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Naples UCC Family,
Winnie the Pooh was one of my favorite childhood storybook characters. When he faces a problem, he sits down, closes his eyes, taps his forehead, and says, "Think, think, think." Whether he knew it or not, Winnie the Pooh was practicing mindfulness and contemplation to help him lessen his anxiety.
We all feel some anxiety, and a moderate amount can even motivate us. But we live in exceptionally stressful times. We're flooded with news and information that can stir up worry, and lately we're even hearing that AI could be life-threatening.
In 1985, Jewish Rabbi and family therapist Edwin Friedman introduced the term "non-anxious presence" to describe someone who stays calm, centered, and steady amid stress and chaos. His premise was that chronic anxiety spreads through a system, whether a family, a workplace, or a congregation. Being a non-anxious presence in such a system can help decrease the spread of anxiety.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Philippi, tells us not to be anxious about anything. But he doesn't leave us there. He offers what I believe is an important guide to cultivating a non-anxious life. Join us Sunday as we explore it together.
In God’s Love,
Pastor Sonja
| | The Caregivers Support Group meets every other Friday year-round to support those caring for loved ones. Whether you’re a caregiver, a past or future one, or seeking resources, all are welcome. Church membership is not required, and discussions remain private. Bring a friend who may benefit! For more info, contact Joan Millon. | | | |
Sunday, October 4, 2026
10:00 AM
Rev. Sonja Phillips
Communion Sunday
"Cultivating a Non-Anxious Life"
Philippians 4: 4-9
| | Keep an Eye Out for the NEXT Magazine! | | | | |
Our 2026–2027 NEXT Magazine will be arriving in mailboxes the week of October 5! Keep an eye out for your copy and discover what’s ahead at Naples UCC for the coming year.
Inside you’ll find upcoming events, programs, worship opportunities, music, groups, and more—all in one place to help you plan for the year ahead.
| | THIS SUNDAY, 9:00 AM | THE GATHERING PLACE | | | | |
Naples UCC’s monthly “Cans for Communion” food collection supports the children and families of the Grace Place community in Golden Gate.
We will be accepting Nonperishable food donations but these are the most needed items: Individual healthy snacks (i.e. granola bars, trail mix, graham crackers, skinny pop, fruit pouches and Gerber Puffs) these will be collected before each service on Communion Sunday—the first Sunday of every month.
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Your generous contributions help provide food and other essential support to families in our community.
Volunteers are needed to help unload donations from arriving cars and sort the food for collection by Grace Place for Children and Families. To volunteer, please sign up by contacting Kate Butler at 410-303-6102 or email her by clicking the button below, or by calling the church office at 239-261-5469.
| | THIS SUNDAY, 3:00 PM | SANCTUARY | | |
Please join us in welcoming the FGCU Chamber & University Choirs - Bel Canto & Cantabile at Naples UCC. The Chamber Choir is a mixed, auditioned ensemble open to all students regardless of their major at FGCU and directed by Dr. Trent Brown. Recognized for their remarkable versatility, the ensemble performs choral music from the Renaissance to newly commissioned works by American and international composers.
This is a FREE offering, bring family & friends and enjoy an afternoon of music!
| | OCTOBER 5, 1:00 PM | NELSON HALL 104 | | |
Challenge your mind, one tile at a time! Mahjong is the perfect blend of fun and focus, and now there are two opportunities each week to play.
Join us on Mondays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Nelson Hall 104. Beginning Tuesday, October 13, a second weekly Mahjong gathering will be offered on Tuesdays from 2:00–4:00 p.m. in Nelson Hall 101.
Whether you’re a regular player or looking for a new way to spend an afternoon, come join the fun. Free, and all are welcome!
| | | OCTOBER 6, 10:00 AM | NELSON HALL 104/ZOOM | | Please join us for our monthly WISE meeting. (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged). We welcome anyone who would like to share the mental health experiences of their family or community—and those who simply wish to listen as others share their stories. | | | |
Our group supports one another through sharing, prayer and learning as we seek to become more informed about the mental health crisis in today’s world through book studies and professional speakers. We are lifted up by our time together and invite you to join us. Can’t join us in person? Join remotely!
