Naples UCC Family,

Do you believe in miracles? Some months ago, a parishioner asked me this question. Christian Author Dallas Willard once joked it's far better to be accused of "going off the deep end" than to be accused of "staying in the shallow end." With the honest tremble of a rational person with 10.5 years of higher education, I humbly answered "yes."

Miracles stretch our hearts and minds. Miracles challenge us. Miracles remain mysteriously out of our control. And what a joy it is to report on a miracle at Naples UCC!

Earlier this week, The Naples Daily News featured a front-page article about Anwyn Watts. Anwyn (who anchors our children's messages week after week in worship at NUCC) overcame all odds to survive multiple brain injuries. Called a "miracle" by the newspaper, Anwyn's infectious smile illumines a kindness, faith, and love for Christ that warms our hearts. 

For many heartbreaking weeks, I witnessed the love of our Youth and Children's Educator Jeanne Snedeker, our Naples UCC families, our staff, and many from the congregation who visited, sent cards, gave, and prayed for a truly special young woman. Did we make this miracle happen? Surely not. That was God's work. But insofar as God allowed us all to be part of this miraculous story, I give thanks. May Anwyn's courage, bravery, and faith inspire us all!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark

TODAY at 1:30 - 4 PM | Portico

Join us for a blood drive and help make a life-saving impact in our community. A single donation can save up to three lives! Donors are asked to please eat beforehand, hydrate with water, and bring a photo ID. To sign up or for more information, contact Bob at 239-631-9771 or robertmorsesr@icloud.com. We hope you’ll join us in sharing the gift of life.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

“Go Before You Know”

Genesis 12: 1-4

March 1 at 9 & 11 AM | Portico

This month’s collection will focus on CEREAL and PEANUT BUTTER; however all donations are welcome. If you prefer, checks made payable to Grace Place are always appreciated. Please remember to check expiration dates if donating items from your pantry. There will be no collection for April 1 because of Easter and Grace Place school closures. Grace Place recently pivoted from a community food pantry to donating food directly to families served by their educational programs. Grace Place volunteers are distributing donations as evenly as possible among families, two times each month. Therefore, any “bulk”or BOGO donations that can be easily “split” are especially helpful. Please drop off your items or checks before either service under the Portico. Grace Place and the families they serve thank you for your generous participation in this worthy program.

March 1 at 10:15 AM | McSpadden Hall

Andrea Bedoya, a 2020 FGCU graduate, has traveled four continents in a wide range of global service and will be interviewed by John Bachman. Andrea will also talk about the SWFL Model United Nations Scholarship competition for high school students.

With about two weeks left in our stewardship campaign, we’re happy to share that we’re at 81% of our participation goal! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve also received $1,753,000 in estimated gifts, which is 76% of our $2,300,000 funding goal. If you haven’t yet, please consider adding your commitment before the close of our campaign on March 8. Every gift supports the ministries and programs that make Naples UCC a vibrant and loving community!

Pledge cards are available in the pews and in the Narthex, or you may make your pledge online at NaplesUCC.org/donate. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us continue this impactful work!

March 2 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!

March 3 at 10 & 11 AM | N-104

Please join us for our monthly WISE meeting (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) on Tuesday, March 3, at 10:00 a.m. in Nelson Hall. 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.

In addition, at our 11 a.m. Educational Programming, speaker Emily McDonagh, MSW, LCSW, will be covering eating disorders and related conditions. All are welcome to attend this session.

March 3 at 1 PM | Parlor

Please join us in the parlor 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. Contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196 for additional info.

March 4 at 7:30 AM | Harry Chapin

Join Naples UCC volunteers for a fun day and help a worthy cause at the same time. This food bank packing shift is from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m or 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please register at https://www.volgistics.com/appform/754780826 or sign up in the Gathering Place on Sundays. For more information contact Mike Conrad, at mikeconrad21@gmail.com. 

March 4 at 10:30 AM | N-101

Men’s New Chapters meets regularly on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. throughout the program season. The group is reviewing Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor. All men are welcome! Contact Rich Kirschner for details or for the Zoom link if you are unable to attend in person at rdkirschner@gmail.com.

