The Moorings Line - Newsletter From

November 2013

Stewardship Sunday, November 3 “Jesus Christ, At the Center of Our Lives"

This year’s stewardship campaign, “Jesus Christ, At the Center of Our Lives” emphasizes Jesus’ command for us to “love your neighbor as yourself” through a church-wide mission activity on Stewardship Sunday, November 3. On that Lord’s Day, all of us will gather to pack food supplies for the hungry of Southwest Florida in partnership with Meals of Hope. Soup and bread will be served in Moss Hall from 11:15 to 11:45 AM to fortify us for service, and then we will gather in Baker Center Gymnasium to package food from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.

In preparation for Sunday, November 3, I ask that each household of our congregation do two things:

1) Mark November 3 on your calendar - plan to attend worship, stay after for a simple meal, and help pack food supplies for Meals of Hope. A mission activity for all ages!

2) Complete your financial pledge card for 2014 and return it to the church before or on Stewardship Sunday. Your recorded pledge helps our leadership budget accurately, and your increase will help us build on the wonderful works of God through our ministries.

Thank you for your participation and support. All that you are giving of yourself and of your God-given resources is dedicated to Jesus Christ, who is at the center of our lives.Doug Learned

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” - Corrie ten Boom

I came across this quote recently by Corrie ten Boom, famous Christian friend of Jews in Amsterdam during World War II. It made me think of our OneWord study of Romans this year, and how implicit in the Apostle Paul’s teaching about faith, is an emphasis on trust.

We can place our trust in God for many things, but we are usually forced to trust in him for our future. You’ve heard it said that there is no yesterday or tomorrow, only today. We know in our heads that’s true—only the present moment is real. But that doesn’t stop us from reliving the past or worrying about the future. It’s in our human nature to do so.

Corrie ten Boom reminds us that trusting is about much more than “letting go.” It’s about our thoughts and attitudes being rooted in our understanding of God’s character, and what we know about him through our experience of his son, Jesus. We are not simply adopting a trusting attitude “in general,” we are placing our trust in someone specific, someone who has proven himself to be totally for us.

That’s why it’s vitally important that we have personal relationship with Jesus—so through our knowledge of God’s character we can live in faith and trust in him, for today and tomorrow. “If God is for us, who is against us?” -Romans 8: 31

Doug Learned

A Message From the Pastor

Your Invitation to Join Us

Church-WideWednesday Evening Dinners

ContinueWhat has good food, great friends, and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere for all ages? Our Wednesday Evening Dinners, of course. Why don’t you join the 100 plus who have made Moorings their destination dining spot each Wednesday in October?

Meals are $6 for adults with a reservation ($7 at the door without a reservation) and $4 for children 3 to 10. No charge for children under 3. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at the kiosk on Sunday morning or by calling 261-1487 before noon on Monday. A table with name tags is ready each week for those who have paid, enabling them to pick up their name tag and proceed to the serving table. Volunteers will also accept payment any Wednesday to expedite the following week.

Food service is available from 5:15 to 6:15 PM.

Upcoming menus include:

October 30 Taco Bar (Beef or Chicken) Soft or Hard Shells & All the Fixings Yellow Rice, Vegetables with Ranch Dressing Dip Halloween Cupcakes

November 6 Hot Turkey Sandwich Mashed Potatoes Green Beans, Strawberry Layer Cake

November 13 Lasagna with Meat or Vegetarian Salad, Ice Cream & Cookies

Many volunteers have helped us get the dinners started. Still, it’s not too late to add your name to the list of table setters or clean-up crew. Please contact Martha (mcrofts@mooringschurch.org or 213-5244) to join this work detail.

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From the Faith & Art Committee:Winter Park Tour

A small number of spots remain open for our trip to the Morse Museum of Art and the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park.

