HE IS RISEN The Gulf Breeze

April / May 2023, Volume 2

What’s Inside • Pastor Kirt: Eyes of Faith • Member Spotlights: Kathy Letarte and Kathia and Allen Miller • Behind the Scenes: So Many Blessings! • Blue Zones Project: Get Up and Get Out • Q&A with Author Karna Bodman

April

May

B IRTH DAYS

B IRT H DAYS

ELLIE

2 SUE

19

RICHARD

1

MIFA

18

KAREN

3 DONNA

19

CYNTHIA

3

CARL

22

LYNNE

3 JANE

21

ALLEN

3

MARION

23

KATHY

5 LAWRIE

21

NELLIE

4

TONI

24

BETH ELLEN

8 CHRISTINE

23

RICHARD

8

NANCY

25

DICK

9 KENNETH

24

LAUANE

8

SANDREA

27

25

CHIP

16

SHIRLEY

28

GORDON

29

DON

10 MARK

ROB

11 PHYLLIS

26

MICHAEL

16

STEVEN

11 LEW

27

SKIP

17

JACK

11 PAUL

27

GARY

17

MEGAN

14 CHRIS

30

SARAH

16 FRANCIS

30

CARSON

17 KRISTINA

30

If your name and birthday are not listed above, please call the NCC office at 239-213-1325.

A P R IL / M AY E VE NT CA L E NDA R All are welcome to any of these events!

Every Monday – except 5/29 Bible Study with Dawn Birch 12 Noon – everyone welcome 6 p.m. – women only If missed, look for Dawn Birch voice memo RECAP e-mails with easy click on audio, not blue icon, to hear a recap of the Bible Study Every Wednesday – 11 AM Issues Hour, Sunshine Room and ZOOM Every Sunday – 9:30 AM Prayer Time with Dawn Birch, Sunshine Room and ZOOM

2

Enjoying the Sunset on the NCC Naples Princess Sunset Cruise.

First and Third Wednesdays 12:30 PM - Mens’ Lunch after Issues Hour, Blueberry’s Cafe, 3350 Tamiami Trail North Sunday, April 2, 5:00 PM Randy Thomas Concert Naples Community Church In the Sanctuary Guests Welcome Thursday, April 6, 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Service NCC Sanctuary Wednesday, April 12 Movie Night at the Paragon Theatre True Spirit Gather at 6:15 PM Movie at 7:00 PM Pavilion Theatre

Sunday, April 16 Member Spotlight on Kathy Letarte After Sunday Service in the NCC Sancturay Also available via livestream To Access online, go to Naplescommunitychurch.org/ memberspotlight Sunday, April 23, 11:00 AM Book Signing with Karna Bodman NCC Sanctuary Sunday, April 23, 4:00 PM 2nd Annual Spring Picnic Bill Allyn’s Home Parking available at 555 Gulf Shore Dr. Dinner at 5:30; catered by Michelbob’s Must have ticket; $25 per person to attend Checks payable to Naples Community Church

Tuesday, May 9, 12:00 PM F3 Luncheon Poolside Cafe, Grey Oaks Individual Checks; credit cards accepted Wednesday, May 10 Movie Night, Paragon Theatre Lillies of the Field Gather at 6:15 PM Movie at 7:00 PM Sunday, May 21 Member Spotlight on Kathia and Allen Miller After Sunday Service in the NCC Sancturay Also available via livestream To Access online, go to Naplescommunitychurch.org/ memberspotlight

Wednesday, April 26, 12:00 PM F3 Luncheon 2 Fillets Restaurant, individual checks NOTE: Look for the Icons in the NCC emails to be connected to the NCC Zoom Room when it’s time for the event to begin: the blue icon (for Dawn’s Bible Study), the black icon (for Pastor Kirt’s Issues Hour), and the purple icon (for the Sunday Prayer time.)

