In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God
August 2017
IN THIS ISSUE From Rev. Goodrich
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Music
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Education
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Congregational Care
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Missions
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Calendar
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Facilities
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APNC Committee
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VBS pictures
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News & Events
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Vacation Bible School children enjoying their lesson.
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Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff
craigg@fpcnaples.org
In his letter to the church in Rome, bios and duties appear on page 10. We all look the apostle Paul summarized the forward to their work and pray for their discernment gospel with these breathtaking in leading us to our new Associate Pastor. words, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, We warmly welcomed our new members, page 15. nor rulers, nor things present, nor And we celebrate the lives of our departed saints things to come, nor powers, nor Robert Esler and Louise Daub, page 14.
height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to Looking ahead, we are about to begin a month or so separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our of renovation. Sandy Poore, our Facilities Director, Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39). has described this work in detail on pages 8-9. At the heart of it, this is why we exist as a congregation: to show the love of God to each other and to the world. Remember the old youth song, “They will know we are Christians?” Do you remember how the rest of the line goes? “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Not by our propositions, not by our building, not by our creeds or words alone. No. “They will know we are Christians by our love.” But do they? Will they? My hope is that we will become more and more, as individuals and as a congregation, full of this love, the source of which is the Holy Spirit. And I hope wherever you may be this month, you are having a good summer. Andie and I enjoyed a July visit to Naples from all our children and grandchildren, and at the end of July a week in Bass Lake, California with the Evans family, a place we have been going to almost every summer for over 40 years. Perhaps you have places like that? Even so, it has been a busy time in the life of First Presbyterian of Naples. More than 60 children and 20 volunteers participated in a wonderful Vacation Bible School, concluding with a Sunday morning anthem sung by the children which included these words from Romans 8, “If God is for us, who can be
against us?”
We said farewell to Shana Dublan, our Director of Children and Family Ministries, who with her husband Sean and children, has moved to Indiana to serve a church there. Also in July the congregation elected the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. Their photographs,
Thanks to all of you for your cooperation and your generosity that has made these needed improvements possible.
After a month off from meetings, many of our committees and the Session will begin meeting again in August. Through all of this, I pray that we will know deep in our hearts that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. And that knowing this, we will live it! Faithfully and Gratefully,
From the Pulpit August 6 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Feeding the 5,000” August 13 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Water Walking” August 20 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Out of the Heart” August 27 Rev. Bill Crawford
Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
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A note of appreciation from Boy Scout Troop 2001 As many of you know, a few months ago, my amazing family and I did a concert to raise money for myself along with 9 other boys and two adults to have one of the most life-changing experiences of our lives. We went to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. I recently returned and want to tell you about this incredible adventure.
Troop 2001
At the Summit of Mt. Baldy
We started off in Colorado Springs for rock climbing, white water rafting, and touring the Air Force Academy Chapel. Plus the biggest bonus was that we got to stay in a hotel in a real bed for the three days that we were there. That didn’t last for long! After a five-hour bus ride, BOOM…..Troop 2001 has arrived! In those five hours we had gone from a fairly busy city to “nowheresville,” Cimarron, New Mexico. The first day at base camp was all about medical forms, getting our supplies, and learning things from our ranger, Chris, a friendly Southern-boy from Georgia. All of these things were building up to the this! It was a huge rush of emotions. The next real adventure. It finally hit me! I am going to do morning, we got up at 5:30 a.m. and loaded a bus and drove to the trail. On that bus ride the rangers said that if you didn’t look back to the Tooth of Time, you weren’t going to make it home. Well, I made sure I looked back!
