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Naples UCC Family,
Last week, many local news stations in Southwest Florida covered a story about the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that made a stop at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Many showed up to remember the pain of it all and to offer their gratitude for those who served. One observer remarked, “Hurt can easily be ignored and skipped over. Reflecting on Vietnam does not come easy for any of us, but remembering the pain of a situation always leads to self-examination and eventually hope.”
I wonder if the same could be said about Holy Week. It would be so easy to ignore the cross—to move from Palm Sunday to Easter without stopping in between. But going to the hard place of Christ’s suffering can yield gratitude and hope. On Wednesday of next week, I’ll be preaching a sermon at noon entitled “The Crucified Crook.” It’ll be a message of unconditional love. On Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m., we’ll gather in the sanctuary again for a very moving worship service that will end in silence. May the Spirit be with us as we journey to Jerusalem, to the cross, and beyond.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
| | This Sunday at Naples UCC | | |
Worship Service at 9 AM & 11 AM
Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025
Join us on Sunday as Rev. Dr. Mark Williams will preach his sermon titled A Higher Politics based on Luke 19: 28-42
Join in person or online!
| | This Sunday, Kathy Book and Molly Baker, Stephen Ministry leaders, will share how Stephen Ministry at NUCC functions in partnership with our ministers to provide faithful care and support to members of our congregation. If you are planning to attend the 11 a.m. worship service, come early at 10:15 a.m. to hear the presentation! | | Join Us in Worship for Holy Week | | The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10:15 a.m.—bring a basket or use one of ours! No Confirmation class on Easter, as students will attend worship. We look forward to celebrating this sacred season with you! | | Lenten Wednesday Worship: Final Offering | | |
Wednesdays, Noon, Sanctuary
Join us on Wednesday at noon for a sacred time of reflection and renewal through the Lenten season. We will gather one last time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth, deepening our faith as we move toward Easter. Rev. Dr. Mark Willliams will share his message entitled "The Crucified Crook" on this final spiritual virtue when we will be covering love. All are welcome to take part in this time of devotion and preparation. Join us in person at noon in the Sanctuary.
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Dedication Deadline this Sunday:
Easter Offering Dedication Forms
| | All are invited to donate in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one. Our Easter Offering will be used to support the Board of Mission and Outreach Refugee Fund. A portion of the money will be used to decorate the chancel for Easter Sunday. If you wish to support this offering, please complete a form found in the Narthex and submit it to reception no later than Sunday, April 13. All dedications and donors will be listed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. | | |
Welcoming the Stranger with Love (Matthew 25:35)
In the spirit of Easter, we ask that you prayerfully consider supporting this lovely family of four who arrived in the U.S. in early 2025, just before federal support for refugees was suspended. The father is actively seeking employment, and once school begins in the fall, the mother also plans to work. Their five-year-old daughter will be enrolled in school, and they hope to find daycare for their 15-month-old daughter. They are eager to build a life here in Southwest Florida and need our love and support to help them get on their feet.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, you may give an offering during the Wednesday Lenten services or send a check to the church office. Please be sure to write “Refugee Fund” in the memo line.
To donate now, click the button below.
| | We are now meeting at 1:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Parlor. No matter your skill level, all are invited to make memories and help us preserve this universal and embracing ministry. To find out more, contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196. Thank you to all our knitters! | | Join us for an important conversation about reducing worry, led by Linda Russell, on Wednesday, April 17, at 1 p.m. in Nelson Hall, Room N-104. Together, we’ll explore ways to understand and manage anxiety in a supportive, thoughtful environment. | | |
Seasonal in Naples?
Become an Associate Member
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Make Naples UCC your spiritual home away from home!
If you're here in Naples for the season but also belong to a church "up north," we invite you to become an associate member of Naples UCC! This special membership allows you to stay connected and engaged in both faith communities. As an associate member, you’ll have the same voting and participation privileges as any other member of our church family.
Want to learn more? Stop by Chelsea's table in the Gathering Place after worship!
Ready to join our church family? On Sunday, May 11, there will be an opportunity to become a member and deepen your connection with our warm and welcoming congregation.
For any questions on membership, please contact our Membership Coordinator, Chelsea Godwin, at Chelsea@naplesucc.org or (239) 261-5469.
| | Our Magnificent Schantz Organ | | |
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us last Sunday to celebrate a meaningful milestone, enjoy uplifting music, and support the legacy of our beloved organ.
Our magnificent Schantz organ—with its 3,359 pipes—is more than just an instrument; it’s the soul of our sanctuary, lifting hearts in worship each week. To ensure its continued beauty and function, critical updates to its aging electrical system are urgently needed.
A special offering remains open to help fund this $148,000 project. Every gift brings us closer to preserving the powerful sound that fills our sacred space. To contribute, please write “Organ Project” in the memo line of your check or click the button below and select Organ Electrical System Fund to give online. Thank you for helping sustain this treasured part of our worship life.
| | Caregiver's Support Group | | |
The Caregiver’s Support Group meets every other Friday year-round to support those caring for loved ones. Join us on Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. in Nelson Hall, room 101, as we proudly celebrate our 9th year of helping caregivers with a little party. 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.
Join us again on Friday, May 2, as Kelly Rose, Director of Life, Home & Health in Bonita Springs, will speak to us about their medical and non-medical health home care services.
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Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
Sunrise Service at Clam Pass Beach • 7 AM
Sanctuary Worship Services • 9 & 11 AM
Rev. Dr. Mark Williams
The Gardener
John 20: 1-18
Sanctuary Choir
Dr. Jeannie Darnell and Dr. Byan Ijames, soloists
• brass, strings, piano, percussion, and timpani •
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Join us this Sunday and stop by Chelsea’s table in the Gathering Place! Whether you’re looking to get involved, sign up for upcoming events, or simply learn more about the life of our church, we’d love to connect with you.
Looking for ways to make a difference? Our Board of Mission and Outreach partners with many local organizations to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.
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Youth Haven Game Night!
Monday, April 28, 6:30 - 8 PM, Youth Haven
Join NUCC volunteers in creating a memorable evening while interacting with Youth Haven kids. On Monday from 7 to 8 p.m.; please arrive at 6:30 p.m. Run children’s games with Youth Haven kids. Sign up in the Gathering Place on Sunday or contact Michele Carney. Join us on Monday, April 28! (Youth Haven, 5867 Whitaker Rd, Naples, FL)
| | Mission Opportunity in Guatemala | | NUCC is organizing a mission trip to Guatemala from October 12-19 with spots for eight people. Priority goes to first-time travelers, with past participants included if space allows. Join us in building stoves and supporting Guatemalan children and families through education and service. Interested? Email Susan Pezzullo. Don’t miss this meaningful opportunity! | | |
To view all our upcoming events and ways to connect,
visit our online calendar here.
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8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
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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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