Church Family,



There are moments in worship when you can feel that something greater is happening, when the Spirit is not just present but moving. This past Sunday was one of those mornings. The prayers felt deeper. The singing felt fuller. The Word felt alive. It was as if the Lord was gently reminding us, “I am here.”

Dr. Karen’s beautiful rendition of "Eternal Life" was truly sacred. It was one of those performances that calms the room and lifts every heart simultaneously. And when the choir led us in "Blessed Assurance," it genuinely felt like the entire congregation was wrapped in that assurance together.

A special thank you also to Doug and Karen for listening to the Spirit and instinctively adjusting the postlude. That kind of sensitivity doesn't happen by accident; it comes from prayerful hearts that are tuned in. Could you feel it?

I am so thankful to serve a church that approaches worship with anticipation. When we arrive prepared, God meets us in mighty ways.

This Sunday, we continue our series Awakened to Grace, focusing on Service. Grace doesn’t just save us; it sends us, shapes us, and moves us outward. We will explore what it means to be awakened not only to believe but also to serve, and how loving God always overflows into loving others in tangible ways.

And speaking of service, remember our mission project this weekend. We'll be cleaning buses at Grace Place, and we're meeting at First Watch at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast before heading over together. It's going to be a meaningful morning of fellowship and hands-on ministry. I hope you will join us.

Church family, thank you for showing up with open hearts. Thank you for listening to the Spirit. Thank you for being a people awakened to grace..

I cannot wait to worship with you again.

Grace and peace,



Pastor Scott

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a forty day journey that leads us toward the cross and ultimately to the hope of Easter morning. We invite you to join us next Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m. as we gather for this meaningful and sacred service.

Ash Wednesday is a moment to pause. In the busyness of life, we step back and remember who we are and whose we are. The ashes placed on our foreheads in the sign of the cross remind us that we are dust and to dust we shall return, yet they also proclaim the good news that we belong to Christ. Even in repentance, we are met with grace.

This year’s message will reflect on what it means to be awakened to grace at the very beginning of Lent. Lent is not about guilt or shame. It is about returning to God with open hearts. It is about allowing the Spirit to search us, renew us, and prepare us for deeper discipleship.

Through Scripture, prayer, reflection, and the imposition of ashes, we will enter this holy season together as a church family. Whether you have observed Lent for many years or are simply curious about its meaning, you are invited to come.

Join us on February 18 at 5:30 p.m. as we begin the Lenten journey together.

On Transfiguration Sunday, we remember the moment the disciples glimpsed Christ’s glory on the mountaintop—and we reflect on how that vision changes us. As we sing Open My Eyes, That I May See, it becomes our prayer that God would help us truly see and understand who Jesus is. In Jesus Calls Us, we hear again Christ’s invitation to faithful discipleship, and in Take My Life, and Let It Be, we respond by offering ourselves in grateful dedication. Together, these hymns carry us from awe and wonder into renewed commitment as we follow Christ on the journey ahead.

MDS Weekly Update

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Ms. Evie’s Toddler Class:

This week in Ms. Evie’s Toddler Class, everything was all about Valentine’s Day!

The toddlers had fun strengthening their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills by gluing colorful hearts of assorted sizes onto paper to create their own special masterpieces. The class also enjoyed lots of sensory play and listened to stories about Valentine’s Day.

The children had fun going to the library, singing songs, and playing musical instruments.

On Friday, the children celebrated with a Valentine’s Day celebration with their friends.

It was a lovely week filled with creativity, learning, and friendship in the toddler classroom!

Ms. Margie’s Two-Year Class:

This week in Ms. Margie’s class the theme was Family and Valentine’s Day!

The children had a wonderful time creating handprint hearts using cookie cutters and making Valentine cards for their families. One favorite activity was making heart catchers, which looked beautiful hanging around the classroom.

The children also enjoyed a fun science activity creating rainbow artwork in Ziploc bags, exploring lots of bright colors. Another creative project included making clouds with hanging hearts, which the children loved.

To end the week, the class celebrated with a Valentine’s party, including a Valentine exchange and decorating cookies on Friday.

It was a fun-filled week of learning, creativity, and friendship in Ms. Margie’s class!

Mrs. Ledbetter’s Three-Year Classroom:

This week in Mrs. Ledbetter’s class the letter of the week was S! The children enjoyed several hands-on activities centered around the letter S, including engaging small group activities.

The number of the week was six, and students played fun counting, identifying, and “find it” games while practicing one to one correspondence, all focused on the number six.

The children also had fun strengthening their fine motor skills using Play-Doh mats and enjoyed a special counting activity where they guessed and counted cookies.

To end the week, the students participated in a sweet Valentine exchange with their friends.

It was a fun-filled week of learning and friendship in Mrs. Ledbetter’s class!

Ms. Angela & Ms. Audrey’s VPK Class: 

This week in VPK, their phonics focus was reviewing letters A-Z, with special attention on the letter U. The children participated in a variety of handwriting activities that helped strengthen correct letter formation for the letter U. They also continued practicing compound words and combining onset and rhyme to form one syllable words, as well as identifying beginning and ending sounds. A fun activity the class enjoyed was identifying letters by their sounds.

In math, the number of the week was twenty-five, and the children explored the number through several hands-on activities. They continued counting 1 to 30, graphing, and charting. A fun activity the class enjoyed was identifying objects of varied sizes, which connected their math focus of comparing and identifying sizes. The children learned sorting, graphing, and how to describe objects that are of varied sizes.

The children celebrated Valentine’s Day with a special party and enjoyed sharing valentines with their friends.

It was a fun and engaging week of learning in VPK!

Soccer Shots:

This week in Soccer Shots with Coach Brandon, the character trait focus was sharing!

