november outreach 2014
DESCRIPTION
News and events for First Presbyterian Church of NaplesTRANSCRIPT
IN THIS ISSUE
From Dr. Browne 2
Pastor Nominating 2
Music 3
Finance 4
Evangelism 5
Presbyterian Women 6
Missions 6
Calendar 8
Children and Youth 9
Preschool 10
Staff Spotlight 12
News and Events 13
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
November 2014
2 Rev. Dr. Will Browne, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff [email protected]
November is for me a quintessentially Presbyterian month. As leaves change in Northern climes we remember that God is always renewing and reforming the world. An illustration in a way of our reformed motto, "Reformed and always
reforming" or perhaps more accurately "Reformed and always being reformed." And while Thanksgiving is key to my thinking November is "our" month, it is not because we love to eat (though we are really good at eating and feasting).
What makes November Presbyterian is that it is the month when we are explicitly thankful. At the heart of what makes a Presbyterian's soul tick is a wonder and deep gratitude for the love and grace God gives into our lives. We give, we worship, we serve, we nurture, we learn and we witness all as an expression of our thankfulness for what God has done for us before we ever dreamed it could be so. So be proud to be Presbyterian this month! Worship with us, play with us, serve with us, pray with us, care with us and yes, feast with
us - all as an expression of thanks to our God of abundant generosity. Yours in Christ’s Service,
Libby Biehl, PNC Committee Chair, [email protected] Pastor Nominating Committee
The PNC would like to welcome Dr. Will Browne to the pulpit as our current Interim Pastor. We are happy to have him with us during the process of finding a new pastor for our church. It is a blessing he is able to be here full time and we look forward to the positive work that can be done while he is here with us.
We as the PNC are very excited about our current list of candidates. We feel as though we have some very viable candidates. We have had Skype interviews with several of them and are in the process of hearing each candidate preach either at their current home church or in a neutral pulpit. Although as your PNC we feel pretty good about these individuals, we are also trusting that God will point us in the direction of His chosen candidate. We ask that you, the congregation, please pray with us. Blessings,
Libby Biehl PNC Chair
From Your PNC Committee
3 Music Dr. Brice Gerlach, Director of Music Ministries, [email protected]
A Season of Music Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus James Cochran, Director Brice Gerlach, Assistant Director Sunday, November 16, 2014 4:00 p.m. The Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus, under the direction of Dr. James Cochran, presents a concert sure to uplift and inspire. The chorus is an auditioned choir of children ranging in age from 6 to 18. They rehearse weekly and perform annually at Holiday Pops and their Spring Recital at Artis—Naples. They also sing for community events and in concerts around the Naples area. They are the best young singers in our community. The concert will feature pieces in different languages, a traditional Shaker hymn tune and many Disney songs. Highlights include the traditional spiritual Let Me Fly, If Wishes Had Wings, Fifty States in Rhyme and some Holiday favorites. You will love seeing the joy that these children have while singing. Don’t miss this special concert.
A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir Sunday, December 7, 2014 4:00 p.m.
This special worship service, made popular by Kings College Cambridge, has become a tradition at First Presbyterian Church. Our Chancel Choir will sing many favorite Christmas anthems including the Angels’ Carol and Star Carol by John Rutter, portions of Handel’s Messiah, including And the Glory of the Lord, the famous tenor solo, Comfort Ye and Every Valley, and the soprano solo, Rejoice Greatly. You will add your voice to the service by joining our choir in singing many favorite Christmas carols—including Once in Royal David’s City, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing and Silent Night.
Come and remember the reason for the season! Mark your calendar now for this yuletide afternoon.
4 Finance Natalie Duff, Director of Finance, [email protected]
Financial Report
September 30, 2014
YTD YTD Budget YTD YTD Budget
2014 2014 2013 2013
Offerings 680,390 683,998 746,070 753,003
Other Income 282,365 264,269 304,674 295,012
Total Operating Expenses 1,106,565 1,244,592 1,261,450 1,339,664
Operating Gain/Loss (143,810) (296,335) (210,706) (291,649)
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, Flowers 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].
5 Evangelism Joan Gust, Evangelism Committee Chair, [email protected]
I love the Cross, which dominates the upper center of the Chancel, reminding us what God did for us (John 3:16).
I love that there is a large core of people who serve God and this church faithfully, month after month, year after year, using their varied gifts and talents in His service.
