In-Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

Sunday Service 10:15 am

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3rd Sunday of Advent

December 11, 2022

From the Pastor

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Praying that you all had a healthy and safe week, and I thank you for all of your prayers. I am so happy that many of you participated in the opportunities for fellowshipping together this past week, including the Men’s group breakfast at LuLus, the United Methodist Women’s Christmas luncheon at the church and our two Bible studies. Scroll down for pictures!

Don’t forget that our MDS preschool children will be singing for us in worship Sunday and their parents will be attending. We will all have cookies, coffee and juice after worship. This is a great time to fellowship with others.  Be sure to come.

It's that time for honoring and appreciating our non-pastoral staff with a Staff Appreciation gift from the congregation. Every year we take a collection to show our hard-working a faithful staff how much they are appreciated. Scroll down for more info on how you can participate before December 21. On that same date, your Poinsettias dedications are due. Please consider purchasing one or more poinsettias to dedicate to someone special. Scroll down for more info.

Tomorrow is the third Sunday in Advent. The Lofgren family will light the Advent candles for us. We have one more Advent Sunday before Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Christmas Day Sunday Service. Scroll down for more info on times for these services and mark your calendars!

Lastly, don’t forget to turn in your “Giving Goal” cards (more in the Narthex). Sharing your goal for giving with us will help us to plan more accurately in 2023. We also want to thank you again for your generous giving thus far in 2022! 

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow and hoping you will scroll down to the prayer list, so you can be praying this week for the many needs of your church family and others.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

Love and Blessings,

Pastor Nancy

[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 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 10:0 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 - 12 11 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



“Angels We Have Heard on High”

Part 3 of Advent Series:

“God’s Unexpected Choices”

Tomorrow is the third Sunday of Advent and the third Sunday in my sermon series for Advent this year: “God’s Unexpected Choices.” We’ve seen, throughout history, that God has chosen the most unlikely people to accomplish great things, and done this in the most unlikely way. The adult Jesus preached about God’s Kingdom and how upside down it is. God’s values and expectations do not match with anything the world considers likely or important.

The manner in which God chose to come into our world to bring us salvation was no exception. He broke into this world as a tiny, helpless baby instead of a mighty king or warrior as the people had expected. The cast of characters involved in his birth and early life were unexpected as well and the way God announced this incredible news was amazing. God sent His angels to tell the priest, Zachariah, that his wife was going to give birth to a boy, despite the fact that she was elderly and barren. He was to be named John and become the one who would announce Jesus’ coming to the world. An angel told Mary, a virgin, that she was to give birth to a special boy who was the Son of God and our Savior. An angel told a disbelieving fiancé, Joseph, that his wife had not been unfaithful and that what was happening was of God. An angel also warned Joseph to leave Bethlehem after Jesus was born and his life was in danger of the jealous King Herod. The angels broke into the quiet night sky over Bethlehem to announce to the shepherds that their long-awaited Savior had been born. They celebrated this wonderful news! 

Angels were God’s messengers throughout the events that led to Jesus’ birth and then throughout his life here on earth, but this is not the first time we hear of angels. In Genesis we learn that the angels hovered over the waters of the earth as God was creating this planet and celebrated at this wonderful creation. They appear throughout the Old Testament and New Testament, most especially in the Book of Revelation. We know that they continue to appear today to many of us, as God uses them as messengers and helpers to protect us. We also know that the angels, and all of heaven, celebrate every time someone new accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior.

How would you know if you had seen an angel? Wouldn’t you like to know more about what the Bible says about angels? Learn more about this tomorrow morning! Join us in-person at 10:15am or online through YouTube by livestreaming or anytime during the week to watch the recorded service.

Pastor Nancy

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

It’s the Third Sunday of Advent….

But What Is Advent?

Some of you may not have come from a church tradition that celebrated Advent as a way of visually and symbolically preparing for and anticipating the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the eternal light. If this is new to you, you may wish to know more about this custom that began in Germany many centuries ago and is celebrated by Christians around the world today. Just click on the link below to learn more about the symbolism of the greenery and berries in the advent wreath and each of the candles that will be lit. During these weeks of Advent, we will join together, each of us anticipating the announcement of the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem and in our hearts. Each week, we will light a candle representing a different aspect of this hope and waiting. Below is a photo of Jerry and Barbara Skiba lighting the candle of Peace last week.

