Spiritual Briefs: Nov. 15, 2003

The Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Naples, 6340 10th Ave. S.W., is sponsoring a forum at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Edward A. Morton, chief executive officer of NCH Healthcare System, will speak on indigent care. Information: 455-6553.

Buddhist meditation

A new Buddhist meditation group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Sacred Space, Suite 3, 3465 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Jo-Ann Williams, an American Buddhist meditation teacher, will be the leader of the class which is entitled "Seeking Happiness Within." The suggested donation for the class is $9. Information: (239) 994-6048 or www.meditationinflorida.org.

New pastor

The Rev. James D. Ammerman will be installed as the new pastor of the Naples Alliance Church, 2504 Estey Ave., at the 10:45 a.m. service Sunday. Mark T. O'Farrell, district superintendent for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, will conduct the installation. Ammerman was the senior pastor at the First Congregational Church in Dover, Ill. He has a master's degree in divinity from the Alliance Theological Seminary and a bachelor's degree from Hartwick College. The community is invited to the installation to welcome the Rev. Ammerman, his wife Jennifer and four children to Naples. The service will be followed by a homecoming celebration dinner.

Concerts

-- The Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, presents the Hyacinth Concert Series at 3 p.m. Sunday. Esther Budiardjo, a pianist, will perform. A freewill offering will be received. Information: 261-1487.

-- Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 553 Galleon Drive, will present hymns sung by the choir under the direction of John Fenstermaker and accompanied by Brice Gerlach on the Casavant organ at 4 p.m. Sunday. A freewill offering will be received. Information: 262-6581.

-- United Church of Marco Island, 320 North Barfield Drive, Marco Island, will present Betty Pursely in an organ recital at 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission of $12 will be collected at the door. Students under 16 are free.

-- Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, will present noon concerts starting Wednesday, Nov. 19. Douglas Renfroe, a bass baritone, and Lorraine Murphy-Renfroe, a soprano, will perform songs of thankfulness. Lunch is available with advance reservations. Information: 261-1487.

-- First Christian Church, 1789 Mandarin Road, Fellowship Hall, will sponsor a musical presentation of Broadway masters and a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21. Tickets are $20 per person and proceeds benefit the music department. Information: 262-3924.

-- Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., will present Music for a Sunday Evening at 7:30 p.m Nov. 23. The concert features the Schola Cantorum from Middle Tennessee State University School of Music which will perform choral works from the Renaissance to the present. A freewill offering will be taken at the concert. Information: 597-5410.

-- Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, will present the Voice of Naples singing Handel's Messiah at 3 p.m. Nov. 30. A freewill offering will be taken. Information: 261-5469.

-- St. William Catholic Church, 750 Seagate Drive, is sponsoring a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. The concert will feature the contemporary ensemble, a children's and youth choir, an adult choir and will be accompanied by a professional orchestra. Information: 597-7411.

Classes for new members

First Presbyterian Church of Naples, 250 Sixth St. S. is offering classes to prospective new members on Sunday, Nov. 23. The classes include lunch and child care. Information: 262-1311.

Lecture on Book of Isaiah

Ken Share, adjunct professor of theology at Fordham University, will present a free lecture on the Book of Isaiah at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 at the Cardinal Newman Center for the Laity, St. William Catholic Church, 750 Seagate Drive. The lecture is sponsored by Education+Parish+Service. Registration is required. Information: 261-2898 or EPSCollier@aol.com.

Shoe box gifts

Marco Presbyterian Church. 875 West Elkcam Circle, will collect shoe box gifts for children in war torn and third world countries from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 through Friday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22 and from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23. Information: 394-8186.

Christian Chamber of SW Florida

The Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at The Club at the Strand, 5840 Strand Blvd. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Michael Pink, a Christian author and motivational speaker, will speak. Hawthorn Suites is the sponsor of the meeting.

Estero Summit

The Summit Church is a new church located on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus with an initiative to get ideas on how to serve the community of Estero. The church wants people to be able to share ideas and is spearheading an effort called the Estero Summit. This is an appeal to the community to identify priorities and to respond to a meeting for further discussion on the ideas and strategies to make the ideas work to make a positive impact on the community. To participate call 947-7070 or send e-mail to estero@summitlife.com.

Deadline for Spiritual Matters is 10 a.m. Thursday. Please fax to 403-6138, e-mail to snmesulam@naplesnews.com or send to Sheila Mesulam, c/o Naples Daily News, 1075 Central Ave., Naples, FL 34102.