On the Trail
The next thing we know, we are on the trail, hiking over rivers, rocks, and, if there is one thing I can tell you about Philmont, it’s that there is dirt, upon dirt, upon dirt. We learned from Ranger Chris about all the things to do once you got to camp. Camp shoes
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Education
Music
on, camping chairs out, and sit and relax…..nothing could be farther from the truth! We had to put up all of the food that we weren’t eating in a bear bag and then tie them up with a rope, and hoist them up in the air. Then we tied the rope around a tree, but you had to put sticks around it so the rope didn’t hurt the tree. That was just one of the many things we had to do at camp. As the days went by, with Chris gone and our troop on our own, I realized that the hiking was way easier than setting up camp. It was hard for us to work together sometimes, but we worked through it. One of our scouts served as a Chaplain’s Aid and one as the Wilderness Guru. The Chaplain’s Aid had us sit down and would help us connect with God and help us with our struggles. I distinctly remember, seven days into the hike, we had hiked up to the summit to pray with God. The sunset was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was a perfect view of Mount Baldy, which we had already climbed, and where we were yet to go…..the Tooth of Time. There we asked each other for forgiveness for our mistakes, and this was one of the most life-changing moments out of the entire trip. There are many more stories of Philmont, but those were just some of the great things that happened during my time there. None of those experiences could have happened for me and my friends without your help. So thank you for your generosity and support for my scout troop. It really means a lot to us. Thank you again. Colin Gerlach
Men’s Morning Fellowship
The Men’s Morning Fellowship will continue on Wednesdays, August 2 and 16 beginning at 8 a.m. Bill Kearney will lead the group on August 2 with the topic, “Men and Hope.” Nick Linn will lead on August 16 with the topic, “Men and Nutrition.” Please be reminded that gatherings are open to all men of the church so please join us as you are able.
Colin and his Mom, Michele
Congregational Care
Shirley Hagerson, Director of Congregational Care shagerson@comcast.net
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met my future husband after the war I worked in hospitals in London practicing audiology. It seems to be a recurring theme, being a listener.
Stephen Minister Isabelle Connell
Latterly, I was a caregiver to my wonderful husband of more than sixty years who rests in our Memorial Garden. After my husband’s passing my son and his family encouraged me to join the church. When I joined First Presbyterian I found myself uncertain if I had documentation of having been baptized in my youth, especially having grown up during the war. Pastor Goodrich joyfully baptized me and assured me, “There’s no harm in being baptized again.” Coincidentally, my only grandchild, Madison, was also baptized at First Presbyterian.
When I was first approached about possibly becoming a Stephen Minster my initial thought was, “I’m too old.” I was As the advertising campaign used to say, encouraged that was not an issue. I must “Can you hear me now?” In many respects say, our existing team of Stephen Minsters that is the greatest privilege of being a Stephen Minister. I’m not a big talker but a and the wonderful instructors that handled the classes helped me realize I had made good listener. the right decision. I pray I may bring to By way of background, I’ve been attending Stephen Ministry open ears, an open heart First Presbyterian off and on for roughly and a lifetime’s experience that may provide twenty years. Born and raised in Britain and comfort and solace to those who simply a child of the Second World War I believe I need someone to talk to. may bring a certain sensibility to being a listener. While still in Britain and where I
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Missions
Pat Nordbrock, Committee Chair, patnordbrock@gmail.com
"We are moving! During the month of August we will be moving into the Schoen Family Complex, which is home to the Family Resource Center and the Bright Beginnings buildings. We will also be preparing Bowen Hall for tear down. There is much to be done! Come out and help us move, pack and prepare for the school year in our new buildings. Dates and times are flexible throughout the month of August! Our Friday Food Pantry is burdened during the summer and needs your help. We find our pantry
shelves are more likely to be barren, necessitating our need to purchase more food, Demand is at its highest as many of our families see their hours cut during the summer and our volunteer workforce is sparse since many of our volunteers head north for the summer. Consider coming with a friend or a group and volunteer together throughout the day in our Friday Food Pantry. For more information, call Chrissie Guzman at 239.234.2467 or email chrissie@graceplacenaples.org"
Feed the 5,000 Suggested items are:
During summer months, temporary jobs and work hours are fewer. Our help is especially important. Grace Place is a faith-based, non-profit, community center teaching literacy and life skills to at-risk children.
Dried rice Dried beans Cans of tuna, chicken or meat Canned fruit Canned vegetables Powdered milk Dry children’s cereal Ushers will have a Publix bag available as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of August. Food donations will be collected at the 6th Street church entrance on the second Sunday.
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.
