March Outreach Newsletter
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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
Celebration Commitment Compassion
March 2013
News and Events 13
Finance 12
3
Worship and Music 3
From the Interim Pastor 2
Christian Education 4
Calendar 8
Mission 10
Preschool 6
Congregational Care 7
From the Associate Pastor 2
The Oracle Trio April Johnson, violin, Peter Seidenberg, cello, Kate Boyd, piano Sunday, March 17 at 4:00 p.m.
See who we highlight this month! Page 10
YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
THIS PROGRAM ON MARCH 14.
SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS
From the Interim Senior Pastor Dr. David Horne, Interim Senior Pastor, davidh@fpcnaples.org
From the Associate Pastor Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org
Getting out!
I just looked at my calendar and began to realize that
my faith is getting me out of the church
grounds and into the community. By the time
you read this, I will have recently led the invocation for the
County Commissioners meeting, attended a meeting for the
Homeless and Hungry Coalition at Vanderbilt Presbyterian,
and visited Naples UCC to hear a bible scholar. In March,
I will teach a Stephen Ministry class at Naples UCC and
will speak for the Lenten Soup for the Soul series at North
United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 13.
Getting out is not stopping with my schedule; the
church too is getting out. On March 2, we’re having over
110 volunteers help pack meals for our local mission
partners through Meals of Hope. Then on Sunday, March
10, we’ll be offering a hospitality booth during the Orange
Blossom Special, a competitive cycling event right on Sixth
Street! And on Sunday, March 17 I will be preaching at the
Spanish speaking congregation service in the Chapel.
I believe that a growing faith is one that is insular only
some of the time. Other times, our faith asks us to step
outside of ourselves, act, take part, and contribute. It is my
prayer that you, being the church, the body of Christ,
endowed as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), may go out as
the salt of the world, active through God’s love, and ready
to care for others.
Peace and grace,
Rev. Jonathan Evans
Dear Friends,
Thank you for a warm and gracious welcome
to First Presbyterian Church. Your hospitality
is greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to
our time together in the coming months as we
prepare for a new installed pastor. Your commitment to the
ministry and mission of the congregation is extremely
important during this period. Your help is essential in
participation and support. We will work together in Christ’s
mission through this congregation.
See you in church!
Blessings,
Dr. David L. Horne
Interim Senior Pastor
Wednesday Evening Adult Enrichment
Led by Dr. Horne
6:30-7:30 p.m. Spencer Hall
Wednesday, March 6
“Discovering Your Spiritual Type”
Wednesday, March 13
“Managing Transitions in Life and in Congregations”
March Worship Schedule
8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary
11:15 a.m. Currents in Chapel
March 3 Holy Communion
Isaiah 55:1-9, Luke 13:1-9
“A Second Chance” Dr. Horne
March 10 Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3,11b-32
“Coming Home” Dr. Horne
March 17 Isaiah 43:16-21, John 12:1-8
“The Anointing: Acts of Kindness” Dr. Horne
March 24 Palm Sunday
Psalm 118:1-2,19-29, Luke 19:28-40
“Shouting Stones” Dr. Horne
March 28 Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion
7:00 p.m. Meditation, Rev. Evans
March 29 Good Friday
7:00 p.m. Meditation, Dr. Horne
March 31 Easter
7:30 a.m. Courtyard Jazz Communion Service
Rev. Evans
8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary with Brass Quintet
“Keeping Jesus in the Tomb”
Acts 10:34-43, Luke 24:1-121
Dr. Horne
2
The Oracle Trio April Johnson, violin, Peter Seidenberg, cello, Kate Boyd, piano Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.
Founded in 2005, The Oracle Trio, with violinist April Johnson, cellist Peter Seidenberg, and pianist Kate Boyd, has performed throughout the United States, interpreting celebrated classics as well as demonstrating a commitment to performing music of our time. The trio enjoys collaborating with composers and has commissioned and premiered several new works.
The Oracle Trio has been a featured ensemble at the Heidelberg New Music Festival, the Ohio and Indiana Music Teachers’ Association state conferences, and on concert series at numerous universities and music schools. The trio has performed works by a number of living composers, including Pulitzer-Prize winning composer Samuel Adler, Marc Mellits, Douglas McConnell, and Daniel Koontz. The concert will feature such favorites as Camille Saint Saens’ Piano Trio No. 1 and Antonin Dvorak’s Trio No. 4 in E minor "Dumky" as well as an eclectic and colorful piece by contemporary composer Marc Mellits called Fruity Pebbles.
