From the Pastor’s Desk

Holy Week has come and gone, but what a powerful and sacred journey it was for our church family. From the first steps into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the shadows of the cross on Good Friday, we truly walked together through the story of Christ’s love. Thank you to everyone who helped make this “Journey to the Cross” so meaningful—through your presence, your prayers, your music, and your service. There was a deep sense of reverence in each gathering, and more than that, a tangible awareness of God’s presence among us.

Easter Sunday was nothing short of a celebration of resurrection life. The sanctuary was filled with joy as we witnessed a beautiful baptism, gathered at the Lord’s Table for Holy Communion, and lifted our voices alongside the bell choir and chancel choir. The special music offered by Steve and Elizabeth Parker on flute added a rich and moving layer to our worship, helping us experience the wonder of the risen Christ in a powerful way. And yes—somehow, in the midst of all that celebration, I even managed to squeeze in a sermon!

Now, we turn the page into a new season together with our upcoming sermon series, Surprised by Joy. Beginning this Sunday with Week 1, we will explore the unexpected ways that the risen Christ meets us, transforms us, and fills our lives with a joy that breaks through fear, doubt, and even closed doors. Easter was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of a new way of living. And in this series, we’ll discover that joy is not just a feeling, but a powerful reality rooted in the presence of the risen Jesus.

If Holy Week reminded us of the depth of God’s love, Surprised by Joy will remind us of the power of God’s life within us. I hope you’ll join us as we continue the journey—not to the cross this time, but into the joy of resurrection life.

In Christ’s love,



Pastor Scott

As we continue to celebrate the joy and hope of Easter, we are reminded that the resurrection does not promise a life without hardship, but assures us that God walks with us through every trial. The song “Blessings” by Laura Story was born from a deeply personal season of struggle, following her husband’s diagnosis with a brain tumor and the lasting challenges that followed. Through unanswered prayers, she came to understand that God’s blessings are not always seen in immediate healing or comfort, but often through the very difficulties that draw us closer to Him. This powerful message reflects the heart of Easter—that even in suffering, God is working to bring hope and redemption. This Sunday, we will share this meaningful song, featuring Lee Kraus as our soloist.

Feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin? You’re invited to a special one-day study on stress management led by Thelma Johnson on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:30 AM in Barton Hall. This practical and encouraging session will offer helpful tools for managing stress in daily life, while grounding our approach in faith, balance, and renewed perspective. Whether you are navigating a busy season or simply looking for ways to care for your mind, body, and spirit, this time together will be both meaningful and refreshing. Come join us and take a step toward greater peace and well-being.

MDS Weekly Update

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We are excited to invite you to our Spaghetti Dinner and Art Showcase this Friday at 5:00PM in Barton Hall!

Come enjoyed a delicious meal made by the MDS staff while celebrating the creativity of our students. All children’s artwork will be proudly displayed, giving you a chance to see their amazing talents and hard work.

We also have a special surprise planned for the evening, a fun and exciting glow room you will not want to miss! In addition, each class had created a unique class project that will be showcased during the event.



We hope to see you there for a night of food, art, and fun!

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This Friday Night

MDS Spaghetti Dinner

&

Art Showcase

Friday, April 10^th @ 5:00pm

Barton Hall

Come and enjoy dinner with your friends and see the MDS children’s artwork on display. We can’t wait to see you there! 😊

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Brunch Bunch

This Week!!

Our Brunch Bunch is heading out again, and you’re invited!

Join us on Sunday, April 12, right after worship, as we gather for food, fellowship, and plenty of laughter at Rebecca's (2955 Bayshore Drive, Naples).

This is a great opportunity to connect, meet new friends, and enjoy time together outside of Sunday morning. Whether you’ve come before or this is your first time, there’s always room at the table.

Sign up at the welcome center - come hungry and ready for good company!



Hope to see you there!

A Huge Thank You for Packing Meals of Hope!

We want to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to every person who came out and helped pack meals for Meals of Hope last Thursday. Your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve truly made a difference.

It was a joy to watch our church family come together, work side-by-side, and accomplish something so meaningful. Thanks to your dedication, we were able to pack a significant number of meals that will provide nourishment and comfort to families in need in our community.

Your act of service is a beautiful expression of Christ’s love in action. It’s times like these that truly show the heart of our church, demonstrating compassion and generosity in tangible ways. The joy and camaraderie that filled the room were inspiring, and the positive impact you've had on our community will be felt for a long time.

We are so incredibly blessed to have such a supportive, service-minded church family.

Thank you, once again, for your time, your hard work, and your willingness to make a difference.

We are grateful to share a meaningful update from our ministry partners in Cuba.

Vincent sends his blessings and shares encouraging news about the ongoing growth of the church. Recently, 68 brothers gathered—an inspiring sign of God’s work and faithfulness in their community. We celebrate this growth and the lives being impacted through their ministry.



Vincent also provided an update on his transportation needs. He has faithfully entrusted $2,500 to the Superintendent to buy a motorcycle, which will significantly support his ministry efforts. The motorcycle has arrived in Havana; however, due to ongoing fuel shortages, it has not yet been delivered over the past two months. We ask for your prayers that this situation will be resolved soon so Vincent can continue his work more effectively.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers, encouragement, and support. God is working in powerful ways, even amid challenges.

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 flowers to Physicians Regional Hospital.

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 Judy Margrey 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

• Rob Pleban (member)
• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Kaitlyn Mann (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• George Japak (Mark Japak's brother)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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
• 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)
• Lynette Backiewicz (friend of Karen Parry)
• 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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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