Worship | March 4 at 12 PM | Sanctuary

Discussion | March 4 at 12:30 PM | N-103

Each Wednesday during the season of Lent, join us for a special noontime worship series entitled “Lessons on Faith, Service, and Justice from the Prophets.” The worship sermon series is inspired by Richard Rohr’s book

The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage. The topic is “From Anger to Awakening”, Habakkuk 3: 17-18. Following the service, come gather with Pastor Jim and the Naples UCC Justice committee in N-103 for a brown-bag lunch discussion on the topic for the day.

This year, our Lenten and Easter offerings will support the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), which serves the children and families of migrant farmworkers and other low-income households in the Immokalee area.

Many of our Immokalee neighbors live on the margins, facing food insecurity, limited transportation, substandard housing, and—amid recent events in our nation—deep uncertainty and fear. RCMA responds by putting love into action, standing alongside these families with compassion and practical support. It cares for some of the most vulnerable families by providing high-quality childcare and early education to more than 350 children, and it opens pathways to lasting success through its free K–8 charter school. In addition, RCMA’s family service and learning centers strengthen the broader community by empowering adults and parents with educational opportunities, English language learning, parenting support, and essential life-skills training equipping families to build stability and grow stronger together.

When we support RCMA, we participate in a living ministry—one that nurtures children, opens doors of opportunity, and helps cultivate brighter futures. Just as importantly, we plant seeds of hope. Click the button below to contribute to our Easter Offering.

March 5 at 9 AM | N-104

Join Rev. Dr. Mark Williams for a book discussion in advance of our guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr. This discussion will review Mayflower: Voyage, Community, War by Nathaniel Philbrick. Click the button below to access the discussion questions. Rev. Dr. Kirchherr will be a guest preacher during both worship services on March 8. His engaging and practical style of teaching and preaching will offer insight into church history. 

March 5 at 1 PM | N-101

The next series of “Women’s Stories,” formerly Women Engage, starts on March 5. We will have another 3-week session guided by J. Dana Trent’s story as told through her book, Between Two Trailers (2024), a We Are Wake Tech podcast (November 19, 2024) and another podcast, Grace Enough (Episode 258) with Amber Cullum.

All of these resources, along with Rev. Trent’s sermons and lecture last Sunday, present her experience in different formats. Choose the format(s) that work best for you and join us to enjoy the discussion and fellowship. Links to the podcasts and Rev. Trent's sermon are below. The resources will guide each weekly discussion, but the conversation will follow the group’s interests and comments. This is a unique opportunity to connect with other women in our church community and gather to listen and engage through shared experiences.

March 6 at 2 PM | N-101

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

March 7 at 8 AM | Habitat Development

Join fellow Naples UCC members for a purposeful and fun day. No experience is needed and all abilities welcome! Come 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)

Anwyn – We celebrate all of Anwyn’s healing so far and thank you for your continued prayers and support for her entire family! Anwyn has taken the important step of moving to Rehabilitation, and we continue to pray for her full recovery. If you would like to send a word of encouragement, here is her new address: Jackson Memorial Hospital,

Anwyn Watts – Room 7061-Bed 1, 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.

Sundays – We are so happy to have families with young children in our midst! Regular Sunday morning activities for children 4 years and older take place during the 9:00 a.m. worship service. Children are encouraged to come forward for the Children’s Message, then go to Sunday School with Ms. Jeanne. Coloring activities and worship resources are available on the family table in the Narthex. Please reach out to the church office if you have any questions or would like more information about upcoming events.

Nursery Care – Nursery care for infants through 4 years old is available each Sunday morning beginning at 8:30 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. 

Family Special Events – Splash is taking a break from our regular weekly schedule to enjoy some special upcoming events. All families with children and youth of all ages are welcome to join us for these monthly offerings. Next up will be our Family Game Night on Wednesday, March 18 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Come for games, fellowship, and a casual dinner together. Bring your friends! Please RSVP to jeanne@naplesucc.org by March 15 so we can be sure to provide plenty of food.

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.

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Distinguished Guest Speaker

“Does Prayer Work?”