A fully-equipped motor coach will leave MPC at 8:30 AM Thursday, February 6 and return on Friday, February 7 at 5 PM.This 2-day trip offers guided tours led by museum docents and Dr. Learned, as well as free time to explore Winter Park, Rollins College, the Kraft Azalea Gardens and the Cornell Fine Arts Museum. Accommodations will be at the new Alfond Inn. Cost: $230 per person based on double occupancy (with a $90 supplement for single occupancy) which includes transportation, hotel, museum admissions and a box lunch. Find more information online http://www.mooringschurch.org/forms.html or at the Kiosk.

Advent Nativity ExhibitCelebrate the birth of Jesus with the display of your nativity scene in Moss Hall after worship on Sundays December 8, 15, or 22. Scenes may be large or small, handmade or purchased, a collectible or family heirloom - your Christmas treasure to share with the MPC congregation. Register at the Kiosk or online at http://www.mooringschurch.org/faith---art-advent-nativity-exhibit.html or contact Marge Weaver (403-8848) to learn simple details for your display.

Join Us on A Spiritual Journey to Italy

An Italian Interlude - In God’s Light Tour

Join Dr. Doug Learned on a spiritual journey to Italy with a focus on Christian art. The 11-day tour, May 1–12, 2014, will also illuminate the culture, history, cuisine and landscapes of Venice, Florence, Rome and the Tuscan countryside, with an optional 5-day extension to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. With superior accommodations, transportation, venues, options, tour guides and food, this is a "not to be missed" opportunity for up to 30 of MPC's members and friends. Register now online: http://www.mooringschurch.org/italytrip.html or at the Kiosk by November 15!

9:00 AM Casual Worship in Webster Chapel 10:00 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

Church School for Children 10:00 AM Nursery/Childcare 8:45 AM

Doug Learned Continues the Sermon Series: “To Live By Faith” with Companion Readings from Engaging God’s Word: Romans

November 3 “Doing Right By His Power” Romans 7: 13-25 Lesson 13 Ransomed for Freedom Romans 7: 1-12 Lesson 14 The Power of Sin Within Romans 7: 13-25

November 10 “Are You Spiritual?” Romans 8: 1-17 Lesson 15 The Spirit’s Testimony Romans 8: 1-17 Lesson 16 The Hope of Glory Romans 8: 18-30

November 17 “If God Is For You, Then...? Romans 8: 31-39 Lesson 17 God’s Invincible Love Romans 8: 31-39 Lesson 18 Israel’s Place in God’s Plan Romans 9: 1-18

November 24 Guest Preacher

Worship Preview

OneWord

To LIve By Faith

Romans 1: 17Volume 6

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All Are Invited To Our Kick-Off Speaker Series Sunday, November 17 • 11:30 AM

Enjoy a catered luncheon (before the speaker) of individual pot pies, caesar salad and rolls, prepared by Evie Viggiani.

Join us as Reverend Dr. John Azumah of Columbia Theological Seminary presents Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?

Are Allah and God one and the same? Islam began seven centuries after Christianity and makes a number of claims about its relationship to the Christian tradition. One such claim in the Qur’an is that Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews. But in the development of Islamic doctrine over the years, both Muslims and Christians have questioned this claim. Dr. Azumah will explore whether Allah is the same as God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, discussing opposing views from the Qur’an and the Bible as well as contemporary leading Christian theologians. Reverend Dr. John Azumah, Associate Professor for World Christianity and Islam at Columbia Theological Seminary, is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and comes from a Muslim background. He studied Christian theology in Ghana and received his Masters and PhD in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Please make a luncheon reservation ($7) by calling 261-1487 or signing up at the Reception Desk._________________________________________________________________________________________

Distinguished Speaker Series

The Bloodmobile will be in the church parking lot on Sunday, November 10 from 8:00 AM to Noon.

All who donate will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a $100 dinner gift certificate

to a local restaurant (TBA). Reserve your time to donate

by signing up at the Reception Desk.

We Have Updated our MPC Information Handbook. Our goal is to support you and your family throughout your faith journey by supplying you with meaningful information about our church. The Information Handbook can be found at www.mooringschurch.org/Everything/I-M.