Upcoming Christmas Services

Preschool Christmas Concert

December 11, Sunday Worship at 10:15am

Our MDS preschoolers have been practicing for several weeks so that they can sing several songs for us during worship. You will be blessed to hear them and meet their parents. We will have some time for fellowship with cookies, coffee and juice after worship.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24 at 6:00pm in our Sanctuary

Come sing Christmas carols, hear a special message and experience candlelight as we sing Silent Night together. It will be a holy and memorable moment. Bring your family and visitors with you!

Christmas Day Service (ONLINE ONLY)

Sunday, December 25 at 10:15am

So many regular attenders told us they would not be coming Christmas morning because they had visitors in their homes or had made plans to be out for the day. We don’t want you to miss Christmas Sunday, so we are pre-recording a special service with guitar music, singing and a special Christmas message that you can tune in to watch at our regular worship time of 10:15am or whenever it is convenient for you that day. We will not have in-person worship on Christmas Day, but hope you will join us online, as you did during the pandemic.

Blue Christmas Service Is Offered

If you are having trouble finding joy during this Christmas season, this service may be for you. The Florida Conference has put together a Blue Christmas service to be watched online, December 15 at 7pm.

Why a Blue Christmas Service? (also known as The Longest Night Service)? 

Not everyone is full of Christmas cheer or is singing carols. Some people are feeling lonely, depressed, or saddened from loss of loved ones, loss of their home or job, also the complexities of relationships. They are not ready for “We wish you a Merry Christmas!” We are offering a service that will meet you where you are and let you know you are not alone.   

A virtual Blue Christmas Service is being offered Thursday, December 15th at 7 p.m. via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85301186227?pwd=cjJrWWtLbG5VcHMwM2I4SkdrcWtSZz09 

You can watch from the comfort and privacy of your home. You can feel all the feelings and it will all be okay. We will share scripture, a brief message, and music. Have a candle (battery or wick) and even light a virtual candle in memory or honor of someone you are missing or just to recognize the toughness of this time. Just show up. Let it be a gift to you.  

Altar Flower Dedication

Our altar flowers for this Sunday are given by Barbara and Jerry Skiba in memory of Joseph and Judith Skiba and Sheryl and Howard Schoonover.

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. All future dates are presently open. 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.

It’s Time to Order Your Poinsettias

Help Us Decorate our Sanctuary!

We are, once again, decorating our sanctuary on Christmas Eve with beautiful poinsettias. Won’t you help to fill the chancel area with these colorful plants? The cost is $10 per plant, and you may dedicate them to someone special in your life that you would like to honor, or in memory of someone you are missing. Forms must be in by December 21 to be included in our Dedication list. 

Have you ever wondered about why we use Poinsettias at Christmas or where this plant got its name? Click on the link below for a little history and for the order form to buy and dedicate your own plant.

Staff Appreciation Gift

(Non-Pastoral Staff)

Every December, we take a collection, to honor and thank our faithful church staff with a Christmas gift from the congregation. They work hard all year to support our pastor and volunteers and keep our church operational while serving in ministry. Please mark your gifts as “Staff Appreciation” and have them in to us by December 21st. Let’s show our staff how much you love and appreciate them through this Christmas gift. This is for our non-pastoral staff, as you have already shown your love to Pastor Nancy during October’s Pastor Appreciation Day.

New Men’s Ministry Started This Week!

The men who gathered this past week for our new men’s ministry at LuLu’s Kitchen had a great time of fellowship. They will be meeting for breakfast once every month. We hope you will join them and even bring a friend! Please call Chaplain Scott Ehler at the church office for more info and to get on the list to receive updates on future gatherings. 

UMW Enjoyed Their Christmas Luncheon!

The United Methodist Women had a wonderful time of fellowship with lots of yummy food at their Annual Christmas Potluck Party at the church last week. Some of our spouses joined as well which made it even more fun.

Prepare the Way for the Lord

Not Too Late to Join our Bible Study on Wednesdays at 10:30am

December 14, & 21

(at the church)

Facilitated by Wendy McKee

Prepare to receive Christ this Advent with the message of John the Baptist and best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton in Prepare the Way for the Lord. For centuries, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Who better to ready your heart for the coming of Jesus than his precursor cousin, John the Baptist? In Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist, Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming. In each of the Gospels, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to “prepare the way of the Lord.” When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ. Hamilton's Advent study explores four themes in John's message: "A People Prepared for the Lord," "God Is Gracious," "The Fruit of Repentance," and "Witnesses Testifying to the Light."

