From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, we will hear a report on the celebration of the joy and energy of the Annual Conference and the theme Faith Rising. We heard inspiring stories of God at work across our connection, experienced meaningful worship, and were reminded that the Holy Spirit continues to move in powerful ways through ordinary people.

One question from the week continues to linger:



What if church were a place where faith is alive, and doubts are welcome?

Too often, people think they need to have everything figured out before they can belong. Yet throughout Scripture, we find people who questioned, struggled, wondered, and wrestled with God—and discovered that God was present with them every step of the way. Faith grows not because we have all the answers, but because we trust God enough to keep seeking.

As we carry the spirit of Faith Rising with us, this week we continue our sermon series with a message titled "Called by Fire." Together, we'll encounter Moses at the burning bush and discover how God calls people not because they are perfectly qualified, but because God is present with them.

Moses had questions. Moses had doubts. Moses felt inadequate. Yet God met him in the fire and called him into a purpose greater than he could imagine.

Perhaps you've experienced moments of uncertainty in your own faith journey. Perhaps you're wondering where God is leading you next. This week's message reminds us that God's call often comes amid our questions, inviting us to trust that the One who calls us will also equip us.

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we worship together, grow together, and listen for God's voice calling us forward.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Scott

"Then the Lord said, 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people... So now, go. I am sending you.'” — Exodus 3:7,10

This Sunday’s music includes the beloved hymn Here I Am, Lord. Written in 1981 by composer Dan Schutte, the hymn has become a favorite in churches around the world. Inspired by God's call to Moses, Isaiah, Samuel, and others, it expresses a simple yet powerful response: “Here I am, Lord.” As we hear this familiar melody, we are reminded that God still calls ordinary people to lives of faith, service, and compassion. The hymn invites each of us to listen for God's voice and consider how we might respond with willing hearts.

A Financial Update from the Finance Chair

Hello, First Church! I want to share an update on our financial situation for the first quarter of 2026. The good news is that we had a surplus of approximately $20,000 for the first 3 months (adjusted for insurance expenses). This is our best result in the past few years. This reflects the reinvigoration of our church and the stronger attendance and congregational giving we have seen during “peak season” in Southwest Florida. Historically, the first and four^th quarters are our best months financially due to higher congregational attendance. We have also maintained good expense control, with reduced costs in cleaning, insurance, and trash and utility expenses.

We are now entering the “off-season” summer months, when attendance falls and, with it, congregational giving. However, church expenses continue at a proportional level during the summer months. If you can, please continue contributing using the online option on our website.

Thank you for your ongoing generous financial support of First Church and our many ministries.

Tom Bach, Finance Chair 

Thank you, Tom, for this update. I also want to add my personal thank-you to everyone for your continued generosity and faithful support of our church and school ministries.

We remain committed to being faithful stewards of the blessings God has entrusted to us. Throughout the summer, we will continue to address facility improvements and maintenance needs and to make upgrades to support the growth of our school as new classes are added.

Several projects are planned for this summer, including lighting improvements in the sanctuary, as portions of our aging system continue to require more maintenance and occasionally fail. We are also installing a gutter system on the south side of the building to better manage rainwater runoff and to be considerate neighbors by directing water away from adjacent properties.

These projects represent a significant investment, and over the past several years, we have worked diligently to address numerous long-standing maintenance needs across our campus. Whenever possible, we have prioritized durable, long-term repairs and improvements over temporary fixes, believing this approach is the most responsible and cost-effective use of resources over time.

We are grateful for God's provision through your generosity and appreciate your partnership as we continue to care for and improve the facilities God has entrusted to us.

Pastor Scott

MDS Weekly Update

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Cuba Ministry Update

Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Cuba. The photos you see are a powerful reminder of both the challenges and the hope present in their communities. Through the church's ministry, families facing food insecurity are receiving meals and essential support, demonstrating Christ's love in tangible ways. 

We also ask for your prayers for Dan Christoferson, whose faithful leadership and dedication have been a vital part of our Cuba mission for many years. Dan is currently facing health challenges, and we pray for healing, strength, and encouragement for him and his family. May God's grace sustain both the church in Cuba and all those who serve so faithfully alongside them.

Meal Packing at Meal of Hope

~ Brunch Bunch ~

Sunday, June 14

Happy 100th Birthday Midge

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 Bob & Gail MacKenzie for faithfully delivering flowers to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.

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. Judy Margrey 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

• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Kaitlyn Mann (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Rob Pleban (member having hand surgery)
• Charles Atwood (member)
• George Japak (Mark Japak's brother)
• Joseph Courtez (father of Courtney Williams)
• Jill Stephen (mother of Brooke Stephen)
• Patricia Bialkowski (sister to Robert Butlak & Chris Nieman)
• Jean Smith (friend of Marie Evans)
• Bruce Cameron's family (brother-in-law of Chris Butlak)
• Elena Lerdon
• Ron ReBell (brother of Marie Evans)
• Maria Cedillo Toma
• Will Carpenter (brother-in-law of 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)
• 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)
• Ina Gassett (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• 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)
• Evelyn Johnson (sister-in-law of Al Johnson)
• 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)
• Rosa Fogle (family of Thelma and Al Johnson)
• All the many unspoken requests and needs of our congregation and their loved ones.

Stay in the Know — Explore What’s Happening!

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You'll find updates from:

• The Florida Conference
• The Southwest District
• Lay Servant Ministries



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Need to Reach Us? Here’s How!



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