John and Fran BeamerJohn and Fran join as Regular Members by Letter of Transfer from a local congregation. (They joined as part of our July New Member Class.)

Bob and Elle BoydBob and Elle join as Regular Members by Letter of Transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Naples. Their son, Bret, his wife, Ursula and their four children welcome Bob and Elle to Moorings!

Tatiana GustTatiana joins as a Regular Member by Profession of Faith. She and her husband John have two sons, Joseph and Jacob. Their parents, Howard and Jean Gust, welcome them to Moorings!

Susan TannerSusan joins as a Regular Member by Letter of Transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Crown Pointe, IN. Susan likes reading and cooking and is looking forward to volunteering through Fellowship and Outreach at Moorings.

Kay MitchelKay joins MPC by Profession of Faith. One of her hobbies is painting, and she also has an interest in sewing. Welcome to our church family, Kay!

Deanna and Paul UtterbackPaul and Deanna join as Regular Members by Letter of Transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Alton, IL where Paul served as an Elder and Deanna as a Deacon. They are both interested in fellowship activities and Deanna has a passion for art.

Donna Wexler Donna joins as an Affiliate Member. She resides in Peconic, NY when she is not in Naples. Donna likes art, dancing, playing golf, boating and gardening. (Donna joined as part of our July New Member Class.)

Copies of our updated Membership Directory (including the above), can be picked up at the Kiosk in the Narthex.

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Join Us In Welcoming Our New Members

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Youth News

October was a busy month for the youth of MPC. Augie Boyd, Evyn Graefe, Julia White, Shea Dowling and Victoria Johnston took part in worship leadership on World Communion Sunday. This is the beginning of a focus to have our youth become not just participants in our church programs, but leaders.

Twenty-six middle school youth enjoyed Open Gym and Youth Room on an early release school day. Middle and high schoolers, along with several parents, had a great time playing Laser Tag in Moss Hall as a Sunday night event. (Pictured above).

Our Annual Fall Festival for families was another great event. Our youth worked the carnival games in Baker Center Gymnasium, along with having a food collection for St. Matthew’s house.

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The month of November begins with Meals of Hope. The youth will participate in helping to bag the thousands of meals that will be handed out in our community. They will continue to partner with our church Mission Committee by preparing and handing out grocery bags for the congregation to fill for Helps Outreach.

Our youth will also be taking on the task of adding mulch to the the church campus on Saturday, November 16. If you have a love for gardening and would like to help with this event, extra hands, rakes and wheel barrels are always welcome, not to mention the opportunity to work side by side with our great youth!

Middle School Sunday School meets in the Youth Room following the Word for Children.Middle School Youth Group meets on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM.

High School Sunday School meets in the Parlor at 10:00 AM with Fellowship from 11:30-12:30 PM in the Youth Room.

Moorings Music Ministry

Friday, November 1 7:00 PM

Keith & Kristyn Getty’sHymns for the Christian Life

Hyacinth Series salutes two gifted hymn writers and Christian music ambassadors of our time. In Christ Alone is known worldwide and has been named by the BBC Songs of Praise Survey as “9th best loved hymn of all times” in the UK. Their piano/vocals with a definite Celtic charm are joined by a distinctively Irish band. A choir of Moorings’ singers also adds their voices. This twenty city tour concludes at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville where the Getty family resides. Come for a memorable concert! Learn more about the Gettys: http://bit.ly/x3YhmB.

Hyacinth Series

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Friends of The Hyacinth SeriesFriends provide the 2013 - 2014 concert season with a donation of $100 or more.Members of the Angel Band contribute $1,000 or more to underwrite a concert.

NAME__________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS_______________________________________________CITY, STATE, ZIP____________________________

Please make checks payable to Moorings Presbyterian Church, noted Hyacinth Series.Unless requested otherwise, we include donors’ names, with appreciation, in the programs.

