Naples UCC Family,

It is with considerable enthusiasm that I share with you some great news. On May 15th, Jorge De La Roche will join our Naples UCC staff team as our new Bargain Box Thrift Store Manager! Jorge, pronounced "George," comes to us with considerable experience in community outreach, volunteer leadership, marketing, retail technology, retail sales, and resale management. 

In recent months, we received 121 applications for our position, and we interviewed 6 finalist candidates. Jorge stood out as the candidate who can best help our store grow and thrive in the future. With a demonstrated track record of success in all things thrift, Jorge is known by many local non-profit leaders and thrift store managers. Rev. Lisa Lefkow (CEO of Habitat Collier) described Jorge as incredibly knowledgeable in the thrift industry, kind, full of ideas, hard-working, and a "truly excellent choice" for our store going forward. As Lisa put it, "You're in for a treat." 

Last January, our current Bargain Box Manager Sandy Goldstein announced her retirement effective October 31st. NUCC Executive Director Brad Van Houten will be directing Jorge and Sandy in a phased transition process over the summer months so as to ensure continuity and to oversee the implementation of new initiatives. Collaborating with Brad and our Bargain Box Committee, I will also be working with Jorge to ensure that Jorge gets off to a terrific start. In upcoming weeks, Jorge looks forward to getting to know personally our congregation, our volunteers, and our customers.

Finally, it seems only fitting that with a special event planned on October 12^th to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Bargain Box, we celebrate the past and the future together in this management transition. For Sandy and her longevity of leadership, I give thanks. And for Jorge and his commitment to the store's future, I give thanks as well.

Welcome Jorge!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark 

Join us this Sunday, May 11, 2025

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams | 9 &11 AM

Helping the Helper

Acts 9: 36-43



Join in person or online!

We invite all Bargain Box volunteers to "Meet and Greet'' Jorge (George) De La Roche, our incoming manager! Join us at the Bargain Box on Tuesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. to enjoy coffee and donuts together as we give Jorge a warm welcome. The Bargain Box Thrift Store & Boutique is located at 3906 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34112. See you there!

On Mother’s Day, May 11, we will be collecting a special offering for Baby Basics, a long-term mission partner that provides diapers to families in Collier County. To make your contribution, please use one of the giving envelopes in the pew backs and write Mother’s Day Offering on the memo line of your check. Jean Ann Lynch, founder of Baby Basics and NUCC member, will offer a Mission Moment during worship. Thank you for your generosity.

In recent weeks, continued progress has been made on our steeple repair project that includes repairs to Gates Chapel. Alongside a steeple manufacturer, we have now successfully retained four additional entities required by local officials: an engineer, an architect, a general contractor, and a permitting agency. The complexities of this project are numerous, but the outcome will be a blessing to all for many years to come. We are so grateful for all who have been generous toward the project, and we look forward to updating the congregation in the fall about construction timing, scope, and dates. 

After reading Chelsea’s beautiful farewell letter, we know many of you share in both the joy of her next chapter and the sadness of saying goodbye. Chelsea has been a shining light in our church community—her warmth, dedication, and welcoming spirit have left a lasting mark on all of us. If you feel moved to express your appreciation with a personal note, card, or gift, you are warmly invited to do so. Contributions can be shared with Chelsea directly or brought to the church office before her final day on Thursday, May 22.

Please join us during Fellowship this Sunday to celebrate Chelsea and all she has meant to us. We’ll share stories, laughter, and cake as we send her off with love and gratitude.

Saturday, May 10, 3 PM, Beverly Hall and McSpadden Hall

Join us for a special Mother’s Day Student-Teacher Concert, presented by Arts Planet. This gift to the community is free of charge, but registration is required — reserve your spot! Enjoy a wonderful afternoon filled with live music, followed by a festive reception featuring arts & crafts, and exciting raffles. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and family to share in the fun! Learn more about Arts Planet at www.ArtsPlanetNaples.org.

Tee Off the Season with Us! Get ready for our first golf outing of the season, generously hosted by Bob Morse! Join us at Spanish Wells on Friday, May 16 — the first tee time is at 9:00 AM, with five total tee times available. The cost is just $55, which includes golf and a cart. Stick around afterward for lunch and great company! Spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP to Ron Sanson at (239)860-8034. We hope to see you on the course!

Tuesday, May 20, 1 PM, Parlor

The beautiful prayer shawls that will be featured in the worship service this week were crafted by dedicated members of our Prayer Shawl Ministry. Whether you know how to knit or want to learn, no matter your age, gender, or walk of life, all are invited to make memories and help us preserve this universal and embracing ministry. The group meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Parlor, from 1-2:30 p.m. Contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196 for questions. Thank you to all our knitters who over the years have created beautiful shawls.

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.

Looking for ways to make a difference? Our Boards and Committees partner with many local organizations to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer at Naples UCC: Reception

Wednesdays and Fridays, Various Shifts, NUCC

Help us share a warm welcome at the church front desk on Wednesdays and Fridays. We’re looking for volunteers for morning (8:30–12:15) and afternoon (12:00–4:30) shifts. It’s a great way to serve and connect! Contact the church office to sign up.

Volunteer at the Grace Place Food Pantry

Friday, May 30, 12:30 - 4 PM, Grace Place

Join NUCC members for a fun afternoon and help serve families in need. Come Friday, May 30 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. 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)

Volunteer at PrideFest with Naples UCC

Saturday, June 7, 8:30 - 4:30 PM, Cambier Park

Naples UCC is proud to be sponsoring a booth at this year’s Pridefest on Saturday, June 7 at Cambier Park—and we’d love your help! We’re looking for friendly, welcoming volunteers to help staff our table throughout the day. Shifts are between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and having at least 8–12 volunteers will help us keep things running smoothly. It’s a great way to show support, connect with the community, and share NUCC’s spirit of inclusivity and love. Interested? Contact the church office to sign up at (239)261-5469.

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 welcome to participate if space allows.  The NUCC team will install stoves and support Guatemalan children and families through educational and intercultural activities. Interested? Email Susan Pezzullo. Don’t miss out on this meaningful opportunity to serve and learn.

Beginning next Sunday, May 18, and through the Summer, we will offer a single Worship Service at 10 AM. Please join us in Worship in person or online.

Confirmation Sunday, May 18

Worship Service | 10 AM

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

Use Your Slingshot

1 Samuel 17: 32-49

Ingrid Carlson, piano

Angelina Sozio, soprano

Miguel Coates, clarinet



The Caregiver’s Support Group meets every other Friday year-round to support those caring for loved ones. Join us next Friday in Nelson Hall, room 101. 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 May 25, following Sunday service, at 11:15 a.m. in N207 for a talk on immigration, justice, and faith. Michael J. O’Reilly is a local lawyer with a practice helping people to legally immigrate to the U.S. He will cover how our Immigration System works, when it fails, what we can do about it, and the connection to our faith. Sponsored by the Justice Committee, the talk will be facilitated by his friend and Justice Committee member, Jeff Davis. There will be time to ask questions following the talk.

Join us on Monday, May 19 at 2 p.m. in Nelson Hall, Room 104 to discuss this month’s Summer Selection, titled The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. We welcome all for a lively discussion, even if you have not read the book! Not in town? Please join us on Zoom. 



(Zoom ID: 838 2027 0433 | Password: book) 

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