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Naples UCC Family,
This Sunday in worship, I’ll be preaching about Sarah, one the great heroines of our faith. When studying at Duke Divinity School, I heard Dr. Terry Lindvall lecture about his book entitled The Mother of All Laughter: Sarah and the Genesis of Comedy. Lindvall argued that we really ought to get more serious about laughter, as laughter has deep roots in the Bible and in the tradition of our faith. Lindvall argued that the story of Sarah (who laughed when told she would give birth to Isaac) illumines for all of us that humor and laughter are part of God’s design for humanity.
When God orchestrates what only God can, one of the most worshipful ways we can respond is to laugh. For God does have this knack for authoring goodness in our lives in ways that surprise us, moving us beyond what we think is possible or beyond what it is we can even begin to understand. I look forward to sharing more on Sunday…
In addition, on Sunday we’ll celebrate the mothers in our lives, and we’ll also celebrate Pastor Jim Moseley’s interim ministry with us. After both services in the Gather Place, folks can say their goodbyes to Pastor Jim, and we will have a table set up for cards and gifts. I look forward to well-wishes, cake, and, yes, a lot of laughs.
See You Sunday!
Pastor Mark
| | This Sunday at Naples UCC | | |
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Rev. Mark Williams
The Mother of Laughter
Genesis 18: 10-14
Genesis 21: 1-6
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Askar Salimdjanov, Violin
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Pastor Jim’s final Sunday with us will be this Sunday, May 10. Following both services, he will be in the Gathering Place to greet and spend time with everyone—an opportunity to share your appreciation and well wishes in person.
In honor of his ministry, the church will be making a meaningful gift to Friends of the Everglades, reflecting a cause close to his heart. Those who would like to contribute are invited to donate to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
You are also encouraged to write a note or card of gratitude. These can be brought with you this Sunday or sent to the church office, and we will ensure they are delivered to Pastor Jim.
| | THIS SUNDAY, 9 & 11 AM SERVICES | N-101 | |
This Mother’s Day, as we give thanks for the love, sacrifice, and strength of mothers, we’re also invited to put that love into action. Our Mother’s Day special offering supports Baby Basics of Collier County—a lifeline for hardworking families with young children who don’t qualify for government cash assistance but still struggle to make ends meet.
For many, even something as essential as diapers can become an overwhelming expense. Without a steady supply, babies can suffer from discomfort and health issues, and parents are forced into difficult choices—like buying food or keeping their child clean and dry.
Through Baby Basics, more than 600 babies each month receive the diapers they need across 14 sites in Collier County. This support eases financial stress and helps families focus on other essentials. In fact, 97% of families say they are better able to meet their basic needs because of this program. Still, the need is greater—an estimated 1,500 babies in our community qualify for assistance.
This ministry is about more than diapers. It offers dignity, encouragement, and a reminder that no family is alone.
This Mother’s Day, we invite you to give generously. Your offering will help care for babies and support families right here in our community.
| | Thank You for Supporting Cans for Communion! | |
Thank you for the incredible outpouring of generosity for Cans for Communion! Your donations of cereal, peanut butter, and other nonperishable items will go a long way in supporting our mission partner, Grace Place for Children and Families. Because of you, our neighbors in need are cared for in a meaningful and tangible way.
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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. in Nelson Hall. Free, and all are always welcome!
| | MAY 13, 8:30 AM | PELICAN BAY SOUTH BERM | | |
Join members and friends for fellowship, prayer and walking in nature. The Walk and Wonder group eagerly welcomes family members, friends and especially newcomers to the Naples UCC community.
On Wednesday, May 13 enjoy a walk along the Pelican Bay 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 church by 10:00 a.m.
Contact Merrill Noble at mwnoble56@gmail.com if you have questions or plan to attend for the first time.
| | Men's New Chapters Spirituality Group | | Please note that Men’s New Chapters will hold its final meetings of the season on May 13, and 20. Following these sessions, the group will take a summer break and resume meeting in October. Discussions will focus on readings related to church, life, and spirituality. If you have not received the reading materials or would like to be added to the email list, please contact Rich Kirschner at rdkirschner@gmail.com. | | Caregiver's Support Group | | |
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.
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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.
Children's Message – 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.
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 (the building across the Gathering Place). Please sign in with our nursery staff. Our former space located next to the sanctuary is still available to you as a Wiggle Room. Feel free to utilize that space if you wish to stay with your child.
Youth Sunday School – Students 6-12 grade are invited to join us each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. for fellowship and meaningful discussion about following Jesus and what that means today. We gather in Nelson Hall room 200. All are welcome!
UPCOMING EVENTS — All children and youth are invited to our Summer Jam on Sunday, May 17th. We’ll honor our graduating seniors, celebrate the upcoming summer, and the end of another school year. We’ll also have a preview of our new program year beginning in August! Parents, please join us following the worship service for our final Family Café of the school year. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship upstairs in Nelson Hall. Sunday school continues through the month of May, then we’ll take a summer break for June and July. All families are invited to worship together during this time (nursery care for children up to age 4 is always provided).
| | Nelson Hall Summer Renovation Update | | |
Thanks to the awesome generosity of our congregation, $78,500 has been raised toward our renovation of Nelson Hall this summer. The total cost of the renovation project is $105,000. We are getting closer to our goal!