Worship and Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, briceg@fpcnaples.org
Lenten Noontime Organ Recitals Wednesdays, March 13, March 20, March 27, 2013 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
The spectacular Ruffatti pipe organ is featured in three Lenten organ recitals offered by our Director of Music, Brice Gerlach. In these informal concerts Brice takes the time to explain some of the mechanical workings of the organ and offers some musical insights about the pieces on the program.
A work by J. S. Bach is always featured, and arrangements of Lenten hymn tunes are presented, allowing for some of the diverse solo stops and softer sounds of the organ to be heard. The concerts will end with a rousing toccata, allowing the audience to hear the full power of the organ.
After the recital, the audience is invited up to the console to ask questions and to see the beautiful woodwork and craftsmanship of the Ruffatti. Tours of the pipe chambers are also offered each week.
Come hear the beautiful organ music during Lent. Don't miss these special opportunities for personal reflection, meditation, and celebration of this holy season.
Good Friday Music and Meditations Friday, March 29, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The Church gathers on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion, death, and entombment of Jesus. From ancient times, this day has been a time of fasting and prayer. Coupled with Easter, Good Friday is the oldest observance in the Christian calendar. Good Friday is felt as a day of sorrow. It is a time to grieve over the sin of man and to meditate upon the love that God has so generously bestowed upon humanity in giving His only Son for the redemption of sinners.
The music for this meaningful service will be selections from some of the greatest sacred choral masterworks. Included in the service will be such selections as the Introit and Kyrie from the Requiem by John Rutter, The Processional to Calvary and The Appeal of the Crucified from The Crucifixion by John Stainer and Crucifixus from the B Minor Mass by J. S. Bach.
Experience the meaning of Christ’s passion before the joy of Easter.
3
Christian Education Christian Education Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org 4
Adult
Bible
Study
We meet each Sunday in Room 204 at 9:45 a.m. for a study on Galatians. For more information call Gretchen Oakley at 239.591.3467.
HUDDLE
Please feel welcomed as we meet each Thursday at noon until 1:00 p.m. in Spencer Hall. Keith Kersch leads a study on Genesis: God’s Grace from the Beginning, a study by Debbie Schmidt. Just bring your own lunch and join us for this
fellowship and study. For more information, please contact Roger Miller at 239.774.5552.
Books & Bagels Join leader Jeanie Weigel for a closer look at the book, Cross Roads, by
Wm. Paul Young. Books
& Bagles meets in the
Parlor at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12. No reservation needed. For more information,
please contact Jeanie at 239.963.5318.
The following books can be found in the “Christian Study Section” of
our Church Library; books are arranged alphabetically by author.
HERE AM I LORD.…SEND SOMEBODY ELSE!,
written by Jill Briscoe, is the definitive book on
moving from a life of excuses and feelings of
inadequacy into a life that truly honors God. The
author not only reveals how Moses and other
spiritual heroes overcame fear and doubt, she shares
the secrets of her own walk with Christ and helps
the readers see how they may have a more intimate
walk with the Master.
Phyllis Tickle, author of
EMERGENCE CHRISTIANITY, What It Is,
Where it Is Going, and Why It Matters, writes
about what is happening to us as North American
Christians in the twenty-first century. The reader
will find a thorough and well-written account of
where things are – and where they are going.
In writing SIMPLY CHRISTIAN, N. T. Wright
walks the readers through the Christian faith step
by step and helps them deal with questions that
people have been wrestling with down through the
ages. In fact, these questions take us to the heart of
who God is and what He wants from us.
It is easy to check out a book from our library. Take the card out of the
pocket at the back of the book, sign your name (phone number would
be helpful) and the date you are taking the book out. Place the filled
out card in the container located on the library cart. When you return
the book, simply place it on the library cart and a volunteer will see
that it is properly shelved.
The library is located in the downstairs office wing and is open
during regular office hours Monday through Friday.
