A Season of Gratitude, Hope, and New Beginnings | September 2026 Outreach

The September 2026 edition of Outreach is officially here. This month marks a major milestone in the life of our congregation as we welcome our new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, Rev. Dr. Aaron Janklow, celebrate the impact of our local and global mission partners, and kick off a full slate of fall programs. 

A Pastoral Message from Rev. Rex Childs

Siblings in Christ,

This is an exciting time in the life of our congregation! As the calendar turns to September, there is a palpable sense of expectation and enthusiasm around the church. We find ourselves standing at a meaningful threshold—looking back with deep gratitude for where God has led us and looking forward with eager anticipation for the future God is preparing for us here in the heart of Naples.

Giving Thanks for Rev. Dr. Scott Kenefake

On Sunday, August 16, we shared a warm farewell with Rev. Dr. Scott Kenefake as he concluded nearly fifteen months of faithful interim ministry among us. Scott capped off his time in our pulpit with his thoughtful four-week sermon series, Gathered by Grace, reminding us that God’s grace stands at the very center of who we are as a community of faith. We give thanks to God for Scott and Gail, and we send them into their next interim call with our prayers and well wishes.

Welcoming Rev. Dr. Aaron Janklow

Now, a vibrant new chapter in the story of First Presbyterian Church officially begins!

On September 1, Rev. Dr. Aaron Janklow officially starts his role as our Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. We are grateful to God for leading Aaron to us and for the faithful, diligent work of the Pastor Nominating Committee. Accepting a call to serve a new church is a big change in the life of any pastor and their family. It means moving to a new place, settling into a new community, meeting new people, and adjusting to new schools. It is an exciting but overwhelming time for them. Please join me in keeping Aaron, his wife Laurel, and their children in your prayers as they unpack, explore Naples, and begin to put down roots in SWFL.

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for Sunday, September 13, when we anticipate welcoming Aaron to the pulpit for his first sermon as our installed Senior Pastor. It promises to be a memorable morning of worship, praise, and fellowship as we gather to celebrate this milestone together.

Campus Updates and God's Faithfulness

As you read through this September issue of The Outreach, you will see that our church family is stepping into this new season with energy and purpose. There have been several facilities projects that are happening around our campus. We are working on landscaping in our parking lot, replacing air conditioning units to keep us cool, and we have upgraded our internet service to ensure a better and more consistent livestreaming experience for worship and other special events.

I’m grateful to serve such a vibrant church full of faithful disciples who are welcoming, caring, and generous people. Times of transition can be hard, but they remind us that while seasons change, God’s faithfulness remains constant. I am eager to live into the future God has planned for us, and I look forward to worshipping alongside you as we walk side-by-side into this new season of life for our church.

Peace,

Rex

Rev. Rex Childs

Associate Pastor

Inside the September Issue

• Welcoming Rev. Dr. Aaron Janklow: Learn more about Aaron's Florida roots and join us in welcoming his family to Naples ahead of his first Sunday in the pulpit on September 13.
• Mission Impact in Cuba: See how recent support provided solar panel arrays, medical supplies, and an electric scooter to our partner church in Matanzas, Cuba.
• Feed the 5,000 (Sept. 13): Help restock the St. Matthew's House food pantry during our monthly food collection drive at the 6th Street entrance.
• Youth & Family Kickoffs: Details on our new bi-weekly Youth Group launching September 9, Young Adult gatherings, and the Raising Faithful Kids initiative.
• Discover First Presbyterian (Sept. 20): Our newly renamed class for prospective members and anyone looking to learn more about the FPC Naples community. 

How to Read the Issue

Digital editions can be read online anytime in our publication archive, or you can pick up a printed copy in Spencer Hall and the church office during regular weekday hours.