I love the faithful and gifted members of the staff, who keep the wheels of the church turning. I love that God has given them to us.
I love the music, the blessing of Brice, the magnificent organ, and the beautiful voices, which lift our hearts each week.
I love the Fellowship Hour, the din of voices, the smell of coffee, the freshly-baked cookies, folks smiling, chatting, and hugging
God bless this church, His church. Submitted by— Ben and Marilyn Currier
Fiesta Potluck Dinner
with Special Guest Pastor Ramon Garcia
from Cumberland Church
Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m. in Spencer Hall
Bring your favorite Mexican dish!
Those whose last names begin with the following please bring:
A-G, main course H-P, dessert
Q-Z, side/salad
To sign up visit Sign Up Central, in Spencer Hall, call Diane & Dan
Stellema at 239.455.8796 or John & Joanne Slager at 239.272.1568
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Feed the 5,000
Luke 9:10-17 Please take a Publix bag from an usher as you leave the Sanctuary on the first Sunday of the month, and return it with food to the Sixth Street church entrance on the second Sunday of the month. If you prefer, checks may be made payable to the "First Presbyterian Church," with the memo marked "Feed the 5,000."
This month we are gathering food for Helps Outreach. Helps Outreach provides food, clothing, and furniture to those in need. Each person who receives aid is counseled about spiritual well being and financial planning. Desired food: jam, jelly and/or peanut butter canned chicken or ham pasta pasta sauce macaroni and cheese Hamburger Helper rice red or black dried beans canned peas, corn, and/or green beans canned soup canned evaporated milk
Missions Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, [email protected]
Presbyterian Women Ann Goodnight, PW Moderator, [email protected]
Welcome back to a new
program year for the ladies of
the congregation. The new
circle Bible Study was
introduced at our October 15
meeting and we will be using a
different format from our
previous studies. We hope you
all can join us for both our programs and Bible study.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN GATHERING
Wednesday, November 5, at noon in Spencer Hall.
Reservations may be made in Spencer Hall on
Sunday, November 2. Menu for the luncheon is
chicken casserole, fruit salad, relishes and dessert for
$7. Thank Offering Collection for Presbyterian
Missions will be collected at this Gathering.
The program will be presented by St. Matthew’s
House on the Women’s Recovery Program at Justin’s
Place. Our guest speakers will be Rev. Vann Ellison,
President and CEO, along with testimony from
Brittany Bartholomew, a young lady who has
successfully completed their program and now gives
back to others working for Justin’s Place. Rev.
Ellison will also include a question and answer
session.
VETERAN’S RECOGNITION We will honor our congregation’s veterans on
Sunday, November 9 with flag pins for them to wear.
CIRCLE MEETINGS
The third week of the month is Circle meeting week.
Tuesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November
19.
The Bible Study videos will be shown on the second
Mondays and third Thursdays of the month at 9:30
a.m. in Room 204. All are welcome to attend.
LOOKING FORWARD
Our Christmas Gathering will include a delicious
luncheon and a program by Michele Byrd and Brice
Gerlach.
7 Missions Betty Mangos, Mission Committee Chair, [email protected]
guide
our kind of BOGO.
Betty Mangos Missions Committee Chair
Join us November 11 for a trip to see some of our local mission recipients… Grace Place, St. Matthew's House,
and HELPS OUTREACH.
The church bus will leave the church parking lot at 9:30 a.m. We will have lunch at 12 p.m.
at St. Matthew's House.
Please sign up by calling Betty Mangos at 239.254.9883 or the church 239.262.1311.
Sandy Poore, Director of Facilities, [email protected] Calendar 8
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 9:30 a.m.