Eyes of Faith

ByDr. Pastor by Kirt Anderson Kirt Anderson

No idea why stuck. As a little kid Ifind was it watching darkness darkness You know how it is. Looking foritsomething…can’t to save your lifeand butthe you end did not o TV in the living room — maybe because we had light of the world. Sounds up cleaning and reorganizing on an expedition into the deep recesses of your closet. like Jesu just visited Hollywood or because getting “Here’s this! I wondered where I’d put—it.” It’s notit was what you were looking for, but close to Christmas — but Charlie McCarthy (that Frosty the Snowman, because of “ something you looked for eons ago and couldn’t find.

puppet with a top hat and spectacles) was silk hat “came to life” — bumpety interviewing W.C. Fields. at him go but he’ll be back So, a great big box had old pillows, the next one had cold weather clothes that—I haven’t Newness of life? Resurrection? worn for 20+ years but can’t bring myself to get rid of, and behind them were several “Is itout true,one Mr. Fields, that you werewhat standing or itheavy is not! small boxes that I pulled at a time to see wasoninthe‘em.either Theymagical weren’t corner of Hollywood and Vine and cars were lined but there was gold inside. up waiting for your nose to turn green?” “That’s The themes carried through v like Rudolph!” the joke but I Christmas songs school are drawn, if not Gramma and Grampa’s weddingI thought. pictureI didn’t fromget 190-something. Dad’s high did think aboutbaseman’s the story ofmitt. poor ARudolph who story itself, then from the deep letter for basketball and his first 1909 edition of George Bernard Shaw’s “On Going todidn’t Church.” Treasures. Not for their intrinsic value but for what get to play with the others in their reindeer human heart — of memory, fami they represent. Family. Stories. History. games. falling in love, children, warmth in the dark, redemption and hope — Dad’s writing to his parents from Germany on the allied drive to Berlin, day to— hope f We in churchland can be dismissive of such from one“living to ninety-two day on the threshold “secular” of the dead.” A picture of Lieutenant Mom in her navy uniform. songs at Christmastime, ‘cause ours tell or any teeth at all. Grampa’s account of the working theRudolph, railroad in Alberta and watching his hat sail down real story! Frosty, rockin’ around and into a ravine. He bear-hugged the rails as a train passed over. And down at the bottom jingling just don’t measure up to Mary, Joseph, Christ makes His way into Christm of the box, his Swedish Bible. Magi, shepherds, and pear trees. more obvious songs get canceled. continues to stump the secular, the Jesus tells us to store Rosacea-nosed up treasuresRudolph in heaven. Yes, moth vermin destroy these of the was different fromand all the lovecan in Christ, of Immanuel, family treasures. Butrest these were treasures from heaven, legacies left and laden withvile circu but provided light to guide them through the being born into those love, faithfulness andnight. meaning. They used to call him names. But when broken world, continue to make t Rudolph finished his work they all loved him and hearts. It’s been said many times, m Scripture assures us that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” Those shouted out with glee. His light shone in the the Savior is born!

old, yellowed pages, crinkled black and whites, venerable leather and the surprisingly sweet smell that rises gently from the boxes reminded me that we are invited into something far greater than ourselves. However cute, baby bunnies and yellow chicks have nothing to do with Easter. New life is not newness of life. New life is natural. Resurrection is not.

The season of Easter is about resurrection and those who’ve gone before us. They pray “how long” at the throne of grace. They sing, “worthy is the Lamb.” They are the multitude without number, from every nation, tribe, people and tongue. It’s Gramma and Grampa, Mom and Dad, uncles and aunts and cousins and friends, and everyone else in our Now-I-Lay-Me’s who’ve answered the “Come to me” invitation of our Lord. It’s Jesus telling his loved ones to go to Galilee, and there they will see him. Those boxes were there all the time and I’d seen everything in them any number of times. I packed them and stored them. But why is it, that finding these “treasures,” it was as if I saw them for the first time?

3

Member SPOTLIGHT

Kathy

LETARTE A Purposeful Journey of Serving Others

Kathy Letarte, a new NCC member since 2021 has become very active in our church in a short period of time, which reflects a continual theme in her life. Whatever she has been engaged with, she has embraced with gusto. Her family and faith had much impact on her many milestones in life. Her entire life has been a journey of growth in faith, relationships, life experiences, and selfdiscovery. Kathy’s determination, talents and values were honed very early in life. Growing up in Ohio, she followed in her mother’s footsteps with faith in God and talent in music and theater, singing since age five, playing clarinet, becoming the head majorette, aka drum major, from 8th grade through HS graduation, and receiving state forensic awards in extemporaneous speaking. Her parents encouraged her and attended all of her activities. Her father, who died when she was 17, was a kind, gentle man who demonstrated his pride by making a fire baton, polishing her clarinet, chaperoning school events and always being there to listen. When in HS, she became involved in her local Presbyterian youth group and was very quickly chosen for her leadership to move to the state level, followed soon by her election to the National Youth Council, a group of only 7, for a one-year stint. Her parents gave her independence, when at 16 she flew alone all over the United States to church conferences and events. Two weeks after a week-long intense event on death and dying, her father unexpectedly passed away. She attributes her experiences with church youth groups as God’s way of preparing her for this most poignant and impactful event, which actually grew her faith.

