Naples UCC Family,

In recent days, I began teaching a Bible Study on the Book of James. A relevant verse from that book jumps off the page: "Peacemakers who sew in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." (James 3: 18). Those who work toward peace in their service, interactions, and relationships bring forth the goodness and love of God.

Some days ago, a tragic shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan shook us all. Houses of worship where people go to connect with God and to experience peace are not immune to the violence that continues to recur in our world. Following this story in the news, I was reminded that our call as followers of Christ to work toward peace is an urgent call for sure. 

I was so blessed this week when I received a phone call from the Collier County Police Department to update me as to their most recent efforts to ensure peace. In the next few weeks, the department will be investing resources in intentional patrol and visibility for all houses of worship in our county, including our church. I was grateful for the community support, and I was reminded that there are many thoughtful people in our community who truly are working toward peace.

My family is so blessed to be part of a church that hosts forums promoting civil conversations, that embodies acceptance of everyone no matter what, that engages in interfaith dialogue, that champions kindness to children, and that extends generosity to those in need. At Naples UCC, we do more than just talk about peace, we "sew" in peace. We work toward peace. We live it. Let's keep up this good work of peace, for when we work toward peace, more heaven comes to earth. In the words of Jesus himself, "blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

In Christ,

Pastor Mark 

Sunday, October 5th, 2025

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

"God Can Take It"

Psalm 137

Join in person or online!

This Sunday is a Communion Sunday. If you would like to receive home Communion, please contact Molly Baker at mbakerlex@gmail.com.

Join us as we celebrate the 50th year of the Bargain Box Mission! Celebrate our past with special presentations, break bread together, mingle, and set our intention for the future of this mission! All are welcome; brunch-style food will be served with beverages. There is no charge, but if you are inclined to make a donation to this celebration of the Anniversary and retirement of our long-standing manager, it will go towards a special Board of Mission and Outreach gift that will be announced on October 12. Donations may be made on the church website or by calling the Church office.

Kindly RSVP for the Celebration by October 8, 2025 by clicking "RSVP NOW!", or by calling the church office at (239) 261-5469.

Cans for Communion collection returns this Sunday, October 5 and will continue on the first Sunday of every month. Donations of nonperishable food items are collected from our congregation once a month on Communion Sunday. These donations are picked up by Grace Place and distributed to hundreds of eligible individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This month Grace Place is spotlighting BEANS AND/OR OATMEAL; however, ALL donations are greatly appreciated. But please, no glass items! For a list of suggested donations, visit https://graceplacenaples.org/food-pantry/

Please drop off your items before either service under the Portico. Personal donation checks made out to “Grace Place” are also welcome at the drop off area. 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.

This Sunday, October 5 at 11 AM | Nelson Hall

A time for those interested in Membership at NUCC to learn, ask questions and meet the leadership and ministers. The Meet & Greet takes place following the 10:00 a.m. service this Sunday, October 5th, in Nelson Hall, room 104. Enjoy free refreshments! Walk-ins are welcome!

Please join us this Sunday, October 5 at 3 PM, in welcoming the FGCU Chamber and University Choirs under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown and Bel Canto and Cantabile under the direction of Dr. Bryan Ijames. Recognized for their remarkable versatility, these ensembles perform choral music from the Renaissance to newly commissioned works by American and International composers. This is a FREE concert and features many of our section leaders. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of great choral music!

Monday, October 6 at 1 PM | Nelson Hall

On Wednesday, October 8, at 9 AM. 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 James 1:19 - 27 - The Power of Words.

Starting this Monday, October 6, at 1 PM. Join Pastor Jim and our Board of Mission and Outreach members for a 7-week study titled "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.

Tuesday, October 7 | Nelson Hall 104 & Zoom

10 a.m. - The WISE for Mental Health Team Meeting

11 a.m. - Check-in and Support

If you would like to be part of the WISE ministry at NUCC, please join us for the 10 a.m. meeting, all are invited to join us for the 11 a.m. check in and support.

(Zoom ID: 843 4648 4094 | Password: WISE)

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 gatherings will resume on Tuesday, October 7 at 1 PM. Contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196 for questions and to learn more about this group.

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 October 8, 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.

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 NUCC community. On Wednesday, October 8 enjoy a walk along Seagate Beach and the boardwalk that leads to the

Naples Grande. Meet in the church parking lot at 8:30 am. Anticipate our return to church by 10am.

Contact Merrill Noble at mwnoble56@gmail.com if

you have questions or plan to attend for the first time.

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.

Join NUCC members for a fun afternoon and help serve families in need. Come Friday, October 10 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)

Come join fellow NUCC members for a purposeful and fun day. No experience is needed and all abilities welcome! Come Saturday, October 18 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)

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Bargain Box 50th Celebration

Worship Service | 10 AM

Rev. D.r Mark Williams

'Four Layers of Mission'

Acts 1:8

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Bargain Box Celebration Luncheon | 11 AM

Let's make it official! Join us October 19 for a Joining Sunday, where you may join either publicly or privately. Public joining will occur during the 10:00 a.m. service. For additional information, find Samantha in the Gathering Place on Sunday or email her at samantha@naplesucc.org.

Come join us on Friday, October 10, at 9 a.m. for a tour of Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center, which houses captive-bred exotic and unreleasable wild animals. The group will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with their residents. Please stop by the church office or register in the Gathering Place on Sunday. Registration and payments are due by October 3, 2025. Space is limited. There is a $40 fee payable by check (made out to Hilde Higuchi) or cash (exact change) at registration. (Shy Wolf; 1161 27th St SW, Naples, FL 34117)

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