What time is it? There are lots of ways to answer that question, but THIS weekend the best answer is: TIME TO SET THE CLOCKS FORWARD! This is the weekend when we lose an hour, and Sunday morning church will seem to come an hour earlier (because it does!).

In the scriptures there are two kinds of time – Kairos and Chronos. Kairos is God’s Tme – the time in between when we utter a prayer and when we come to know an answer, the time that stretches out forever as we hold a newborn baby, the time when we stand on the shoreline and watch a sunset gradually fade, the time we sit in the sanctuary together worshiping God….

Chronos is what we might call “Clock Time." It is what rules our days and nights. It is the time we get up, show up for work, meet a friend for tennis or a walk, go to bed….

This Sunday, our Chronos time will feel out of sync, but I promise you that our Kairos time together in the sanctuary will be filled with wonderful music and preaching as we begin our journey through the season of Lent, in preparation for Easter. SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ON SATURDAY NIGHT!

Worship Service at 9 AM & 11 AM

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Join us on Sunday as Rev. Dr. Mark Williams will preach his sermon titled Know Your Signature Sins based on Luke 4:1-13

Join in person or online!

With just two weeks left, we are shining bright but still need 136 more pledges to reach our goal of 500—and just 44 more to surpass last year’s total! So far, we’ve pledged $1,625,000, bringing us to 72% of our goal. Every pledge is a spark that fuels the light alive in this place. There’s still time to make a difference!

Thank you for your generosity and for helping our community shine even brighter. Find a pledge card in the pews or the church office. You can mail it in, place it on the offering plate, or make your pledge online at NaplesUCC.org/donate.

Sunday, March 9, 10:15 am, N-207

Join Rich Kirschner as he interviews Susan Pezzullo, Chair of the church Board of Mission and Outreach (BOMO). From 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Nelson Hall, room 207. If you are planning to attend the 11 a.m. worship service, come early at 10:15 a.m. to hear the discussion!

The ROCK Center (Roots of Compassion & Kindness) at FGCU is partnering with our Children’s Ministry for special Sunday morning activities! On March 9, March 23, and April 6, ROCK staff will join Ms. Jeannie during Sunday school to guide children in hands-on activities that nurture compassion and kindness. This Sunday’s focus is on compassion and humility, helping kids explore these values through storytelling, role-playing, and more. We’re excited to welcome this enriching program! For details, contact Jeannie Snedeker at jeanne@naplesucc.org

Sunday, March 9, 3 PM, Sanctuary

The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra under Brandon Robertson’s direction will perform a repertoire featuring jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Horace Silver. Audiences can expect an afternoon rich with classic jazz melodies and intricate arrangements. The involvement of nearly 25 talented students from Lee and Collier Counties adds a local flair to the event, highlighting Artis-Naples’ commitment to nurturing young musical talent. A free-will offering will be collected for Grace Place for Children and Families.

Join us today at 2 p.m. in Nelson Hall, room 101. Caregiver's Support Group meets every other Friday year-round to provide support for those who are caring for a loved one. We also welcome those who have been a caregiver or anticipate being one. We encourage you to bring a friend who might benefit from it. Church membership is not a requirement. All discussions are kept private within the group. For more information, please contact Joan Millon at joanmillon6@gmail.com.

On Friday, March 21, there will be an informative session with Karen Rodino from the Alzheimer’s Support Network. Learn how this long-standing organization serves all caregivers for all diseases throughout Collier and Lee Counties. Whether you are a caregiver yourself or want to understand more about available resources, this is a valuable opportunity to gain insight and support.

Tuesday, March 11, 11 AM, Beverly Hall

Join the Naples UCC Worship Team on Tuesday, March 11, at 11 a.m. for a behind-the-scenes look at how our worship comes to life! From planning and liturgy to music, preaching, and livestream production, you’ll gain insights that deepen your experience and appreciation. But that’s not all—you’ll actively participate in crafting next Sunday’s liturgy! Come lend your voice, creativity, and spirit as we shape a meaningful worship experience together. See you there!

Tuesday, March 18, 3:30 PM, Sanctuary

A Forum on Building Resilience: Join us for an enlightening community forum as we delve into the profound impact of hurricanes on our quality of life and local economy and the unprecedented challenges facing our coastal community. All are welcome. Attendance is free. Register by March 11.