Communion Set up
2 8:30 & 10 a.m. Communion Worship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. New Member Class 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
3 11 a.m. Tony Wolfe Memorial
4 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 11 a.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group
5 10:30 a.m. PW Coordinating Team 12 p.m. PW Gathering 12 p.m. Preschool Committee 2 p.m. CE Meeting 4 p.m. PNC meeting 7 p.m. Choir
6 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
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9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
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9 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. New members rec’d 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
10 9 a.m. Bible Facilitators 10 a.m. Evangelism Committee
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7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location) 8 a.m. Facilities Committee 9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 9:30 a.m. Mission Trip 1 p.m. Worship & Music Committee 2 p.m. Missions Committee
12 12 p.m. Sunshine Circle 4 p.m. PNC meeting 7 p.m. Choir
13 9:30 a.m. Stephen Ministry 10 a.m. Sew&Sews 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
14 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking
15 OUTREACH DEADLINE
16 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church 4 p.m. Season of Music Concert
17 3 p.m. Finance Committee
18 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 9:30 a.m. Faith/Joy Circle 5:30 p.m. Deacons
19 9:30 a.m. Love Circle 1 p.m. Peace/Honor Circle 1 p.m. Friendship Circle 4 p.m. PNC meeting 7 p.m. Choor
20 4 p.m. Youth Group 7 p.m. Cumberland Church
21 9:30 a.m. Cookie Baking 11 a.m. Barbara Marsh Memorial
22
23 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. Baptism 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
24
25 7 a.m. Breakfast Bible Study (separate
location)
9 a.m. Prayer Shawl 12 p.m. Preschool Thanksgiving lunch 4 p.m. Session
26 Preschool Closed 4 p.m. PNC meeting
27 THANKSGIVING Church office Closed Preschool Closed 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Service 12 p.m. Thanksgiving Dinner
28 Church office closed Preschool closed 12 p.m. Family Camping Trip
29 Family Camping Trip
30 8:30 & 10 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 12 p.m. Cumberland Church
November
TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK TONIGHT
9 Children and Youth Shana Dublan, Director of Children and Family Ministries
Fall Festival Fun!
10 Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, [email protected]
“High Stakes
Testing” is a
common buzz word these days.
Lee County School District voted to opt out of state mandated testing, then voted to opt back in, and now have voted to opt out again. Not only are school aged children being tested, or assessed for knowledge, but so are our Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) children. First Presbyterian Preschool participates in the VPK program, which is a program established to ensure all four year olds in the state of Florida have access to educational programs prior to entering Kindergarten. This program is state funded, meaning that we are reimbursed for a portion of each eligible child’s tuition.
Three years ago, the Department of Education and the Office of Early Learning introduced an assessment tool that is quite frankly, completely developmentally inappropriate for four year olds.
Not many of our four year old children can look at a math equation of 1 + 3=? and be able to provide the correct answer. Addition math skills are appropriate for a child leaving Kindergarten, not for a child that just
started a four year old program. Many VPK providers have concerns regarding the inappropriateness of the assessment tool we must use and we are working with the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida to address this concern, but I thought you may be interested in reading an article about testing (especially all you fellow educators, both present and retired!).
Taken from Scope-Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education.
There is a saying that American students are the most tested, and the least examined, of any in the world. We test students in the U.S. far more than any other nation, in the mistaken belief that testing produces greater learning: since No Child Left Behind was passed in 2002, public schools have been required to test every child every
year in third through eighth grade. Students face additional tests in high school, almost all of them primarily multiple-choice.
Policymakers have tied more and more decisions to test scores. They factor into whether students will be promoted or graduated, how much teachers will be paid, and whether they will remain employed, whether schools will receive rewards or sanctions–including, with recent policies, whether their staffs will be fired or whether they will be closed entirely. Recent cheating scandals, like those in Atlanta and Washington DC, are one result of this pressure. But cheating is rare, and there are far more wide-reaching negative consequences of this obsession.
Rather than improving education, the current desire to attach scores from a burgeoning battery of tests to student, teacher, and school decisions actually undermines the quality of education in at least three ways.
First, it dumbs down the curriculum: studies have found that schools, especially in low-income communities, are reducing or even eliminating instruction in non-tested subjects like science, social studies, and the arts. Without a well-rounded curriculum, children lack the knowledge needed to understand complex texts, to investigate and understand the world around them, and to create–the American advantage that is fast slipping away from us. High-stakes testing also drives multiple-choice instruction. As classroom activities increasingly mimic the tests, students are doing less and less of the things colleges and employers want more of: researching, writing, using technology, explaining and defending their ideas, collaborating, and solving complex problems.
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Second, punishing schools for low scores creates incentives for schools to keep out and push out students who score poorly on tests. In a market-based system of school choice that is managed by test scores, schools work to get and keep the easiest students and to get rid of those who struggle to learn. Evidence shows that some charter schools avoid admitting poor students and those with disabilities, while sending the most problematic kids back to the public schools. However, district-run public
schools can also boost scores by pushing out low-achieving students. This occurs through disciplinary actions, grade retention, and counseling that encourages students to transfer or drop out. Although scores go up, our children and our society suffer from the growing school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, focusing on test-based accountability deflects attention from critical problems that need to be solved: higher rates of childhood poverty–nearly one in four children–and homelessness than any in the industrialized world; state funding systems that often spend more than twice as much on affluent schools as on poor ones; crumbling schools in many poor communities that lack textbooks, libraries, computers, and safe facilities. These disparities account for much more of the achievement gap than the effects of individual teachers, but they are tougher to confront.