Calendar
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
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WEDNESDAY
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THURSDAY
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11
12
18
19
25
26
7
8
9
10
Preschool teachers return
8 a.m. Facilities Committee 1 p.m. Worship and Music Committee
7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music 8:30 a.m. Preschool Teacher Orientation
7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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14
15
16
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9:30 a.m. Worship Back to School Blessing New Members Received 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
10:30 a.m. Preschool Open House 4:30 p.m. APNC
OUTREACH DEADLINE 10:30 a.m. Preschool Open House 5:30 p.m. Deacons
8 a.m. Men’s Morning 7 p.m. Cumberland Fellowship Church 8:30 a.m. First Day of Preschool 7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music
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21
22
23
24
7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music
7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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29
5 9 a.m. Communion Prep 10 a.m. Louise Daub memorial service
9:30 a.m. Communion Worship 10:30 a.m. Seekers and Joiners Class 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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4
SATURDAY
8 a.m. Men’s Morning 7 p.m. Cumberland 5 p.m. First Friday Fellowship Church Event/Parent’s night 7 p.m. Cumberland out Church Music
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9:30 a.m. Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
FRIDAY
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7 p.m. Cumberland Church Music
This calendar does not necessarily 7 p.m. Cumberland include all events that are scheduled. For additional information, call or visit Church the website www.fpcnaples.org. Contact Director of Facilities, Sandy Poore to reserve a room for your meeting.
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Facilities
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
Preschool classroom before and after
The above pictures are of the upstairs office cubicles between Craig and Brice’s offices. Two new offices will be constructed for Sharman, Executive Office Manager and Steve, our Accountant. The new offices will allow for more privacy when dealing with sensitive information.
Facilities
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
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Summer slow-down? Not at FPC. Sandy Poore, our Director of Facilities, along with her team, Marc Donell and Tina Romero, have been hard at work this summer. For any construction and renovation project there is always the prep work to be done. And that is usually the labor intensive work. In the Preschool they have moved countless pieces of furniture; tables, totes, toys, bookcases, chairs and more! All of this was to get ready for the carpet installers to do their job. When the carpet was finished, guess what? Yes...all of that had to be moved back into the rooms, cleaned and set up to get ready for the new school year which begins August 16. Also, the walls had to be cleaned and the floors that weren’t carpeted had to be stripped and waxed. That’s just the Preschool! The upstairs hallway (outside the elevator and choir room), along with the restrooms have all been painted and it really brightens everything up! Next, the Choir Room will get a new fresh coat of paint. Some of the other renovations...The upstairs office space, where there were three cubicles, is being reconfigured into two offices. The cubicles had to be emptied, heavy filing cabinets moved and then all of the cubicles had to be taken apart, piece by piece and stored. During all of this we replaced an air conditioner and had others serviced. The summer storms have created nearly daily power surges to our systems and service calls to our alarm company and electricians. So as you can see, we don’t necessarily slow down in the summer months. This is our time to get some projects completed so that when school and events begin again, we’ll be ready. Thank you all for your patience as we work through our “summer slow-down!”
This summer we are undertaking some needed renovations.
In Spencer Hall we will be replacing the lighting with more energy efficient LED lighting. In the Kitchen we will replace lighting, and remodel the work areas. In the Jassimedes room we will be adding an ushers coat closet. In the hallway behind the Kitchen, we will be adding additional closet space. On the second floor administration area we will be replacing cubicles with offices. In the Preschool we HAVE replaced the carpet in each of the classrooms.