4
Christian Education Kathleen Law, Administrative Assistant for C.E., kathleenl@fpcnaples.org
March is a big month in the life of Presbyterian Women as we celebrate PW Sunday March 10 as greeters, ushers, and readers at both worship services as well as sponsoring delicious cookies and punch in Spencer Hall afterwards. Come take a look at the Sew & Sew’s projects on display, an array of aprons, caps, afghans, and dresses that are donated to school children in Guatemala, Tanzania, and our local Cancer Alliance. We will also have our scrapbooks on display showing the history of the PW here at FPC. Our goal is “to build an inclusive, caring community of women”. We hope all women of our congregation will feel welcome at any of our events, missions, and Circle meetings. Some ladies only go to Circle meetings for the Bible Study. Some only go to Gatherings. We welcome you whatever your preference. And you do not need to be a member of PW or FPC. And speaking of events, our March Gathering will be Wednesday, March 6 at noon in Spencer Hall. It’s our Birthday Gathering and we will be celebrating US! You will enjoy the friendship sitting at a table where others share your special month, maybe even the same day. Cost of lunch is $7 with reservations taken March 3 after services in Spencer Hall at the PW table. We will have steak salad, garlic bread, and of course, birthday cake. We welcome Dr. Richard Pippen, our March speaker with “All About Orchids in 40 minutes”, one of our favorite programs. Dr. Pippen, elected President of the Naples Orchid Society, will highlight the essence of orchids by describing their distinguishing characteristics, pollination, and productive mechanisms.
Dr. Pippen will also provide tips to ensure excellent orchid care. Bring your blooming orchids or orchid "problems" to the Women's Gathering on March 6. We will also collect our traditional PW Birthday Offering which is distributed by the national PW organization and is this year using the theme “Building Up Our Neighbors”. Checks should be made payable to “Presbyterian Women”. In April, we will be having our Spring Luncheon on April 3. Reservations for this event will be available Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, but if you are out of town, you can call Dorie Tichenor at 239.775.4246 to save a place for you. You will soon receive a pledge letter for the on-going work and mission of Presbyterian Women. We hope that you will assist us and return your donation as soon as possible. We are very proud of our mission work, especially here in Collier County. At our February Gathering alone, we collected over $150 in our Feed the Hungry jars that was donated to Collier Harvest. That is just one of our many mission projects. Books and Bagels: Our final Book Club meeting for this season will be March 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Parlor. Join us as we discuss Cross Roads by Wm. Paul Young, led by our Bible Facilitator Jeanie Weigel. Check below for Circle Meetings. We will be on Chapter 6 in our study books “Living Stones, the Making of an Eternal Fellowship”.
Date Circle Place Hostess Phone
Monday, March 18
7:00 p.m. Eventide Church Parlor Margaret Green 239.430.4757
Tuesday, March 19
9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Church Parlor Marcia Kempers 239.262.7599
Wednesday, March 20
9:00 a.m. Love Church Parlor Nina Howard 239.248.3647
9:30 a.m. Grace/Peace Youth Room Katie Geshay 239.592.5358
9:30 a.m. Friendship Room 202 Carolyn Mollers 239.213.1577
12:00 p.m. Sunshine Youth Room Janet Root 239.963.9838
1:00 p.m. Honor/Spencer 3273 Dutchess Dr. Mary Lowe 239.775.7835
March Circle Meetings
5 5
Children and Youth Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, ashleyh@fpcnaples.org Preschool
I can’t believe we are now in the
middle of February when I can still
remember the first day of school this
past August. The Preschool is
currently in the throes of enrollment
for the 2013-2014 school year and we
look forward to another amazing year.
In addition to a new year, the
Preschool is excited about some upcoming events.
This year, the Preschool Committee agreed to begin
offering scholarships to families that attend the
Preschool. The Preschool has had the ability to assist
with tuition payments in the past using the Angel Fund.
Many of our fundraisers benefit the Angel Fund and due
to several successful events, our Angel Fund balance
is currently the healthiest it’s been in years! Some
families, in today’s economic times, find it difficult to
afford appropriate, healthy, safe care for their children.
The intention of the scholarship is to provide these
families with a possibility of joining the Preschool when
financial limitations may have prevented it in the past.
In order to ensure that the scholarship fund continues to
provide for families, we will continue to hold
fundraisers. These fundraisers will be used to replenish
the Angel Fund as scholarships are awarded. We
currently have several fundraiser events scheduled. The
Preschool would greatly appreciate your support of
these events.
February 28-Rita’s Italian Ice- 2045 Tamiami Trail
N, Naples; simply mention First Presbyterian Preschool
or use the voucher to the right
March 20-Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt- 6355 Naples
Blvd, Naples; simply mention First Presbyterian
Preschool
April-Silent Auction-date TBD, theme baskets made
by classes and other goods and services
May 31-Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano and Bar- May 31,
must present voucher (vouchers will be distributed
closer to event)
Our inaugural scholarship application deadline is March
22. Once all applications have been received and
screened, a sub-committee of Preschool parents will
convene to review the applications and determine
awards.