Chancel Choir welcomes singers both year-round and seasonal. Time has arrived to prepare music for Advent and Christmas. In April, guest composer Mark Hayes conducts the choir singing his own Gloria while here to present a piano concert. Last, though never least, Chancel Choir augments each Sunday’s worship, interpreting the music of God’s Word. Along with the congregation, the choir is venturing into the new hymnal’s vast resources. Whether in the pews or the choir chairs, let us make a joyful noise to God!

Handbells ring at Moorings Presbyterian Church! On Thursday evening, December 19, ringers will be heard at Naples Botanical Garden’s annual Night Lights. (Stay tuned for information about group rates and a limited offer of transportation from church to the garden.) Other ringing plans in the coming year include participation in the Florida Handbell Festival, March 14-15 in Winter Park, and participation at a June Festival in Yakima, Washington.

Contact Dick Crofts for all things musical: 213-5246 or rcrofts@mooringschurch.org.

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Children’s News

Preschool News November is a busy month for the preschool as the children prepare and learn about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Pilgrims and Indians will appear everywhere, as the children learn about their lives and customs. The children will pick Indian names around a ceremonial fire, make Indian beads and use their imaginations to go on a voyage aboard the Mayflower.

Thanksgiving will not be complete without the annual Thanksgiving Feast. Dressed as Pilgrims and Indians, the children will enjoy a a preschool style Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey, Indian f r y bread and pumpkin cookies.

The Naples Fire Department will be visiting in celebration of National Fire Safety Month. The fire department’s puppet show will entertain and educate the children about fire safety. They will teach the children how to ‘stay-low,’ the danger of matches, and how to ‘stop-drop-and-roll.’

Remember - anyone interested in registering children for the 2014-2015 school year, please contact the preschool office to have your child’s name added to the wait list. You may call Nanette Rathbun (213-5250) or email nrathbun@mooringschurch.org.

Nanette Rathbun, Director7

The Four and Five Year Olds... ...enjoy an up close introduction to the organ

with Dick Crofts as a part of their Welcome to Worship Milestone Event.

The Children's Mission Fair

A big THANK YOU to all who supported

the Children’s Mission Fair. With your help,

the children finished the day with empty tables and raised $510

to be sent to Grace Place, St. Matthew’s House

and to Cuba for water filters.

Helps Outreach... ...will be the recipient of a church-wide food appeal on Sunday, November 24. MPC youth will assist in the distribution of grocery bags with attached food needs on Sundays, November 10 and 17. Donated food will be collected prior to the 9:00 and 10:00 AM worship services on “Christ the King Sunday,” November 24.

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Mission News

Meals of Hope - Stewardship Sunday, November 3During this Fall season, MPC will once again participate in a food packaging program called Meals of Hope. This effort helps provide a daily nutritious meal to young and old alike. On Sunday, November 3, from 11:15 to 11:45 AM, a simple lunch of soup and bread will be served in Moss Hall, then from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, we will be packaging fortified bean and rice casseroles, and fortified macaroni and cheese meals in Baker Center.

We need volunteers to package the meals, and financial contributions to help defray the cost of the meals. Each meal costs MPC $0.18. We are requesting a $25 contribution. This contribution is only a request, and your participation in our afternoon of food packaging is most important. If you cannot participate but would like to make a donation, please make your check payable to MPC marked "Meals of Hope" and return it to the church office. To be added to our list of volunteers, please call the Reception Desk (261-1487) so we can plan accordingly.

These meals will be given to the Harry Chapin Food Bank which distributes to approximately 170 agencies in SW Florida and through mobile food pantries. Meals are also distributed to the Collier County School System where they are given away as a “back pack program” for families that do not have enough to eat during the weekends.

November Food Donations Benefit Helps Outreach

Their needs: peanut butter and jelly, Chicken Helper, Tuna Helper, macaroni and cheese, tuna, canned ham and chicken, roast beef, soups (all kinds), beans (all kinds), rice (family size bags) pasta and pasta sauces, canned fruit and vegetables, canned milk, baby food and diapers. Donations can be dropped off each Sunday in the two white wicker bins in the Narthex, or to the three large bins behind the Reception Desk in Moss Hall.