The test-and-punish theory of reform seems to be grounded in a belief that learning will not occur unless children and educators face high-stakes penalties attached to test scores. Case in point:
Finland–the highest-scoring OECD nation on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests–has no required external testing, other than a voluntary test in the 12th grade that informs college admissions. On this test, students choose which of a set of thoughtful essay questions they will answer in each content area.
High-achieving Singapore tests students only once before high school. High school
examinations there and in other high-ranking systems use open-ended essays and oral examinations that require students to think critically, solve complex problems, and defend their ideas.
Increasingly, examinations include projects such as science investigations and research papers. None of these nations use the kind of multiple-choice tests common in the U.S., and none of them use tests to rank or punish teachers or schools. All of them support children’s welfare, fund schools equitably, and recruit a highly-trained and well-supported teaching force.
Lastly, all of them outperform the U.S. on international tests, where American children
have more trouble writing, analyzing, and defending their views, because they have much less practice in doing so.
It’s time to replace our high-stakes test-and-punish strategy with what the Finns call “intelligent accountability.” We need new assessments that are designed to reflect important skills, and we need to use them to improve teaching and learning, rather than to dole out sanctions, in a system that provides equitable opportunities to learn. Without major changes, we will, indeed, be testing our nation to death.
Preschool Ashley Houk, Preschool Director, [email protected]
12 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Kathleen Law Coordinator of Communications
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: A small town on the Jersey Shore, Atlantic Highlands. Or for those who are familiar with Jersey, exit 109 on the Parkway!
Q: How long have you worked at First Presbyterian Church? A: I worked here from 1994-1997 and returned in 2002.
Q: Are you married? A: My husband, Bill, and I have been married for 16 years. Q: What does your spouse do? A: Bill works for Florida Power & Light as a Senior Technician/Mechanic for Fleet.
Q: Do you have any children? A: I have two step-children, Bill and Reneé, both grown with their own families. And, of course, we have our dog, Shelby.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren? A: Bill and his wife Jaymie have two daughters, Payton (8) and Paige (7). Reneé and her husband, Martin have a son, Nikolas (4). Q: Where can we find you when you’re not working? A: I am usually in the backyard tending to my butterfly gardens...or at Outback with our friends.
Q: Which sports do you enjoy? A: Football—J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets! (Well they’re not really doing much this year, but one can always hope!)
Q: Name some favorite Movies? A: Drama—The Godfather; Comedy—My Cousin Vinny; Christmas—Elf, Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life
Q: What are some of your favorite TV shows? A: NCIS, Madame Secretary, The Blacklist
Q: Favorite Actor/Actress? A: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks.
Q: Who (dead or alive) would you like to meet? A: My great-great grandfather, a New England Whaler.
Q: What profession would you not like to attempt? A: Accounting or waitressing.
Q: What profession would you like to attempt: A: Dog breeder.
Q: What sound or noise do you love? A: The waves, buoy bells and fog horns.
Q: What sound or noise do you hate? A: A baby crying.
Q: Name a few things on your bucket list. A: Tour Italy, visit the Grand Canyon.
Q: What would you like God to say to you when you arrive at the pearly gates? A: Your loved ones are here waiting to greet you!
Some of the above questions were taken from “Inside the Actors Studio”
13 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Save the Date February 13, 2015
Valentine’s Dinner
with entertainment, by Peter Strachan and love song sing-a-long
Tickets ($15) will be available in December
Watch the December Outreach for more information.
Salvation Army
Red Kettle
Campaign
Sign up now to be a bell ringer the week of December 8 at the Neapolitan Way Publix. Visit Spencer Hall or call the church office to choose your 2 hour time slot. You can do it alone or pair up with a friend or two. You can sit, stand, dance, dress up, even sing your favorite Christmas Carol! Be a part of this favorite mission.
Blood Drive Monday,
December 1 7:30 a.m.—12 p.m.
