The First Presbyterian Church of Naples
September 2015
IN THIS ISSUE From Dr. Browne Finance
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Music Congregational Care
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Deacons
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Missions Calendar Children and Youth
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Preschool
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News & Events
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Croix Garcia, son of Anne DeVoe Garcia, enjoying the playground on his first day of Preschool.
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Rev. Dr. Will Browne, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff
The Naples Daily News recently ran an extended article talking about change in and the future of the church. While it was an interesting article, it is a small glimpse at a subject that had much research done on it and volumes and volumes written about it. Their article should encourage us to be open to new ways God may call us to be First Presbyterian Church of Naples but it would, in my opinion, be wrong to think what we are and have been, is not the way to be.
willb@fpcnaples.org
that DNA – other changes might work very well in a different church, but not this one. My concern in this would be that we somehow think less of our faithfulness because other people are doing things other ways. This is a good church. Have you heard me say that before? We love God; we look to Christ; and the Spirit runs in our arteries. What we do as FPCN we do with care and excellence – and where we might miss the mark – we are open to do better as the Spirit leads us. Read the article. Enjoy thinking about this, but avoid conclusions. God has a unique call for us and our faithful, joyful and generous response to that call is what matters.
As I have read about the subject of change in the church I have come to several conclusions. First, Jesus Christ is the head of Article 1 the church and as long as we are about Article 2 discerning God’s will and serving as Christ’s disciples we will be what we ought to be. We may not be the most popular church but we will be faithful. Second, my reading suggests that there is not one style of church that is the ‘prime recipe’ for success (whatever that is). People are different and I think it is the part of the grace of God that different styles of church exist. I don’t think we as Presbyterians were ever more than 4% of the population in this country. We never have been a majority church. Instead, we serve a people of various characteristics who are drawn to our Reformed understanding of the faith. Third, research suggests that no one music style will serve all worshippers. The issue, research suggests, is whether that music style is done to the best level of skill possible and with sincerity. The music at FPCN is excellent and classical. Believe it or not there are many young people who prefer our style of music and worship. Fourth, this church as a DNA, as it were, that is part of the genius of what God has called us to be. Various types of music, activities and ministries may be welcomed and possible within
Finance
Richard Green, Finance Committee Chair, rgreen@cbcworldwide.com
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Online Giving Did you know you can make your gifts online? You can pay for Chancel flowers, make a donation to the Benevolence Fund, Feed the 5000, Wish List, Birthday Fund, Stewardship Tithe, Season of Music and more.
Endowment Committee Think ahead. You have a will and an IRA/retirement account. You think you are all set. Remember...the beneficiary form on your IRA trumps your will. Check to make sure your beneficiaries are correct. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help First Presbyterian Church of Naples, please contact Dr. Will Browne at 239.262.1311 or Endowment Committee members Linda Gadkowski at 508.778.6126 or Fred Garner at 239.434.2438. Remember please, these thoughts are general in nature and are not meant to be specific as to your personal situation or to take the place of your professional advisors.
Visit our website at www.fpcnaples.org and look for the “GIVE online” link at the bottom of the home page. Here you will be able to establish a secure online account. For those who pay their pledge online PLEASE NOTE: Although you may have set up an account last year with a recurring gift, you will need set to up a new gift for 2015. For more information or if you need help setting up your account, please contact Sharman Pfaus at 239.262.1311 ext. 236 or at sharmanp@fpcnaples.org.
Deacons Fund Please consider donating to the Deacon Benevolence Fund. Your donation will go directly to one of the three Deacons’ partners in their important local outreach: The Salvation Army, Helps Outreach and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Birthday Mission Fund The Birthday celebration invites members and friends to give one dollar or more for each year of their life on a Sunday nearest to their birthday. These monies are placed in the permanent endowment of the church and the income supports the youth of our congregation who work on mission projects.
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Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
I am just back from our trip to Austria and have been reflecting
music in historic locations. Beyond the music making, we have become friends with many on great musicians we may not have otherwise had all of our great travel and musical experiences the opportunity to meet. It has also been a this summer. I have never taken so much time great privilege to have our whole family travel away from the church in one year and I truly to Europe and to broaden our son Colin’s appreciate the support of this congregation to understanding of the world as well as music and allow me to take advantage of these great the arts. musical opportunities. For the past seven summers our whole family has travelled to Austria where my wife, Michele, has been the soprano soloist for the Classical Music Festival held in the city of Eisenstadt. My role with the festival was to play the piano for the chorus rehearsals, play the organ for the church services and sing in the chorus. Our son, Colin, also sang in the chorus this year. Michele’s brother, Jonathan, travelled with us and was able to attend the church services and concerts. Besides our family, Jan Gazdic and Johnathan McCann (First Presbyterian Choir members) also sang with us this year. Naples and First Presbyterian Church were well represented at the festival!
