From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear First Church Family,



This Sunday, we take our first intermission from our journey through Exodus to look at the first sermon in a series called Coffee Cup Sayings (That Aren't in the Bible). While we'll return to God's story of deliverance next week, this weekend we'll turn our attention to one of the most common phrases people assume is found in Scripture: "God helps those who help themselves."

It's a saying we've all heard. It sounds wise, practical, and even biblical. The problem is—it isn't in the Bible. In fact, the gospel tells a very different story. The good news of Jesus Christ is that God reaches out to us long before we can help ourselves. Grace always makes the first move.

As we gather on Independence Day weekend, we'll certainly give thanks for the many freedoms we enjoy as a nation. Yet we'll also remember the deeper freedom Christ has given us—the freedom that comes not through our own strength or effort, but through God's grace.

I hope you'll join us for worship as we explore what Scripture really teaches, celebrate Holy Communion together, and discover once again that our faith rests not on what we can accomplish for God, but on what God has already accomplished for us.

Whether you've been traveling or are worshiping with us every week, know that there is always a place for you at First Church. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Scott Ehler

Our closing hymn this Sunday is "God of the Ages", is a hymn written in 1876 by Daniel C. Roberts, an Episcopal priest, for the United States Centennial celebration. Roberts composed the text as a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's guidance, protection, and continued blessing on the nation. In 1892, the words were paired with the majestic tune "National Hymn," composed by George William Warren, creating the version we sing today. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this hymn is an especially fitting conclusion to our worship, reflecting the same spirit of gratitude, humility, and prayer that inspired its writing 150 years ago. May its message remind us that while we give thanks for our nation's heritage and freedoms, our enduring hope and trust are found in God's faithful care.

MDS Weekly Update

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A Joyful Update from Our Sister Church in Cuba

This week I received a wonderful collection of photographs from Pastor Vincente in Birán, Cuba. One image after another showed church members stepping into the waters of baptism, publicly professing their faith in Jesus Christ. What a powerful reminder that the Church is alive and growing, even in places facing tremendous economic hardship and daily challenges.

Your faithful prayers and generous support continue to make a real difference in the ministry of our sister church. While we have helped meet practical needs such as a new worship center, solar power, and pastoral support, the greatest celebration is seeing lives transformed by the gospel. Every baptism is a testimony that God is still calling people, changing hearts, and building God's kingdom.



Thank you for being part of this ministry. Please continue to pray for Pastor Vincente, Dunia, and the congregation in Birán as they disciple these new believers and faithfully proclaim the hope of Christ.

"New life in Christ! Pastor Vincente baptizes new believers at our sister church in Birán, Cuba. Thanks to your prayers and support, lives continue to be transformed through the ministry of this faithful congregation."

Meal Packing at Meals of Hope

~ Brunch Bunch ~

Sunday, June 14

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

• Sharon Caliguri (friend of Amy and Pastor Scott)
• Wyatt Wyman (great grandson of Norine Tempelman)
• Gail Svensson (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Kaitlyn Mann (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Rob Pleban (member)
• 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)
• Ron ReBell (brother of Marie Evans)
• Eve Olson (friend of Marie Evans)
• Claudia Nelson (friend of Marie Evans)
• Bruce Cameron's family (brother-in-law of Chris Butlak)
• Elena Lerdon
• 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.

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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