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
November, 28, 29 & 30
Mark your calendars and prepare for
a fun filled camping experience in
Ocala National Forest
Adventure Races, Caving, Canoeing,
Team Sports and an Outdoor Movie!
Includes: Friday dinner, all meals Saturday, Sunday breakfast, devotions and tents
$100/individuals
$300/families
Contact Shana at 239.262.1311 ext. 229 for more information and to register.
14 News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Thank You
Acts of kindness warm the heart, soothe the soul, and
make the world turn more gently. It’s nice to know that
there are still people who take such pleasure in doing
special things and making others feel good…
Thank You for letting us use the Chapel facilities for the
past three years.
Pastor Ramon and Hispanic Mission
Thank you First Presbyterian Family for the beautiful
birthday flowers. They really brightened my day.
Fred Bell
On behalf of the staff at Life Line Screening, we would
like to thank you for allowing us to come to your
community. We screened a total of 62 people! Thank
you for your help in bringing such an important service
to the members of your community. We look forward to
our next screening together.
Sincerely,
Ann Crowell
Life Line Screening
Dear Family and Friends,
We are deeply grateful and humbled by the love,
encouragement and prayers which we have received
since March 2013, when Lee was diagnosed with Stage
4 pancreatic cancer and throughout the journey which
concluded on Saturday, October 4, 2014. You have been
so faithful in prayer on our behalf and we have been
blessed and lifted up to our Heavenly Father daily. Your
prayers brought courage and strength as the challenges
of Lee's disease became more difficult during the
summer months. Through it all we have felt your love
and God's presence each step of the way.
Please accept our gratitude for your love and care.
We will always be thankful to God for you.
Love, Pat and the entire Koning Family
The Christian Education Department would like to say
“THANK YOU” to everyone who helped with the Fall
Festival and Silent Auction. This was a wonderful
evening of fun, fellowship and outreach. We had 21
different stations and games for children and families to
enjoy. This event was packed with so much fun and it
would not have been the same without you. Thank you
again for stepping in and becoming a “HERO”
In Memoriam
Rev. Lee Koning October 4, 2014
Barbara Marsh October 16, 2014
The Memorial Garden provides a place of beauty and peace to house the columbarium for the interment of ashes for those who choose this method of burial.
A Memorial Garden is a wall of niches for urns containing the ashes of loved ones. The reservation of niches, like the reservation of cemetery plots, provides the funds
for perpetual care and improvement.
The Memorial Garden is located in the outer west wall of the sanctuary, under the round stained glass window and around the fountain area. The area is surrounded by a ficus hedge for privacy. Benches are provided for sitting in quiet meditation. Entrance is gained by a path on the north side of the garden.
The Memorial Garden is available for interment for members of The First Presbyterian Church of Naples and their families. Any other person, regardless of race, color, or national origin, may use the Memorial Garden based on availability and approval by the Facilities Committee.
Anyone desiring to purchase a Burial Right in the Memorial Garden, either for immediate use or as a Preneed Contract, must submit a written application. Rules and Regulations pertaining to the Memorial Garden will be available at the time of application. Based upon the information contained in the application and the conditions outlined in the Rules and Regulations, the Facilities Committee will approve applications that meet the required credentials.
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News and Events Kathleen Law, Coordinator of Communications, [email protected]
Program Staff
Dr. Will Browne Interim Pastor/Head of Staff
Dr. Brice Gerlach Director of Music Ministries
Shana Dublan Director of Children and Family Ministries
Office Staff Sharman Pfaus Executive Assistant
Natalie Duff Director of Finance
Kathleen Law Coordinator of Communications
Facilities Staff Sandy Poore Director 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
Serving First Presbyterian Church of Naples
Please consider dedicating a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, and help beautify the Sanctuary for the Christmas season. Fill out the following form and return it along with payment to the church office. Please note Poinsettia Dedication on the payment. All orders must be received no later than Friday, December 12. Please use one form per dedication. Additional forms may be found in the church office, Spencer Hall or online at www.fpcnaples.org. The cost is $25 per poinsettia. Please PRINT CLEARLY the information you would like to appear in the dedication. In memory of _________________________________________________________________________ In honor of ____________________________________________________________________________ Given by _____________________________________________________________________________ Your name _______________________________________ Phone _____________________________ Amount enclosed $________
A list of dedications will appear in the Christmas Eve bulletins. You may pick up your poinsettia following the 7 p.m. service on Christmas Eve.
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