Click HERE to register your attendance to this free program in the Naples UCC Sanctuary. All are welcome! This event is co-sponsored by GNL and our Justice Committee.

Thank you to everyone who took part in last week’s blood drive! Thanks to your generosity, we had 23 donors and collected 21 pints of blood—enough to help save up to 63 lives. Your kindness makes a real difference!

Life can often be challenging and as a church family we are here to help each other. If you need a quiet word or a prayer, our Stephen Ministers are in the Parlor every Sunday after the services. Also, our WISE for Mental Health Ministry has put together a robust list of local and national resources for those who are struggling and may need help. That list can be accessed by clicking HERE

Wednesdays, Noon, Sanctuary

Join us on Wednesday at noon for a sacred time of reflection and renewal through the Lenten season. We will continue to gather for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth, deepening our faith as we move toward Easter. All are welcome to take part in this time of devotion and preparation. Join us in person at noon in the Sanctuary.

Wednesdays, from January 8 to March 26, 9 AM & 1 PM, N-207

Pastor Mark leads a 12-week Bible study on Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), exploring its countercultural and prophetic message. Join us this Wednesday for open, thought-provoking discussions. Bring your favorite Bible and an open heart.

Wednesdays, 8:30 AM, Pelican Bay Berm

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, March 12, enjoy a walk along the Pelican Bay Berm beginning at the Naples Grande to the Butterfly Garden near the Commons Tram station. Meet in the church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Anticipate our return to church by 10:00 a.m. Contact Merrill Noble at mwnoble56@gmail.com if you have questions or plan to attend for the first time.

Wednesdays, 10:30 AM, N-101 & Zoom

All men are welcome to join NUCC’s weekly men’s ministry, led by Rich Kirschner. We’ll explore a new book by Kate Bowler, Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved. She is a Duke Divinity professor, reflecting on faith, resilience, and life’s unpredictability. No reading required to participate! For questions or Zoom credentials, contact Rich at rdkirschner@gmail.com.

Second Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 16 • 9 & 11 AM

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams preaching

Look Up at the Stars

Genesis 15:1-12

Grace Place Food Pantry

Friday, March 14, 12:30 to 4 PM, Grace Place

Join NUCC members for a fun afternoon and help serve families in need. Come Friday, March 14 from 12:30 to 4:00 PM. Help with setup, food distribution and clean up. Sign up in the Gathering Place on Sunday or contact Sara Morgan, at saramorgan644@gmail.com.

(Grace Place, 4300 21st Ave SW, Naples, FL)

Sunday, March 16, 11 AM & 12:30 PM

Thinking about membership? On Sunday, March 16, we invite you to join Naples UCC! Choose a public joining at the 11 a.m. service or a private joining at 12:30 p.m. You can become a full or associate member (for those keeping membership in a northern church).

For details, contact our Membership Coordinator, Chelsea Godwin, Chelsea@naplesucc.org or call the church office at (239)261-5469. If you are here on Sunday, we invite you to sign up in the Gathering Place following the service!

Sunday, March 16, Between Services, N-207

A heartfelt thank you to our congregation for your generous support of the Mission Moment and your continued donations to the Bargain Box! Your contributions make a real difference, and we encourage you to keep us in mind—especially when donating clothing. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors!

Join us for a Town Hall meeting on Sunday, March 16, between services in Nelson 207. This is a great opportunity to brainstorm ways we can enhance our impact at church, including sorting and pricing donations, promoting the store, and attracting more merchandise. We also want your input on how to improve the volunteer experience.

For more information or to share your thoughts, please contact Bill Steinmetz at 312-286-7771 or bill@bluestarventures.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, March 20, 7 PM, Sanctuary

The Purdue Varsity Glee Club returns by popular demand on Thursday, March 20, for an unforgettable evening of music led by director William Griffel. This renowned ensemble, featuring over 70 talented young men, is celebrated for its versatile repertoire that spans gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral pieces, and patriotic standards. Tickets are $30—reserve yours today by clicking HERE or contacting the Church Office at (239)261-5469. All are welcome to this event!

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