The Preschool would also like to involve church
members in the sub-committee. If you are interested in
serving, please contact me at the Preschool,
239.262.8315. The sub-committee will not require a
large amount of time as they will only meet annually
following the scholarship deadline.
The Preschool will observe its 47th
year of service to
the Naples community in the Fall of 2013 and we
look forward to many more years of service.
Ashley Houk
Preschool Director
6
Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor jonathane@fpcnaples.org Congregational Care
Please join us
in Spencer Hall
at 9:30 a.m. on March 14
to address this increasingly
prevalent condition of aging.
“The Memory Loss Tapes”
The Challenges of Alzheimer’s
Do you have friends or family members who
suffer from advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s
disease?
Do you wish to learn more about this increasingly
common disease?
The congregation is invited to attend a program,
sponsored by Stephen Ministry, to hear Catherine
Cruikshank, the Director of Education and Program
Director for the Florida Gulf Coast chapter of the
Alzheimer’s Association. She will share personal
stories on video of sufferers and their families, with
a focus on the personal, emotional challenges of
these conditions. There will be ample opportunity
for questions and discussion.
What Stephen Ministers
are equipped to do…
7
Calendar
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THRUSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
2
9:00 a.m.
Communion prep
9:30 a.m. Meals of Hope
3
8:30 a.m. Communion Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Communion Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
4
9:00 a.m. PW Bible Facilitators
10:30 a.m. Men’s Club
5
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
11:00 a.m. Alzheimer’s
Support Group
4:00 p.m. Personnel Committee
6
9:00 a.m. Preschool Committee
10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team
12:00 p.m. PW Gathering
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
6:30 p.m. Adult Ed Class
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
7
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
8
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
9
10 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
8:00 a.m. Cycling Hospitality
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
11
Preschool Closed
12
Preschool Closed
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
8:00 a.m. Facilities Mtg.
9:30 a.m. Books & Bagels
1:30 p.m. Worship & Music
4:00 p.m. Mission Mtg.
13
Preschool Closed
12:00 p.m. Lenten Organ Recital
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
6:30 p.m. Adult Ed Class
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
14
Preschool Closed
9:30 a.m. Memory Loss and
Aging Speaker
10:00 a.m. Prime Timers Trip
10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews
10:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry Mtg.
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
15 OUTREACH DEADLINE
Preschool Closed
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
16
17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
4:00 p.m. A Season of Music Concert
18
10:30 a.m. Men’s Club
7:00 p.m. Eventide Circle
19
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle
5:30 p.m. Deacons Mtg.
20
9:00 a.m. Love Circle
9:30 a.m. Grace/Peace Circle
9:30 p.m. Friendship Circle
12:00 p.m. Lenten Organ Recital
12:00 p.m. Sunshine Circle
1:00 p.m. Honor/Spencer Circle
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
21
9:30 a.m. Visitation Care
Ministry
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
22
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
6:00 p.m. Dinner for 8
23
24
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
25
7:30 a.m. Blood Drive
26
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
4:00 p.m. Session
27
12:00 p.m. Lenten Organ Recital
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
28 MAUNDY THURSDAY
10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
7:00 p.m. Worship Service
29 GOOD FRIDAY Preschool Closed
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
7:00 p.m.
Music and Meditations
30
31 EASTER SUNDAY
7:30 a.m. Jazz Communion Service
8:30 a.m. Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
APRIL 1
Church Office Closed
Preschool Closed
10:30 a.m. Men’s Club
This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call or visit the website 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 month.
8
Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org Sandy Poore, Facilities Manager, sandyp@fpcnaples.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THRUSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
2
9:00 a.m.
Communion prep
9:30 a.m. Meals of Hope
3
8:30 a.m. Communion Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Communion Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
4
9:00 a.m. PW Bible Facilitators
10:30 a.m. Men’s Club
5
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
11:00 a.m. Alzheimer’s
Support Group
4:00 p.m. Personnel Committee
6
9:00 a.m. Preschool Committee
10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team
12:00 p.m. PW Gathering
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
6:30 p.m. Adult Ed Class
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
7
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
8
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
9
10 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
8:00 a.m. Cycling Hospitality
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
11
Preschool Closed
12
Preschool Closed
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
8:00 a.m. Facilities Mtg.
9:30 a.m. Books & Bagels
1:30 p.m. Worship & Music
4:00 p.m. Mission Mtg.
