From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear First Church Family,

This Sunday we're taking a brief pause in our Exodus: From Bondage to Promise journey.

Think of it as a rest stop along our Exodus journey.

As Israel made its way from Egypt to the Promised Land, there were moments to stop, reflect, and remember who God was calling them to become. This Sunday, we'll do something similar as we step aside for the second message in our Coffee Cup Sayings (That Aren't in the Bible) series.

Our focus is one of the most common phrases you'll hear today: "God Just Wants Me to Be Happy." It sounds encouraging, and many people believe it's at the heart of the Christian faith. But is that really what Scripture teaches?

Together we'll discover that while God certainly desires our joy, God's purpose for our lives is even greater. Happiness comes and goes with our circumstances, but Christ invites us into a life of holiness, purpose, and a deep, abiding joy that remains no matter what we face.

I hope you'll join us this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. as we make this brief stop before continuing our Exodus journey in the weeks ahead. Whether you've been with us every week or are joining us for the first time, there's a place for you as we gather to worship, grow, and be reminded of the life God truly desires for us.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Grace and peace,



Pastor Scott

Check out the NEW START DATE on Bible Study

This Sunday’s postlude, "Hymn to Joy” (or Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee) is based on the famous melody from the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Originally composed as a celebration of joy and unity, the melody was later paired with the Christian hymn text "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," making it a beloved song of worship. Its uplifting character beautifully complements Sunday’s theme, "God Just Wants Me to Be Happy." In 1 Peter 1:15–16, we are called to be holy because God is holy, and John 10:10 reminds us that Jesus came so we may have life abundantly. As we close our service singing Hymn to Joy, we rejoice in God's gift of abundant life, finding true happiness in worship, holiness, and a faithful relationship with Christ.

MDS Weekly Update

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Esta vida se entrega a Cristo

(This life is given to Christ)

Every week, you can donate altar flowers for our Sunday worship and dedicate them to the memory of someone who was special to you or to honor someone who presently needs recognition! The cost is $40. You can arrange to purchase flowers for a dedication by signing up in the church lobby or by sending an email to Karen in the church office. You can either pick up your flowers after church or donate them to an organization in our community, bringing a ray of sunshine to workers and volunteers.

There are many open dates to donate flowers!

See the signup sheets in the foyer.

Thank you to Ken and Kay Craynon for faithfully delivering flowers to Youth Haven.

Providing Home, Hope, & Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida

Volunteers!

At First United Methodist Church, we invite you to become a cherished part of our vibrant community by volunteering for our Sunday worship services. We are all called into service to God and have unique talents and gifts that can help create a truly special worship experience, as many hands working together bring our services to life. Each week, we have individuals read scriptures, light candles, take up the offering, and greet attendees. Additionally, we hold monthly communion and anointing services, where your support is invaluable. We would be thrilled to have you join our team and contribute to the uplifting moments that connect and inspire our community. Please get in touch with Pastor Scott or Judy Margrey if you would like to be a part of this team.

Come be part of our team of greeters, ushers, acolytes, and scripture readers. Eileen Hung and Tyler Castrillo bring the light of Jesus into the worship service. 

Please let us know if you or a loved one is in the hospital so Pastor Scott can visit and pray with you and your family.

We are always in prayer for our church family, those around the world living in poverty, our leaders, and our country. Please join us in prayer.

Prayer Requests

From our FUMC Church Family



Intercessory prayer is a blessing God has given us to pray for others. If you have a prayer request for someone that we can pray for specifically, or even if you have a private prayer that you do not want published below, email us and we will pray for that person and that need privately: pastor@fumcnaples.org

• Devyn Morones (daughter of Amy and Pastor Scott)
• Sharon Caliguri (friend of Amy and Pastor Scott)
• Emma Wolf (friend of Amy and Pastor Scott)
• Mary Lou Riccio (member)
• George Japak (Mark Japak's brother)
• Wyatt Wyman (great-grandson of Norine Tempelman)
• Gail Svensson (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Ina Gassett (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Kaitlyn Mann (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Charles Atwood (member)
• Joseph Courtez (father of Courtney Williams)
• Jill Stephen (mother of Brooke Stephen)
• Jean Smith (friend of Marie Evans)
• Ron ReBell (brother of Marie Evans)
• Eve Olson (friend of Marie Evans)
• Claudia Nelson (friend of Marie Evans)
• Elena Lerdon
• Maria Cedillo Toma
• Will Carpenter (brother-in-law of Al Johnson)
• Evelyn Johnson (sister-in-law of Al Johnson)
• Rosa Fogle (family of Thelma and Al Johnson)
• Cathy (friend of Gina Holsinger)
• Chiharu Grossman (daughter-in-law of Debbie Grossman)
• Peace in our country
• Jake Powell
• John Mayeux (former member)
• Tina Tomaselli (friend of Judy Margrey)
• Christy Gifford (niece of Judy Margrey)
• Marilyn Kaye
• Teresa Toma Manoquin
• Nicole McNamara
• Susan Tarantino (friend of Pam Kennedy)
• Slavka Pehar (friend of Pat Hamann)
• Jessica Rich (friend of Pat Hamann)
• Ross (cancer)
• Julia Barnard
• Paul Burfoot (son-in-law of Lee Kraus)
• Emily Cundra (granddaughter of Gail Jaworsky)
• Jane Briscoe (daughter of Betsy Ard)
• Chris and Christine Grimshaw (members)
• LeeAnne Merrifield (daughter of Jim Merrifield)
• Family of Valya Staruchin, Januk, Orysia, and family, Irina and family (three families of the Jaworsky's in Ukraine)
• All the many unspoken requests and needs of our congregation and their loved ones.

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We are available to you! Our church office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. After hours, for pastoral emergencies, call the office, and you will hear how to contact Pastor Scott, who will respond to all pastoral emergencies. 

Call the church office: (239) 262-1033

Please email us: admin@fumcnaples.org or

Mail contributions to:

First United Methodist Church, 388 First Ave S, Naples, FL 34102