Meeting ID: 843 4648 4094
Passcode: WISE
| | OCTOBER 6, 1:00 PM | PARLOR | | | | Please join us as we prayerfully knit and crochet beautiful prayer shawls and lap blankets for those who need a warm hug from God. Lessons & supplies are available or bring your own project to work on. Everyone is welcome to participate in this caring ministry. Contact Janet Goodhart for questions. | | Nelson Hall Ribbon Cutting | | OCTOBER 7, 8:30 AM | THE GATHERING PLACE | | |
Our renovation of Nelson Hall is complete! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our congregation, this refreshed space is ready to welcome our church family for ministry, fellowship, learning, and community.
Join us for our ribbon cutting on October 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the Gathering Place.
| | | Pastor Mark's Bible Study | | OCTOBER 7, 9:00 AM | NELSON HALL 207 | | | | Join Pastor Mark for a fall Bible study exploring the Letters of John and what they teach us about loving God and our neighbors. John celebrates those who “walk the truth,” living in ways that reflect God’s character. Together, we’ll consider how God’s love is more than an idea—it is a virtue we are called to practice in our daily lives. | | OCTOBER 8, 4:00 PM | NELSON HALL 104 | |
Curious about our church’s history, ministries, and how we are organized? Join us for a fun and informative orientation, open to everyone! Explore the story of Naples UCC, meet the people and ministries that make our church thrive, enjoy a guided campus tour, and ask questions along the way.
Space is limited to 20 participants, sign up in the Gathering Place or email Samantha Santarosa.
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Sunday, October 11, 2026
Rev. Dr. Mark Williams
"God and An Action Verb"
Exodus 32: 1-14
| | Informational Meet & Greet | | OCTOBER 11, 11:15 AM | NELSON HALL 104 | | A time for visitors to learn and ask questions and meet our ministers. The Meet and Greet takes place in Nelson Hall 104, following the 10 a.m. Worship Service. Walk-ins are welcome! | | Chapel and Steeple Dedication | | OCTOBER 11, 11:15 AM | GATES CHAPEL | | |
Join us as we celebrate the dedication of our beautifully renovated Chapel and newly refurbished Steeple. With updated sound and livestream capabilities, the Chapel will support worship, learning, and community gatherings for many years to come.
| | | Sundays – We are so happy to have families with young children in our midst! Coloring activities and worship resources are available each week on the family table in the Narthex. | | Nursery Care – Nursery care for infants through age 4 is available beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Nelson Hall 203. Please ask a deacon for directions. | | |
Children's Sunday School – Children’s Message in worship. Children can then join Ms. Jeanne in Nelson Hall 202 for a brand-new program on Gratitude, following Psalm 107. Our first Family Café will be held this Sunday, October 4, following worship. Join other parents upstairs for refreshments and fellowship! (No youth class sunday.)
Youth Sunday School – Sunday morning gatherings for students 6-12th grade resumes on October 18 in Nelson Hall 201 after worship. We will gather for fellowship and to discuss our growing faith. Join us for “Echo the Story”, an opportunity to explore the Christian story so far.
| | Pastor Sonja's Book Study and Discussion | | OCTOBER 12, 1:00 PM | NELSON HALL 207 | | | | |
Six-Week Book Study and Discussion: Stretch Out Your Hand: Exploring Healing Prayer by Tilda Norberg and Robert D. Weber. This book offers practical ways to consider the many expressions of God’s healing love for individuals, institutions, and communities. Through honest questions, stories, and exercises, we’ll explore prayer, faith, Jesus’ healing ministry, and the vision of the church as a healing community.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
| | OCTOBER 13, 4:00 PM | MR. BIG FISH | | |
Join Naples UCC friends and family at this month’s Social Soirée at Mr. Big Fish. This gathering is a great place to have fun & fellowship after a busy day!
Please sign up in the Gathering Place by October 12 or by clicking the button below. Call the church office at (239) 261-5469 with any questions. Hope to see you there!
| | | OCTOBER 14, 9:30 AM | LA PLAYA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB | | | | |
The end of summer is the perfect time to get back on the course! Join us for a fun day of golf. $70 per person includes 19 holes and a cart. Thanks to Bob and Candi Nordland for making this possible!
