august outreach
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News and events for First Presbyterian Church of Naples, FL.TRANSCRIPT
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
August 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
From Dr. Weller 2
Pastor Nominating 3
Presbyterian Women 3
Children and Youth 4
Calendar 8
Evangelism 9
Missions 10
Staff Spotlight 12
News and Events 13
Serving FPC 15 Youth Group students at Montreat
2 Rev. Dr. Kathleen Weller, Temporary Head of Staff [email protected]
Susan Stafford, Worship and Music Committee Chair, [email protected] Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries , [email protected] Worship & Music
Oh may all who come behind us
Find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we lead inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us
Find us faithful
-- Steve Green
Dear First Presbyterian
Friends,
The chorus above
is from one of my
favorite contemporary
Christian songs. Steve
Green was a talented
composer and
musician, no doubt.
But I believe his
inspiration was God-
sent in the same way the prophets of old first received
what they would say.
I have faced my ministry these past twenty years,
with the above chorus playing in the background. It
informs my choices (on good days) and keeps my focus
where I believe God intends it to be. You see we don’t
“do church” for ourselves. We don’t come together to
entertain or be entertained. We don’t come together to
have our particular fancy tickled. We come together to
express our devotion. We come together in order that
those who “see our good-works will give glory to our
Father in heaven” – what Green calls inspiring others
to obey.
How is it that you think about your participation in
worship, or in the work of the Church?
How is it that you think about your Bible Study, your
weekly or monthly breakfasts or luncheons? What’s in
your mind as you give, participate and pray? Do you
consider, or hope, that your devotion will be like a fire
that inspires?
In my work as an Interim, from the first day I step on
the grounds of a new ministry I wonder about not so
much what I am being called to do, but to leave behind.
I’ve found that each congregation needs something
different; one-size does not fit all. But they need
something in particular, that I will leave behind. As my
time here draws to an end, I hope there are those things
I’ll soon be able to “√” off that list.
Because in the end, what matters most to me, is
whether those who come behind me—will find me faithful.
Have I listened well? Have I discerned with a godly
heart? Have I done the best I could with what was before
me? Did I leave things better than I found them? Is there
more potential for good, and less for harm? Haunting/
daunting questions.
It strikes me that Steve Green’s song is an amazing
blue-print for each of us in our life of faith, and in
particular, in our life within a community of faith. What
are we doing faithfully? What is it about how we treat
one another that will inspire? What acts of devotion of
ours are worthy to be imitated? Will our fingerprints on
First Presbyterian Church lead someone else to believe?
These of course are questions of the Spirit and not
questions anyone else can answer for us. Mostly, they are
only proved in hindsight. They are only seen in the
rearview mirror. But when we desire to keep the
intention of being faithful before us—surely Steve
Green’s chorus can encourage us to live in such a way.
May it be said, dear friends, of you and of me, during
this transitional time for First Presbyterian Church of
Naples that: we all were found faithful!
God bless you for being a blessing,
Pastor Kathleen
Preaching
in August
August 3 Jonathan Evans
August 10 Kathleen Weller
August 17 Kathleen Weller
August 24 Jonathan Evans
August 31 Rev. Dr. Lou Thompson (Vanderbilt)
3 Pastor Nominating Committee Libby Biehl, PNC Committee Chair, [email protected]
Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, [email protected] Presbyterian Women
In November of 2013, our MIF (Ministry Information Form) was approved and we were able to start receiving resumes or PIF (Pastor Information Forms). To date, we have reviewed over 140 resumes. Our list of potential candidates was narrowed to six individuals in April, and in May, we went to four candidates. Following visits and personal interviews, we had two very qualified candidates. One of these candidates withdrew during our Personality Assessment phase. Members of the PNC visited the final candidate's church, after which the couple visited Naples and our church. At the end of June we were advised of their desire to be removed as a potential candidate for the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff position. This has been very disheartening for the committee as we felt strongly that the last candidate was the one God had called to our church. So during the month of July, we began the process again. We know in our hearts God
has already chosen our Pastor, and we are working very hard to find that individual. We lean on God's schedule, for He knows who and when is the right time for this position to be filled. We ask you, the congregation, to continue praying for us as we discern God's will in providing the right Pastor to lead our church. If anyone knows of a potential candidate for us to consider, please contact us either by phone at 239.352.7472 or by e-mail at [email protected] As PNC members, we are a dedicated group of people who with God's help are striving for what is best for First Presbyterian Church of Naples. We all want our new Pastor to succeed so that we may continue to be a strong church. We are truly honored to be a part of this process, and we thank you for your continued support. Blessings, Libby Biehl PNC Chair
From Your PNC Committee
Piece of Salad Luncheon All ladies are invited
to a Piece of Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, August 6 at noon in Spencer Hall.
