IN THIS ISSUE From Dr. Browne 2 Session 3 Music 4 Finance 5 Congregational Care 6 Deacons 7 Presbyterian Women 8 Calendar 9 Children and Youth 10 Preschool 12 Missions 13 News & Events 14 The First Presbyterian Church of Naples February 2015 Meals of Hope 2014
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Transcript
IN THIS ISSUE
From Dr. Browne 2
Session 3
Music 4
Finance 5
Congregational Care 6
Deacons 7
Presbyterian Women 8
Calendar 9
Children and Youth 10
Preschool 12
Missions 13
News & Events 14
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
February 2015
Meals of Hope 2014
2 Rev. Dr. Will Browne, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff [email protected]
How shall we
give?
The Jewish “Gates of Prayer”
worship book tells us there are
eight degrees in the giving of
Tsedakah, each one higher than
the next:
to give grudgingly, reluctantly, or with regret;
to give less than one should, but with grace;
to give what one should, but only after being asked;
to give before one is asked;
to give without knowing who will receive it,
although the recipient knows the identity of the giver;
to give without making known one’s identity;
to give so that neither giver nor receiver knows the
identity of the other;
to help another to become self-supporting,
by means of a gift, a loan, or
by finding employment for the one in need. (Gates of Prayer: The New Union Prayerbook, Central Conference
of American Rabbis, New York, 1975, p. 15)
I think of a ninth degree that better reflects our
Presbyterian and Reformed theological understanding -
to give:
with the affirmation that all we have is a gift from
God;
as a response of joy and gratitude for the grace we
have received first from God in Christ; and
with eagerness that others receive that same grace as
grace ‘shared forward’.
Years ago before the Presbyterian reunion, my father had
a ‘southern’ Presbyterian move to his small western
Pennsylvania town and join the church. The new member
met with my father and asked,
Member: “How do you want me to give my tithe?”
Father: “You tithe?”
Member: “Everyone in my home church tithes. We
found it made things very simple. When everyone tithed
we always had the money we needed. We didn’t really
have a budget and we didn’t have an annual campaign.
Everyone who joined agreed to tithe and God provided for
all our needs and for an abundance for mission reaching
out to others.
So, is there a particular way you want me to divide the
tithe? 50% for operations and 50% for mission? Or, just
give it and let the session use it as needed?”
Another friend told me that in her church each member
was presented a bill for their fair share of the expenses.
Even another said to me, “Invite your people to give so
that their own generosity astounds them.”
I have been in
churches in which the
offering is counted
and if it is not enough
another offering is
taken. If that is not
enough another is
taken.
I have visited congregations that were divided up by the
day of the week on which they were born and the ‘days’
compete to see which day can give the most.
There are also churches in which ‘thank offerings’ are
made for grace experienced in life. A gift to God for the
birth of a child, for recovery from illness, for a problem
solved, for a new friend found, for the end of a famine or
drought. The more trying the experience, the more the
gift of thanks.
