In-Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

Sunday Service 10:15 am

~

24th Sunday after Pentecost

Thanksgiving Sunday

November 20, 2022

From the Pastor

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

My prayers continue for each of you during the week. I pray that you are healthy and safe and that God is putting good people into your journey! Please let me know if there is something specific I can be praying for or if you’d like to be put on the prayer list.

This Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. I pray that you are counting your blessings and giving thanks to God for all that you have received! I am praying for safe travels for those of you who are traveling to be with family and friends on this holiday. Thanks and appreciation to Pam Kennedy for decorating our altar table for Thanksgiving, as she has done every year, so beautifully!

Please don’t forget that we have two Advent Bible study opportunities for you to deepen your faith and get to meet others. One is on Friday mornings which started in November and will continue in December once the Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, but you can jump in any time - it’s not too late! The other one is every Wednesday, starting on Nov 30. They will each give you an opportunity to more fully embrace the Advent Season in preparing for Christ. Scroll down for more info on each of the two studies and how to sign up.

I am happy to let you know that the new Men’s Group will be starting with a breakfast at LuLu’s Kitchen on December 8^th. Chaplain Scott will be leading this new ministry. Sign-up Sheet is in the Narthex (church lobby).

I don’t know the background of many of you who attend here, as you may be presently retired. We are looking for someone with accounting background to help us out. If this might be you, would you please call me to discuss what our needs are? Thanks so much.

Lastly, don’t forget to turn in your “Giving Goal” cards which you received in your bulletins last week and in the mail with your Third Quarter Contribution Statements. We have more on the table 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!

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 - 11 20 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

Chaplain Scott Ehler

For Such a Time as This

Our guest preacher tomorrow will be Chaplain Scott Ehler, our new Director of Discipleship and Congregational Care. Scott will share with you how he feels God has prepared him in his past life experiences and ministry, “for such a time as this.” He is not here with us today by accident. He shares his story under the backdrop of Esther’s story. The book of Esther is the biblical story of a young Jewish girl that becomes the Queen of Persia under King Xerxes. God put her in that place at that time so that she could bravely save the Jewish people in that land. She was told that she was there “for such a time as this.” This will be a really great opportunity to get to know Chaplain Scott as he tells you his story! Join us in-person at 10:15am or online through YouTube by livestreaming or anytime during the week to watch the recorded service.

Scripture: Esther 4:6-17

Altar Flower Dedication

Our altar flowers for this Sunday are given by the congregation to honor John Mayeux who is celebrating his birthday on November 24th and to thank him for all he does to support our church and Pastor Nancy.

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. Last week’s altar flowers were delivered to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Since photos may not be taken at the shelter, the photo below is of our coordinator, Ken Craynon, preparing to deliver the flowers. The Shelter serves victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. All services are provided free of charge. They offer two 60-bed emergency shelters in Naples and Immokalee, nine transitional cottages, outreach services, school-based prevention programs and training/education classes for business and agencies throughout Collier County. If you, or someone you know, is in need of help, please call the shelter’s confidential Crisis Hotline at 239-775-1101.

New Men’s Ministry Starting Soon!

We have had a number of ministries at our church specifically for women (United Methodist Women and Soul Sisters for example), but it has been many years since we have had something for the men of our congregation! That will be changing in a few weeks with a breakfast gathering just for men, starting December 8^th at LuLu’s Kitchen. It will include a devotion, prayer and lots of time for sharing in fellowship with one another. Lulu’s is happy to provide the space as long as people are coming to eat breakfast (not just coffee), so please save your appetite for breakfast with the guys. Many of our men have been asking for this, so we are happy to finally be able to offer it. Thanks to our new Director of Discipleship and Congregational Care, Chaplain Scott Ehler, for putting this together and leading this new ministry. There is a sign-up sheet on the counter in the Narthex (church lobby) as we’ll need a headcount for the restaurant.