Fellowship

Readers’ RendezvousWednesday, November 13

Mary Jane Bainbridge reviews Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. You are about to travel to Edgecombe St. Mary, a small village in the English countryside filled with rolling hills, thatched cottages, and a cast of characters both hilariously original and as familiar as the members of your own family.

We recommend reading each book ahead of time, but some may prefer to come - enjoy the discussion - and then read the book! We'll gather on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, November through April, at 10:00 AM in our Strozier Library. Refreshments are provided!

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Church Financials

MOORINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9/30/2013

August 2013 YTD 2013 August 2012 YTD 2012 Plate & Pledge Income 65,592 855,754 56,510 700,878 Other Income 21,594 283,843 4,369 324,456 Total Operating Expenses 123,846 1,252,198 100,699 1,345,287

Operating Gain/(Loss) (36,660) (112,601) (39,820) (319,953)

A Timely Opportunity:  Donating Stock to MPC

The Stewardship and Finance Committees would like to be sure that everyone knows of a good opportunity to save on your personal taxes and to also help the church financially.

With the stock market reaching new highs this year, many are in the blessed circumstance of owning securities that have appreciated well beyond their cost.

Today, selling appreciated stocks has become much more expensive. Capital gains tax rates have increased for many, and the new 3.8% net investment tax is also levied on the gains.

No tax is due, however, if the stock is donated to the church (or another qualifying charity).On top of this, the donor may deduct, as a charitable contribution, the full market value of the stock.,

Moorings makes this process very easy. Anyone who is interested in learning more should phone Jana Geiger in the church office (213-5233), who will be pleased to help. You may also want to check with your tax advisor first, in the event you may have special circumstances to take into account.

Thank you for considering this “win-win” opportunity!

The Presbyterian Women’s organization has gotten off to a great start this fall, thanks to member support of both time and treasure. We thank those women working on PW programs, as well as those who’ve made their pledge for the year.

Presbyterian Women’s News

November’s Luncheon Gathering is Tuesday, November 12, at 11:30 AM. John Mayer, from the Naples Historical Society, will be the keynote speaker and Sasha Carlson, the guest pianist. Lydia Circle is making the luncheon arrangements and Mary Lou Nadeau will give the mission report. Thank Offering envelope proceeds go to PWUSA. Our Historian, Marlys Haughie, is preparing a table of historic items which will enable us to reminisce a bit over earlier times!

Sunday Fellowship in November is hosted by Naomi Circle in Moss Hall after the 10 AM church service. Come and enjoy tasty goodies, including healthy treats, while you greet old and new friends!

PW Circles meet monthly (see schedule below) for fellowship and Bible study. This year, we’re focusing on Exodus and Deuteronomy, ‘An Abiding Hope.’ The Horizons Bible Study booklet is our guide and available through any Circle Leader. Doug Learned

will present an overview of each month’s lesson on the first Wednesday of each month at 9 AM in Classroom B. (Lesson Schedule listed below)

PW Handbooks contain information about all PW activities, including Circles, Prayer Chain, Readers' Rendezvous, Monday and Thursday Bible Study Groups and sewing groups. Handbooks are located in Moss Hall and in the Narthex. Michelle Link can also provide you with a handbook. For further information, please call Jen Clark (813-951-7676), Angela Bruckner (300-3782), or any one of our Circle Leaders listed in the handbook.

The Peace River PW ‘Leadership Challenge’ event takes place in Venice, Florida on November 2. Several MPC women will attend the meeting to acquire more training for leadership positions, as well as extend their exploration of our faith.