Bring a favorite item for a salad buffet such as chopped meat, vegetables, cheese, dried fruit, etc.
Lettuce, beverage and dessert will be provided. School supplies will be packed for Grace Place following the luncheon.
For more information or questions, please contact Ann Goodnight at 239.263.1820.
4
Youth Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
All middle and high school students are invited to join Shana Monday, August 4 on a trip to Germain Arena for some ice skating!
$7 includes: EVERYTHING ! ! Transportation, skate rental and meal!
Meet at the church at 11 a.m. and return at 3 p.m.
Let’s have some fun before we head back to school!
Ice Skating
Youth Group Begins
August 20
4 - 7 p.m. In the Youth Room
Students in grades 6 - 12 are invited to join us for games, snacks, lessons &
fellowship. Feel free to be you!
5
In early June, seven students from
the FPC Youth Group, along with
youth leaders Shana Dublan and
Mike Calyore, embarked on a week-
long Youth Conference in Montreat,
North Carolina. This time offered
the young people a safe space to
explore their identity in a Christian
community.
Rooted in the creative, redeeming,
and continuing story of God’s love,
this conference aimed to challenge
and empower participants to
discover their gifts so that together
they can reach out and be the church
in the world.
Activities included morning
energizers, music, keynote speakers,
small group meetings, afternoon
recreation activities, and evening
worship.
Here are some of the thoughts from the students.
It helped me grow spiritually and made
me want to learn and do more with my
faith. It was amazing and I can’t wait to
go again.
Mackenzie
The Montreat experience helped me get closer to God. I feel that my relationship with God became stronger. It changed me, helped me be more open about other people and now my faith is stronger and new friendships were built. Daniel Montreat is a place where you can talk about God without judgment and where you can bond with others through God. Hayley
Montreat was a roller coaster. We laughed, cried, got angry, rock hopped and didn’t sleep. Most of all , we grew closer to each other and to God. It was an amazing personal experience, and I’m so thankful for it. Marie
It was a great place to learn about God, and ourselves. I loved it. Thank you all for your generous donat ions to let us go. Isaac
It’s a place where you get to show and learn who you really are. It’s also where you learn about your connections with God. Eric
Youth Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
6 Children and Families Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
7 Children and Families Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
High Seas Vacation Bible School
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, [email protected] Calendar 8
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 9:30 a.m. Communion Bread Cutters
2 9:30 a.m. Communion Set up
3 8:30 & 10 a.m.
Communion Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
4 Preschool Office Opens 11 a.m. Youth Group
5 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)
11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group
6 12 p.m. PW lunch 4 p.m. PNC meeting
7 7 p.m. Meditation/Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
8
Preschool Teachers returns 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 5 p.m. Potluck Dinner
9
10 UNDY SUNDAY 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
11
12 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location) 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9:30 a.m. Crowd Control Training 10:30 Preschool Staff Training 4 p.m. Mission Committee
13 4 p.m. PNC meeting
14 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 10:30 a.m. Preschool Open House 7 p.m. Meditation/Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
15 OUTREACH
DEADLINE 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 10:30 a.m. Preschool Open House 1 p.m. Mission trip/Mision Peniel
16
17 UNDY SUNDAY Blessing of the Backpacks 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
18 Preschool begins
19 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)
20 4 p.m. PNC meeting 4 p.m. Youth Group
21 7 p.m. Meditation/Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
22 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
23
24 8:30 & 10 a.m.
Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
25 12 p.m. Nominating Committee
26 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate location)
4 p.m. Session
27 4 p.m. PNC meeting 4 p.m. Youth Group
28 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 7 p.m. Meditation/Prayer 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
29 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
30
31 8:30 & 10 a.m.
Worship 9:15 a.m. Fellowship 9:20 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
Deadline for monthly Outreach is the fifteenth of the month prior to that edition. Submit all items to [email protected]. If submissions are not received prior to the deadline, we cannot guarantee that your article will be considered for publication for that month. This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call 239.262.1311 or visit the website www.fpcnaples.org. Contact Director of Facilities, Sandy Poore at 239.262.1311 ext. 228 or [email protected] 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.