How should we support the life, witness, ministry and
mission of First Presbyterian Church of Naples? There is
no one and perfect way. For some of us it will arise from
the grace we have received, for others of us it will arise
from the visions of service, love and mission that pull us
forward. In the weeks ahead, you will hear of our dreams
and plans and needs. You will receive a pledge card upon
which to indicate what you intend to give for 2015. I ask
you to seek the level of your highest hope and fullest
gratitude. Give beyond what you feel you ‘have to.’ Give
out of your joy in Christ and out of your prayer for God’s
At this meeting the Session: Opened with Psalm 111 and prayer by the
Moderator elected Libby Biehl as Clerk of Session;
elected Corporation Officers President – Eric Holt Vice-President – Keith Gahagan Treasurer – Richard Green Secretary – Libby Biehl
elected Richard Green and Franklin Ellis to be
commissioners to the February 26 Presbytery meeting;
adopted plans for the sharing of Session actions with the congregation including these Session Highlights and a complete set of minutes to be posted in Spencer Hall;
discussed and adopted a revision of the Session and Deacon structures and responsibilities:
the Evangelism Committee will be renamed the Membership Committee and will focus on member recruitment and assimilation;
the Finance Committee (as previously approved) will include Audit and Endowment responsibilities;
the Worship & Music Committee will take over responsibility for Communion but will continue to engage both Elders and Deacons in preparation and serving;
a Congregational Care Committee with oversight of the Stephen Ministry and the Visitation Teams was created;
local mission responsibilities and congregational fellowship responsibilities were transferred to the Deacons;
national and international mission responsibilities were transferred to the
Stewardship Committee; the 2015 Budget was adopted as revised and
will be shared with the congregation at the Annual Meeting;
an Annual Meeting was called for February 8
following the 10 a.m. service at which congregation members of the Nominating Committee will be elected and annual reports will be shared;
Stewardship plans were discussed and will move forward immediately;
Christian Education
permission was given for the conducting of a “144 Campaign” fundraiser;
a new Adult Sunday School class was approved;
a new First Friday - Parents Night Out program was announced;
approved fundraising requests from the Preschool;
transfer of members was approved;
Finance further steps in the proposed property sales
were approved. Any changes to the terms and specifications would have to be approved by the congregation.
adopted new policies on Temporarily and Permanently Restricted and Designated Funds; and
assigned Elders as follows to Session
Committees: Christian Education – Keith Gahagan, Mike
Calyore Congregational Care – Shirley Hagerson Facilities – Joan Gust, John Crider Personnel – Eric Holt, Janie Brown Casassa Stewardship – Franklin Ellis, Betty Mangos Worship & Music – Bonita Krauss, Patty
Rutzler
Annual Congregational Meeting February 8, 2015
Following the 10 a.m. worship service.
The purpose of the meeting is to elect a Nominating Committee and committee annual reports will be shared.
4 Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, [email protected]
A Season of Music Rutter Requiem The Chancel Choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church Brice Gerlach and James Cochran, conductors Sunday, February 22, 2015 4:00 p.m.
*concert location—Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church
In the spirit of musical kinship, the Chancel Choirs of First Presbyterian and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Churches combine for a concert celebrating the music of John Rutter. Rutter will celebrate his 70th birthday in 2015. The featured work for this concert is his much beloved Requiem with Michele Byrd as the soprano soloist. In addition, the choirs will sing many favorite anthems by the British composer including Look at the World, For the Beauty of the Earth and A Gaelic Blessing. Please note...this concert will be held in the Sanctuary of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Boulevard. Plan to arrive early to secure your seat!
Lenten Noontime Organ Recitals Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25 and April 1, 2015 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
The spectacular Ruffatti pipe organ is featured in six 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.
After the recital, the audience is invited 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. Please join us for some beautiful organ music, personal reflection, a meal and study to celebrate this holy season. Each recital will be followed by a boxed lunch sponsored by various committees and groups of FPCN. A Bible Study, led by Dr. Will Browne, will take place following lunch. All are welcome to attend.
Total Operating Expenses 1,780,653 1,702,799 1,532,642
Use of Unrestricted Endowment Funds
-321,742
-426,207
-189,512
Why Planned Giving? A living legacy. A charitable bequest to your church is a legacy of your stewardship, a thoughtful expression of your gratitude for God’s blessings. What a joy to know that part of the worldly goods God helped you accumulate will be returned to your church to carry on his work on earth. If you are interested in learning more you may contact either Dr. Will Browne at [email protected] or Linda Gadkowski at [email protected] or Natalie Duff at [email protected] or 239.262.1311.
Did you know you can make your gifts online? Visit our website 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 which will allow you to set up a recurring gift or a one-time gift. Recurring gifts are a great way to pay your pledge and not have to worry about writing a check on Sunday morning. Don’t worry; you can make changes to your recurring gift at any time you wish. The Church also allows you to make donations to some of our special funds such as the Deacons Benevolence Fund, Feed the 5000, Birthday Mission Fund, Season of Music and the Preschool Angel Fund. You can use any major credit card/debit card or checking/savings account. If you use a savings or checking account number, the Church will not incur any fees. The Church has computers available for you to use. If you have any questions or need assistance in setting up a gift, please contact Natalie Duff, Director of Finance at 239.262.1311 ext. 242 or [email protected].
