A Thanksgiving Message from Your Pastors

Dear Church Family,

On this Thanksgiving Day, we give heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your faith, your love, and your steadfast dedication to Christ’s work in this community are gifts we treasure deeply. As you gather around your tables, may you feel the presence of God’s abundant grace, the warmth of cherished relationships, and the joy that comes from a grateful heart.

We are truly thankful to walk this journey of faith alongside you.

May God bless you and keep you in His peace today and always.

With gratitude and love,

Your Pastors

Join us in spreading hope and kindness this holiday season by participating in our Gift Card Drive, supporting families experiencing need in Golden Gate City. In partnership with Grace Place, we are collecting gift cards from Winn-Dixie, Publix, Walmart, Target, and Amazon to help provide essential items, groceries, and holiday cheer to families facing financial hardship. Your generosity will go directly to those in our community who need it most, offering not just support, but a sense of dignity and care during a difficult time. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and brighten the season for our neighbors in need.

Please bring cards in starting this Sunday through December 14. 

Advent Bible Study

Tuesdays at 10:30

Starting December 2

Join us Tuesdays, starting December 2 at 10:30 am in Barton Hall for our Advent Bible Study. 

Music Spotlight for the First Sunday of Advent

The First Sunday of Advent begins the church year with a sense of hope and expectation. This week, our choir will offer the beloved hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The original Latin text, Veni, Veni Emmanuel, is rooted in some of the earliest Christian worship traditions and likely took shape around the 12th century. The English translation most familiar to us today was crafted by John Mason Neale in the mid-1800s, paired with a minor-key melody drawn from a 15th-century French processional.

Drawing from ancient prayers, this hymn gives voice to our desire for God's nearness—bringing light where there’s darkness, guidance when we feel lost, and comfort in knowing that “Emmanuel” means “God with us.”

It is a fitting beginning to our Advent journey as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming.

Poinsettias & Christmas Eve: You’re Invited!

As we prepare our hearts and our sanctuary for the coming of Christ, we are once again offering the opportunity to order Christmas poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones. Each poinsettia is $15, and they will adorn our worship space throughout the season, adding beauty and warmth to our Christmas celebrations.

Orders may be placed through the church office, using the form below, or on Sunday mornings.

Last orders will be taken on December 14th, and Poinsettias may be taken home after the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.

We also invite you to join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m. This beloved service is a time of Scripture, music, and candlelight as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. It’s one of the most meaningful moments of the year—quiet, holy, and filled with the wonder of Emmanuel, God with us.

Just as in Jesus’ parable in Luke 14:16-23, when the invitation to the banquet is extended far and wide, we encourage you to invite your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members to share in this night of joy and hope. There is room for all, and all are welcome.

Let’s fill the sanctuary with flowers, light, and the loving presence of our church family as we celebrate the coming of Christ together.

Awakened to Grace Daily Devotional 

(with a week written by Pastor Scott)

Awakened to Grace is a year-long Daily Devotional guiding United Methodists through Advent 2025 to Christ the King 2026. Each weekday offers scripture, reflection, prayers, a journaling prompt, and a midday thought within a simple Daily Office rhythm.

Across five seasonal volumes, themes progress from seed to fruitfulness — welcoming seekers, deepening roots, encouraging breakthroughs, sustaining growth, and sending us to serve — so individuals, small groups, and congregations can cultivate steady, grace-filled discipleship together!

Advent–Epiphany Daily Devotional

November 30 – February 21

Journey from Hope to Service through this first volume of Awakened to Grace. Beginning in Advent’s waiting and Christmas’ wonder, these daily prayers and reflections guide readers through the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, Incarnation, and Expectation. Epiphany unfolds with Wesleyan practices — Prayer, Scripture, Silence, Fasting, Sabbath, and Service — inviting a rhythm of grace that transforms ordinary days into a living witness of renewed discipleship.

Click the link below to download a free PDF version

or order the book for $7.00

For Unto Us a Child is Born Isaiah 9:6

Wonderful Counselor

Romans 11:33-36

This Sunday, we begin our Advent sermon series, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, by reflecting on the powerful title “Wonderful Counselor.” Rooted first in Isaiah 9:6, this name points us toward a Messiah whose wisdom, guidance, and understanding surpass anything the world can offer. To deepen that theme, we will also explore Romans 11:33–36, as Paul breaks into a hymn of praise declaring the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God.

In a season when many of us are seeking direction, clarity, or reassurance, these scriptures remind us that Christ comes not just as a child in a manger, but as the divine Counselor who knows us fully and leads us faithfully. Join us as we open our hearts to the One whose guidance brings light to our darkness and hope to our waiting.

Card Ministry Gathering

Shaving Cream, Laughter, and Lots of Creativity!

Our Card Ministry gathered this past Friday, and creativity was in full swing! The room was filled with smiles, conversation—and yes, the unmistakable scent of shaving cream. Using a fun marbling technique with dye and shaving cream, our team crafted beautifully textured backgrounds for the handmade cards that will soon bring encouragement to members of our church family.

Tables were covered in swirling colors, joyful messes, and the kind of warm fellowship that makes this ministry so special. It was a wonderful reminder that simple materials, willing hands, and shared laughter can become a blessing in someone else’s life.



We’ll meet again in February, and there’s always room at the table for anyone who’d like to join the fun and make a difference through creativity! 💌✨

Schedule note:

• We will pause these meetings for December and January and resume on February 27 (same time and place: 10:00 AM‑12:00 PM in Barton Hall).
• To help with planning, please RSVP for November by November 17 to Gwen at the email below.



Thank you for helping make this ministry a blessing to others—and to each other!

UMW Christmas Luncheon

December 9th

12:00pm

Home of Pam McDonnell

MDS Weekly Update

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Happy Thanksgiving Break!!

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A fun time of fellowship at Brio.

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 the altar flowers to Catholic Charities of Collier County.

Catholic Charities of Collier County provides essential services in Collier County—such as food, housing support, immigration aid, disaster relief, and workforce development—working to uplift vulnerable individuals and families with compassion and dignity.

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. Tyler Castrillo and Eileen Hung bring the light of Jesus into the worship service. 

Please let us know if you or a loved one is in the hospital so Pastors Sara or 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

• Christy Gifford (niece of Judy Margrey)
• Clint Cabonaro
• 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)
• Larry and Judy Stewart (former attenders)
• Ina Gassett (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Julia Barnard
• George Sumrall (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Karen Click (our Director of Music, healing of her wrist and elbow)
• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Brad Wood (member)
• Jean Humphries (member)
• Paul Burfoot (son-in-law of Lee Kraus)
• Mary Bach (sister of Tom Bach)
• Emily Cundra (granddaughter of Gail Jaworsky)
• Adrian Hill (friend of the Bach Family)
• Jane Briscoe (daughter of Betsy Ard)
• Richard Rydzinski (grand-nephew of Gail Jaworsky)
• Russel Clark (Amy Ehler's Uncle)
• Lynette Backiewicz (friend of Karen Parr)
• Danielle (friend of MDS)
• Ted and Ann Baker (attenders)
• Michael DiGaetono (friend of John Riccio)
• 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!

Click the buttons below to catch up on all the latest news and events from around the Conference.

You'll find updates from:

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



Don’t miss out on the incredible things happening across our connection!

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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