9 Evangelism Joan Gust, Evangelism Committee Chair, [email protected]
Tuesday, September 16
9 a.m.—1 p.m. Spencer Hall
The carotid artery/stroke
disease screening procedure is simple, painless, and non-
invasive. You will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table. After applying gel to your
neck, the technologist will move an instrument called a
transducer on your neck to create images of the carotid arteries and assess the rate of blood flow within them.
(AAA) is a condition in which the lining of the blood
vessel called the aorta is enlarged within the abdomen. Because
abdominal aortic aneurysms are likely to tear if they
reach 5 centimeters in diameter, monitoring is
important for preventing a rupture. A ruptured
AAA can cause blood loss, shock, and death.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. PAD screening is done by using the ankle
-brachial index (ABI). This ABI screening is painless, quick, and non-invasive. It will identify
most cases of peripheral arterial disease.
We use ultrasound to detect the risk of
osteoporosis by measuring for the bone mineral
density of your heel. The heel is measured because its bone is similar to that
found in the hip, where fractures occur most often.
Bone mineral density is a powerful predictor of skeletal strength and
fracture risk, especially when considered along with other factors such as gender, age, and family
history. When you receive an osteoporosis screening, you will simply place your foot in a painless ultrasound device called a bone
densitometer and the bone mineral density of your heel will be measured.
Special Packages available to us: Package 1
Stroke, Vascular Disease & Heart Rhythm Package—4 tests only $139
Package 2 Add an Osteoporosis Screening for only $10
more—5 tests only $149
Please call 888.653.6450 to register
for your preventative health screening. No appointments can be made
through the church office. Screening results are provided to you in 21 days. All participants with abnormal results are directed to take the
report to their physician. Life Line Screening does not file insurance claims nor provide referrals to any physician’s group or hospital. Life Line Screening does not participate in the Medicare program and the cost of the screening services is not covered or reimbursable by Medicare.
Peripheral Arterial Disease/ABI Screening-$70
Osteoporosis Risk Assessment-$60
Heart Rhythm Screening Atrial Fibrillation-$70
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening-$70
Carotid Artery Disease/Stroke Screening-$70
Atrial fibrillation also known as irregular
heartbeat, is a condition that can cause a stroke. A stroke results from the disruption of adequate
blood flow to the brain. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) and can cause a clot that travels to the
brain where it results in stroke.
10 Evangelism
Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17
During the summer months, visitors are away, some seasonal jobs are gone, and the Naples area has fewer donors. But, those less fortunate still need to eat.
During August, we will collect food for Grace Place, a faith-
based community center, teaching literacy, language, and life skills to at-risk children and impoverished families. Ushers will have a Publix bag with a list of desired food items available as you leave church on the first
Sunday of the month. Please return your contributions on the second Sunday of the month.
Most needed items are: 1 pound dried rice 1 pound dried beans 1 can vegetables 1 large box, powdered milk 1 box dry children’s cereal 1 jar peanut butter 1 jar jelly 1 can chicken 1 pound pasta 1 jar pasta sauce
If you prefer, checks may be made payable to "First Presbyterian Church" and the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
Missions
Joan Gust, Evangelism Committee Chair, [email protected]
Your Evangelism Committee has been meeting to plan a fall Congregational Dinner.
The night will include a great meal, old fashioned sing-along, fantastic music by our Director of Music Ministries, Dr. Brice Gerlach, and a featured entertainer, Peter Strachan. Peter will provide musical presentations as well as sharing some fun entertainment.
We have tentatively picked the night of Friday, November 7 and will confirm the date in September. Tentatively mark your calendars now.
Tickets will go on sale when all the arrangements have been confirmed. Unfortunately, we will have to limit the number of tickets that will be available. More details will follow.
The Committee wants this to be a time for First Presbyterian Church members to come together, have a good meal, enjoy each others company, and have some good laughs. Our hope is that the event will receive your support.
Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, [email protected]
11 Missions Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, [email protected]
MISION PENIEL
OPPORTUNITY:
SERVE AND BE
Join us on Friday, August 15, from 1-7 p.m., when we journey to Mision Peniel in Immokalee to serve hundreds of farmworkers a meal. This is a rich experience for all. If you would like to participate, please contact Rev. Jonathan Evans at [email protected] or call the church office at 239.262.1311.
Supporting Missions isn’t just about giving money. It could be that “just giving money” makes us complacent actually. We’d like to think that if a cause had enough money given to it that we could eradicate the problem altogether.