She met her love match while at Michigan State University attaining graduate degrees: Kathy a masters in speech and hearing therapy, and he in education at the doctoral level. Both with strong faith, they married, adopted two children (ages 4 and 5), and grew together through every challenge God gave them. Raising their two children while each having robust full-time careers was challenge enough, yet in 1986 Kathy started her own Student Tour Company which she had for 22 years. At the same time her husband, Clyde, was president of Jackson Community College and then was recruited to run in a special election for the Michigan House of Representatives, in which he served for 6 years. They headed to St. Simons Island after retirement and built a home where they spent 7 winters together before he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The next seven months brought them some of their most beautiful moments together, which Kathy will share. Two years later, Kathy moved to Key West to start a new life and, in 2021, moved to Naples, where she has found her “home.” Throughout all, Kathy, with faith, has persevered and thrived with six grandkids and 3 great-grandkids. There is so much more to her story – please save the date of April 16 for this Member Spotlight following the NCC service and brief fellowship time with light lunch – all in the Sanctuary. This will be livestreamed and recorded.

Behind the

Scenes by Chris Pettingill

SoMANY

Blessings!

In this spring season of rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ and his ascension, we are blessed to have a church that is growing, not only in numbers but in vibrancy. Amid other churches losing members or in some cases considering closing, NCC is welcoming many new people and nurturing our seasonal and full-time church members. Our church family thrives on the warmth and love received each Sunday by our greeters and each other. It also thrives on the personal care and attention given to all facets of the service being in sync with Pastor Kirt’s message. Each service is unique, starting with a video that may be poignant, uplifting, or fun and always thought provoking or emotionally touching with a message relative to the sermon. Pastor Kirt’s sermons, first given context by reading a particular scriptural passage, ring true as personalized messages from God touching each of our hearts. It is not unusual to have a tear in the eye, or hear a clap, amen or laugh at some point in our service. Our Worship Leaders, Dawn and Billy Birch in coordination with Pastor Kirt, bless us with music choices that are uplifting and just right for each service’s sermon. Whether it be hymns chosen for us to sing or other contemporary Christian music played or sung by them or guest musicians they tap, all add to the harmony of music and message, further uplifting and speaking to each of our hearts and souls. Following the service, the fellowship time over coffee and cookies in the Sanctuary is often referred to as NCC’s secret sauce. It is a time of bonding closer together as a church family. All in attendance are welcome. We are blessed by all that goes into our services and so much that is done “behind the scenes” to carry out this work of the Lord in His House each Sunday. If you are visiting NCC in-person or on-line, we hope you feel a warm welcome, hear a message or song that stays in your mind when you leave, sense the presence of God in our church and come back again! We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with Joy year-round.

Behind the Scenes on Sundays Digital Programming, Camera Management and Live-streaming Service Dustin Herl