13
Preschool Closed
12:00 p.m. Lenten Organ Recital
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
6:30 p.m. Adult Ed Class
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
14
Preschool Closed
9:30 a.m. Memory Loss and
Aging Speaker
10:00 a.m. Prime Timers Trip
10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews
10:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry Mtg.
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
15 OUTREACH DEADLINE
Preschool Closed
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
16
17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
4:00 p.m. A Season of Music Concert
18
10:30 a.m. Men’s Club
7:00 p.m. Eventide Circle
19
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle
5:30 p.m. Deacons Mtg.
20
9:00 a.m. Love Circle
9:30 a.m. Grace/Peace Circle
9:30 p.m. Friendship Circle
12:00 p.m. Lenten Organ Recital
12:00 p.m. Sunshine Circle
1:00 p.m. Honor/Spencer Circle
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
21
9:30 a.m. Visitation Care
Ministry
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
22
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
6:00 p.m. Dinner for 8
23
24
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Currents
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
25
7:30 a.m. Blood Drive
26
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible
Study (separate location)
4:00 p.m. Session
27
12:00 p.m. Lenten Organ Recital
5:00 p.m. Bell Ringers
28 MAUNDY THURSDAY
10:00 a.m. Sew & Sews
12:00 p.m. HUDDLE
7:00 p.m. Worship Service
29 GOOD FRIDAY Preschool Closed
9:30 a.m. Sunday Cookie Baking
7:00 p.m.
Music and Meditations
30
31 EASTER SUNDAY
7:30 a.m. Jazz Communion Service
8:30 a.m. Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Church
APRIL 1
Church Office Closed
Preschool Closed
10:30 a.m. Men’s Club
This calendar does not necessarily include all events that are scheduled at the church. For additional information, call or visit the website 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 month.
9
Feed the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17
In March we are supporting St. Matthews House with our food drive. St. Matthews House provides food for the
hungry, housing for the homeless, and an opportunity to change lives for the better, in a compassionate, disciplined, 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 cereal: hot or cold
Please take a Publix bag from an usher as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month, March 3, and return it with food on the next Sunday, March 10. If you prefer, checks are welcome and should be payable to the "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
Preschool John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com Mission 10
By Gretchen Oakley How many of us are afraid of the dark? Still, we know that when the dawn comes, the frightening blackness will disappear into the lovely pink and blue of the awakening sky. David Weigel can’t anticipate the sunrise anymore. He is blind. I asked him if he felt fear as he faced each day in the dark. David paused before he answered my question. Then he said, “Yes fear, but faith.” This faith that David talked about has led him into his life of Mission Action-First Pres Style.
David lost the sight in one of his eyes in an accident at age fourteen. This did not prevent him from getting a law degree and becoming employed as an attorney by Collier County until 2008. In 2003 David began dealing with detached retinas and ten eye surgeries.
In 2008 David set out on a new path. He became involved with a group of concerned people who were interested in providing education and information to improve the lives of the blind in our community. This led to the starting of the Lighthouse of Collier County. It would be the vehicle to bring services for the blind to our area. In May 2009 Lighthouse of Collier County became incorporated. This year is their fourth anniversary. It is a 501-(3)(c) not-for-profit agency. The office can be found at Bayfront Place across from Tin City. Its office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It provides classes that are helping and have helped many who are sight challenged enhance their independent living. These counselors work to make homes and appliances more user friendly with assistive technology.
Join us to help Habitat
assemble a mailing on
Wednesday, March 13
from
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
11145 Tamiami Trail East
Please sign up at Sign Up Central in
Spencer Hall or call
Shirley Hagerson at 239.774.6180.
Preschool John Oakley, Mission Committee Chair, jhosr@aol.com Mission 11
David mentioned to me that through the years he graduated from magnifying glasses and closed circuit television to working with a computer, a computer that talks to him. Now there are even more exciting inventions to help, things like talking phones and talking clocks. I would call that assistive technology! Another big assistant to the blind person is his or her family and spouse.
Counseling care-givers is another one of the Lighthouse’s projects. Camps for children are held during the summer on the beach through the generosity of the Naples Beach and Golf Hotel. The children find out that they are not alone in their dark world. In addition to the camps, the Lighthouse schedules field trips and plans Saturday events for them. On one of the Saturdays they learned about making chocolate and had a great time dipping pretzels in the chocolate and of course, eating them. A special treat came when the chocolatier gave each of them a candy bar with a braille wrapper. Sounds like it was big-time fun!!