The study includes a DVD lesson by Adam Hamilton to prepare the group for discussion. Books will be available for purchase at the church or you can order them online from your favorite source. Please sign up with Jaimie Dandridge in the church office.

 Would You Like to Join Us at Our

Next Membership Sunday?

If you’re thinking about formalizing your relationship with this congregation, we will have another “New Member Sunday” soon.   If you are interested in knowing more about what it means to be a member here and to be a United Methodist, just send me an email at: [email protected] . I will get in touch with you, and we can meet and explore this together. After we meet, if you think you’d like to join, we will make this happen at one of our upcoming Membership Sundays. If nothing else, our meeting will help us to get to know each other better! Keep in mind, that you can still keep your regular membership at your United Methodist Church up north (or even another denomination) and join us here in Naples as an Affiliate or Associate member.

How Can You Financially Support

the Ministries of This Church?

Thank you for all that you have given of your time and talents and your financial support of this church and its ministries. Your generosity has allowed us to get through what could have been a difficult summer, and to do important ministry in our community. Your donations toward Ukraine, hurricane relief, the Children’s Home, our food ministries, roof repair, Undy Sunday and so many other needs, have certainly made an impact and we pray that your generosity brought you joy! 

You were blessed to be a blessing! Please remember that your 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. Please do not forget to turn in your Giving Goal Cards which will help us with our financial planning for 2023!

At this time, in addition to funding for our regular operating budget and special needs as they pop up, we are requesting donations for:

1.  Florida Conference disaster response to Hurricane Ian, helping local churches and their congregations who were most affected by the storm. Make your checks out to FUMC and designate that it is for Hurricane Ian Disaster Response.

2. “Capital Expenses” This includes roof replacements and other capital needs on our campus. We just completed phase one, to replace the leaking sanctuary roof, just in time for the hurricane, and we had no leakage! When that roof is completed (total project is over $200K) we will continue with other roofs that need replacement, and could use your help for these projects where much ministry happens in this church. Please support our efforts to make them viable and safe.

Donations should indicate if they are for the “General Operating Budget” or “Hurricane Ian Disaster Response” or “Capital Expenses” and 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: [email protected]

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 “Shepherds and Kings” which was preached by Rev Nancy Mayeux and based on Luke 2:8-21

We’ve Packed 280,000 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 2 years, we have packed 280,000 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 [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, 9:00am 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: [email protected]  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!

Pray for travel mercies for all who are traveling this week to visit loved ones. Pray for rapid healing for all that have contracted Covid, RSV or the flu (we have a number from our congregation who are sick with these illnesses). Also pray for our church, our community and our country and its leaders. Pray for wisdom in decision-making and good health for all. Pray for your church family and their loved ones as you check out the list below.

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].

• Michael Poka (MDS Preschool parent)
• Donna Grace Lazaroff  (Aunt of Lisa Passeri)
• William Johnson (Brother of Al Johnson)
• Chris Grimshaw (Member and husband of Christine Grimshaw)
• David Siefer (Cousin of Rob Pleban) 
• Linda Mills (Sister of Judy Margrey)
• Jane Dawkins (Friend of Thelma Johnson)
• Lidia Rodriguez (Pastor's daughter of our sister-church in Cuba)
• John (Ivan) Woronchuk and family (Brother of Walter Jaworsky)
• 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)
• Norman Lambert (Requested by Judy Margrey and Leo Poisson)
• Wendy Moyer (Member)
• Tom Headley (Nephew of Pat Schanke)
• Stephen MacTurk (Son of Mary Lou Riccio)
• Diane Langley (Friend of Norine Tempelman)
• 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)
• Sam (brother-in-law of Karen Bach)
• Ann Boren (Member) 
• 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 November 20) 

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

MDS Children Are Getting Ready for Christmas!

Our Methodist Day School children have been rehearsing almost every day for the concert they will do for us tomorrow during our Sunday worship service. Their parents are coming to watch them sing and ring bells. Pam O’Brien will be playing the piano for them. We will have cookies and juice or coffee outside with children and their parents after worship. It will be a fun time for all! Be sure to come. The photos below include one of their rehearsals, getting ready for Christmas in the classroom, making/eating gingerbread houses, Christmas artwork, library time and chapel in the sanctuary with Pastor Nancy.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Church Office is open Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 2:00pm. Outside of office hours, please call the church office and leave a message. For pastoral emergencies, you will be given a number, in the message, on how to reach the pastor.