HELP 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 and Stephen Ministers 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.
The Care Visitation Ministry is looking for people who are willing to provide support and friendship for people who are
incapacitated at home or in a care facility. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your discipleship by visiting, calling and/or sending cards of encouragement to
those unable to attend church. Your time commitment is approximately 30 minutes to one hour weekly or monthly. If you are willing to participate in the outreach, please call either Carolyn Smith Bennett at 239.213.0048 or Shirley Hagerson at 239.596.3125. We thank you for considering this ministry of friendship.
Prayer Shawl
Ministry meets each Tuesday from 9—10:30 a.m. in the
Youth Room.
Please feel free to join us when you can.
For information contact Gail Clark at
313.310.0282
Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR CONGREGATION’S STEPHEN MINISTRY:
PRAY for our Stephen leaders and Stephen ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
PRAY for all who are receiving confidential care through Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
TELL Stephen leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister—be sure to get that person’s permission first!
TELL others in our community about the availability of our congregation’s Stephan Ministry and the care it can provide.
RECEIVE Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
CONSIDER serving as a Stephen Minister.
For more information, please contact Marilyn Currier 239.434.6239 or Saralene Oldham 239.643.4703.
18 ASH WEDNESDAY 9:30 a.m. Love Circle 10 a.m. Friendship Circle 12 p.m. Sunshine Circle 1 p.m. Peace/Honor Circle 4 p.m. PNC meeting 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service
19 10 a.m. PW Bible study video 11 a.m. HUDDLE 2:30 p.m. Adult Handbells 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
20 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
21
22 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 11: a.m. Family Outing 11:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Season of Music Concert at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church
26 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 11 a.m. HUDDLE 2:30 p.m. Adult Handbells 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
27 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 6 p.m. Dinner for All
28
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. 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.
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 [email protected] or 239.262.1311 ext. 229.
10
February 15
Youth Outing—
Middle and High
School students
Let’s go to Sun-N- Fun Lagoon after the
service!
Come to worship at 9:45 a.m. and bring
your swimsuit and towel. Following
worship we enjoy lunch and an afternoon
of water fun. Bring $10 and plan for pick
up at the church at 4 p.m.
February 22
Family Outing Putt Putt golf here
we come!
Following service
we will head over
for a round of fun
and fellowship at
Coral Cay
Adventures.
Bring $5 and a light snack. If you would
like more information or are looking to
register, please e-mail or call Shana.
Join us on March 6 for Parent’s Night Out and the much loved children’s movie, Finding Nemo. Parents must register their children with Shana Dublan before the event.
From 5:30-9 p.m. kids will play games, have a craft, enjoy dinner and watch the movie. Dinner is “Fish Out of Water Casserole” (chicken, broccoli and rice), fruit kabobs, ocean blue punch and orange sorbet. We end our evening together with connecting the movie with the Bible.
I am looking for a few more people who love children to help with the event. With more volunteers we would be able to offer more spaces for kids. Registration for the February Parent’s Night Out filled up quickly and we had at least nine children unable to attend because we didn’t have enough volunteers. We have schedules and events all planned out. The only thing missing is you!
Family, children and youth Events
Children and Youth Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
Through mission work, conferences, Bible study and local outings, it has been an amazing year. I have enjoyed watching our youth group grow, not just in numbers but spiritually. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to reach so many and I am looking forward to the year ahead. We have so many different opportunities to continue to grow. We are planning to go on our yearly Montreat trip, week-long Mission trip and several different group building outings. Partnering with the preschool, we have launched an outreach effort to reach more families. With all of this activity happening this year, we are asking for your support.
Christian Education will kick off our fundraising this month with 144.
