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
July 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
From Dr. Browne 2
Finance 3
Congregational Care 4
Preschool 5
Children and Youth 6
Calendar 8
Missions 9
News & Events 10 Leaders and students at Montreat
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and
all that is in it,
the world, and those who
live in it;
for he has founded it on the
seas,
and established it on the
rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
The first half of Psalm 24 is a celebration of our
identity in the Lord. We are reminded that all
belongs to God for God created the world and
everything in it including us! We are asked a
question of our acceptability and then of our
character. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
Those who have a character that is clean, pure,
devoid of falseness and deceit. Finally there is
the promise of blessing and salvation for the
company of those with appropriate character and
with the desire to see the face of God.
I have to confess that as I consider this psalm, I
read it first as Will Browne. What is required of
me in order that I might stand in God’s holy
place? But as I read it more carefully I realize the
‘you’ is plural not singular. The offered blessing
that leads to seeing the face of the Lord is for
those who come in worthy company.
I lift Psalm 24 up because one set of company in
which we live and have our being is that of our
nation. This month we celebrate our collective
independence on July 4th. It is right and proper to
give God thanks for this nation of which we are a
part. But the killings in Charleston, SC remind us
that we are an imperfect nation. A part of us is
violent and racist and criminal. The good news is
that grace is not just for individuals. It is for us as
a people gathered to be the church. It is for us as
a people gathered to be a civil society. It is for us
when we are the nation, the United States of
America.
O God, forgive us our sin against you even
as we ask forgiveness for those we make
victims of our worst character and
inclinations. Grant us that in grace, we
might become the land of the free and the
brave – the land to which we aspire. Help
us become better people, inclusive of all in
the nation, especially our brothers and
sisters in Christ of every race. We ask this
in Jesus name. Amen.
2 Rev. Dr. Will Browne, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff [email protected]
Finance Natalie Duff, Director of Finance, [email protected] 3
Endowment Committee
Have you considered having your legacy continue at First Presbyterian Church after your lifetime? If so, please consider a current gift, a gift in your will or trust, or a gift by a beneficiary designation in a life insurance policy, a retirement account, or a bank or investment account. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help First Presbyterian Church of Naples, please contact Dr. Will Browne or Natalie Duff 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.
Pledge Summary as of
June 22, 2015
225 pledges received, totaling
$617,697. This represents 96.7%
of our goal of $637,000.
132 Pledges were increased
24 pledges were decreased
69 pledges stayed the same
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. 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 up a new gift for 2015. For more information or if you need help setting up your account, please contact Natalie Duff at 239.262.1311 ext. 242 or at [email protected].
4
Congregational Care Shirley Hagerson, [email protected]
STEPHEN MINISTRY by Betsy Grant
Who is Betsy Grant??? A question I ask myself often. First I am BLESSED and I know it. My life is a journey that extends through years
of amazing things that I thought I could not do or experience...Just ask me! It is the bad, the hard and the ugly that humans remember. They seem to be the things that make us grow and expand. My story is probably yours. At 75 years old (I am shocked) I like myself...I know I have lots to give and share. Hopefully I do that every day. I have an open personality according to my friends and colleagues. I can accept and deal and help a vast variety of people.
Things I have done that I feel great about are my children, grandchildren, my ability to create beautiful things, i.e. flower arrangements and running and owning a business or two.
I know that who I am is a woman who uses her skills and humor to navigate the world. I feel and share JOY. SMILE. That is how I hope the world sees me. Just come and ask me...Betz
Please help us keep track of parishioners who are in the hospital, at rehabilitation, in assisted living or a nursing facility. We would like to care for you as best we can and it is difficult for the Deacons, Stephen Ministers and the pastor to do visitations or give assistance if we can’t locate our members. Please call Sharman Pfaus at 239.262.1311 or Shirley Hagerson at 239.596.3125. Thank you for your assistance in this important ministry.
5
The end of the year was full of fun and excitement. To celebrate, we invited the City of Naples Fire Department to visit and also enjoyed water day. We hope that these memories will follow
our students into Summer and that they are all looking forward to building more memories next year.
Ashley Houk
Preschool Director
Summer Preschool Schedule: Office closed: June 15-August 3
Ashley Houk, Director, can be reached by e-mail
at [email protected] at any time.
Preschool tours are available by appointment.
Lucy saying hello
to Fireman Dan.
Carmine loved the
sprinkler.
Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, [email protected]
Miss Leslie got
in the spirit and
dressed as a
fireman!
6 Children and Youth Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
Montreat 2015
7 Children and Youth Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
Montreat was a place to connect with God. It included
friends, worship, close small groups, music and moving
sermons. I want to thank you all for helping me to go as I
wouldn’t have been able to if it wasn’t for you.
