Naples UCC Family,

God moves through music. Music opens our eyes. Music inspires. Music comforts. Music connects. Music calls us forth...

At 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, we'll celebrate "Music Gift Fund Sunday" at Naples UCC. You won't want to miss the excitement. Between services at 10:15 a.m. in McSpadden Hall, our "30 Good Minutes" program will kick off for the season. I will be interviewing our Director of Music, Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf, who will be sharing more about our music program and upcoming seasonal offerings.  

See you Sunday!

Pastor Mark 

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Music Gift Fund Sunday

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

“The Call of the Young Musician”

1 Samuel 16: 14-23

THIS SUNDAY, on October 26, we will return to two worship services

at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. We look forward to welcoming you!

Join us this Sunday, October 26, for a joyful and inspiring celebration led by our talented choir section leaders. This special service highlights the incredible musical gifts that enrich our worship every week. Your support of our Music Program directly funds these gifted musicians, helping us maintain the vibrant and uplifting music ministry here at Naples UCC.

If you would like to donate to our Music Fund, please click the button below.

Join us for a season of soul-stirring music that uplifts, inspires, and connects.

Soon, all members will receive this year's Music Brochure outlining our dynamic lineup of concerts, worship celebrations, and special events. Be sure to keep an eye on the mail for delivery.

"This year, as Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf marks her 25th year of extraordinary leadership alongside Dr. Alexandra Carlson, we give thanks for the artists and listeners who make this ministry come alive. Whether in worship, at a twilight concert, or within the quiet resonance of a single note, may we continue to find in music what unites our spirits and uplifts our souls.”

Click below to read more from Pastor Mark.

Sunday, October 26 at 10:15 a.m. | McSpadden Hall

Join Naples UCC's first "30 Good Minutes" of the program year. Pastor Mark will be interviewing Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf, NUCC's Director of Music since 2001. This day will be the annual Music Gift Fund (MGF) Sunday that is organized by the Choir Section Leaders. Mark and Becky will dive into why there is a MGF, stories of hope & education, of enlightenment, inspiration and joy. Please join us between services if you are able.

Join us TODAY at 9 a.m. in Nelson 207 for Fabulous Fit Fridays, where Jodi will lead us in a session of light cardio, body toning, balance and stretch. Open to all fitness levels. Bring a mat, a set of light weights if you'd like, and a friend and we’ll enjoy Friday morning fitness together. Chairs will be available for those that prefer to tone seated. To register, call the church office at (239) 261-5469 or stop by the Gathering Place on Sundays. Walk-ins welcome! This is a FREE offering. We hope to see you there!

To view the September Financials, click below to download a PDF copy.

In recognition of All Saints’ Sunday, Naples UCC is requesting your submission of names of those who have passed away since All Saints’ Sunday last year (between November 3, 2024 and October 27, 2025). Please call the Church office at (239) 261-5469 or email info@naplesucc.org with your submissions. These names will appear in the bulletin on Sunday, November 2. We thank you in advance for submitting by tomorrow, Monday, October 27.

This Monday, October 27, at 1 p.m. in Nelson 207. Join us for a study on "Christ's Insights on Poverty." The study will be shaped around Liz Theoharis's insights from Always with Us? What Jesus Really Said About the Poor. Each week, we will delve into a different perspective of poverty.

Monday, October 27 at 1 PM | Nelson Hall

On October 27 at 2 p.m. in Nelson 104 we will be discussing this month’s book, “When Harry Met Minnie” by Martha Teichner. The discussion will be led by Judy Jorgenson. Anyone is welcome, even if you have not read the book!

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 838 2027 0433

Passcode: book

October 27, 2025 at 7 PM at Youth Haven.

