From Your Pastors

A Sunday of Fellowship, Food, and Faith

What an incredible time of fellowship we shared this past Sunday! After many years of attending Methodist potlucks, I have to say — this was a first: not a single jello mold with grapes or a dish of ambrosia salad in sight! But the fried chicken, savory sides, and an abundance of desserts more than filled the gap — and our stomachs.

It was a true blessing to connect with many of you, share what’s happening in Cuba, and report how your continued generosity is making a real difference in that mission of ministry.

Cuba Update

Weathering the Storm with Faith and Resolve

Our brothers and sisters in Cuba have come through Hurricane Melissa with remarkable resilience and gratitude. Though the storm brought strong winds and heavy rain, the Birán area—home to our sister church—along with Mayarí, where the District Superintendent resides, and Antilla, where our interpreter lives, all fared relatively well overall.

There was damage to the district office in Mayarí, particularly in the parsonage kitchen, while our sister church in Birán also sustained some effects from the storm. The new temple experienced minor structural damage, with one roof truss coming down, but this will be repaired quickly, allowing worship to continue uninterrupted. The former worship area, which had served the congregation before the new temple was built, suffered heavier damage and will require cleanup and some rebuilding.

Pastor Vicente led the congregation faithfully through preparation and recovery. Before Sunday’s service, he and several parishioners worked tirelessly to take down the solar panels to protect them from high winds and to clear away trees that could pose a danger. Their quick action helped minimize further damage.

As cleanup continues, we give thanks that no lives were lost and that the community’s spirit remains strong. Pastor Vicente and the congregation extend their heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing prayers and partnership. Together, we continue to see God’s hand at work—strengthening faith, rebuilding hope, and reminding us that the Church stands strong even in the storm.

As many of you have seen in the pictures from Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and other areas, the devastation was overwhelming. A link is provided below to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We appreciate the incredible generosity of our church family and ask that if you want to give specifically to our mission with our sister church, you continue to give through the church.

Celebration of New Membership

We were also delighted to welcome Tara Williams back into the church family. Tara was born and raised here, baptized as an infant, and confirmed in 1983. Just last September, her grandson Finley was baptized — a beautiful reminder of the faith passed from generation to generation.

A Financial Update from the Finance Chair

Greetings, First Church Family!

Welcome back to all who are returning from “up north” to enjoy the beautiful fall and winter season here in Naples! It’s wonderful to see familiar faces returning, and I look forward to worshiping with each of you in the weeks ahead.

I’d like to take a moment to update you on our financial situation through the first nine months of 2025. At this point, we’re beginning to see a clearer picture of how the full year may shape up. As you may recall, we were essentially at breakeven through the first six months of the year. However, during the third quarter, we’ve taken a step backward.

Our operating deficit for the first nine months stands at $26,449, compared to a $16,837 deficit at this same time in 2024. While this is certainly disappointing, it provides us with an important opportunity to work together as a church family to close the gap before year-end.

There are two factors in play: 

1. While our normal operating expenses have remained at or below budget, we have faced significantly higher unplanned property and facilities maintenance costs this year as we work to catch up on deferred maintenance. These added expenses include increased costs for general maintenance, air conditioning service, elevator repairs, and irrigation system improvements. While such issues are never convenient, addressing them now ensures a safer, more comfortable, and well-maintained facility for all of us to enjoy.
2. Congregational giving is up approximately 4% year-to-date, which is an encouraging sign of faithfulness and support. However, giving is still running about $16,000 below our budgeted projections for this point in the year.

We would love to close out the year at breakeven. December is traditionally our strongest month for congregational giving, and with your continued generosity and support, we believe we can finish 2025 on solid financial footing. In the meantime, we will continue to manage expenses carefully while ensuring that our facilities remain safe, comfortable, and welcoming for all who gather here.

There is a renewed sense of excitement and vibrancy at First Church, reflected in the many new members who have joined our family of faith this year. As we look ahead to the upcoming transition to Pastor Scott’s leadership, I hope to see our finances in strong shape by year’s end.

I invite you to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider how you can continue to support the ministries and mission of our church—Loving People, Loving God—through the remainder of 2025. As you reflect on your year-end giving, please take a moment to review the “Giving Goal” you may have made earlier in the year and consider how you might help us finish well together.

Thank you for your ongoing support of First Church. 

Tom Bach, Finance Chair

🎃 You're Invited to Our Fall Festival! 🍁

Hosted by Methodist Day School & First United Methodist Church

Join us as we celebrate all things fall — Florida-style! 🍂

The leaves might not be changing, and the air may not be crisp, but the fun and fellowship are just as vibrant!

Bring the whole family for a morning packed with:

• 🎈 Bounce house fun
• 🚒 A visit from the Naples Fire Department
• 🛍️ Local vendor shopping
• 🐴 Hayrides
• 🌭 Delicious hot dogs & hamburgers
• 🎉 And so much more!

🗓 Saturday, November 15

🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

📍 East Parking Lot & Lawn

Come ready to laugh, play, and make memories — we can’t wait to see you there!

If you would like to volunteer to help with this ministry, please sign up at the welcome center.

The Singers and Ringers Return!

There’s a joyful energy filling the sanctuary of First Church as our Music Ministry reunites this season! Both the Sanctuary Choir and the First Church Ringers are tuning up and ready to lift our hearts in praise once again.

The Sanctuary Choir has begun rehearsing on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m., preparing beautiful anthems that inspire our congregation each week. Whether you’ve sung with the choir before or love to make a joyful noise, now is the perfect time to join in—no audition required, just a heart for worship and fellowship!