The Presbyterian Church USA says that “Mission is God’s work for the sake of the world that God loves”. It is Christ-centered, and
made active by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Probably not something we think about while just writing a check. All of the Mission projects that we support here at First Presbyterian Church need money. No surprise there. St. Matthew’s House is feeding homeless people every single day. They are giving out bags of groceries from their pantry. Grace Place is trying to provide after-school and summer programs for neighborhood kids to teach them “the way they should go”. Habitat for Humanity is able to get low-income families into their first house. Is money needed? Of course. But the money should come with a catch--your prayers, your demonstration of love for another, your participation in healing and helping. Here at FPC we give to our mission projects through the church budget. Together, we are a Missional Church. I am the new Missions Chair and I intend to tell you in every Outreach exactly what kind of outreach we are doing. Look at the opportunities available. Join us for hands-on caring and blessing. We can help people. It is our calling. I ask you to support First Presbyterian Church as we go about the business of healing, ministering to the poor, sick, lonely, and powerless. We can be a part of freeing those engaged in sin, fear, oppression, hunger, and injustice. It’s not just words. It’s real and we should be a part of it. Betty Mangos Missions Committee Chair
12 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
In an effort for you to get to know the church and preschool staff a little better, we will be spotlighting one staff member each month in the Outreach. We hope you enjoy this new monthly feature!
Q: Where did you grow up? A: Chelsea, Michigan.
Q: What brought you to Naples? A: A job offer as a Church Administrator.
Q: Are you married? A: Yes. My husband, Bill and I have been married for 38 years.
Q: Where does your husband work? A: He’s a Condominium Association Manager for an 89 unit high-rise building in Bonita Bay.
Q: Do you have any children? A: We have four grown daughters; Jennifer, Jill, Cheryl and Rachel.
Q: Any grandchildren? A: Yes, three granddaughters; two 5-year olds and one 2-year old.
Q: Where can we find you when you’re not working? A: The beach, pool or gym.
Q: Name some favorite Movies? A: Comedy–Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Drama-Gone with the Wind and Military Movies; Christmas- It’s a Wonderful Life and Charlie Brown’s Christmas; Musical–Cinderella.
Q: What are your favorite TV Shows? A: Downton Abbey, Nashville, and Dallas.
Q: Favorite Actor? A: The late Paul Newman (love those blue eyes!)
Q: Favorite Book or author? A: The Celestine Prophecy and other spiritual or self- help books.
Q: Who (dead or alive) would you like to meet? A: Ronald Reagan for his intelligence and Reba McEntire for her business success.
Q: What would be impossible for you to give up? A: Cookies! I am a cookie monster!
Q: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? A: Social Work.
Q: What profession would you not like to do? A: Taxi cab driver.
Q: What sound or noise do you love? A: Waves on the beach.
Q: What sound or noise do you hate? A: Anything loud.
Q: What are some things on your bucket list? A: More travel, writing a book and dance lessons
Q: What would you like God to say to you when you arrive at the pearly gates? A: “Come on in.”
Some of the above questions were taken from “Inside the Actors Studio”
Pictured above: Son-in-law Adam and daughter Jill, husband Bill, Sharman, daughters
Jennifer, Rachel and Cheryl with granddaughters, Madeline, Kiersten and Taylor.
Sharman Pfaus
13
Dinner for All
Church members, friends, couples and singles, are invited to
a member’s home on Friday, August 22.
For more information or
reservation, please contact Diane Stellema at
239.455.8796 or [email protected].
Preschool Open House Thursday, August 14,
drop in between 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for Tuesday/Thursday students.
Friday, August 15,
drop in between 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for Monday/Wednesday/Friday
and 5 day students.
School begins Monday, August 18
News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Pot-less Potluck Pizza Party
Friday, August 8 6 p.m.
$5 per person
At the home of John and Joanne Slager sign up in Spencer Hall,
Call Joanne at 239.649.5481, Or call the church office.
14 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
In Memoriam
Jacqueline Mackey
February 2, 2014
Harold Hogg
June 3, 2014
Lee Lemasters
July 10, 2014
Frederick G. Ray
July 19, 2014
David Fisher, Sr.
July 27, 2014
Thank You
The entire Warren family wishes to thank everyone who
sent Dick thoughtful cards and prayers during his illness
and after his passing. He loved this church and had great
hopes that we would become a strong congregation as it
was when we joined many years ago. He was
overwhelmed by the special caring from all of you.
