From the Pastor

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

I pray that you had a joy-filled, safe and healthy week, and that you encountered the Holy Spirit many times throughout the week. Never forget that God goes with you, all the time!

This Sunday is Children’s Home Sunday. We do this whenever there is a month with 5 Sundays, on the fifth Sunday. Scroll down for more information about this important cause. In the pew rack in front of your seat, you will see special envelopes just for the Children’s Home. Please use them to support this important ministry. 

This Sunday, we will continue to issue “Connect Cards” as you come in. This helps us with our attendance. If you have already given us your address and contact info last week, then this week, you only have to write down your name and leave the rest blank. We’ve already updated our membership/attendance registry. If you’ve never filled a form out, please give us your contact info and express any interest or questions about our ministries. This is a one-time thing. Please leave it on your seat as you exit.

Next week, we will ask for your support of the Bishop’s Offering that each church brings with them to Annual Conference in Lakeland June 8-11. Each year, churches support a special ministry chosen by the Bishop. This year it will be “Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean” and “Technology Grants for Rural, Small Membership Churches.” We will provide you with more information next week on both those ministries. Thanks to our volunteers who have helped with ushering and greeting, setting up for worship and running the Audiovisuals for the service. You are appreciated.

Next week our VPK children will be graduating. We are excited for the opportunities that await them as they move on to Kindergarten. They are well-prepared for this by MDS! You will enjoy their incredible artwork if you scroll down to the bottom.  They have studied and imitated the styles of famous artists. If you get to the bottom and do not see their art, then you've been cut off.  Look for the words, “Click here to view all” or “Click here to continue.” Press on that and the rest of your Eblast will appear.

Please be careful, out there, when it comes to precautions you take for COVID. Each week, I learn of more and more people that I know, who are getting this virus. I would be careful when it comes to indoor hugging and talking closely into someone’s face in conversation

Please pray this week for the people suffering and grieving in Texas and Buffalo, after losing loved ones in unimaginable shooting tragedies. Pray for our nation as we continue to have these shootings in all kinds of places all around our country. Please also continue to pray for Ukraine.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, either in-person or online!  

Love and Blessings,

Pastor Nancy

pastor@fumcnaples.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE! DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that you may not be getting a portion of your Eblast because Gmail and some other email programs are cutting off the bottom? You may be missing important articles, photos and our Prayer List! How to find out? If you get to the bottom and have not seen the Prayer List or our MDS Preschool photos, then you know there has been a cut-off. After you reach what looks like the end, you may see a little note down at the bottom that says something like: “Click here to view all” or “Click here to continue.” Press that and you will see what you are missing that has been cut-off!

 This Sunday's Online Worship Service

If you aren’t able to make it to in-person worship on Sundays, you can watch it online “live” at 10:15 am or you can watch the “recorded” version anytime that is convenient for you by clicking on the box below. We generally start showing announcement slides at 10:05 as people are coming into the sanctuary and then the actual worship service starts at 10:15. 

You can also find this link by going to our web page, our Facebook page, or directly to www.youtube.com In the Search box at the top of the YouTube page, type "First UMC Naples" and press enter. On the next screen go down until you see "First UMC Naples - Sunday Worship - Rev Nancy Mayeux - 05 29 2022". Click on that title, or the picture next to it, to see the “live” broadcast. 

Blessings as you watch and participate. Be sure to share the link for live or recorded versions of our service with your friends and family, so they can join you in worship!

Life & Faith Lesson

Rev Nancy Mayeux

"Who Do You Say I Am?

If a non-Christian friend were to ask you one day, “Who is this Jesus, that you worship?” what would you say? Of all the many things you have learned about Jesus in your lifetime, through Sunday School , Bible studies, listening to sermons and through personal experience, what would you choose to tell this inquirer about Jesus? What is the most important thing you know about Jesus that you could share. What would you tell this person that might make a difference? How has Jesus made a difference in your life? There is so much to tell and each of us has experienced Jesus in different ways, and different aspects of our Lord and Savior have impacted us in different ways and with different priorities.

When you die, there will hopefully be some sort of service and people may get up and talk about you, either at the service or at a reception. They may share what was most special about you – to THEM. What aspect of who you are, impacted THEM the most personally. When one listens to all the voices, one gets a clearer picture of the whole YOU, whereas only one person’s view, might be somewhat limited to what made you special for them.

Jesus asked his disciples one day, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” He was correct of course, but this was not early in Jesus’ ministry. He had already performed many miracles. It just took some time for them to believe something so incredulous, even though they had been with him day in and day out. Others, like the Samaritan woman, caught on more quickly. His friend, Martha, Lazarus’ sister, figured it out and claimed it.

