Rainbow Baskets for Miranda Padilla Girls:

At First United Methodist Church, our hearts are heavy as we come together to support the Miranda Padilla girls, ages 13, 12, 9, and 6, who have faced the unimaginable loss of their parents. In our sanctuary, you will find four rainbow baskets, waiting to be filled with love and thoughtful items that can bring joy and comfort to these young hearts during such a difficult time. We invite everyone to contribute items like board games, puzzles, books, art materials, and gift cards—simple tokens that can make a profound difference. Together, we can show these girls that they are surrounded by a caring community that truly loves and supports them. Let us unite in this meaningful act of service, fostering a sense of belonging and hope. Please feel free to drop off your contributions in the designated baskets at the sanctuary; every little bit helps us create a brighter moment for these precious girls.

You are invited!

May 29, 2025

10:00 am

Let's come together to celebrate our incredible VPK graduates, the shining stars of the class of 2025! These delightful 4 & 5-year-olds have not only completed their Christian preschool journey but are also bursting with energy and enthusiasm as they prepare to embark on their next big adventure in Kindergarten.

Join us in the sanctuary for a joyous celebration filled with music, love, and memories of the past school year. Let's make this milestone a memorable one as we cheer them on together, fostering a sense of community and connection that embodies the spirit of First United Methodist Church.

We look forward to seeing you there to support these young graduates as they take their next steps in faith and learning!

From Your Pastors

Need a little guidance? Comfort? A divine nudge in the right direction?



You're not alone—and you never were.

This Sunday at First Church (10:15am), we're diving into Week 6 of our Resurrection Life series with a message called: “The Holy Spirit Will Teach You All Things” (John 14:22-29)

Jesus promised us an Advocate, a Comforter, a Teacher—and he delivered!

The Holy Spirit walks with us in grief, lights our way in uncertainty, and reminds us of Jesus’ peace when life feels anything but peaceful.

Come be reminded that resurrection life isn't just a past event—it’s a present promise.

First Church Naples is a vibrant faith community where you will find:

🎶 Inspiring worship

📖 A message of hope

👨‍👩‍👧 A welcoming community

🕊️ And the Holy Spirit leading the way

UPDATE FROM MDS

This is the last full week of school for MDS. It was a fun week of review in all of our classrooms. We had a special treat this week. The Van Deventer family had Rita's ice cream truck come to our school and everyone got an ice cream treat. We are looking forward to our VPK children graduating next week. The VPK Graduation will be on Thursday, May 29th at 10:00am.  

Card Ministry Meeting!

We warmly invite all crafty individuals, as well as those who may be new to crafting, to join us for our upcoming card ministry meeting on May 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to noon. This gathering promises to be a delightful opportunity for fellowship and creativity, where laughter will flow as freely as our artistic expressions. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or just starting your journey, you will find a welcoming community ready to embrace you. To ensure a fun and engaging experience for everyone, please RSVP to Gwen Pleban, who will prepare seats and project kits tailored for all skill levels. Come and be part of this cherished tradition that beautifully intertwines creative expression with spiritual growth, reflecting the nurturing spirit of First United Methodist Church and our commitment to community support.

Missions Update

Cuba

We are pleased to announce that Pastor Dunia’s and Pastor Vincente’s daughter, Thalia Gue, has given birth to a new born son, Caleb. We were able to assist with the hospital costs for a Caesarian section and a ligation operation with a donation from our discretionary funds. Dunia is so grateful to God that her daughter is doing well and is without pain. She is grateful for our prayers and assistance. She tells me: “His name is Caleb and he will be a servant of the Lord.” Let’s celebrate together at the birth of this precious child.

Look at the progress they have made on the Temple! They are hoping to have the roof on in three days!!!! Praise God for all their hard work!