We are looking for volunteers to run children’s games with Youth Haven kids. Help create a memorable evening! Sign up in the Gathering Place on Sunday or contact Michele Carney at mcarney@shcmg.com. Join us on Monday, October 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. Please plan to arrive at 6:30 p.m. (Youth Haven, 5867 Whitaker Rd, Naples, FL)

Ordained Minister, Susan Baller-Shepard, MDiv, MSW, will share her gifts, guiding us in a spiritual writing workshop. On October 28 at 10 a.m. in Nelson 103, we will learn, in a supportive environment, to engage in writing prompts, work on writing characters, and watch how sentences surprise us. Each week of the 4-week series has a focus and the classes are meant to build on each other, but you can attend one or all four. Beginners encouraged to attend!

On Wednesday, October 29, at 9 a.m.. Join Pastor Mark for an 8-week Bible study on the Book of James. James offers us a glimpse of what authentic, embodied, real faith for everyday people might look like. Come to discuss & debate. This Bible study will not be dogmatic, but always open to a wide spectrum of opinions and interpretation. Bring your favorite Bible and an open mind. During this session we will discuss 3:1-12 - Prevent Forest Fires.

Led by retired minister and NUCC member Rich Kirschner, this men’s group explores current events and their impact on daily life through thoughtful, engaging discussion. The group will meet on October 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Nelson Hall, room 101, and via Zoom. Contact Rich Kirschner for details and or a Zoom link at rdkirschner@gmail.com. Please check the calendar or weekly bulletins for future details.

Fall into the habit of GIVING BLOOD.

Naples UCC is once again partnering with the Community Blood Center to host a Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We hope you will come out and participate! To sign up, visit Samantha in the Gathering Place or call the Church Office.

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 – Come join us for our new Youth Sunday School curriculum this Sunday. Students 6-12th grade are invited to meet weekly on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. in Nelson Hall, room 200. Working through our new curriculum, "RE:FORM," we will explore, discuss, and reflect on our faith journey together.

Please contact Ms. Jeanne at jeanne@naplesucc.org if you'd like to learn about any of our children and youth programs.

OCTOBER IS BRING A FRIEND MONTH! This

week we welcome back Naples attorney Lorna

Scharlacken, who specializes in wills, trusts and

estates. 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. For more info, contact Joan Millon at joanmillon6@gmail.com.

October 31 at 2 PM in Nelson 101.

Saturday, November 1, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come join fellow NUCC members for a purposeful and fun day. No experience is needed and all abilities welcome! First time volunteers, please register with the button below or sign up in the Gathering Place on Sundays. For more information, contact Judy Varty at judyvarty@gmail.com. (10405 Majestic Circle, Naples)

As many people are now returning to Naples for the season, this is an ideal opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to an NUCC event. Check your copy of NEXT for an event they might enjoy. Perhaps a mission, educational or music related opportunity. Or, invite them to a service where they will discover exceptional music, powerful preaching and meaningful worship.

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Holy Communion & All Saints’ Sunday

Cans for Communion Collection

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

“Rewarded with Reunion”

Luke 6:23

-----------

Askar Salimdjanov, violin

Egor Antoneko, cello

Our monthly Cans for Communion collection will be on Sunday, November 2. Donations of nonperishable food items help support our mission partner, Grace Place. Now is a great time to do some bulk shopping or pick up items on the weekly BOGO list. Bring items from your pantry, but be sure to check those expiration dates!

This month Grace Place is spotlighting MAC & CHEESE, CANNED MEATS, and COOKING OIL; however, ALL donations are greatly appreciated.



Drop-off in the Portico prior to service!

If you are interested in volunteering with collection on the first Sunday of each month, please sign up in the Gathering Place or call the Church office.

On Sunday, November 2 at 10:15 a.m., Pastor Jim Moseley will be leading a remembrance service in the NUCC Memorial Garden. The service will include prayers and readings as well as an opportunity for attendees to honor and remember loved ones. Participants are invited to access the garden through one of our sanctuary side doors.

The Development Committee invites all members of the Steeple Fellowship to a brunch in McSpadden Hall on Sunday, November 2 at 10:15 a.m. (between worship services). After many years, we look forward to gathering the fellowship together again for conversation and updates related to the Naples UCC Endowment and other giving initiatives.

