In Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

Sunday Service 10:15 am

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15th Sunday after Pentecost

September 10, 2023

From the Pastor

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

I hope that you all had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. This Sunday comes right before the anniversary of 9/11 and a time for reflection on how much our lives have changed since that day. It’s a time to focus on what we’ve learned from that day along with other historic events (more in the sermon section of this Eblast).

I wanted to let you know that Karen Click, our Director of Music, and her husband, Mark, will be leaving us for a few months, starting next week. They will head north to help care for Karen’s parents during that time. She will be back at the beginning of January. We will miss her!  Arthea Brimmer, past organist, pianist and choir director, has graciously offered to slip out of retirement to fill in for Karen during those months. Please let Karen know how much we will miss her during this time and please welcome back Arthea, and thank her for filling in as our Interim Music Director. Arthea will get our choir back up and going, when more of the choir members are back in town.

Thanks to everyone this week, who packed food for hungry families and those who packed flood cleaning buckets for people impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Food-packing is so much fun and really makes a difference, so if you have never come, please scroll down to see how to join us!

Please scroll down through the Eblast to learn what else is going on in the church and what activities are available to you. There are opportunities for ministry, fellowship, and helping others in need, all while making new friends and growing in your faith.

I am looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday and I remind you to bring a friend to worship with you! Please pray for your church family along with all those recovering from fires, flooding and hurricane winds. Scroll down toward the bottom of this email for our Prayer list.



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 may limit what they display. 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: "View entire message", or 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 10:00 am as people are coming into the sanctuary and then the actual worship service starts at 10:15 am. 

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 - 09 10 2023". 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

Defining Moments: Where Were You?

 There are many moments in the past that changed the course of history for decades, centuries and much longer. They changed how we live today and how we think and believe. Recent historic events, that some of us are still alive to remember, include WWII, the events of 9/11, the assassination of JFK, and a pandemic. All were life-changing events that had negative impacts but were also filled with silver linings.  Most of us can remember exactly where we were when those things happened and how we felt at the time. Which path did our thinking and our faith take during and afterwards? Did we focus on the negative or did we look for the silver linings? How did these events affect how we look at and treat other people? Each of us have also had personal defining moments in our lives that impact how we think and believe today. What did Jesus have to say about these reactions? Come Sunday at 10:15 to reflect more on all of this. Join us for worship, either in-person or online through YouTube.  

 Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Altar Flower Ministry

Every week, you have the opportunity to 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 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. 

AED/CPR Training

As many of you have previously read, we now have an AED in the sanctuary (next to the AV room) and in Barton Hall (next to the chalk board). AEDs are an easy-to-use medical device that helps to re-establish an effective heart rhythm, while we wait for the emergency personnel to arrive. We would like to offer and train as many as we can on this device along with a full CPR training. Our first training will be held on September 20 at 10:00am and last approximately 2 hours. The cost is $55. There is a signup sheet in the lobby. You can help save a life!

New Bible Study

Wednesdays, Starting September 27, 10:00am



The book of Daniel begins with the nation of Israel in exile, living under the shadow of the Babylonian empire. In this group study, we will walk through the book of Daniel, exploring questions of identity, both “Who am I?” and “Who is the God of the exiles?” As the stories and imagery unfold, this Old Testament book has a remarkable amount to say to twenty-first century Christians today. Come join us for this six-week study. Sign-up on the credenza in the lobby. No book purchase necessary. All materials will be provided.

Your Continued Support of UMCOR Relief

Is Greatly Appreciated



UMCOR, the United Methodist Commission on Relief, assists United Methodists and churches to become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. Right now, UMCOR is actively helping provide relief for victims of: Hurricane Idalia, Hawaii wildfires, US tornadoes and flooding, earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, flooding in Haiti and the invasion in Ukraine.

You can support the relief and recovery efforts by sending your donation to the church, earmarked with the specific area in which you wish your gift to be applied and the funds from your donation will be sent to UMCOR for immediate on-the-ground help.  Please also pray for the many people impacted in all these disasters. 

Men’s Ministry Breakfast

The next Men’s breakfast will be on September 21st, at 9:00 am at Lulu's Kitchen, 2125 Airport-Pulling Road South, Naples, FL 34104. We hope you will join us for a great time of fellowship and a short devotion and discussion led by Chaplain Scott. Open to all men in the congregation. Bring a friend.

Action Teams

Many of you heard Pastor Nancy share in her sermon on July 30th about showing God your love through giving. You may have even heard Chaplain Scott share that we are called into a relationship with Jesus, as well as service with Him. As we pray and move forward as a church, we are looking to start new ministries and revitalize those we had before the pandemic. To do this we need your help! We would love for you to fill out an Action Team Survey and let us know what you are interested in.

Instructions on filling out:

1.      Click on the link below

2.     Fill out form starting with NAME, PHONE, EMAIL

3.     Click on the boxes of areas you are interested in

4.     Save form to computer and email it back to admin@FUMCNaples.org OR

5.     Print it out and bring or mail it to the church

Sunday Brunch Bunch

Our next Brunch Bunch will be Sunday, September 10th at Ridgway Bar & Grill, 1300 3rd St S, #101, Naples. Join us every other week for a time of fellowship and getting to know one another.  We meet at a different local restaurant for brunch right after worship. Sign up on the sheet in our narthex (sanctuary lobby), or contact the church office.