Jesus had often told the disciples who he was. He told them, “ I am the Bread of Life”, "I am the resurrection and the life”, "I am the Vine, you are the branches”, “I am the Light of the World”, "I am the gate for the sheep”. Along with his own descriptions of himself, he was dubbed by others many names, such as the “Prince of Peace”, “Savior” “Redeemer”, “Lord”, “King of Kings”, “High Priest”, “Lamb of God”, “Good Shepherd”, “The Way, the Truth and the Life”, and “Christ”.   There are at least 50 names for Jesus, each telling us something different about him. Which name resonates most for you? What aspect of all that Jesus is, has impacted your life the most. How do YOU know Him best?

Let’s talk about it tomorrow at 10:15, either in-person or online, or through a recorded version of our worship service. See you soon!

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Volunteer Spotlight

Our Audio Visual Team

Each week we are going to spotlight different volunteers who help make our worship and ministry possible here at FUMC. We have a tiny staff. Without our wonderful volunteers we would not be able to do all we do for Christ in this world. We are thankful for them!  This week we wanted to put the spotlight on a team of people, without whom there would be no online service, and our in-person service would be greatly diminished.

Our Audio Visual (AV) team consists of John Mayeux, Bill Parry, Michael McKee and Bianca McKee. John has been involved in this ministry, since just about the time we arrived here, over 7 years ago. At the time we just had worship and announcement slides that needed to be projected and one camera to occasionally focus on the chancel (stage). Sound needed to be managed as well. That morphed into a program where soloists were recorded and the pastor’s sermon was recorded and posted online for people who missed church. Bill Parry joined in about 5 years ago, helping with the slides and sound.

Then the pandemic hit and we no longer had in-person worship. We had to effectively reach our congregation online and provide a full worship experience for them – not just a sermon. New equipment was purchased with three cameras and a master screen to switch between camera views and the slides, for at-home worshippers. We purchased a new soundboard to replace our antiquated board. We recorded on Saturdays so that that people at home could tune in on Sunday morning. Eventually, we began to livestream and record on Sunday morning when people were allowed to come back into the sanctuary to worship. We still have many people watching online, some of whom have never even been to our church buildings!

John Mayeux was responsible for the research, purchase and installation of our new system. He managed setting up, recording and broadcasting our livestream service, utilizing all 3 cameras and troubleshooting technical problems. Bill continued managing our slides (which is not as easy as it looks) and helping with sound. Then John trained Michael McKee to take over the production of our online streaming and recording of services. Michael was already our church’s Zoom technician, helping us with our online Bible studies, Charge Conferences and business meetings at the church, when Zoom was very new to most of our congregants. He made it possible for these things to happen! Recently, Bianca Mckee, (newly married to Michael) has been in training to help with the slides and fill in for Bill when he is unable to be there. Bianca, by the way, also helps regularly, with her husband, in doing food-packing. We are grateful to John who has been doing this for so long, and now ready for a break. We are pleased that Michael has stepped forward to manage the process and Bianca for stepping in as back-up for Bill. We are thankful that Bill has faithfully served in this capacity for so many years. We are also thankful for his many other ways of serving. He was a Trustee for many years and has been in charge of keeping our church campus up-to-date on our fire extinguishers and emergency exit signs and lights which get inspected regularly. He has repaired ceilings and walls with problems and refinished our wooden benches some years back. He is a faithful volunteer for our Easter Pier service and a food-packer, as well. I am sure there is more, but today, we are focused on AV.  Thank you to John, Bill, Michael and Bianca!

All COVID Protocols Now Optional at FUMC

Unless there is a strong uptick in COVID numbers in our area, we have made all protocols optional for now. Masks are optional, but there is a “Comfort Zone” in the back, East section of sanctuary seating, where masks are required (some people need a space like this).  Please try to social distance indoors in our sanctuary, and stagger your departure so everyone does not bunch up in the aisles as you are exiting. Hugs and handshakes are ok if you are comfortable doing so. Please try to save your congregating and chatting for outdoors, where it is safer. 

Masks are now optional for Bible studies, meal packing and business meetings at the church. Thank you for your wonderful patience and cooperation during these last couple of difficult years. You have shown great love to your neighbors here at FUMC. Please help us to continue loving our neighbors. 

