Naples UCC Family,

How do we respond to the glory of Christ’s birth at Christmastime? We can reflect and pray. We can serve and act. But most immediately, we sing!

According to the scriptures, music was a key response to Jesus’s birth. It all began with angels’ heavenly chorus (Luke 2: 13-14). It then continued with prophetic songs from Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon.

Still today, the special music of Christmas continues at Naples UCC! This Sunday in worship at both our 9AM and 11AM worship services we will celebrate our annual Christmas Music Sunday. Invite your friends and family. For surely the awesome, comforting, and hopeful sounds of the season will fill our hearts once again!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark 

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

Christmas Music Sunday

We’re excited to share that several major enhancements are coming to the Naples UCC campus! The time has finally come; if all goes according to plan, the steeple will be carefully removed by crane today. It will be fully refurbished in Kentucky over the next few months before being reinstalled, ensuring long-term strength and structural integrity. In addition, the chapel’s interior will also undergo significant renovations, creating a refreshed and welcoming space for years to come.

The extensive repaving of our church parking lot, with multiple sections to be repaired and replaced, will be starting soon. In preparation for this, selective tree and landscape removal has taken place to help prevent future pavement issues. This intentional replanting and relandscaping will support a healthy and long-lasting design.

These major campus projects have been made possible by the generosity of a congregation that cares so deeply about the sacred and beloved space that is our church. In the weeks to come, kindly “excuse our dust.” And remember, a church under construction is a church with a vision for a hope-filled future. I bet, Joseph, the carpenter, would agree.

Thank you to an amazing congregation! Your kindness and generosity made it possible to give 146 gifts and over $4,000 of food gift cards to Baby Basics families. For some of these children, this is the only gift they will receive. Thank you for helping to make a difference in their lives!

- The Angel Tree Committee

Please join us as we faithfully 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 on Tuesday, December 16 at 1 p.m in the parlor.



Contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196 for questions. 

Men’s New Chapters meets regularly on Wednesdays throughout the program season. The next gathering will be Wednesday, December 17 at 10:30 a.m. in N-101. The group is currently reviewing Miracles and Wonder, the Historical Mystery of Jesus by Elaine Pagels. All men are welcome! Contact Rich Kirschner for details or the zoom link if you are unable to attend in person at rdkirschner@gmail.com.

Wednesday — December 17 at 12:00 PM | Sanctuary 

Please join us for the final week of Worship on Wednesday. This week “The Three Women of Christmas” series will highlight Anna (Luke 2:36-38) and is titled, “Gritty Faith.” Often Christmas requires a faith that is more gritty than it is pretty. Day after day, Anna showed up at the temple persisting in faith only to experience the presence of Christ in her midst.

December 20 at 4 PM | Beverly Hall

Emir Bilen has quickly become a beloved talent in the Naples music scene, known for his heartfelt performances and impressive vocal range. As a

dedicated student of Rebecca Richardson, he continues to refine his craft while balancing his studies at the Community School of Naples. Don’t miss this special opportunity to enjoy a festive concert and help nurture the next generation of musical talent on December 20. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend!

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

"Change Order!"

Matthew 1: 18-25

--------------------------------------

Askar Salimdjanov, violin

Dr. Bryan Ijames, soloist

​SPLASH! – On Wednesdays! Snacks will be available in Nelson Hall from 3:30–4:00 p.m. as we welcome arriving families, followed by program time from 4:00–5:00 p.m. 

Nursery Care – Nursery care for infants through 4 years old is available each Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Nelson Hall, room 203.

Time for Children - Early in the worship service, children are invited forward for a special message designed to connect the theme of worship to their lives in an age-appropriate way. Afterward, children Pre-K through 5th Grade are invited to attend Sunday School with Ms. Jeanne for engaging lessons and activities in Nelson Hall, Room 202. All children are welcome whether visitors or members. 

Youth Sunday School –  Students 6-12th grade are invited to meet each Sunday morning at 10:15 a.m. in Nelson Hall room 200 for our Sunday morning gathering. Come enjoy fellowship time with friends as we explore discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus today.

Christmas Eve “Pop-Up Pageant" – We invite all families to join us on Christmas Eve at the 3:00 p.m. service for a unique retelling of the birth of Jesus. No rehearsals necessary! Come, choose a costume, and take part in the story as we tell of the coming of the Christ Child. Join us for this memorable Christmas Eve tradition!

Parents, please join us for our Family Holiday Café on Sunday, December 21 following the 9:00 a.m. worship service. We invite you to take a moment and enjoy refreshments and fellowship with other families as we pause to celebrate this Christmas season. The café will take place in Nelson 201. We hope to see you there! (There will be no Youth class that morning).

Join us for our monthly donation drive on December 21 at 9 a.m. NUCC will collect donations before each service. For December 21, we are collecting women’s boutique clothing. Please bring your donations to the drop-off table in the Portico. As our season ramps up, we’re grateful for your generous donations and we could use your help!

Join the team!

We’re looking for volunteers on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to:

• Load and deliver donations to The Bargain Box
• Help with lifting and transport
• Help on the sales floor (multiple shifts available)

If you have a few hours and a willing heart, we’d love to have you!

Mondays at 1 PM | N-104

Challenge your mind, one tile at a time. Mahjong is the perfect blend of fun and focus. Join us for Mahjong on Mondays from 1 - 3 p.m. in Nelson Hall. Free, and all are always welcome!