Sign up in the Gathering Place on Sundays or contact John or Ron.
| | Caregivers Support Group - Guest Speaker | | OCTOBER 16, 2:00 PM | NELSON HALL 103 | | We will welcome Karen Rodino from the Alzheimer’s Support Network of Naples for a special program. Karen will provide Emergency Plan Packets for caregivers to complete at home. These can be invaluable if you unexpectedly find yourself unable to care for your loved one for a day, a week, or longer. She will also provide a File of Life for everyone to place on their refrigerator, giving paramedics important information in case of an emergency. Remember, the Alzheimer’s Support Network is available to anyone caring for a loved one with a debilitating disease. Please contact Joan if you have any questions. | | Men's New Chapters Spirituality Group | | OCTOBER 14, 10:30 AM | NELSON HALL 103 | | |
Men’s New Chapters resumes meeting weekly on Wednesdays beginning October 14 at 10:30 a.m. This study, conversation, and fellowship group offers an opportunity to explore life, faith, and the human experience together.
This month, the group will read and discuss How to Be Free by Epictetus.
Join us on October 14 for thoughtful conversation about our human condition and journeys of faith. Coffee and snacks will be available at 10 a.m.
For more information, contact Rev. Rich Kirschner.
| | | Bargain Box Pricing at Naples UCC | | OCTOBER 16 & 30, 10:00 AM | MCSPADDEN HALL | | |
Join us for a hands-on Bargain Box volunteer opportunity on October 16 and October 30 at 10 a.m. in McSpadden Hall at Naples UCC. We’re inviting church members to help price and tag donated items before they make their way to the Bargain Box. Volunteers will work together to sort through donations, determine appropriate prices, and place price tags on items so they are ready for shoppers.
It’s a simple but important part of preparing donations for the store—and a great way to connect with others while helping support the many community organizations that benefit from the Bargain Box.
| | To sign up please click on the button below, or contact George De La Roche or sign up in person at the Gathering Place with Samantha Santarosa. | | Bargain Box Focus Donation Drive | OCTOBER 18, 9:00 AM | PORTICO | Join us before the worship service for our monthly Focus Drive on October 18 at 9:00 a.m. We are deeply grateful for your steadfast support and the many ways our community helps us thrive. For October we are collecting Kitchenware & Dining, Small Appliances, Home Decor & Accent Furnishings, Linens & Home Textiles. Please bring your items to the drop-off table located in the Portico. We are also looking for volunteers to join our team—we would love your help! Thank you for your continued generosity. | | Rev. Sonja's Installation | | OCTOBER 18, 10:00 AM | SANCTUARY | | | | Join us as we celebrate the installation of Rev. Sonja Phillips as our Minister of Congregational Care. This special service is a joyful celebration of her ministry and the gifts she brings to the Naples UCC community. Following the service, be part of a special fellowship time with cake in the Gathering Place! | | OCTOBER 19, 3:00 PM | MCSPADDEN | | |
Join us for our monthly movies, featuring films with a religious or spiritual focus! October’s featured film is I Can Only Imagine (2018). The film follows Bart Millard from a difficult childhood with a distant father to finding hope, faith, and his voice through music. Inspired by real events, it explores themes of family, forgiveness, redemption, and faith, with heartfelt performances by the MercyMe band. Starring Dennis Quaid.
Popcorn and cool drinks will be provided free of charge. Please join us for an afternoon of fellowship and film!
| | | Save the Date! Music Gift Fund Sunday | | OCTOBER 25, 9 & 11 AM | SANCTUARY | | |
Join us for Music Gift Fund Sunday, a joyful and entertaining celebration led by our talented choir section leaders. Your support directly funds our gifted musicians who enrich our worship. To contribute, please call the church office or visit: NaplesUCC.org/music
Your generosity helps make every Sunday worship service a rich and inspiring experience at Naples United Church of Christ.
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To view all our upcoming events and ways to connect,
visit our online calendar here.
| | 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday | | |
Mission Statement: To love God and all our neighbors as God loves us.
Open and Affirming • Mission-Driven • Powerful Worship • Continuing Generosity • Caring Ministry • Hospitable Fellowship
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