Children’s Sunday School Has Relaunched



We recently relaunched our children’s Sunday School, after being on hold for two years, due to COVID. Our Sunday School teacher is Margie Veratti, who also teaches in our MDS preschool. Children who wish to participate will come into the sanctuary with their families, and after the Children’s Moment with the Pastor, they will be led by Ms. Verrati to the Children’s Library right behind the sanctuary and next door to the VPK classroom for Sunday School. Parents or guardians must register their child and remain at church until their child is picked up. This Sunday, Margie will be out and we will have Wendy McKee as substitute teacher. Most of you know Wendy, longtime member, volunteer and mom.

Altar Flower Dedication

Altar flowers this Sunday are given by Jeff and Judy Currier and dedicated to “our friends online.”

Altar Flower Ministry

Every week, you have the opportunity to purchase Sunday worship altar flowers 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. The following dates are open: June 5 and beyond, with the exception of July 17. Purchase and dedication can be arranged by sending an email to Jaimie Dandridge 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.

Congrats to Graduate,

Thomas Lofgren!

We congratulate Thomas Lofgren, who graduates today from Naples High School. Thomas has attended FUMC his entire life. He was baptized here, went to Sunday school, participated in the Wesley Children’s Choir, Middle School youth group, was confirmed here and even attended our MDS preschool! He will be attending the University of Florida, starting this summer in June.

Thomas’ faith is an important part of his life. In school, he has had excellent grades, while finding the time to be actively involved as a volunteer in community activities (beach cleanups, Meals of Hope, Interact Club and Boys and Girls Club) and faith-based programs such as Café of Life, helping poor and hungry people in Bonita Springs and participating in a Mission trip to Belle Glade. He also worked part-time jobs and interned at the Naples Art Museum. We know that God has exciting things planned for Thomas in the future. Congratulations!

Treasurer’s Corner

I want to thank you for your support so far this year. With your financial support, your time and your talents, you have made it possible to have a service at the Naples Pier for 1,200 people, many of whom are visitors to our city, pack thousands of meals for the hungry, send several children to camp, and keep the doors open. Next week, we will be sending out your contribution statement covering the first four months of the year. Please review it carefully. We work very hard at providing accurate information, but we are human. If you find any errors, please let me know. We will follow up and correct them. If you do not receive one in the next week or so, please let us know that as well. You can call me, Jeff Currier, Treasurer at 203 556 2919 or email me at Jeffreycurrier@gmail.com. God Bless you and your families.

How Can You Support the Ministries of This Church?

Thank you once again for your faithful financial support of your church. Please remember that your financial giving is a form of worship. Your gifts allow us to help people to know Jesus, to grow in their faith and to serve Him as we help those in need.

Donations may be brought to worship on Sunday, dropped off during the week or mailed to: 

First United Methodist Church of Naples

388 First Avenue South

Naples, FL 34102

OR you can click on the box below to make an online donation. If you have any questions regarding the finances of this church, please send an email to our Treasurer, Jeffrey Currier: jeffreylcurrier@gmail.com

A Response and a Prayer for Peace

in the Wake of the Recent Shootings

The recent tragedies in a Buffalo grocery store and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, have caused unimaginable grief for the families who have lost loved ones. Our entire nation grieves with these families and I know Jesus grieves with them as well.  Those who grieved for their lost loved ones after Sandy Hook, Parkland and other mass shooting locations, have had their wounds ripped open again with the news of these recent senseless killings. We need to be in prayer for all of them, and for our nation, where we can no longer feel safe going shopping or sending our kids off to school. Can we do more than pray? Below are two responses to the tragedy. One is a prayer from our own Bishop Ken Carter, Resident Bishop of The Florida Conference and Western N. Carolina Conference. The second writing is from Thomas Bickerton, the new President of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church, and also the Resident Bishop of the New York Annual Conference. He advocates that, as Christians, it is time to stop sitting back as these tragedies unfold. It is time to “go on the offense today and play whatever role we can to change the cycle of violence, end racism and other behaviors that treat people less than they were created to be, and create a narrative that will compel people to live a life with a heart of peace.”  Press on the links below to read their statement and prayer.

It’s Children’s Home Sunday!

Every time we have 5 Sundays in one month, that 5^th Sunday is Children’s Home Sunday, where we remember that wonderful place in Enterprise Florida, where children’s lives have been changed for over 100 years. This United Methodist home and program is supported financially by our UM congregations throughout Florida. This pandemic has made things especially rough for these children who are without their parents. Please consider a donation earmarked for the Children’s Home this Sunday, along with your regular offering or tithe. Click here to learn more about what the Children’s Home is all about!  

Last Sunday's Service

Did you miss worship last week? Click on the link below to view the video of last week's complete online service, with a sermon entitled Who Do You Think You Are? which was preached by Rev Nancy Mayeux and based on John 3:1-21

We’ve Packed 225,000 Meals!

