In Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

Sunday Service 10:15 am

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7th Sunday of Easter

Ascension Sunday

May 21, 2023

From the Chaplain

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We are entering our final two Sundays of the Easter Season. We worship a risen Lord and I pray that during this season you have reflected on what God is doing in your life. Last week we learned about Paul’s story and how we can use his example to tell our own story to a world that has questions.

The final two weeks of Easter are Ascension Sunday and Pentecost, so we will dig into the first two chapters of Acts over that time. Don’t forget to wear red on May 28!

We are looking for volunteers for our June services and it is never too early to start planning. I will be sending an email out to all that have volunteered in the past and if you do not get one and would like to volunteer, please let me know. Many hands make the work light.

Continue to keep Pastor Nancy in your prayers over the next couple of weeks as she renews her spirit and takes a well-deserved leave to recharge.

This past week, I led some of our men in a devotion at our monthly Men’s Breakfast. It is such a wonderful time of fellowship and talking about what God is doing in our lives. Now that season is over, our numbers are down but that doesn’t mean the fun is as well. I have more details about our conversation and our next meeting below.

Brunch Bunch will continue this week and we are always looking for new and tasty places to eat and share fellowship after church. Let me know if you have a favorite restaurant that we should try! More details down below.

We enjoyed two bible studies during the early spring months. I would like to start a new study on June 14. See below for more details.

 God Bless You,

Chaplain Scott

Director of Discipleship and Congregational Care

[email protected]

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: “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 - 05 21 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

Chaplain Scott Ehler



In One Accord

This Sunday is the day that we celebrate the ascension of Christ. It falls on the fortieth day after Easter, which is a Thursday, but we celebrate on Sunday. When Christ ascended into heaven, he gave those gathered final instructions. They were going to receive the Holy Spirit and then be Christ’s witnesses throughout the world. After Christ ascended, we read that the men and women were gathered praying “in one accord.” That sentence started me thinking, what does that mean and how can we emulate them? Find out more this Sunday as we learn how we can be, as a church, in one accord.



 Scripture: Acts 1: 1-14

Altar Flower Ministry

This week's altar flowers are dedicated in memory of former FUMC members, Byron and Shirley Jennings, by their daughter, Susie O'Toole & Family. Byron & Shirley were married on May 24, 1947 and were married 72 years until Shirley's passing in 2019.

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. Future dates are available beginning May 28th except for July 23. Purchase and dedication can be arranged by sending an email to Jaimie Dandridge at [email protected]. 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.

Bible Study

Wednesdays, Starting June 14

The Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. This writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.” We will follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament. Come join us for this six-week, two-part study. We will start with the first three lessons and then take a break over 4th of July holiday and finish the final three weeks. Sign up sheet is on the credenza in the lobby. Cost is $13 per book

Please Support UMCOR Relief from Impact of

Tornadoes, Earthquake, Invasion



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:

• People impacted by the many recent tornadoes in the U.S. have had their homes and businesses destroyed and lost loved ones. A number of Methodist Churches were damaged or destroyed as well.
• People who are suffering in Turkey and Syria after a devastating earthquake
• Continued help for those displaced or suffering in Ukraine with the constant bombardment of homes, schools, stores and other buildings that are important for daily life.  



In overseas disasters, people are without electricity, water and heat during a tough winter. You can support the relief and recovery efforts by sending your donation to the church, earmarked either “Tornadoes,” “Earthquake” or “Ukraine” and it will be sent to UMCOR for immediate on-the-ground help.  Please also pray for the many people impacted in all these disasters. 

2023 Florida Annual Conference Special Offering

Every year, our pastor brings a special offering from the local congregation to the Florida Annual Conference. These offerings are dedicated to a special cause designated by the Bishop. Please see the link below for more information. We will collect an offering on May 28th, Pentecost Sunday, as well as receive offerings mailed to the office and given online.  

Help Our Youth Go to Camp!



 Every year, many of our youth go to Warren Willis Camp in Leesburg for a fun-filled and very spiritual week. We have parent volunteers who help transport them and participate in the programs. Their days are filled with activities like GaGa ball, the ropes course, yoga, cooking, fishing, swimming, boating, small group Bible studies, chapel time and an incredible time of praise and worship every evening. They meet other children and youth from all over Florida and make lifelong new friends. It is a special time for growing closer to God.  In the past, we have always tried to subsidize their own fundraising efforts with gifts from the congregation to help make the $550 fee for a week of camp more affordable. Please consider a donation to the Youth Camp Fund. Donations can be made out to the church with “Youth Camp” indicated in the memo line or when you make an online donation. They are going to camp in mid-July, but because spots fill up quickly, their registrations are due soon.

Men’s Ministry Breakfast

This past Thursday the men met for a time of fellowship and a short devotion led by Chaplain Scott. We looked briefly at James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. It was a great conversation about the difference between wisdom and knowledge and where our wisdom comes from. The next Men’s Breakfast will be on June 15, at 9:00 am at Country House Restaurant, 2206 Davis Blvd. 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.

Sunday Brunch Bunch



Brunch Bunch will be this Sunday at Ridgway Bar & Grill, 1300 3rd St S #101, Naples. Join us right after worship for a time of fellowship and getting to know one another. There will be a sign-up sheet on the credenza in our narthex (sanctuary lobby), or contact the church office at (239) 262-1033 or [email protected]. This is a wonderful way to meet new people! The next gathering will be June 7 at Season's 52.

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.
• “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.
• “Capital Expenses” which include roof replacements and other capital needs on our campus. 
• “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: [email protected]

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, Are You Ready?, which was preached by Chaplain Scott Ehler and based on Acts 17:22-31 .

We’ve Packed 330,000 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. Our next meal packing is scheduled for May 24th. 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 [email protected]. 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 Chaplain Scott’s personal cell number on the message. Chaplain Scott is filling in for our pastor while she is on Renewal Leave. He will respond to all pastoral emergencies. 

Call the church office: (239) 262-1033

Email us: [email protected]  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 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: [email protected].

• Mark Ellenberg (Husband of Bobbi Ellenberg – attenders)
• Tom Russell (Member)
• LeeAnne Merrifield (Daughter of Jim Merrifield)
• Meagan Drozdz (Friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Victoria and Trace Hance, and unborn baby Quest (Family of Wendy Moyer)
• Larry Croy (Friend of Bill Parry)
• Peter Schmitz (Friend of Karen Parry)
• Baby Theresa Grace (Great granddaughter of Pat Schanke)
• Michelle Paterson (Friend of Gwen Pleban)
• 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)
• Sue ReBell (Sister-in-law of Marie and Dick Evans)
• 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)
• Ann Boren (Member) 
• 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 April 15, 2023) 

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

Learning is a Wonderful & Fun Experience at MDS!

The school year is winding down but our adventures at Methodist Day School are not over yet. Last Friday, we had our "Muffins with Mom" event to celebrate our MDS mothers.

This Friday, we had a great time with our MDS Dads at our "Donuts with Dad" event for our VPK. Chaplain Scott prayed, the kids sang a special song for their dads, and they put together and painted bird houses.

Aftercare had an exciting scavenger hunt adventure! Our three-year-old class is filled with adorable artists. Our two-year-old class loves their time together building and playing with friends.

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 Chaplain Scott’s personal cell number on the message.