Once the Lighthouse of Collier County was started David did not go on vacation. He has served on the Board as a Director, as President, and now as Secretary. Having served as secretary of too many committees, I had to ask how he did it. I wanted to ask why, but I thought better of it. David uses cassettes to record the meetings – that is unless, after he has removed the cassette from his player, his dog is found eating it. This sounds like a variation of the “my dog ate my homework” theme.
David is gratified to know that he is part of an organization that works to improve the quality of life
for people who have problems with their sight. He enjoys the relationships that are fostered through the organization. A relationship with the Hadley School for the Blind in Chicago was particularly rewarding. Hadley School has a vast online program of educational seminars and other forms of outreach to the blind community and the sighted as well. Someone can get a high school diploma on line from them. It is free to the blind. Through the Hadley School programs David learned container gardening about which he is very proud.
The Lighthouse also has a good relationship with the Botanical Garden. The children enjoy going on field trips to the Garden. The Lighthouse of Collier County is in a perfect place. Our area is filled with a growing population of older people that more and more have to deal with sight problems such as macular degeneration. Now, we have the Lighthouse that stands ready to help. We at First Presbyterian Church can join David in support of his mission. Volunteers are needed to drive the clients to appointments. Help can be used in the office and would be welcomed. Donations are always accepted with thanks since the work is supported by donations from the community.
This way we can be part of David’s Mission Action- First Pres Style and help brighten the darkness, if only just a little.
To learn more about Lighthouse of Collier County visit their website at www.lighthouseofcollier.org.
Finance Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org 12
Financial Report
Offerings Budgeted through (the month) December…….…..$1,170,584
Actual Offerings through (the month) December……………$1,147,493
Actual Offerings are less than Budget by………………………$ 23,091
Actual Expenses are less than Budget by………………………$ 54,098
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: Jan Gazdic (chair), Terry Brennan, Lloyd Doerflinger,
Don Grandi, Bob King, Karen Martin, Bill Stafford and Tom Stevens.
Finance Michele Martin, Accountant, michelem@fpcnaples.org
YOU HAVE A DINNER DATE
Mark your calendar for March 22.
Attendees bring a dish to share and this friendly social setting helps us
get to know each other better. It’s fun and easy and we invite all to participate
– couples and singles.
Questions? Contact Betty Plum – 239.732.8799 or bplum1188@aol.com.
Reservations will be taken in Spencer Hall
after worship or by contacting Betty.
Reminder
100 Pairs of Hands
Meals of Hope Food Packing Party
Saturday, March 2
from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
in Spencer Hall
News and Events Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org 13
News and Events Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org
Men’s Club
Speakers for March
March 4
Marisol Schloendorn
Human Trafficking Marisol is the Victim Advocate for the Human Trafficking unit
of the Collier County Sheriffs office.
Did you know… The difference between human trafficking and human
smuggling?
A person is smuggled when they are illegally brought across
borders. A person is trafficked when they are brought into the
country for forced labor, exploitation or victimization. The U.S.
State Department 2010 annual report on Trafficking stated
Adults and children in forced labor, bonded labor, and forced
prostitution around the world: 12.3 million.
March 18
Donna Fiala Collier County Commissioner District 1
Commissioner Fiala was elected Commissioner of District 1 in
2000 and has held that position since. She ran unopposed in
2004 and 2008 for re-election. In 2003 and 2008 she served as
Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and
served as the Board’s liaison to the County Government
Productivity Committee. In 2003 and 2009 she served as
Chairman of the Board and the Tourist Development Council.
Commissioner Fiala is a Certified County Commissioner by the
Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and was appointed to the
Board of Directors to help guide the agency in adopting bylaw
changes, monitoring finances and making other decisions to
direct the association.
Coffee 10:00 a.m.,
Program 10:30 a.m.
in Spencer Hall
Dear First Presbyterian Church of Naples,
Thank you so much for all the kindness shown to
me during my stay in the hospital. I appreciated
all the cards and flowers. The wonderful visits by
the Deacons and Stephen Minister gave me
courage and a renewed faith in God that I could
overcome my physical problems.
Thank you again,
Joan Kendzior
National Competitive Cycling RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR CHURCH
SUNDAY, MARCH 10. We need volunteers to help us be a welcoming presence
to all who come to the event! Please visit Sign Up
Central in Spencer Hall.
Thank You
Today’s form of slavery does not bear the overt nature of pre-civil war slavery, but it is no less heinous and reprehensible than the slavery of our
nation’s past. Today, human trafficking has surreptitiously found its way into our society and continues to thrive.
14
News and Events Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org News and Events Send all publication submissions to: publications@fpcnaples.org 15
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
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