Help Feed Hungry People in our Community

Thank you for helping to feed hungry families. Food insecurity has been a major challenge for families throughout the pandemic, and especially now, with food prices soaring. During the last 18 months, we have packed 225,000 meals for families in need! Help us be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world and show the love of Christ to others by participating:

1. Bring in food or financial contributions earmarked for “Food Ministry” and we will deliver to either Grace Place or St. Matthew’s House for their food pantries.
2. Volunteer to come help pack food for 1.5 hours on an upcoming packing day. To sign up, contact Wendy McKee, our food-packing coordinator, at WendyMckee3@gmail.com. She will schedule you. It’s lots of fun!

Need to Reach Us? Here’s How!



We are available to you! Our church office is open Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 2:00pm.  Food can be dropped off during office hours or on Sundays when you come to worship. The church phone will be answered during office hours. For pastoral emergencies, when the office is closed, just call the office and you will hear the Pastor’s personal cell number listed on the message you hear. The pastor is off on Mondays, as her Sabbath day, but will respond to 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

Make online donations by clicking the link below:

Please Pray!

This week, my prayers are weighted heavily toward the families who are grieving and suffering in the wake of the shootings in a Buffalo supermarket and an elementary school in Uvalde. The pain these families and their communities must feel is unimaginable. Our entire nation is impacted as we grieve with them, and we grieve for our nation where it is no longer safe to go shopping for food or send our children off to school. If you missed our Bishop’s prayer, scroll back up for that, along with a response from the President of the Council of Bishops. Please pray for all who were impacted.

Meantime, continue to pray for Ukraine and for our faith family. There is a new updated list of additional prayers to guide you through the week (press on link below). Please pray for all those needs, but never forget to say “Thank you” for the abundance of blessings God has poured upon you.

Also, if you have a prayer request, you can email it to me directly by responding to this Eblast (just press “reply” and it comes to me). You can also fill out a blue prayer card from the pews on Sunday. Just let me know if you want it public (person’s name and no other details) or if you would like private prayer from me.     

Urgent Prayer Requests

From our FUMC Church Family

We want to remind you that this section is for “urgent” prayer concerns only: (in the hospital, on Hospice, recovering from COVID-19, recovering from surgery, receiving radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, recent deaths, etc.) If you have a private prayer that you do not want published below, just email me and I will pray for that person and that need privately: pastor@fumcnaples.org.

• Susana Sandino (Daughter of MDS teacher, Susana Sandino)
• Baby Abby Joy Campbell and parents (Family of Lisa Passeri)
• Debbie Wells (Friend of Pam O’Brien)
• Diane Langley (Friend of Norine Tempelman)

• Beth Tatman (friend of the Mayeux family)
• Larry Stewart (Member)
• Deborah Sobat (Daughter of Barbara and Jerry Skiba)
• Jim Adolphson (Friend of Tom Bach)
• William Johnson (Brother of Al Johnson)
• Randy Cassada (Member)
• Family of Valya Staruchin, Januk, Orysia and family, Irina and family (Three families of the Jaworsky's in Ukraine)
•  Gary and Glenn (Friends of the Emory’s)
•  Wendy Moyer (Member)
• Mamon Powers (Friend of Al and Thelma Johnson)
• Evelyn Rush (Friend of Thelma Johnson)
• Ron ReBell (Brother of Marie Evans)
• Sam (brother-in-law of Karen Bach)
• Ann Boren (Member)
• Paul Brown (Cousin of Dick Evans)
• Joseph Halizak (Friend of Marie and Dick Evans)
• Karen Kirk (Cousin of Marie Evans)
• Rosa Fogle (Family of Thelma and Al Johnson)
• All the many unspoken requests and needs of our congregation and their loved ones.

 Special Prayer List 

(Updated May 29) 

 Wondering what else to pray for each day? Here are some suggestions!

Methodist Day School Children Love Art!

 Our MDS Children love art! Our VPK children studied the lives and painting styles of a number of famous artists this past year. They imitated the style of each artist in their own artwork, which was displayed in a special “Art Showcase” this past week for all the parents to come and enjoy. Our younger children also enjoyed creating art outdoors this week. 

Our VPK children will be graduating next week in our sanctuary and all of the children in our Two’s and Three’s classes will also participate in that celebration, as they join in singing for the parents. The entire school has a busy week planned with Water Day, and a very competitive Field Day, followed by Graduation and the last day of school on Thursday. Please keep these wonderful children, their parents, and their teachers in your prayers as they move on to a fun summer.