Coordination of Ushers Former Trustee Shirley Pessl and Richard Diedrich

Security Patrol Jim Klusendorf

Fellowship Team Julie Becker, Mary Rush, Phyllis Preston and Lynne Wilcox

Greeters opening doors and hearts Bob Cook and Becky Pruitt

Parking Lot PatrolJoel Thomason, Bob Cook, John Boatright, Rhys Reese

Welcome and announcements Mary Miller

Clearing of sidewalks and entrances to NCC Trustee Ken Brandle

Communion Preparation Fran and Ray King,

9:30 Prayer Team Leadership Dawn Birch

Preparation for music worship Billy Birch

NCC Volunteer Driver to Service Lareen Kegel with Gordon and Sonja Jones

Last month Blue Zones focused on getting you moving. So now that you’re up, it’s time to get out! Blue zones research identified social interaction as one of the 9 pillars of longevity. In 1985 American adults had an average of 3 close confidants. By 2004 the average was 2 and one in four reported having no close confidants at all. The pandemic heightened lack of social interaction, and since then there is more reported loneliness than ever before. Loneliness is defined as experiencing a gap between what you want, and what you feel from your social relationships. Loneliness, like hunger or thirst, is a signal that we’re not getting the social connection we need, and it can become a spiral that is hard to get out of. Social interactions are critical to our physical and mental well-being. They can increase the odds for prevention of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and dementia. Because we are all different, the need for social interaction is not determined by how many relationships we have. An introvert might function well with one close friend, while others might need friends in many different social circles. The most important thing is that we engage with others and develop a few relationships that go beyond the superficial with whom we can share our deepest thoughts and concerns. So if you are craving more social interaction, get up…go to the back of the church, and sign up for movie night, men’s breakfast or ladies luncheon. Or come to Monday Bible study or Wednesday Issues hour. We are blessed to be a part of a church that understands the value of social interaction as a way of deepening our relationships with each other as well as deepening our faith. If you know of someone experiencing feelings of loneliness, reach out. See you at the movies! P.S. We also have many activities to get to know each other better and have fun. In addition to coordinating fellowship time, Mary Rush has organized an all-church picnic at the home of Bill Allyn on April 23rd starting at 4:00. See the announcement on the inside front cover for details on tickets for this catered Barbeque. Thank you, Mary, for organizing and, Bill, for hosting this second annual NCC picnic. See you all at the Barbeque!

Blue ZONES PROJECT

Get Up &

Get Out

by Kathy Letarte

All Aboard the Sunset Cruise 120 NCC members and guests “Got Out“ to board the Naples Princess for Sunset Cruise

Member SPOTLIGHT

by Chris Pettingill & The Millers

Kathia & Allen

MILLER

Celebrating 50th Anniversary Living in Naples

Yes, 50 years full time! In the Spring of 1973, Kathia and Allen moved from Connecticut to Naples with their young daughter. During the move, Kathia was seven months pregnant and heading into a hot and humid Naples summer. In 1973 the train was still running along Goodlette Road and blew its whistle every time it went through, waking the new sleeping baby. What’s more, at the Zoo, then Jungle Larry’s African Safari, a panther escaped as Kathia was walking their daughter to register at half-day kindergarten. A lot to get used to for a young “Northern” family! Kathia was no stranger to Florida, having spent vacations with her father, who had moved to Sarasota in 1956. With an engineering background, he became president of an electronics research firm that built the ground and air telemetry for the GEMINI Rockets of the ‘60’s. During those years Kathia earned her undergraduate degree in English from Cornell University and her graduate degree from Brown University. Allen chose the physics and chemistry route for higher education at Union College, near his hometown of Little Falls, NY, and then enrolled at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland for his MAT degree. Both Allen and Kathia decided to be teachers during their senior years. The couple met while teaching at Staples High School in Westport, CT, a town known for its celebrities. Early in Kathia’s first year she was asked to chaperone a high school dance and didn’t want to go alone, so when her bowling team was pitted against Al’s in the Teachers Bowling League, she kept dropping hints to get Al to chaperone with her. He finally consented. At the dance they learned that Kathia’s sophomore roommate at Cornell had been Al’s classmate in high school and briefly his girlfriend. So they had a lot to talk about right away. In 1970, they married in Kathia’s hometown, quaint, pre-Revolutionary Ridgefield, CT. While Kathia had always been attracted to Al’s “walk,” he had fallen for her elm-lined Main Street. Their

lives

have

been

dedicated

to

education in Naples--Kathia, as a Lamaze teacher and in her 28 years at Edison College, now FSW, and Allen, briefly at Gulfview Middle and then at Naples High School, overall 34 years. Al and Kathia both emphasize the importance of, and enjoyment with, nurturing their students’ intellectual growth. They were devoted to their own students’ academic success amid some interesting tales along the way. Allen retired in 2009 and Kathia in 2010. That did not stop their mission to serve. Allen tutors chemistry and physics. And prior to the Pandemic Kathia taught Interview Success classes at St. Matthews Homeless Shelter. Currently she is serving her second term on the NCC Board of Trustees. She is also now on the Gulf Breeze editing team. Their interesting quest for a family church led them to join First Pres in 1974 and eventually to join Kirt early in the development of Naples Community Church. Pastor Kirt officiated the first marriage ceremony in NCC, of Al and Kathia’s youngest child, their daughter Lynn, who lives in Naples and has three children. Their son, Zach, is not far away in Miami and the oldest, Paula, is married and living in Bonita Springs. Al and Kathia enjoy tennis, dancing, and playing locally in their own rock ‘n’ roll band for 35 years under various band names, such as Four on the Floor, Bent Fender, and RunAround. Save the date for their Member Spotlight on May 21 and find out who is the guitarist and who is the drummer. The event will follow a brief fellowship time with light lunch served in the sanctuary. Anyone attending church that day and guests are welcome. This will be livestreamed as usual for those at home.