The children learned the soccer skill passing and trapping, practicing working together for a common goal. They had a blast, scoring goals as a team and playing fun games during their Arctic Ice-themed adventure on soccer island. To wrap up the session, the kids enjoyed an exciting game of soccer where they used all their new skills while sharing the ball and cheering for their friends.

What a fun and frosty Thursday at Soccer Shots!

Chapel with Pastor Scott: 

We had a wonderful Family Chapel with Pastor Scott as he shared the story of David and Goliath. The children worshiped through music, singing two original songs written by Pastor Scott. “Little David, Big Fish,” sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and “Five Smooth Stones,” sung to the tune of If You’re Happy and You Know it, helped bring the story to life in a fun and memorable way.

Through the story of David and Goliath, the children learned an important truth: with faith in God, even the smallest person can do big things. David trusted God instead of being afraid, reminding us that God gives us courage and strength when we rely on Him.

It was a meaningful time of worship, learning, and growing together in faith.

We were so thankful to all the families who were able to join us and share in the special chapel time. 

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It is with deep gratitude for a life well lived and profound sorrow over our loss that we announce the passing of Bruce McDonnell last Friday, February 6. Though our hearts grieve, we do so with confidence in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.



A service celebrating his life will be held at the church on February 17 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow as we gather in fellowship and remembrance.

Summary of FUMC 2025 Financial Results

For 2025, First United Methodist Church finished the year about $43,000 below budget, which is disappointing and represents an increase over the $21,000 shortfall in 2024. This deficit was covered by dipping into our limited cash reserves.

The positive aspect is that overall contributions increased, but expenses rose significantly due to deferred maintenance at our facility and lower-than-expected congregational giving in December. This is why we finished $43,000 short of the budget. Aside from general maintenance expenses, including air conditioning and fire protection repairs, expense control was solid, with nearly all categories meeting or staying below budget.

Looking ahead to 2026, Scott and I are finalizing the general operating budget. Inflation continues to increase our expenses, so we are building a break-even budget based on projections and expectations of fewer deferred maintenance issues. We have a beautiful sanctuary and campus environment that serves as the launching point for nearly every outreach and mission program we support. Pledge cards have been mailed, and we would love to see an increase in pledges compared to previous years so we can develop an effective plan for 2026. Last year, we had 40 cards returned. Can we get that number over 60 this year? If you did not receive a pledge card, please contact our Office Manager or pick one up at the Welcome Center in the lobby. We have also included a link below to complete your card and email it back. Please give prayerful and thoughtful consideration to how you can support First Church. Our goal is to start the year with a breakeven or slightly better budget.

Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of our wonderful church.



Tom Bach, Finance Chair

tom.j.bach@gmail.com

~~~ Update From Cuba ~~~

Building the Temple, Living the Gospel

We continue to give thanks for the faithful ministry of Pastor Vincente and Dunia and for their ongoing work of building the temple—both the physical space and the spiritual community God is forming among them. Brick by brick, prayer by prayer, their dedication is a powerful witness to perseverance, hope, and trust in God’s provision.

Even as construction continues, their hearts remain centered on people. Recently, Pastor Vincente and Dunia were able to provide two audio Bibles to members of the congregation who can no longer see the printed page. What a blessing this has been. Through these audio Bibles, the Word of God is once again heard clearly, spoken aloud into hearts that long to listen, reflect, and be nourished by Scripture.

This gift reminds us that the church is never only about walls or roofs, but about making sure every person can encounter God’s living Word. It is a beautiful example of pastoral care rooted in compassion and attentiveness to real needs within the congregation.

We celebrate this moment with deep gratitude—for the continued building of the temple, for creative ways the gospel is being shared, and for leaders who embody Christ’s love through faithful service. May God continue to strengthen Pastor Vincente and Dunia, bless their ministry, and use their work to draw many closer to Him.



What a joy it is to witness God at work through their hands and hearts.

Food packing has been postponed. We will keep you up-to-date when a new time has been confirmed.

✝️ Lenten Bible Study

Begins February 25

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM

Join us this Lenten season for a meaningful six-week journey through “Will Willimon’s powerful study: “The Last Supper: Conversations That Led to the Cross”

Experience Lent through the lens of Jesus’s most profound parables—those He told around the table on the road to Jerusalem. In this study, we’ll explore stories of mercy, welcome, radical hospitality, and the surprising nature of God’s kingdom, leading us to a deeper understanding of Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper, and the cross.

🔍 Each week, we will:

• Reflect on parables about searching shepherds, prodigal sons, and open invitations
• Discover how meals reveal the heart of God’s grace
• Prepare our hearts for Holy Week through meaningful group discussion
• Consider what it means to have a place at Christ’s table today

Details:

🗓️ Starts: Wednesday, February 25

🕥 Time: 10:30 AM (weekly on Wednesdays)

📖 Cost: $15 for the study book

📍Location: Barton Hall

All are welcome—bring a friend and come ready to reflect, discuss, and journey through Lent with intention and community.

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 & Kay Craynon for faithfully delivering this week's flowers to Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of individuals and families in the Florida Gulf Coast region. Catholic Charities is committed to helping those in need, regardless of their religious background.

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 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

• George Japak (Mark Japak's brother)
• Loren Galarneau (daughter of Margie Veratti)
• Chiharu Grossman (daughter-in-law of Debbie Grossman)
• Peace in our country
• Jake Powell
• John Mayeux (former member)
• Gail Buckles (sister of Gwen Pleban)
• Christy Gifford (niece of Judy Margrey)
• Marilyn Kaye
• Jupiter Lee (MDS student)
• 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)
• 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 Parry)
• Ann Baker (attender)
• 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.

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• The Florida Conference
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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