From the Pastor’s Desk

Subject: A Joy That Overflows

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you!

This Sunday, we conclude our Surprised by Joy series with a message titled “Overflowing Joy,” based on John 14:1–14. Bruce McEver will bring us the message this week and I am grateful for his willingness to step in.

Jesus speaks these words to his disciples at a moment when their hearts are troubled. Uncertainty is in the air. The future feels unclear. And yet, right there in the middle of it all, Jesus offers something deeper than circumstances—he offers joy that overflows.

Not a surface-level happiness. Not a fleeting emotion. But a steady, grounded joy that comes from trusting him, knowing him, and following where he leads.

This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to live with that kind of joy—joy that isn’t dependent on what’s happening around us, but rooted in the promises of Christ. Joy that doesn’t run dry. Joy that overflows into every part of our lives.

As his goes out, I am wearing my Granhappy hat, enjoying some special grandbaby time in Texas, and looking forward to gathering at the Table for Holy Communion, where we are reminded that Christ meets us, fills us, and sends us out again—renewed and rejoicing.

I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we celebrate the joy that Christ gives—a joy that overflows.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Scott

Bruce McEver is a snowbird residing in Naples, Florida, and Salisbury, Connecticut. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he attended Woodward Academy and Georgia Tech, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MTS from Harvard Divinity School. He founded Berkshire Capital in 1983, a global advisory firm for investment managers, and now serves as chairman emeritus. Bruce is deeply engaged in both theological education and community leadership, serving on boards including Emory’s Candler School of Theology and advisory boards at Harvard Divinity School and Georgia Tech. He is also active in environmental conservation efforts and co-founded the Religious Freedom & Literacy Foundation. An author and poet, Bruce has written a memoir and several books of poetry, with more forthcoming. He has been recognized internationally, including receiving a UN bronze medal at the 2016 Paralympics for global business and interfaith work, and recently participated in a mission trip to Africa University, a United Methodist institution.

This Sunday we’re glad to welcome back Jackson Parry, who will be singing My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, a song based on Psalm 23. It has a calm, comforting feel and reminds us of the steady care and guidance God gives in every part of life. The message is simple but powerful—no matter what we face, we’re not alone, and our needs are always in good hands. 

MDS Weekly Update

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Ms. Evie’s Toddler Class:

This week was all about Colors and Sensory Exploration!

The children had a fun and busy week learning through hands-on activities designed just for little learners. They explored assorted colors through painting, sorting, and matching activities.

The toddlers enjoyed using their senses during sensory play, including texture bins and simple discovery materials that encouraged curiosity and exploration.

They spent time in circle time where the children practiced listening, singing songs, and moving their bodies to music. Fine motor skills were strengthened through fun activities like stretching, squeezing, and simple art projects.

It was a joyful week full of learning, laughter, and discovery in Ms. Evie's Toddler Class!

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Ms. Margie’s Two-Year Class:

This week in Ms. Margie's Two-Year Class, it was all about Spring!

The children had so much fun exploring the season through hands-on learning and creative activities. They painted flowerpots, planted seeds, and are so excited to watch them grow!

They made adorable pom-pom caterpillars on leaves as a fun art project and discovered pinecones outside to create pinecone birdfeeders.

Another favorite activity was a creative leaf stamp art, which brought lots of smiles and laughter.

It was a wonderful week full of learning, creativity, and springtime fun in Ms. Margie's class!

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Mrs. Ledbetter’s Three-Year Class:

This week in Mrs. Ledbetter's Class, the children had a fun and busy week of learning!

They worked on early literacy skills by exploring the alphabet, practicing letter recognition, and beginning to understand alphabetical order in a playful, age-appropriate way.

They worked on patterns and "what comes next" activities, which the children enjoyed as they built simple sequences. A matching game was a class favorite and helped strengthen memory and thinking skills.

During circle time, the children participated in a fun color walk activity, where they looked for and identified assorted colors around the classroom and environment.

It was a wonderful week full of hands-on learning, movement, and excitement in Mrs. Ledbetter's class! 

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Ms. Angela & Ms. Audrey’s VPK Class:

This week in VPK, the children had a wonderful week of testing, learning, and reviewing!

The children started their state VPK testing this week. This is their final assessment.

They worked hard on reviewing uppercase and lowercase letters A through Z and practiced numbers 20 through 30. The class focused on early reading skills, including middle sounds in words.

To make learning fun and engaging, the children participated in rhyming word activities and interactive games that helped strengthen their phonics skills.

It was a week of growth, review, and hands-on learning in VPK!

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Soccer Shots:

This week in Soccer Shots, the children focused on the character trait of patience, learning the importance of waiting their turn and encouraging their teammates.

The soccer skill introduced this week was the step-over move, and the children had a fun time practicing it through fun drills and activities.

They enjoyed a lively "bakery race" game that helped reinforce coordination, teamwork, and quick thinking. Throughout the session, the children reviewed and practiced skills they have learned so far this season, building confidence and improving their overall soccer abilities.

It was another exciting and active Thursday of learning in Soccer Shots! 

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Cuba Ministry Update

Happy Birthday, Vincente!

May God’s grace, strength, and joy be with you in the year ahead.

Thank you for your faithful leadership and witness—we are grateful for you and praying for you!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN LUNCHEON

Meal Packing - Meals of Hope

Thank You, Volunteers!

A huge thank you to everyone who dedicated their time and energy to our Meals of Hope packing event this past week. Because of your hard work and hands-on service, we are able to provide nutritious meals to families and individuals facing food insecurity.

It was truly inspiring to see our community come together to tackle hunger so effectively. Your commitment to "loving our neighbor" in such a tangible way makes a profound difference.

~ Brunch Bunch ~

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 St. Matthew's House.

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

• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Kaitlyn Mann (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• George Japak (Mark Japak's brother)
• 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)
• Loren Galarneau (daughter of Margie Veratti)
• 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
• 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

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First United Methodist Church, 388 First Ave S, Naples, FL 34102