Jack Patton October 16
Sign up in Spencer Hall after the worship service or call Mary & Al VandeVoren at 239.353.1620
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Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org
Look what’s new! Dear FPC, Thank you for your generous donation to support the programs of Grace Place for Children and Families. We could not accomplish this important work without your help! Your partnership is most appreciated— together we are making a difference in the lives of children. Grace Place partners with parents and students to provide the educational support and positive mentoring that makes the difference. Stephanie Campbell, Executive Director Thanks so much to my First Presbyterian family for my lovely birthday flowers. With love, Fred Bell Jr.
Our new acquisition is a 2013 Ford Starcraft 15 passenger mini-bus! FPC Staff and Facilities Committee got an overview of the new mini-bus. Easy enter steps, handrails, more seat room, large space for luggage in back, wide windows and overhead storage are all part of the amenities in this smooth riding bus. The driver even gets a back up camera!
First Presbyterian Church has been ever generous to our ministry for which we are very grateful. Many in our community are being blessed because of your church’s caring and sharing. With grateful hearts, we again thank you all from everyone at Helps Outreach. God Bless you. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my church family at FPC, Naples - for all the prayers, kind words, cards, and meals along with your much appreciated visits and support during the difficult time following my surgery. What a blessing to have experienced such love and caring. Christine Miller
Welcome Back to Naples If you are returning from your northern address, please contact the church office at 239.262.1311 or sharmanp@fpcnaples.org to update your information.
News and Events
Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org
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The Nominating Committee is asking all members to assist in the nomination process by
submitting names of members to serve as deacons, sitting elders, and at-large Nominating Committee members. You may use the attached form for this purpose. Remember to talk to those you nominate to be sure of their willingness to serve. Send the form to the committee in care of Sharman Pfaus in the office (see address on form below). Service as an officer is vital to the work of the church, and it is also personally rewarding. In the case of the work of the deacons, it can never be said the deacons are all work and no play! Even in the midst of “work” the laughter and camaraderie of being together is a real joy. Would you like to be part of such a special and fun group of people that are such an integral part of our church life? Please consider serving as a deacon, an elder, a member of the Nominating Committee, or nominate someone who would be perfect for one of these vital positions! Nominating Committee members are Shirley Hagerson, Gene McCree, Joe Patton, Jerry Perkins, Betty Plum, Patty Rutzler (chair), and Corbin Wyant.
Nominating Form Name of Nominee_______________________________________________________________ I hereby nominate the individual listed above for the office of: Elder _______
Deacon _______
Nominating Committee _______
I have confirmed their willingness to serve _____ (check if yes) Name of person who is nominating the above referenced individual: _____________________________________________
Member of FPC _____ (check if yes)
Please return this form by November 12 to the Nominating Committee c/o Sharman Pfaus via mail to: First Presbyterian Church of Naples, 250 Sixth Street South, Naples, FL 34102 or leave in it the offering plate on Sunday to the attention of Sharman Pfaus.
Poinsettias for Christmas You are invited to help beautify our sanctuary for Christmas by purchasing a beautiful poinsettia. A list of contributors and their dedications will be noted in our Christmas bulletins. Please PRINT the information requested below and submit this form to the church office to the attention of Sharman with your check for $20.00 made payable to First Presbyterian Church. Please write “Poinsettia” in the lower left check memo area. All orders must be received in the church office no later than Wednesday, December 5. Please use one form per dedication. You may pick up your poinsettia after the 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.
NAME:
________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________ PHONE:
_____________________
AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ______________
PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Given in Memory of _____________________________________________
Given in Honor of _______________________________________________
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8
First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311 or fax 239.262.1275
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Us! Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Traditional Dinner 12:00 p.m. Members and Friends, please join us on Thursday, November 22 for Worship and Song at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Gather for a separate but special event: A Traditional Turkey Dinner at noon in Spencer Hall. Please feel free to join us for the worship service even if you can’t make it for Thanksgiving dinner! If you are a family of 1-2-3-4 or more and want to share this special day...please let us know by calling the church office at 239.262.1311 and leaving your name, phone number, and number of people attending. Deadline for responding is Thursday, November 15 A complete dinner is provided, but if you wish to share your favorite Thanksgiving appetizer or dessert feel free to bring it with you on Thanksgiving Day. Dinner is a gift, however, donations are accepted. Casual dress.