Cole Breton
Montreat was a time for me to be further educated and
come closer to God. It was an amazing experience for my
first time there and I can’t wait to go next year. I would
finally like to thank the congregation for your generous
contributions that let all of us go to a wonderful camp.
Jack Breton
Montreat was the first thing I did this summer. However,
I’ve been getting ready for it for months. The theme of
our week of the conference was “This is our story.” It
was all about how ours and God’s stories were
intertwined. I learned so much and I met so many new
friends. I can’t wait to go again next year. Thanks so
much! Abby Canfield
I woke up on Saturday morning at the late hour of 6 a.m.,
excited, but honestly incredibly nervous. I heard things
would be changing in the next week for me, but how
exactly and by who? Fast forward three days, and I’m
singing my heart out during worship, crying during small
groups, and laughing at night with the new friends I've
made. Montreat is a very special place, to say the least.
It is a place where God can be found around every corner,
at every meal. Even the most disbelieving person would
succumb to the feverish intensity and love that Montreat
fills every man and woman present. I saw some incredible
acts of love, of change and of faith on this trip. I’d like to
thank this church from the bottom of my heart for allowing
me and my friends this amazing opportunity to grow in
our faith, and to find God even more than we had before.
Billy Canfield
Montreat was such an eye-opening experience for the
group and for me. The bonds and relationships I made
with other conferees, both familiar and new, were
incredible. We appreciate so much anyone who made it
possible for us to go and anyone who supports our youth
group. We can’t thank you enough. Marie Canfield
I absolutely adored Montreat. It has been the best camp
I’ve ever been to in my life. I made some amazing friends
and experienced something I haven’t in a long time, true
friendship. Thank you all so much for giving me that
amazing part of my life. Gabe Cleveland
I normally don’t get to experience God’s amazing
beauty through mountains and forests. I enjoyed a
feeling of shared belief and community through singing
and fellowship. I realized that my story was not my
own but it was God’s story for me, OUR story. Even
though I went last year, this year was a new experience
for me as I was on the work crew which allowed me to
feel like I was giving back to the organization and
contributing to the experience of those who were at
Montreat for the first time. Thank you for making this
trip possible through your donations. Bethany Gordon
Thank you to the congregation for making it possible
for me to go to Montreat. Montreat is a beautiful place
and I had lots of fun. I feel that Montreat has improved
my faith tremendously. Josh Gordon
Well, first I’d like to thank the congregation not only
for just Montreat, but for all of the trips that have
brought a new experience to our lives. Montreat for me
was a time of laughter and joy. It not only brought me
closer to God but the people in my youth group as well.
We couldn’t have been able to grow in our faith and in
ourselves without your gracious support. Thank you.
Melanie Jones
Montreat was an amazing experience for me. It was my
first time there and I can’t wait to go back next year.
Thank you so much for making it possible for me to go.
Ashlee Murray
Montreat is an open and accepting place where you can
worship God in the beautiful mountains. Montreat
taught me how to be accepting of everyone else and
their flaws. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
Hayley Reid
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, [email protected] Calendar 8
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
2 11 a.m. Hazel Freeman Memorial 1 p.m. Cookie Baking 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
3 Church office closed
4
5 8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
6 9 a.m. VBS
7 9 a.m. VBS 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
8 9 a.m. VBS 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
9
9 a.m. VBS 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
10 9 a.m. VBS 1 p.m. Cookie Baking
11
12 8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
13
14 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
9 a.m. CE Committee 2:30 p.m. Missions Committee
15 OUTREACH DEADLINE 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
16 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
17 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
18
19 Youth at Cedarkirk 8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
20 Youth at Cedarkirk
21 Youth at Cedarkirk 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
8 a.m. Facilities Committee 3 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Deacons
22 Youth at Cedarkirk 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
23 Youth at Cedarkirk 10 a.m. Sew & Sews 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
24 Youth at Cedarkirk 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
25
26 8:45 a.m. Choir 9:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 10:45 a.m. New Member Orientation 10:45 a.m. Teacher Training 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
27
28 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
4 p.m. Session
29 4:30 p.m. PNC Committee
30 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
31 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
9 Missions Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, [email protected]
Feed the 5,000
Luke 9:10-17
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Their mission is to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, and to meet human needs in His name. It is the Salvation Army food pantry that receives our July collected food. Please take a Publix bag from an usher on the first Sunday of the month, and return it with food to the Sixth Street entrance before church on the second Sunday of the month. Suggested items are: canned beans: kidney, pinto, baked
cans of tuna, chicken and/or ham peanut butter jelly or jam canned fruit canned vegetables boxed macaroni and cheese dry pasta pasta sauce rice Checks are welcome, should be payable to "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000," and placed in the collection plates during the service.