If you are interested in making a gift toward this project, contact Rev. Dr. Mark Williams through the church office at (239) 261-5469. Pastor Mark can answer any questions about the project or about capital giving. Naming/memorial opportunities are still available. So much ministry at Naples UCC happens in Nelson Hall—children’s ministry, educational programming, mission efforts, fellowship events, and community outreach.
We all look forward to renewed ministry space that will bless our church’s ministry for many years to come!
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Sunday, May 17, 2026
Rev. Dr. Mark Williams
"Wait Well"
Acts 1: 6-14
| | MAY 17, 10:00 AM | SANCTUARY | | As our congregation shifts into the rhythm of summer, Naples UCC will return to one worship service starting May 17 when we will gather at 10:00 a.m. Whether you’re a year-round member, a seasonal neighbor, or visiting, all are welcome to join us. For those of you that have returned up north, be sure to stay connected with us by joining for worship online through our website. Stay up-to-date on the life of the church throughout the summer by joining our email list. If you don’t already receive our weeky Eblast, please sign up through the church website at naplesucc.org or by calling the church office at (239) 261-5469. | | MAY 17, 9:00 AM | NELSON HALL | | |
Get ready for a joyful "Summer Jam" a celebration for our children on Sunday, May 17! We’ll honor our graduating seniors, celebrate the end of an amazing school year, and get a first look at all the exciting things coming in our new program year this fall.
Parents, don’t miss our final Family Café right after worship—come enjoy refreshments, laughter, and connection together in Nelson Hall as we wrap up the season.
Sunday School continues through May before we head into our summer break (June–July). During the summer months, families are encouraged to worship together—nursery care is always available for children up to age 4.
| | MAY 17, 10:00 AM | SANCTUARY | We look forward to honoring this year’s graduates on next Sunday, May 17 during the worship service. If you have a graduate who will be present with you that day and would like to have them recognized, please submit their name to Samantha Santarosa at samantha@napleuscc.org by this Sunday, May 10. Or you can call the church office at (239) 261-5469. | | MAY 17, 10:00 AM | SANCTUARY | | |
Join us next sunday at our 10:00 a.m. service as we welcome Dr. Linda Cunning of New Horizons of Southwest Florida, recipient of a $39,650 Naples UCC grant supporting local students through after-school programs! Thank you so much for your support and generosity.
New Horizons of Southwest Florida provides free after-school and summer programs that empower at-risk youth in the community through academic support, enrichment activities, and character development.
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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.
| MAY 22, 9:00 AM | MOORINGS COUNTRY CLUB | |
You’ll want to join this golf outing—the first of the spring season! Our thanks to Cheryl Turner and Ed Kaulbars for organizing it. Tee times begin at 9:00 a.m., and the cost is $86.70 for 18 holes, cart, and lunch with soft drinks (other beverages available for purchase).
As always, sign up in the Gathering Area, call the church office, or contact us directly: John at 732-598-2796 (johnballew1@yahoo.com) or Ron at 239-860-8035 (ronsansoncam@gmail.com)
Joke of the day: Golf is a game invented by God to punish guys who retired early.
| MAY 28, 4:00 PM | COPPER'S HAWK | |
Join Naples UCC friends and family at this month’s Social Soiree to Copper’s Hawk, located at 11905 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 in the Gathering Place by May 27, or call the church office at (239) 261-5469 with any questions. Hope to see you there!
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Keep the Heart of the Bargain Box Beating
This Summer!
| 3906 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34112 | |
As the season winds down, our mission is picking up speed—and we need you to help us keep up the momentum. We are looking for friendly faces to join our team for shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
- Hospitality & Cashiering: Be the face of the shop! Welcome customers and manage the register.
- Donation Transport: Help move "new-to-us" treasures from the NUCC shed to the Bargain Box.
- Curation & Sorting: Help us inspect, organize, and prep incoming donations.
- Display & Merchandising: Get creative! Help stage and style items to make the sales floor shine.
Donations: Our Summer Lifeline
Your gently used items are the pulse of our store. Every donation ensures we can continue serving our community throughout the summer months.
Ready to jump in? If you have a few hours to spare and a willing heart, we’d love to meet you. Please sign up with Samantha in the Gathering Place to get started!
| | NEXT - Programming Submissions | |
As we prepare our upcoming NEXT publication, we invite all committee chairs to share their program updates, events, and plans for the coming season. This is a great opportunity to help the congregation stay connected and informed about all that’s ahead.
Please submit your content through the shared form no later than July 1 to ensure inclusion in the publication. We look forward to highlighting the exciting work happening across our church! Contact Bianca Bellido if you need assistance.
| | Take Home A Piece Of History | |
As we update our chapel, several original wooden pews are available for adoption. Pews are roughly 15ft long with removable cushions. Must be able to pick up. If you would like to take home a piece of Naples UCC history, please contact Susan Konsker at skonsker@me.com or 631-921-4150.
| | Heading North? Stay Connected! | | Wherever you are, you’re always part of the Naples UCC community. Join us for our live-streamed services at www.naplesucc.org and follow us on social media to stay connected and engaged. | | |
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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