Please be aware of “work in progress” signs as some areas may be closed off temporarily while the work is being completed. We ask for your patience when we relocate Sunday fellowship hour during construction. Follow us on Facebook for renovation pictures and updates! (www.facebook.com/fpcnaples)
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Introducing the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC), representative of the whole congregation and elected by the congregation, has the ultimate responsibility for nominating a minister to the congregation for election as the next associate pastor. Over a number of months, the APNC will journey through the pastoral search process, seeking to hear the call of Christ and “to participate in God’s own choice” for your next associate pastor. In the pastoral call process, the APNC’s responsibilities include: Completing the congregation’s Ministry Information Form (MIF) and submitting it to session and presbytery for approval; Entering the approved MIF online with Church Leadership Connection (CLC); Receiving, reading, and evaluating Personal Information Forms (PIF) in a spirit of prayerful openness to the movement of God’s Spirit; Regularly providing reports to the congregation on the search progress; Narrowing the field of prospective associate pastors through listening to sermons, reference checking (by both the APNC and the presbytery), and phone or video conference interviews—all while sharing, listening, and praying together; Interviewing face-to-face the “short list” of prospective associate pastors, providing for a welcoming and hospitable visit to your church community; Arranging with the presbytery for the necessary examinations and approvals of your finalists; Selecting one nominee to present to the congregation and negotiating the terms of call; Obtaining presbytery approval of the call; Presenting the nominee to the congregation for its vote; Following the affirmative vote of the congregation, signing the pastoral terms of call for the new pastor; Notifying Church Leadership Connection (CLC) when a call has been extended and accepted.
Name: Carleton “Cleve” Cleveland Education : B.S. Business, Wittenberg University Church Experience: Deacon; Elder; Chaired Mission Team 3 years, Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, CT 1983-2016; Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY 1982-1983; West Presbyterian Church, Binghamton, NY 1971-1982; Member FPCN since January 2017 Background : Financial Advisor Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch 1970 - present; Married to Linda Wilson; son, Wilson; daughter, Adrienne and granddaughter, Rosemary Name: Jennifer Haire Education: B.S. Business, University of Florida Church Experience: Baptized, Confirmed Member of FPCN; Deacon; Member FPCN since June 1993 Background: Stofft Cooney Architects, Operations Manager for Naples & Sarasota offices; husband, Tate; two sons, 5 year old Jackson and 2 year old Tyson; parents, Doug & Chris Rogers (members of FPCN); brother, Jeff Rogers (member of FPCN), sister, Barbie Kellam (member of FPCN)
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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Name: Doug Jensen Education: Associate of Arts Degree, Willmar Community College Church Experience: Deacon; Ruling Elder; Chair of Associate Pastor Nominating Committee; Member of Capital Campaign; Chair of Building Planning Committee and Member of Building and Grounds Committee, Lake View Presbyterian, Chicago, IL; Serves as Usher and Greeter at FPCN; Member FPCN since September 2016 Background: Underwriter, Marketer and Manager for Property/Casualty Insurance Organizations; President of not–for–profit Property Insurance Company; Illinois FAIR Plan Association; Married to Holly for 48 years; one son, one daughter and 4 year old grandson Name: Walter M. “ Bill” Kearney Education: B.S. in Secondary Education (Math); M Ed in Guidance and Counseling; Certification in School Administration Church Experience: Lutheran Church Council Member and President; Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher; Pastor/Associate Pastor Nominating Committee; Member of Church Planning and Building Committees; Head Usher; Committee Chair for Community Outreach; Congregational Dinner and Co-Chair for Adult Education Men’s Study Committee, Guest Sermon Presenter; Member FPCN since November 2008 Background: School Board Member; Mathematics Teacher; School Guidance Counselor; Asst. Principal; Director and Asst. Director of Voc/Tech Center; Served on numerous service and city boards; Married to Sharlene for 62 years; 3 children; 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren Name: Elizabeth A. (Betty) Mangos Education: B.S. Nursing, St Louis University Church Experience: Elder (2 terms); Deacon; PW Moderator; Missions Committee Chairman; Member of Worship & Music, Christian Education, Facilities and Stewardship Committees; Sunday School Teacher and VBS Volunteer. Presently serving as Church Chairman, PW Circle Leader and Cluster Leader for District 5 Peace River Presbytery PW; Member FPCN since September 2003 Background: Full-time Hospital