Colin singing in Mettersburg
The music that we performed this year was particularly beautiful. The mass setting we sang this year was Haydn’s great Mass in Angustiis (Mass for troubled times). This mass is also known as the Lord Nelson Mass. Haydn wrote this mass later in 1798 and he was indeed living in troubled times as these were the times of the Napoleonic Wars and Napoleon was gaining control of continental Europe. Napoleon had won four major battles with Austria in less than a year. The previous year, in early 1797, his armies had crossed the Alps and threatened Vienna itself. In May 1798, Napoleon invaded Egypt to destroy Britain's trade routes to the East. What Haydn did not know when he wrote the mass, was that Napoleon had been dealt a stunning defeat in the Battle of the Nile by British forces led by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Because of this, the mass gradually acquired the nickname Lord Nelson Mass. The Jan Gazdic, Brice, Colin, Michele, Johnathan McCann title became indelible when, in 1800, Lord Even though the format of the Classical Music Nelson himself visited the Esterházy Palace in Festival in Eisenstadt follows the same schedule Eisenstadt, and may have heard the mass every year of rehearsals, church services and performed. concerts, it is still a thrill to sing and play great
Music
Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
The chorus and orchestra at St. Stephen’s in Vienna
The music is definitely reflective of the anxiety of war times in the martial drum beats and the minor key of the opening section, the Kyrie Elesion (Lord, Have Mercy). Haydn’s music takes an optimistic tone in the final movement of the mass in a joyful major key and a fanfare finish of the Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace). It is one of Haydn’s finest settings of the Catholic Mass and it was perfect for Michele’s voice. She sounded absolutely beautiful!
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We performed the Mass in the parish church of Mattersburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna and in the Bergkirche in Eisenstadt (where the piece was debuted in 1802). The main work for the concert in the Esterházy Palace was the Mozart Requiem – a piece written at the end of Mozart’s short life and that was completed by his student Franz Süssmayer. This is truly a monumental work and one of the greatest and most moving choral pieces ever written. It was a privilege to have our entire family perform the Requiem on the same stage, an experience I will not soon forget! I am always grateful for the time to travel and recharge my musical batteries but we are now glad to be home and I look forward to another great year of music at First Presbyterian Church!
Michele singing in Vienna
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Congregational Care
Shirley Hagerson, shagerson@comcast.net
After, I found out that a Stephen Minister is someone who reaches out to provide Christian care by Jack Marsh to people who are having some severe difficulties with life issues that confront us as we go along in Why I become a Stephen Minister. our journey. Whether it’s, hospitalization, terminal illness, financial issues, job loss, marital issues, I was asked by one of the Stephen death of a loved one or even struggling with faith in Minister leaders if I would God, a Stephen Minister is there as a one on one consider becoming a person to listen and help you understand how God Stephen Minister. My first is always there for you. And after I reminded reaction was not to say myself of the commandment that Jesus gave us: “No” as I don’t say “No” or “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), “Yes” to most things until I the decision to commit to the required study and know what is involved; as I classroom time was easy. If God had reached out to want to be sure that I can me through a Stephen Minister leader and blessed give what is required to me with the ability to help people with the struggles obtain the desired results that life sometimes gives us, then I want to be that and be committed to that helping person to share struggles and to reassure end. them God is always there and they are never alone.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
I thank God for this opportunity to be able to minister his word to others.
Deacons
Kim Shoellhorn, Deacon Moderator, ksgjobs@yahoo.com
You’re invited to join us on Sunday, September 13 in Spencer Hall following the worship service for an after church potluck luncheon. If your last name begins with the following, please bring your favorite specialty dish: A-I Dessert J-R Main Course S-Z Side Dish or just bring yourself! Join your deacons for a great meal and good conversation in faith and commitment to FPCN. Reservations are helpful but spontaneity is fine. Sign up in Spencer Hall or call the church office at 239.262.1311.