Matthew 7: 7-11

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr

March 8 at 10:15 AM | McSpadden Hall

In this 30 Good Minutes, Naples UCC member Allison McCarthy interviews fellow member Heather English. In September 2025, Heather traveled to Chartres, France to experience the 13th century labyrinth built into the floor of the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. In addition to walking the labyrinth, she participated in a 2-day Labyrinth Facilitator Training Program offered by Veriditas, a worldwide organization based in the US that supports the labyrinth movement. Built in 2013, the beautiful labyrinth at Naples UCC is a replica of the eleven circuit Chartres labyrinth. Heather will re-introduce the labyrinth and share some guidelines for a walking meditation as well as the stages of walking the labyrinth. During Lent, she will facilitate two labyrinth walks at 11 a.m. prior to the Lenten Meditation on Wednesday, March 18 and March 25.

Naples United Church of Christ is launching a brand-new Social Committee — and we’re looking for members! While we’ll build on the foundation of several tried-and-true favorite activities, this new group is all about fresh ideas, new energy, and creative ways to connect with one another and engage our wider

community in a positive, welcoming spirit. As our church continues to grow, we’re excited to invite new faces and new voices to help imagine what comes next. If you enjoy fellowship, fun, and bringing people together, we’d love for you to be part of it. The first meeting is anticipated to be in early March. Please contact Colleen Clark to sign up. Phone: 614-264-6506 or email Colleen.lora@gmail.com

We are excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr for two inspiring and informative lectures this month! A dynamic preacher, pastor, and historian, he will offer church history insights in a lecture titled “The 10 Key Historical Moments in Christianity” on March 9, followed by “Pilgrim and Puritan Roots of the UCC” on March 10.

Known for his practical and engaging style of preaching, Rev. Kirchherr served for 28 years as senior minister of First Congregational Church (UCC) in Western Springs, Illinois, helping the congregation grow and deepen both spiritually and numerically.

Rich has also been active in a number of wider ministries that are especially meaningful to him. Two of particular importance are his 20 years as a trustee of Chicago Theological Seminary and his numerous presentations to churches on “the future of the church,” exploring the sociological and demographic trends shaping the next generation of church members. He earned both his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Chicago Theological Seminary. Come join us for these lectures or for Rev. Kirchherr’s sermon in worship on March 8!

Join members and friends for fellowship, prayer and walking in nature. The Walk and Wonder group eagerly welcomes family members, friends and newcomers to the Naples UCC community. On Wednesday, March 11 enjoy a walk along the Pelican Bay South 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 the church by 10 a.m. Contact Merrill Noble at mwnoble56@gmail.com if you have questions or plan to attend for the first time.

Join us for our monthly focus drive on March 15 at 9 and 11 a.m. Naples UCC will collect donations before each service. For March 15, we are collecting women’s clothing and women’s accessories. Please bring your donations

to the drop-off table in the Portico. We’re grateful for your generous donations and we could use your help!

Join the team!

We’re looking for in‑store volunteers, especially cashiers, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to:

•Assist customers and support cashier operations

•Lift, organize, and sort donations

•Help prepare and stage items for sale

We also welcome donations that help us continue serving our customers and community. Your support—whether time or items—keeps the store running and ensures resources reach those who need them. If you have a few hours and a willing heart, we’d love to have you on our team. Please sign up with Samantha in the Gathering Place.

A time for visitors to learn, ask questions, and meet our ministers. The Meet and Greet takes place following the 9:00 a.m. service in Nelson Hall, room 104. Please sign up with Samantha in the Gathering Place or contact her at samantha@naplesucc.org.

Dive into discovery at Sarasota’s brand-new Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing marine life, cutting-edge ocean research, and interactive displays that bring the wonders of the sea to life. From playful otters to majestic sea turtles, every corner is filled with awe and inspiration. Lunch is on your own! You can choose to eat at the Cafe on site or you can depart the Mote and choose from 80 restaurants at the University Town Center located just steps outside. On the ride back to Naples, we will stop at Der Dutchmen Amish Bakery to purchase Amish baked goods! The cost is $128 per person. The bus will depart from NUCC at 7:30 a.m., provided at least 15 participants register. We anticipate returning to Naples at approximately 6:30 p.m. To register, please contact Maria DeMarco at 239-449-9408 by March 18.

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