A Financial Update from the Finance Chair

Hello First Church! I want to give you an update on our financial situation for the first quarter of 2025. The good news is we had a small surplus of $15,000 for the first 3 months. This is our best result in the past few years. This speaks to the reinvigoration of our church and the stronger attendance and congregational giving we have seen this year. We have also had very good expense control in 2025 with reduced costs in new contracts for cleaning, internet service, and we’ve seen a nice reduction in utility costs.

However, to put this in perspective, there are a couple things I’d like to note:

1.   We are on cash basis accounting, and there are a couple or large expense items paid in April that should have hit our first quarter financials.  Adjusting for these, we had a slight loss of about $2,000. This is still the best financial result we have seen recently for the first quarter.

2.   We are now headed into the “off season” summer months when attendance falls and with it congregational giving. However, during the summer months church expenses continue. If you can, please keep contributing using the online option on our new website or sending your contributions to the church.

Thank you for your ongoing support of First Church. 2025 is shaping up to be a fabulous year due to your generous giving toward the many ministries and administration of our church.

Tom Bach, Finance Chair

Volunteers!

At First United Methodist Church, we warmly 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, contributing to the uplifting moments that connect and inspire our community. Please contact Pastor Scott or Judy Margrey if you would like to be a part of this team.

Grace Place Backpack Drive

UMW is once again filling backpacks to help with Grace Place’s Annual Backpack Drive. This outreach helps the children participating in the Center’s services as well as other K-12 children in Golden Gate City get back-to-school ready.

We would like for you to join us in this mission for the upcoming school year!

There are three ways to participate:

1.    Donate to the backpack fund which will be used to purchase all the required school supplies in bulk. A full backpack runs about $50 depending on the cost of the backpack itself. Make checks payable to: United Methodist Women.

2.    Pack your own bag and bring to church prior to June 30th. The list of items by age needed is with the signup sheet in the Narthex.

3.    Donate directly to Grace Place via the website:

graceplacenaples.org

There are many option to participate, we would also love for you to come help us assemble the backpacks on July 1^st.

Click on the below button to see the list of needs.

Brunch Bunch

Our next Brunch Bunch gathering is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar, 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd N. These times together are a wonderful opportunity for connection over delicious food. A sign-up sheet will be available at the Welcome Center starting in early June, so mark your calendars and prepare to join us for an time of fellowship, laughter, and the warmth of community. We look forward to sharing this time with all of you!

An amazing time of fellowship at Seasons 52

Food Packing Ministry

Wendy McKee led an awesome team of volunteer meal packers on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, that included:

Betsy Ard

Susan Fakoukakis

Wendy Hawkins

Pam Kennedy

Gail Jaworsky

Judy Margrey

Leo Poisin

Chuck and Marge Nelson

Gil McKee

Dick McKee

Ali McKee

If you would like to help with this incredible ministry that addresses food insecurities in Collier County, contact Wendy McKee, our food-packing coordinator. She will schedule you. It’s lots of fun! 

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 to be recognized! The cost is $40. Purchase and dedication can be arranged by signing up in the church lobby or by sending an email the church at admin@fumcnaples.org. Then you can either pick up your flowers after church or donate them for us to take to organizations in our community, bringing a ray of sunshine to workers and volunteers.

Please be sure to let us know if you or a loved one are in the hospital so Pastors Sara or Scott can come 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 that God has given us to pray on behalf of 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, just email us and we will pray for that person and that need privately: pastor@fumcnaples.org

• Lynette Backiewicz (friend of Karen Parry)
• Mary Lou Riccio (member)
• Elena Lerdon (member)
• Rob Pleban (member)
• Pastor Vincente's brother (healing)
• John O'Brien (member)
• Kevin Lee (cousin of Tom Bach)
• Julia Wayne (daughter of Lawrence & Jane Crouch)
• Emily Cundra (family of Gail Jaworsky)
• Danielle (friend of MDS)
• Ted and Ann Baker (attenders)
• Jean Humphries (member)
• John Schloendorn (Church electrician and friend)
• 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.

Southwest Florida District

Lay Servant Ministry News

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

Email us: admin@fumcnaples.org  or

Mail contributions to:

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