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Naples UCC Family,
I am deeply grateful for the beautiful celebration held in my honor on Sunday, June 7, 2026. My husband, Dave, and I feel so warmly welcomed by this wonderful community. Thank you! Your kindness has reminded me how hope often begins: through the love, welcome, and care we offer one another. And that kind of hope feels especially important right now.
There are those that might say hope is hard to find these days. I get it — there are times when the things of this world can create in me a sense of hopelessness. Yet throughout our holy scriptures, we read of how God's hope shows up especially in times of distress. Even when everything else runs dry, God's hope regenerates. What is amazing is that God invites us to partner in this work — bringing hope into a hopeless-seeming world, equipped with joy and peace.
As the Israelites prepare to return home to Israel after decades of exile in Babylon, the prophet Isaiah proclaims: "For you shall go out in joy and be led back in peace..." (Isaiah 55:12) This is the hope God still offers us today — one that regenerates, even after our own seasons of exile.
I look forward to sharing more this Sunday in a sermon entitled "Regenerative Hope."
Pastor Sonja
| | | | 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. Bring a friend who may benefit! For more info, contact Joan Millon at joanmillon6@gmail.com. | | |
Sunday, July 12, 2026
10:00 AM
Rev. Sonja Phillips
"Regenerative Hope"
Isaiah 55: 10-13
| | Pardon Our Dust - Improvements Underway! | | |
This week, we begin a repair in the southwest corner of our Sanctuary. A moisture barrier and new tile flooring will be installed as we continue to care for and maintain our beautiful facilities.
For everyone's safety and convenience, the south-side Sanctuary doors will be closed this Sunday, July 12, 2026. Please enter through the Narthex instead. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements.
| | JULY 13, 1:00 PM | MCSPADDEN HALL | | |
Challenge your mind, one tile at a time. Mahjong is the perfect blend of fun and focus. Join us for Mahjong on Mondays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the McSpadden Hall.
Free, and all are always welcome!
| | | JULY 13, 4:00 PM | TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA | |
Join Naples UCC friends and family at this month’s Social Soirée to Tacos & Tequila Cantina, located in the Pavilion Shopping Center at 8971 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL at 4:00 p.m. This gathering is a great place to have fun & fellowship after a busy day!
Please sign up by July 12 by clicking the link below or in person at the Gathering Place, or call the church office at (239) 261-5469 if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!
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Sunday, July 19, 2026
Rev. Dr. Mark Williams
"The Ladder of Grace"
Genesis 28: 10-19
| | Anwyn Watts Fundraiser Dinner | | JULY 19, 6:00 PM | MCSPADDEN HALL | | |
Join us on Sunday, July 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Naples UCC for a special dinner celebrating Anwyn Watts’ remarkable recovery following brain surgery.
Enjoy a meal inspired by Anwyn’s favorite foods, prepared by David Bogin and Jimmy Borden, along with a raffle featuring items donated by church members and local businesses. A $25 cash donation at the door is suggested, and all proceeds from the dinner and raffle will benefit the Watts family.
Reservations are required—please RSVP by clicking the button below or in person with Samantha Santarosa at the Gathering Place. For more information, call the church office at 239-261-5469.
| | JULY 21, 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 at (610) 420-7196 for questions. | | |
We will be going back in time from the historical fiction of Peggy Guggenheim to the mid 19th century nonfiction world of Abraham Lincoln in the months leading up to the Civil War through Erik Larson’s Demons of Unrest next month. Our meeting will once again be in the Administrative Conference Room behind the office or on Zoom. The group also decided to read The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett for August. Anyone is welcome, even if you have not read the book!
If you are unable to come in person, join us by Zoom!
Meeting ID: 838 2027 0433 Passcode: book
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Sundays – We are so happy to have families with young children in our midst! During the worship service, children are invited forward for a Children’s Message. 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 The Wiggle Room (a temporary location due to Nelson Hall renovations). Please ask a deacon for directions.
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Youth Sunday School — Our Youth Sunday School program will resume with 5 Sundays of fun, starting August 9 with a special Backpack Blessing and the launch of our new Sunday morning camp experience, Snowball Mountain Challenge!
Children and youth can look forward to a fun-filled season of faith, friendship, music, games, hands-on activities, and engaging Bible lessons designed to help them grow in their relationship with God. Exploring themes of courage, kindness, teamwork, and trust as they journey through this exciting new program together.
“SNOWBALL MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE” centers on Philippians 4:13, a reminder that we are strengthened through the presence and love of Jesus in our lives. The curriculum is designed for students in grades K–5, and youth are warmly invited and encouraged to participate as helpers.
| | 3906 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34112 | | |
As the season winds down, our mission is still going strong—and we need your help. The Bargain Box is seeking volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Hospitality & Cashiering: Be the face of the shop! Welcome customers and manage the register.
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Donation Transport: Help move donations from the Naples UCC shed to the Bargain Box.
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Curation & Sorting: Help us inspect, organize, and prep incoming donations.
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Display & Merchandising: Get creative! Help stage and style items to make the sales floor shine.
Donations Needed: Each donation helps transform generosity into meaningful support for our community.
Sign up: Reach out to George De La Roche by clicking the link below or calling him at 239-262-3802. In person sign ups at the Gathering Place with Samantha Santarosa. We’d love to have you on the team!
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Nelson Hall Renovations Underway | | |
As many of you know, renovations to Nelson Hall are currently underway. During this exciting improvement project, several programs and activities have been temporarily relocated.
Please be sure to check the location of your program or event before attending, and watch church communications for updates. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as as we complete these important improvements.
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Chancel Flower Dedication | | |
We have available dates for our Chancel Flower Dedications! A wonderful opportunity to celebrate, honor, or remember a loved one. We will feature your message in the Sunday bulletin and on our livestream.
For up-to-date availability, or if you have any questions, please contact Sara Both, at sara@naplesucc.org, or call (239)261-5469. We hope you will participate in this thoughtful tradition!
| | Did you know that you can donate an anthem in memory or in honor of a loved one? Every time the anthem is sung, the dedication will appear with the anthem in the bulletin. To learn more about donating an anthem, please contact our Director of Music, Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf by email at becky@naplesucc.org. It is the gift that keeps on giving! | | |
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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