Missions
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, cmangosdds@comcast.net
Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17 This month, food collection will be for St. Matthews House. St. Matthews House feeds the hungry, houses the homeless, and provides opportunities to change lives for the better, in a caring, spiritual environment. Suggested items are: coffee sugar all purpose flour pasta sauce canned fruit peanut butter jam or jelly canned tuna, chicken, or spam dried beans hot or cold cereal
Ushers will have a Publix bag with a list of desired food items available as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. Please bring your food to the 6th Street church entrance before the service on the second Sunday. If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
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Calendar SUNDAY
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1
WEDNESDAY
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9:30 a.m. Cookie 9:30 a.m Stephen Baking Ministry 4 p.m. Middle School Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
Communion prep
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9 a.m. CE Committee 7 p.m. Choir
10 a.m. Sew & Sews 9:30 a.m. Cookie 4 p.m. Middle School Baking Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
Night of Joy/ Orlando
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11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group 2 p.m. HS Youth Group
9 a.m. Sunday School Church office closed 9:30 Communion Preschool closed Worship 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
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15
16
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OUTREACH DEADLINE 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
Lifeline Screening 7 p.m. Choir
4 p.m. Middle School 9:30 a.m. Cookie Youth Group Baking 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
7 p.m. Choir
10 a.m. Sew & Sews 9:30 a.m. Cookie 4 p.m. Middle School Baking Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 Worship 11 a.m. Deacon’s Brunch 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 Worship Congregational Meeting 10:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 11 a.m. Family Fun Sunday 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
8 a.m. Facilities Committee 1 p.m. Missions Committee 2 p.m. High School Youth Group
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location)
3 p.m. Finance Committee 2 p.m. High School Youth Group 5:30 p.m. Deacons
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9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 Worship 10:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 11 a.m. Youth Outing 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
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location)
SATURDAY
3
location)
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FRIDAY
2
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
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THURSDAY
location)
2 p.m. High School Youth Group 4 p.m. Session
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29
30
7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
7 p.m. Choir
location)
2 p.m. High School Youth Group
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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. 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.
Children and Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
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Beginning in September we will offer our Family Fun Sunday events...and we are all family here. We will gather following the worship service and visit different places around town to get to know each other better, have some family fun and enjoy ourselves. Trips vary from bowling, to the zoo, to a boat ride to see local marine life and many others. Pre–registration is required and prices vary. These are meant to be a family event so all family members are encouraged to attend. Children must have a parent/grandparent with them to participate. Ask our Education Department how you can receive an even larger savings on these trips.
October 2
Time: 5:30—8:30 p.m. Movie: A Bug’s Life Dinner: Bug Grub Spider legs (French fries), Caterpillars in cocoons (hot dogs with cheese), Strawberry lady bugs (strawberries with Nutella) and Worms in the grass (Nutella on celery)
Price: $20 per family
Sunday, September 27 Breakfast and Bowling! Join us for the first Family Fun Sunday of the fall. After service let’s meet at Beacon Bowl on US 41 just north of Pine Ridge Road. Bring $10 per person and enjoy the VIP treatment. We have the private lanes reserved and with your $10 you will receive 3 games plus your shoes. That is not all - breakfast and a drink is also included! Must register with Shana by September 20.
Register by contacting Shana.
If you are interested in any of these events, 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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Children and Youth
Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries shanad@fpcnaples.org
Youth Outing Middle School Youth Group meets each Thursday from 4 - 5:30 p.m. High School Youth Group is held on Tuesday afternoons from 2 - 4:30 p.m. The church bus will pick up at Naples High School at 2 p.m. Preschool
Join us on Sunday, September 20 for a fun afternoon at Sun n Fun Lagoon Water Park. Bring your swimsuit to church. Directly following the service we will go to lunch and make our way to the water park. We will return to the church by 4 p.m. Registration is a must. Contact Shana for registration. Cost is $15 per person. Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org
Celebrating 50 years of educating God’s children.
News and Events
Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
Save the Date! Congregational Dinner
Friday, November 13
A Night on Broadway Featuring Brice Gerlach and Michele Byrd-Gerlach Tickets $20 On sale October 1
In Memoriam Geneva Worley July 29, 2015
O. Donald Gray August 13, 2015
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Children’s Choir begins on Sunday, September 20. All children grades K-5 are invited to join Dr. Brice and Miss Shana in the Children’s Choir Room following worship for music and singing. Parents can enjoy an extra cup of coffee while the children practice. Children will be finished at 11 a.m.
Thank You While the gradual recovery from open heart surgery at NCH continues, I want to thank the congregation for their prayers, support, and encouragement. The Faith/Joy Circle prayer shawl delivered by Shirley Hagerson meant a lot, in addition to providing surprising warmth. Be assured the kindnesses of so many will always be appreciated. Gratefully yours, Bob Graham
BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY Each Tuesday morning we meet at 7 a.m. at Skillet’s on the north trail (behind Wendy’s just north of DeVoe Cadillac). Bring your Bible and your appetite! Everyone is welcome.
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
STROKE DIABETES HEART DISEASE EARLY DETECTION IS KEY TO PREVENTION Wednesday, September 16 Pre-registration is required Call 1.888.653.6450 to register for your appointment and receive a special $10 discount. Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening—$70 Heart Rhythm Screening—$70 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening—$70 Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening—$60 Osteoporosis Risk Assessment—$60 Package 1 Stroke, Vascular Disease & Heart Rhythm 4 tests—$139 Package 2 Add an osteoporosis screening for only $10 5 tests—$149 ALL scheduling is done through LifeLine Screening, not the church office.