We’re also thrilled to announce that the First Church Ringers will resume rehearsals on Thursday, November 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The sound of handbells echoing through our worship space is a beloved tradition, and we eagerly await hearing those tones of faith and joy ring out once again.

Our music ministry is a vital part of who we are as a church—a way to celebrate God’s goodness, build community, and express our faith through song and sound. 🎶

Would you like to be part of this uplifting ministry? Come join us! Together, let’s fill the sanctuary with music, joy, and praise to the One who gives us every reason to sing!

All Saints Sunday – “Faith of Our Fathers”

This Sunday, as we gather for All Saints Sunday, we will sing the beloved hymn “Faith of Our Fathers” (UMH 710) in remembrance of those who have passed on to glory in the past year. Written in 1849 by Frederick William Faber, the hymn emerged during a time of religious persecution in England. Faber composed it to honor those who held fast to their faith despite great hardship. Over time, it has become a cherished expression of Christian perseverance across many denominations, reminding us of the steadfast faith that unites all believers.

The refrain, “Faith of our fathers, holy faith, we will be true to thee till death,” calls us to live with the same devotion and courage as those who came before us. Their faith shaped our own, and their witness continues to inspire us today.

As we sing together this Sunday, we will remember the names of those who have entered eternal rest and celebrate the great cloud of witnesses who now surround us in glory. May their faith strengthen ours as we continue to walk in the light of Christ.

Taking an Eternal Perspective: Week 1

The Great Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1-3

This Sunday we begin our new sermon series, “Taking an Eternal Perspective,” with a message titled “The Great Cloud of Witnesses.” The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by faithful men and women who have gone before us—those who ran their race with endurance and now cheer us on in ours.

In a world filled with distractions and doubts, how do we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”?

Together we’ll explore what it means to live with eternity in view—to draw strength from the saints who have finished their race and to find courage to keep running our own with faith and perseverance.



Join us this Sunday as we lift our eyes heavenward and remember that we are never running alone.

MDS Weekly Update

Soccer Shots

This week in Soccer Shots with Coach Y, the children learned two new soccer moves: the inside chop and outside chop. They also explored the character trait of patience. On Soccer Island, the theme was "On the Farm," and they played a fun game called “What Time Is It, Mr. Farmer?”

Toddler Class

This week in Ms. Evie’s class, it was all about pumpkins! The children loved learning about pumpkins and had sensory fun exploring the inside of one. They also learned the color orange and the circle shape. It was a fun and festive pumpkin-themed week!

Two-Year Class

In Ms. Margie’s class, the theme was Halloween! The children enjoyed making paper bag scarecrows, paper cup ghosts, and paper plate black cats. They also carved a classroom pumpkin and had a blast scooping out the seeds. It was a fantastic and festive week!

Three-Year Class

This week in Mrs. Ledbetter’s class, the focus was on the letter Hh. The class worked on shapes and numerical order, and a favorite activity was playdough time. The children also created a special art project for the upcoming Art Showcase. It was a wonderful and creative week!

VPK Class

In Ms. Angela and Ms. Audrey’s VPK class, the children had their Early Learning Coalition observation, and it went very well! The theme for the week was pumpkins. The children enjoyed their pumpkin investigation, learning the parts of a pumpkin and exploring the insides. For their final experiment, they tested whether different-sized pumpkins would sink or float—they discovered they all floated! It was a fantastic week of hands-on learning.

Annual Church Conference

Our Annual Church Conference will be held this Sunday at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. We are honored to welcome Rev. Mark Caldwell, Senior Pastor of North Naples UMC, who will preside over this important gathering.



At this meeting, members will vote on pastoral compensation, church leadership for 2026, and other significant matters. While all are welcome to attend, voting is reserved for members.

We hope you’ll join us for this critical moment in the life of our church—especially to show support for our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Scott Ehler!

Pastor Sara has written her final Pastor's Report for the Church Conference on state of the church. Please see her report below.

You’re invited to join our Brunch Bunch for a fun and relaxing time of food and fellowship right after worship on November 23! We’ll be gathering at Brio Italian Grille at the Waterside Shops off North Tamiami, where there’s something for everyone to enjoy — from great food to even better conversation.

Whether you’re new to the church or a long-time attender, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect, laugh, and share a meal as a church family. Sign-up sheets are available at the Welcome Center, so let us know you’re coming. We can’t wait to see you there!

A fun time and great food and fellowship at Ridgway Bar & Grill.

Meal Packing

On October 23, our dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves once again to pack bags of potatoes for local families in need. Each bag represents more than food—it’s a sign of love and community care.

We’re grateful for everyone who gives their time and energy to this ministry. Together, we’re making a real difference and living out our call to feed the hungry and share God’s abundance with our neighbors.

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 admin@fumcnaples.org. 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 Literacy Collier.



Literacy Collier is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive English-language learning experience where children and adults can develop the confidence and competency needed to thrive in a diverse community.

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

• Slavka Pehar (friend of Pat Hamann)
• Jessica Rich (friend of Pat Hamann)
• Arthea Brimmer (member)
• 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 elbow)
• Jean Miller (daughter of David and Dottie Brennan)
• Mary Lou Riccio (member)
• 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)
• Janet Edwards (friend of the Barkers)
• 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)
• Jen Wolf
• Gary Matter
• Chris and Christine Grimshaw (members)
• Evelyn Johnson (sister-in-law of Al Johnson)
• Rev. Flo Scott (attender)
• 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