This year’s Christmas offering will provide David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) with vital funds to promote the emotional and mental well-being of children and youth in our community. This need is urgent:

in Collier County, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among children. Fortunately, prevention efforts are proven to make a difference.

Our support will enable DLC’s Wellness Institute to reach 750 children and teens in 2026. NUCC contributions to DLC will help children and teens develop the skills and connections they need to thrive and build lifelong resilience. The DLC Wellness Institute partners with Collier County Public Schools and numerous community organizations to provide training and programs for students, teachers, and parents—strengthening socio-emotional health and reducing risks such as substance use and self-harm.

How to Give to the Christmas Offering

We invite you to participate in this year’s Christmas Offering in one of the following ways:

Giving Envelopes: Place your gift in the envelope labeled “Christmas Offering” in the pew backs.

Online: A secure link is accessible through the "Donate Here" button below.

Please make checks payable to “Naples UCC” and note “Christmas Offering” in the memo line.



Thank you for your generosity as we celebrate the season of giving!

Come join us in celebrating the birth of Christ by serving selflessly and showing love to the children at Youth Haven on Thursday, December 25. We will cook an amazing breakfast and all eat around 8 a.m. Volunteers should arrive around 6 a.m. There will be game time afterward, followed by final clean-up, and we should be finished around 11 a.m. Sign up will be in the Gathering Place or you can call the Church office at (239) 261-5469. For questions, please contact Loralee LeBoeuf at lalwal48@yahoo.com.

Join members and friends for fellowship, prayer, and walking in nature. The Walk and Wonder group eagerly welcomes family members, friends and especially newcomers to the NUCC community. On Wednesday, December 31 enjoy a walk along the boardwalks, paved trails and mangrove forest of the Gordon River Greenway. Use the Golden Gate Parkway entrance off Goodlette-Frank Road. Meet the group at the picnic tables at 8:30 a.m. Anticipate our return to the parking lot by 10:00 a.m. Contact Merrill Noble at mwnoble56@gmail.com if you have questions, plan to attend for the first time or would like to carpool from the church.

Join fellow NUCC members for a purposeful and fun day. No experience is needed and all abilities welcome! Join us on Saturday, January 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. First time volunteers, please register at https://vhub.at/nucc/ or sign up in the Gathering Place on Sundays. For more information contact Judy Varty at judyvarty@gmail.com. (10405 Majestic Circle, Naples)

Join us for the next 30 Good Minutes with Joan Millon, the chair of NUCC’s Caregivers Support group, and Leigh Hindman, a Stephen Minister at NUCC. Retired Rev. Rich Kirschner will moderate this discussion on why caregivers need support and what programs are offered at NUCC that benefit our church members and community. This session will take place on January 4 at 10:15 a.m. in McSpadden Hall. Come early or stay late to attend between services!

The Caregiver’s 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. The next meeting will be on Friday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m. in N-101. Please note that the group will not meet on Friday, December 26, due to the Christmas holiday. For more info, contact Joan Millon at joanmillon6@gmail.com.

2026 Giving Envelopes are here! This year if you would like personalized giving envelopes with your giving number they will be available by request. Please reach out to Janine at janine@naplesucc.org or call the church office at 239-261-5469. You’re also welcome to stop by the Gathering Place to request one in person. If this is your first time requesting them, we’d be happy to assign you a number. Thank you for your generous giving!

The next Informational Meet & Greet will be Sunday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Nelson Hall, room 104. A time for visitors to learn, ask questions, and meet our ministers. The Meet & Greet takes place following the 9:00 a.m. service in Nelson Hall, room 104. Enjoy refreshments! Sign up with Samantha in the Gathering Place.

Join members and friends for an eight week Grief Group starting Thursday, January 15 at 1 p.m. This group, facilitated by Pastor Jim Moseley and our Stephen Ministers offers confidential, mutual support to anyone grieving a loved one. No matter when your loss occurred, you are welcome to join.  Participants are encouraged to commit to the full eight weeks and register in advance. Please contact Leigh Hindman for more information and to register at 239 290-9936 or Ldavis1239@yahoo.com

Let’s make it official! Join us January 25. You may join either publicly or privately. Those wishing to retain a membership in a northern church are invited to join as Associate Members. Public joining will occur during the 9:00 a.m. service. For additional information, see Samantha in the Gathering Place or contact her at samantha@naplesucc.org

Stay Safe from Scams this Holiday Season!

The holiday season is a prime time for scammers, and unfortunately, Naples UCC has recently been targeted by phishing attempts. These scams often involve emails or text messages impersonating Naples UCC ministers, staff, or church officers.

Important Reminder:

No Naples UCC minister, staff member, or church officer will ever ask you via email or text for:

•Personal banking information

•Gift cards

•Sensitive personal data

•Urgent financial assistance

If you receive a suspicious message: Check the sender’s full email address. Scammers often make small, hard-to-spot changes to legitimate addresses.

Do not respond. Instead, call the church office at 239-261-5469 to verify authenticity. Your vigilance helps keep our community safe. Thank you for staying alert!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve your church family? We are inviting volunteers to help usher or greet at the Narthex doors. This is a wonderful opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all who enter and be a part of creating a spirit of hospitality in our worship space. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the congregation, your presence and smile can make a big difference! 

If you’re interested, please contact: 

Roger Terry –rogerterry1@gmail.com

Jennifer Rainey – raineyjmd@yahoo.com

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