&

QA with

Founding Trustee

KARNA BODMAN

Author of the new Children’s Picture Book

Q: How long have you been writing books? A: I began writing political thrillers after I left The (Reagan) White House where I served six years, first as Deputy Press Secretary, later as Senior Director of the National Security Council. There are five of those novels: Checkmate, Gambit, Final Finesse, Castle Bravo and Trust but Verify. All have been edited and re-issued with new covers and updated technology by my new publisher (I couldn’t have my hero rushing into the Situation Room midst the clatter of fax machines, now could I?)

Q: What inspired you to write a children’s book? A: I wanted to introduce children to the White House in an entertaining way, so I wrote this story -- in poetry -- about 4-year-old twins (boy/girl) who get a puppy, “Wrigley” for their birthday. The dog then runs around The White House creating havoc while also solving a big problem for their dad, the President. When read to little ones, they will not only laugh (I hope) at the antics of the dog, but they will learn that there IS a home of every First Family with a Rose Garden, Oval Office, State Dining Room with portrait of Abraham Lincoln and so much more.

I have a wonderful illustrator who has created “authentic” drawings of the rooms in the famous building. There is also a page at the end with stories of pets that lived at The White House during various administrations. Wrigley at The White House is the first in a series about this adventurous dog. Next will be Wrigley’s White House Christmas, Wrigley’s White House Easter, Wrigley’s White House Thanksgiving, and many more.

Karna will be signing copies of this charming book during fellowship time on April 23. All proceeds of these sales will be donated to NCC. The book will be $20, cash or check made out to Naples Community Church. Check out her website to see all of her books: www.karnabodman.com

Ken and Corinne for Leadership of the Care & Compassion Team since inception!

Ken and Corinne Brandle have been role models defining care and compassion for so many of our church members. Plus their team has made holidays special for all of us. They are now passing the baton to John and Karen Boatright who we welcome as the new leaders for the team! Ken will continue on the team as its Board liaison.

Rejoice! He is Risen!

April and May mark Good Friday, His Resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day – Religious and secular holidays, all in honor of those who have either given us life or saved our lives by giving up theirs. God’s gift is the ultimate – he created us and sacrificed his only son’s life for us. So much to ponder and give thanks to Him at this most poignant, important and beautiful time on our Christian calendar. by Juliann Thomason

Agnus Dei Alleluia Calvary Crocus Cross Crucifixion Daffodils Easter Easter Basket Easter Bonnet Egg Hunt Good Friday Happy Easter He is Risen Hosannah Jesus Lamb of God Lily Miracle New Life Palm Sunday Rebirth Resurrection Risen Lord Sacrifice

*Words can go in any direction. Words can share letters as they cross over each other.

11

Naples Community Church 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Naples Community Church Naples Church 849 7th Community Avenue South Naples Community Church 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Naples Community Naples, FL Church 34102 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102

Connect with Us! Kirt Anderson Founding Pastor

While I was in the womb you fed [email protected] me. After I was born, you still fed me and nurtured my growth…Thank you Mom!

Zen Jordan Administration

Happy Mother’s Day!

[email protected]

May 14th

o nDawn n e cBirch t with Billy DeanC and Worship Kirt Anderson [email protected] Founding Pastor

Us!

Connect with Us! Co nn c tt w ith Us! Kirt Anderson ne C o n nC e cotnw iet c h Uw s !i t h U s !

[email protected]

Founding Pastor Kirt Anderson ZenSCAN Jordan ME Kirt Anderson Kirt Anderson Founding Pastor Administration [email protected] Founding Founding Pastor Pastor

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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