We have a new motto in this church:
“We are not on vacation”.
Definitely the people we serve in this community are not on vacation. Please remember that children being home from school pose an extra burden on many working families. These children have been eligible for free breakfast/lunch at school, and many were recipients of the “backpack” program where teachers sneaked food into their backpacks while they were at recess. I have heard many times that the family takes turns eating meals because there is not enough. And during summer the pantries at the agencies we serve (St. Matthews, Grace Place, Helps Outreach, Shelter for Abused Women and Children) become almost bare. Our church has sent money from our mission budget to these agencies in May in hopes of alleviating some of this hardship. It is especially important that we support Project 5000 during this time.
Looking ahead: we have been given two dates for workdays at Mision Peniel in Immokalee--October 16, 2015 and February 16, 2016. If you have not been part of our mission work there, please consider one of these dates. Pastor Miguel does beautiful work, not only with those who come with their heads down--dirty, hungry, exhausted, but he also ministers to those who try to take advantage, the unchurched and non-Christians. It’s simple and meager work, and something that we,
living on the coast, may forget
exists.
The Missions Committee will be meeting during the summer and planning ways to involve our church in more mission work. It is an important part of our Christian lives, but easy to ignore, rationalize, and postpone. We wonder if we (the Committee) have been vigilant enough about involving and training our membership, and it is our hope that every church member will feel a calling to participate in some area of the FPC mission work. We believe that it is good for the individual and good for the church.
Not long ago, I was having coffee with one of our church members when a gentleman, a former church member, came over to chat. It was amazing that in such a short time, we had come up with great ideas to work together with his new church and other churches in mission work. We will discuss that at meetings and I look forward to seeing where it will go and telling you about it.
It’s true that in community we become better people. We are a community here at FPC, brothers and sisters in Christ. And together we can help people.
Get rid of all the junk mail in your
mailbox--(you know they are selling your name on a mailing list, right?) and send your charitable contributions here to the church. You will know that every dime is used in a responsible, substantiated, reliable way to assure that the agencies we support further the spread of God’s word and love. And you will save some trees! Betty Mangos Mission Committee Chair
10 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
A WORK IN PROGRESS!
The west Chancel air
conditioner compressor has
been replaced! We are waiting
to receive the main balcony
second air conditioner and
dehumidifier units which will
be installed during the summer
months.
Did you know that we have a
total of 33 air conditioner units
between both buildings?
Thank you for your patience
while we update our facility.
Thank You
We would like to thank Pat Stevens for her recent
donation to the Wish List for a new commercial grade
vacuum cleaner.
We would also like to thank Jerry Harvatt for fulfilling
Wish List item: Dri Dek floor covering in the Preschool,
in honor of her 93rd birthday.
Dear Friends in Christ,
A word of thanks for your prayers and support. Very
happy to be home and on that road to recovery.
Walt Korntheuer
News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected] 11
In Memoriam
John Huston May 28, 2015
Mimi Straub June 1, 2015
1 commercial grade vacuum cleaner—$900
Locked cabinet for audio/visual
equipment in the Youth Room—$600
Pulpit and Lectern (See Will Browne) - $1,200
Dri-Dek floor coverings for the boys and girls
bathrooms (public restrooms in Preschool) - $450
Preschool Bye Bye Buggy Tire Replacements
$332.45 x 2 = $664.90
Commercial grade office shredder—$1,000
Donations for the above items would be
welcomed and appreciated.
Please contact Sharman Pfaus 239.262.1311
with any questions on the items for the wish list.
Presbyterian Women’s Summer Luncheon
Join us on Wednesday, August 5 at noon in Spencer Hall for our
“Bring a Piece of Salad Luncheon” All you need to do is
sign up in Spencer Hall and bring in some of your
favorite salad fixin’s.
Christian Education Training for those who work with
our children On Sunday, July 26 following the worship service, we will hold our annual teacher training and recertification. If you ever work with children here at the church, this brief informational meeting is for you. Even if you are a substitute, please plan to attend. We will cover procedures, protocols and teaching material. We will also be discussing our new fall education launch. Please fill out the volunteer packet ahead of time and bring it with you to the meeting. Packets can be picked up in the education office. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Director of Children and Family Ministries, Shana Dublan, at 239.262.1311 ext. 229 or [email protected]
Back to School Supplies
During the month of July the Presbyterian Women
will be collecting school supplies for Grace Place.
Please bring your donations to Spencer Hall throughout the month.
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
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