Come learn about our WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaged) program at NUCC. Our meeting is held every first Tuesday of the month at 11am. We will discuss issues concerning mental health in our society

and our families, and how these issues affect the NUCC congregation. WISE provides education and training on how to deal with mental health issues whether it is a family member or someone you know. For any questions, please contact Rob Ford at bobford47@aol.com or call the Church office. Join us November 4 at 11 a.m. in Nelson 104

If you or a loved one need comfort, please take a prayer shawl in the Narthex and complete a card with the name of the person the ministry can pray for. 

Prayer Shawl gathers on Tuesday, October 28 at 1 p.m. Contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196 for questions and to learn more about this group.

Join NUCC volunteers for a fun day and help a worthy cause at the same time. Come participate in this Food Bank Packing Day on Wednesday, November 5 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 12 to 3 p.m. Please register by clicking the button below or sign up in the Gathering Place on Sundays. 

For more information contact Mike Conrad, at mikeconrad21@gmail.com. 

(Harry Chapin, 3940 Prospect Ave, Naples, FL). 

November 6 at 10:30 AM | Nelson 207

Join Allison McCarthy & Rich Kirschner as they lead a discussion exploring the pre- and post-war influence of religion in the establishment of the United States. This year marks the 250th anniversary of America’s struggle for independence. The two key resources used will be: Thomas Tweed’s book, “Religion in the Lands that Became America” and Ken Burn’s 6-part series,

“The American Revolution” premiering 11/16/25-11/21-25 at 8-10PM ET on PBS. We will recap the content for everyone who comes.

Please join us on Thursdays - November 6, 13 & 20

from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in Nelson Hall, room 101.

Women’s Stories, formerly Women Engage, will continue to host lively discussions with a new focus on the stories and experiences of inspiring women to enlighten, encourage, and evoke conversation. In November, a 3-week session will be guided by one woman’s story - Chilean-American writer Isabel Allende - told through her book, The Soul of A Woman (2021), and an interview with the Los Angeles Times, "Isabel Allende isn't passing the feminist torch - she's sharing it" by Rigoberto Gonzalez (February 24, 2021) and a TED talk, "How to Live Passionately - No Matter your Age (September 3, 2014)." The readings and Ted Talk provide one woman's shared experience presented in three different formats. Choose the format(s) that works best for you or just join us to enjoy the discussion and fellowship. The three resources will be used to guide each weekly discussion but the conversation will follow the interests and comments of the group. This is a unique opportunity to connect with other women in our church community, gather together to listen and engage through shared experiences.

On November 9, 10:00 a.m. in N-104. A time for visitors to learn, ask questions, meet the leadership, and our ministers. The Meet & Greet takes place following the 9:00 a.m. service, in Nelson Hall, room 104. Enjoy free refreshments!

Sign up with Samantha in the Gathering Place.



Let’s make it official! Join us November 16. You may join either publicly or privately. Those wishing to retain a membership in a northern church are invited to join as an Associate Member. Public joining will occur during the 9:00 a.m. service. For additional information, find Samantha Santarosa in the Gathering Place today or email her at samantha@naplesucc.org.

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

Curious about leadership or ways to get more involved in our church?

Want to learn more about our Leadership Structure and what makes

Naples UCC unique?

Click the buttons below to read our bylaws or for a copy of our

2024 Annual Report which shows our Leadership structure.

Naples UCC Family,

Unfortunately, we live in a world where phishing scams and email hoaxes are the norm. Be sure to protect yourself from these scams by always remaining vigilant about verifying email addresses, especially when receiving emails that seem strange or unusual. In addition, be sure to always remember that no minister or staff member at Naples UCC will ever ask you for funds, gifts, gift cards, credit card information, or banking information via email.  

Pastor Mark 

To view all our upcoming events and ways to connect,

visit our online calendar here.

Our 2025-2026 programmatic brochure, NEXT, is here! If you are a Naples UCC member, you should be receiving the brochure in your mail, but we will have plenty of copies in the office and on Samantha's table on Sunday mornings. So stop by and get one if you didn't get one in the mail. The brochure is full of details about all of our exciting programming for this coming season. Be sure to grab one when you are visiting this Sunday!

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