Staff Nurse in Surgery and Post-Anesthesia Recovery for over 30 years; Nurse Manager of large OR in St. Louis; Charge Nurse of Post-Anesthesia Recovery; ACL instructor; worked at Naples Day Surgery North until 2015; Mother of two sons and three grandchildren Name: John Slager Education: 2 years college; attended Army Engineer School; US Air Force Church Experience: Deacon; Treasurer; Choir Member at Gano Reformed Church, Chicago; Sunday School Teacher; Choir Member of Faith Reformed, So. Holland, IL; Deacon FPC of Naples; Member FPCN since May 1995 Background: 35 years in the engineering department of Verson Press MFG, last 7 years as Special Asst. to V.P. of Engineering; retired Jan. 1987; married to Joanne for 56 years; daughter, Jill; son, Jack and 3 grandchildren Name: Barbara (Barb) Weiss Education: B.S. Ed. Northern Illinois University, Communication; M.A. Purdue University, Communication Theory/Small Groups; J.D. Villanova University School of Law Church Experience: Trustee (Elder); Deacon; Sunday School Teacher; Youth Group Leader; Small Spiritual Growth Group Leader and Pastor Wife; serves FPCN as Women’s Leadership Team and Bible Study Teacher; Member FPCN since January 2017 Background: HS as College Communication Teacher/Instructor; Law School Adjunct Professor; Associate General Secretary (VP); Chief HR Officer and Legal Counsel for National Headquarter Offices of The American Baptist Churches in the USA; married to Daniel E. Weiss, who has two grown children and two grandchildren
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
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Farewell Shana On Sunday, July 16 we bid farewell to our Director of Children and Family Ministries, Shana Dublan. We wish Shana and her husband, Sean and children Isaac, Lauren and Liam all the best as they begin their new journey in Indiana.
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News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
First Presbyterian Church of Naples is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant for the Executive Office. The position requires excellent computer skills, proficiency in verbal and written communication and the ability to deal with confidential information with discretion. For more information, please contact Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager.
On Friday, August 4 we will be hosting our First Friday program from 5 - 9 p.m. and we could use your help. We need volunteers to help in the nursery, prepare the meal, sign in children, and help in the youth room with the older children. If you’re interested in helping, please contact Jen Breen, Administrative Assistant for Christian Education at 239.262.1311 ext. 212.
In Memoriam Robert Esler July 7, 2017
Louise Daub July 21, 2017
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 and you can setup recurring gifts if you desire. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the church office. Thank you!
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Thank You A world of thanks to everyone who donated to the Grace Place back to school collection. Your contributions have made a huge difference for many children.
Membership at First Presbyterian Church One becomes a member of the church by professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We receive members by a firsttime profession of faith, by letter of transfer from another church or by a reaffirmation of faith in Christ.
Sandra Nixon
If you would like to become a member of this church or if you have questions about the church, we invite you to come to the Seekers and Joiners Class on Sunday, August 6 in the Parlor following the worship service to learn more or visit the Welcome Table following the worship services. Contact Joanne Slager, 239.272.1568 for more information. New members will be received on Sunday, August 13 at the 9:30 a.m. service.
Walter & Alison Yang
Jane Payne
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First Presbyterian Church of Naples 250 Sixth Street South Naples, FL 34102 www.fpcnaples.org 239.262.1311
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID Naples, FL 34102 Permit No. 8
STAFF Name Phone: 239.262.1311 Minister Rev. Craig Goodrich, Senior Pastor
Ext.
235
craigg@fpcnaples.org
239
briceg@fpcnaples.org
212
jenb@fpcnaples.org
Office Steve Bowser, Accountant Loida Garcia, Church Receptionist Kathleen Law, Communications Coordinator Sharman Pfaus, Executive Office Manager
242 200 213 236
steveb@fpcnaples.org loidag@fpcnaples.org kathleenl@fpcnaples.org sharmanp@fpcnaples.org
Facilities Marc Donell, Maintenance Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities Tina Romero, Custodian
215 228 216
marcd@fpcnaples.org sandyp@fpcnaples.org tinar@fpcnaples.org
Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director Liz Psota, Preschool Administrative Assistant
209 238
ashleyh@fpcnaples.org lizp@fpcnaples.org
Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries Colleen Kilpatrick, Summer Music Intern Christian Education Jen Breen, Administrative Assistant to CE Bethany Gordon, Sunday School Lead Ashley Hancock, Nursery Care Lead Daly Cline, Nursery Care Provider