The youth will be in Spencer Hall every Sunday in February with our “144” envelopes. Please stop by the table and pick up the envelope with the number on it that corresponds to a dollar amount you would be willing to donate to our youth. If you can donate $117 please pick up envelope #117, and make sure when you return your envelope to the Church that you write your name and address on it so the youth can send a special “Thank You” throughout the year. You can return your envelope via mail, drop it at the front office or simply place it in the offertory plate on Sunday morning. Last year we raised enough to send several youth to Montreat with funds left over to sponsor additional students this year! That was amazing and we are truly grateful for your investment in the spiritual growth of the youth. This year the contributions donated will help support ALL of the Children and Youth programs. Christian Education is joyfully looking forward to seeing what
In February we gather food for the people served by Grace Place. Grace Place is a faith based community center, which teaches literacy, language, and life skills to at-risk children and impoverished families. Most needed items are: dried rice dried beans cans of chicken, tuna, or meat canned fruit canned vegetables powdered milk dry children's cereal peanut butter jam or jelly Ushers will have a Publix bag ready for you as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month. Please return it with your donated items to the Sixth Street entrance of our church when you come to worship on the second Sunday of the month. Checks are welcome and should be payable to the "First Presbyterian Church" with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
WANT TO HAVE
A HAPPY DAY? Thursday, March 26 will be your happy day when you join church members and friends for a tour of three agencies in Naples that First Presbyterian Church supports: Grace Place, St. Matthew’s House, and Helps Outreach.
This is a repeat of the tour we had last Fall. You will be impressed and inspired by the programs and outreach to the community provided by these missions. The church bus will depart from the parking lot at 9 a.m. and will return about 3 p.m. We will enjoy lunch at St. Matthew’s house. Sign up in Spencer Hall at Sign Up Central or call the church office, 239.262.1311.
Workday at Mision Peniel
We will need 12 to14 volunteers to help with a workday at Mision Peniel on Friday, February 6. Won’t you help us in packaging/serving a hot meal or distributing clothing and household items to farmworkers and their families? The bus will leave the church at 1 p.m. and return about 7 p.m. Please call the church at 262.1311 or Betty Mangos at 254.9883 for more information or to sign up.
News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Preston C. Came
Senior Wealth Director
BNY Mellon Wealth Management
Monday
February 23, 2015
Preston C. Came is a senior wealth director for BNY Mellon Wealth Management, one of the largest banking organizations in the United States. He has more than 15 years experience in private law practice and investment and financial planning, providing services to individuals, families, foundations and trusts, working to help them reach their overall financial goals.
Before moving to the Naples area several years ago, Preston ran and eventually sold his family’s Chicago based confectionary business, Golden Walnut Specialty Foods. This experience gives Preston a unique insight not only into the needs and realties of business owners, but also into the importance of proper investment and succession planning.
Preston received a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University and a law degree from Washington & Lee School of Law in Lexington, VA. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds FINRA series 7 & 63 security licenses. He also is a licensed member of the bar associations of Florida, Illinois and Virginia. Preston serves on the Board of Directors for the Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) and the English Speaking Union as well as being a member of the Planned Giving Committees for the David Lawrence Center and the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.
Dr. Robert Boyd Tober
Cardiovascular Collapse &
use of resuscitative machine
Monday
February 9, 2015
Education: St. Louis University, St. Louis University Medical School, Jewish-Barnes Hospital of St. Louis and St. Johns Mercy Medical Center and Trauma Center Hospital Appointments include: Naples Community Hospital, North Collier Hospital, Physicians Regional Medical Center Chairman, Dept. of Emergency and Ambulatory Medicine NCH Healthcare System University of Miami Governing Board on EMS Education Community Appointments include: Medical Director Neighborhood Health Clinic for the Working Uninsured Medical Director Collier County EMS Medical Director NCH Wound Healing Center Professional Appointments include: Governing Board Florida College of Emergency Physicians Elected President Florida College of Emergency Physicians Community Honors include: Physician of the Year NCH Healthcare System EMS Medical Director of the Year