PW Bible Study Lesson Schedule:Nov – Lesson 1, Dec – Lesson 2, Jan – Lesson 3-4, Feb – Lesson 5-6, Mar – Lesson 7-8, Apr – Lesson 9

PW Circle MeetingsElizabeth Circle November 21 9:15 AM Classroom 202Esther Circle November 21 1 :00 PM Home of Ginny Granfield (1001 Arbor Lake Dr. #404)Lydia Circle November 21 6:00 PM Church Board RoomMartha/Rachel November 19 10:00 AM Church ParlorRebecca Circle November 19 10:00 AM Home of Linda Osborne (315 Dunes Blvd.#907)Sarah Circle November 21 10:00 AM Home of Donna Ward (527 Bay Villas Lane)

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Happy Anniversary

Barbara Everly 11/1Suzanne Payne 11/1Sarah DeShields 11/1Anita Max 11/1Michael McNeal 11/1Carleton Cleveland 11/2Len Larsen 11/2Fred Hansen 11/2Meredith Jones 11/2Greg Foster 11/2Greg Sprowls 11/3Donald Campbell 11/4Lane Bonaquist 11/4Jennifer Lee 11/4Rob Carlson 11/5Tatum Johansson 11/5Stephen Lawson 11/5Erica Vanover 11/5John Hoover 11/6Jane Schmidt 11/6Megan Kinney 11/6Fran Beamer 11/6Marsha Gibbs 11/6Tom Dyke 11/6Gregory Graefe 11/7Harry Tennant 11/7Tom Strickland 11/7Bob Nichols 11/7

James Struble 11/8Olivia Struble 11/8Donald Goldsmith 11/8 Joey Nicol 11/9Mary Rowe 11/9Kathy O'Neill 11/10Carson Lee 11/10Jean Johnson 11/10Lois Bagwell 11/10Trey Suddeth 11/10Jim Greer 11/11Keenan Donaldson 11/12Byron Felter 11/12Richard Ponton 11/12Jack Clark 11/12Dick Chormann 11/13Allen Perry 11/13Clara Milstead 11/14Charlotte Dailey 11/14Don Leber 11/14Judy Jacobson 11/16Travis Abbott 11/16Camille Lachesnez 11/17Joseph Sees 11/18Sharon Crimmel 11/19Ryan Rumberger 11/20Greg Franklin 11/20Samantha Sees 11/21

Eleanor Brodrick 11/21Kathleen Swingley 11/22Harlan Sessions 11/23James Boughton 11/23Robert Hatch 11/23Kathlene Stakely 11/24Mike Hawryluk 11/25Dale Taubensee 11/25Bret Boyd 11/26Graham Lausterer 11/26John Lawson 11/26Dorothy Hagman 11/26Iris Sessions 11/26Janette Rankin 11/27Joan Anderson 11/27Robert Keith 11/27Alexandra Maxson 11/27Zachary Maxson 11/27Norma McNeal 11/27Bane Lausterer 11/28Dan McDonald 11/28Nic Monette 11/28Sherree Woods 11/28Carrie Zundel 11/30Cindy Lausterer 11/30John Vanover 11/30

Happy Birthday to You

Len & Sue Larsen 11/4Robert & Thais Hatch 11/5Allen & Virginia Granfield 11/10Jerry & Susan Watkins 11/11Patrick & Wendy Dowling 11/13Mr. & Ms. Newton 11/15Charles & Ada Walz 11/15Howard & Susanne Landis 11/15Steve & Cynthia DeShields 11/16Philip & Joanne Wolfe 11/16Larry & Sally Tibstra 11/17Salomon & Jen Cardenas 11/18Max & Johanna Winia 11/23

Cliff & Sharon Reiselt 11/23Jeffrey & Susan Nunner 11/25Harry & Jane Dunn 11/25Emily & Eric Hazlett 11/26William & Jill Keith 11/26George & Beverly Metcalf 11/27Robin & Kris Doyle 11/27Erna Nash 11/27Paul & Nancy Theado 11/27Jim & Karen Warnken 11/28Dyam & Melissa Sanchez 11/28John & Sarah Hoover 11/30

THE MOORINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAID

NAPLES, FLPERMIT NO. 88

791 Harbour Drive, Naples, Florida 34103(239) 261-1487 | FAX (239) 261-8740 | Pastor’s Emergency Line (239) 213-1582

www.mooringschurch.org