THANK YOU!

Your Giving Is a Form of Worship

Your incredible generosity is allowing our church to do ministry that will change lives. We hope that you will continue to give of your time, your talents and your prayers, in addition to your financial giving, and that you find joy in your giving!

These are some of the categories that you may wish to give towards:

• “General Operating Budget” which funds our regular ministry programs and our costs to keep staff and buildings going.
• “Capital Expenses” which include roof replacements and other capital needs on our campus. 
• "Hurricane Idalia Relief" which funds relief efforts through UMCOR.
• "Hawaii Wildfire Relief" which funds relief efforts through both UMCOR and other United Methodist agencies.
• “Tornado Disaster Relief” which funds relief efforts by UMCOR for recent tornado damage in the US.
• “Earthquake Disaster Relief” efforts in Turkey and Syria through UMCOR, donated through our church.
• “Ukraine Relief” for the people of Ukraine who are enduring tremendous hardships.
• “Food Ministry” funds will go to St. Matthews and Grace Place food banks.
• Any other ministries that are important to you.



Just indicate on your checks where you want your donation to go.

Your past and future gifts allow us to help people to know Jesus, to grow in their faith, and to serve Him as we help those in need.  Your donations may be brought to worship on Sunday or mailed/delivered to the address below:

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 Finance Chairperson, Tom Bach: tom.j.bach@gmail.com

Last Week's Worship Services



Did you miss worship last week? Click on the link below to view the video of last week's Sunday service with a sermon entitled, "Extra Heavy Baggage Can Slow Down Your Spiritual Journey", which was preached by Rev. Nancy Mayeux and based on John 20:19, 24-31

We’ve Packed 365,000 Meals!!

We’re Helping to Feed Hungry People

in our Community

Congratulations to everyone who has helped pack food in our meal-packing program! 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. Help us to 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, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. For pastoral emergencies, call the office and you will hear Pastor Nancy’s personal cell number on the message. She or Chaplain Scott 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

Food donations can be dropped off during normal business hours or on Sundays prior to worship.

Make online donations by clicking the link below:

Please Pray!

Please be sure to let us know if you or a loved one are in the hospital in Naples. Chaplain Scott or Pastor Nancy will come visit. Since HIPAA privacy rules came into play, the hospitals no longer let us know when one of our members is in the hospital. Also, be sure to let us know if someone you have placed on the prayer list is out of the hospital, recovered from COVID or completed their chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Please continue to pray for people around the world who are suffering. Pray that God will bring them help and relief and will make His presence known to them through God’s Spirit. Then pray for guidance on how you can help. You just may be the answer to someone's prayer! 

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.

• Larry Ledbetter (Husband of Cathy Ledbetter MDS Teacher)
• Lynn (Daughter of Shirley Maas)
• Judy Currier (Member)
• Rob Pleban (Member)
• Pat Schanke (Member)
• Chris Grimshaw (Member and husband of Christine Grimshaw)
• Jeff Jaworsky (Son of Gail Jaworsky)
• Harry Archer (Brother-in-law of Kay Craynon)
• William Johnson (Brother of Al Johnson)
• Evelyn Johnson (Sister-in-law of Al Johnson)
• Brenda Soleto (daughter of Patty Richards)
• David Passeri (member)
• Rev. Flo Scott (Attender)
• Tom Russell (Member)
• LeeAnne Merrifield (Daughter of Jim Merrifield)
• Eleanor Muchmore (Grandmother of Jaimie Dandridge)
• Larry Croy (Friend of Bill Parry)
• Peter Schmitz (Friend of Karen Parry)
• Baby Theresa Grace (Great-granddaughter of Pat Schanke)
• Linda Mills (Sister of Judy Margrey)
• Jane Dawkins (Friend of Thelma Johnson)
• Lidia Rodriguez (Pastor's daughter of our sister-church in Cuba)
• Baby Abby Joy and parents (Family of Lisa Passeri)
• Beth Tatman (Friend of the Mayeux family)
• Wendy Moyer (Member)
• Family of Valya Staruchin, Januk, Orysia and family, Irina and family (Three families of the Jaworsky's in Ukraine)
• Glenn (Friend of the Emory’s)
• 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 September 1, 2023) 

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

Learning is a Wonderful & Fun Experience at MDS!

Our students had a great week learning! Mrs. Ledbetter's class made tissue paper apples, cutting, tearing and gluing, developing those fine motor skills. VPK had fun learning about short vowel phonics with a letter Aa "Show and Tell". They had fun finger painting and playing with friends. Please remember to pray for our students, families, and teachers throughout the school year.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Church Office is open Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Outside of office hours, please call the church office and leave a message. For pastoral emergencies, call the office and you will hear Pastor Nancy’s personal cell number on the message.