Fondly,
Deb Warren
Dear First Presbyterian Church,
I want to thank you for the beautiful flowers that were
delivered for my 88th birthday.
Marge Berlin
Dear First Presbyterian Church of Naples,
I am deeply grateful for your faithful, generous support
for The Salvation Army. Your food pantry donation and
monetary gift will help restore broken lives of people who
are facing hunger, homelessness, and abuse.
Thank you for sharing so generously from your hard-
earned resources with us. May God bless you for your
compassion.
Major Daniel Proctor
Regional Coordinator/Corps Officer
The Salvation Army
To all the Volunteers,
A BIG thank you from all of us here at the church for
everything you did for VBS. We had a total of 58 children
who enjoyed a week of learning and fun. From making
decorations to bringing in food all the way to the Sunday
celebration, we had a wonderful week and YOU helped to
make it all happen.
Shana Dublan
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Dear Members of Session,
This past Sunday our congregation prayed for you and
your congregation during the celebration of The Lord’s
Supper. These are certainly challenging times to be the
church and we are grateful for your shared ministry.
Each month, at the time of The Lord’s Supper, we pray
for three churches throughout the nation and the world.
Our prayers for you were in honor of a specific request
from one of our members. I hope that this letter
encourages each of you as together we seek to share
Christ’s reconciling love to our communities.
With appreciation,
Dr. W. Douglass Hood, Jr.
Senior Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach
We bid farewell to the following members as they move from their First Presbyterian Church family to new beginnings: Rudy and Julie McCullough Indianapolis, IN
15 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Parish
Jeanie Weigel 1 & 2
Katie Geshay 3
Janet and Gary Root 4 & 5
Midge Murdock 6
Florence Calyore 7
Nancy and John Kay 8
Grant Wagner 9 & 13
Annabella Richardi 10
Kathy Grandi 11
Terri Storter 12
Suzanne Rose 14
Jane Long 15
Doris Frace 16
Richard Barkley & Susan Corryn 17
Linda Gadkowski 18
Barbara and Rick Blattner 19
Kim Shoellhorn Garnick 20
John Crider 21 & 30
Joanne and Jim Applegate 22
Pat Stevens 23
Chris Miller and Jackie Cusick 24
Barbara and Jack Marsh 25
Mary and Al Vande Voren 26
Program Staff Dr. Kathleen Weller Temporary Head of Staff Rev. Jonathan Evans Associate Pastor Dr. Brice Gerlach Director of Music Ministries Shana Dublan Director of Children and Family Ministries
Office Staff Sharman Pfaus Executive Office Manager Michele Martin Director of Finance Kathleen Law Coordinator of Communications
Facilities Staff Sandy Poore Director of Facilities Mike Rutoski Superintendent of Facilities Leticia Martinez Custodian of Facilities
Audio Visual Staff Mike Calyore Sound and Video Technician
Preschool Staff Ashley Houk Director of Preschool Liz Psota Preschool Administrative Assistant
Nursery Staff Kelsey Santalla Rosemarie Santalla Marianna Vargas
Session Ed Boot Facilities Norman Brown Evangelism Janie Brown Casassa Personnel, Nominating Franklin Ellis Stewardship, Finance Keith Gahagan Christian Education Richard Green Audit, Finance, Endowment Joan Gust Evangelism, Facilities Eric Holt Personnel, Endowment, Audit Hansen Long Clerk of Session, Transition Team, Personnel, Stewardship Betty Mangos Missions, Worship and Music Joe Patton Christian Education Patty Rutzler Nominating, Worship and Music Joanne Slager Evangelism Susan Stafford Worship and Music
Deacons Stephen Ministers Cynthia Anderson Janice Austerman JoAnn Beggs Carolyn Smith Bennett Janie Brown-Casassa Marilyn Currier, co-leader Barbara Gibson Shirley Hagerson Chris Jones Ron Lacy Laura McDonald Saralene Oldham, leader Suzanne Rose Pat Schubarth Sam and Karen Smith
Serving First Presbyterian Church of Naples
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
Congregational
Meeting
A meeting of the congregation will take place on
Sunday, August 10, 2014 following the 10 a.m. worship service
for the purposes of approving the revised bylaws of
First Presbyterian Church Naples and electing Libby Biehl as elder
to fill a vacant term for Class of 2015.
Draft copies of the bylaws are available on the website at fpcnaples.org/resources or
in Spencer Hall.