Fully Human, Fully Divine

Not Too Late to Join Our Bible Study

on Fridays at 10:30am

Two more sessions: December 2 & 9

(Church Parlor)

Facilitated by Gail Jaworsky

Fully Human, Fully Divine, by Whitney Simpson, is an invitation to an embodied Advent where we are encouraged to embrace the experience of the Advent season fully, with our whole selves and remember that Jesus showed us what it meant to be both fully human and fully divine. It challenges us to live right here, right now as we await the birth of the Christ Child, the embodiment of God's presence in our midst. This year, instead of letting the stress of the season overwhelm us, let’s be present, living wholly – body and Spirit together. Let’s let go of external demands and give ourselves permission to be present as we listen for God in our lives and learn what it looks like to notice and pay attention to our bodies.

Each chapter covers one week of Advent focusing on one of these themes: Slow Down and Hope, Simplify for Peace, Sit with Joy, and Savor God's Love. Within each week are a rotation of daily practices including breath prayer, mindful movement, lectio divina, visio divina (which utilizes beautiful, colorful works of art each week), Christian meditation, creative contemplation, and practicing presence.

Please just come to the next study on Friday, December 2! Several copies of the book have been ordered and will be available at the church for purchase at $18.00. They are also available from Upper Room, Amazon, and other outlets with at least one week delivery dates.

Prepare the Way for the Lord

New Four-Week Bible Study on Wednesdays at 10:30am

November 30, December 7, 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.

Always Blessed to be a Blessing

In last week’s sermon, we talked about counting our blessings and remembering that God blessed us for a reason. This is especially important to do this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving day and we thank God for all those blessings! Remember that God expects us to be generous with all that we have been given. That includes our talents, our time and our resources. You were blessed to be a blessing! 

Here at FUMC, we are grateful 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 touched my heart. You have made an impact and I pray that your generosity brought you joy! That joy is a feeling unlike anything money can buy! Generosity is a key component of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

We are trusting in God’s abundance and planning for the year ahead. Will you help us with that planning, by letting us know how much you feel you can give next year, in the support of all God is planning to do through FUMC? In your bulletin last week, and also in the mail, should have received a “Giving Goal Card” where you can give us an estimate of your giving for next year. This is simply your ”goal” of what you’d like to do. If you don’t shoot for a goal, then you are aiming for nothing. On the backside, is a list of things we are suggesting you talk about with God, and set some private goals directly with God, on changes you are planning for the next year. We will have extra Giving Goal Cards in our Narthex (lobby) of the church tomorrow.

How Can You Financially Support

the Ministries of This Church?

Thank you once again for your faithful financial support of your church. 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.

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. Our “Roof Fund.” 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 the “Roof Fund” 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 Count Your Blessings! What Are You Doing with Them? which was preached by Rev Nancy Mayeux and based on Matthew 25:14-30

We’ve Packed 275,000 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 275,000 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!

I believe the biggest need for prayers continues to be those impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole and the workers God has sent to help them. The people of Ukraine continue to be in need of prayer as well.  Please pray for both our outgoing Bishop, Ken Carter, and our incoming Bishop, Tom Berlin. Please also pray for our church family where the needs are many. See 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].

• Rev Sarah Campbell (Colleague & Friend of Pastor Nancy)
• William Johnson (Brother of Al Johnson)
• Chris Grimshaw (Member and husband of Christine Grimshaw)
• Rev. Flo Scott (Attender)
• 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 Have Fun Learning

Our Methodist Day School preschoolers had a wonderful week! They went on a field trip to the library where they had fun dancing, hearing a great story and doing a craft. They had an enjoyable Thanksgiving picnic with their families on the church lawn. The children sang a song for everyone.  Pastor Nancy did the blessing and grandparents and parents had fun eating with the children. Lastly, the children practiced singing in the sanctuary with Ms Pam (Pam O’Brien) playing piano, to prepare for their Christmas performance on December 11^th when they will sing for us during worship!

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.