“Betwixt and Between” is derived from an old English idiom meaning to be neither one thing nor another. It describes the experience or circumstance of being “caught up” in the middle of something with all the commensurate feelings and tensions. 

Quite literally, this is my experience as I anticipate departing from Naples and returning to my home in North Carolina. I am sad to be leaving a place and a fellowship I greatly enjoy, and I am glad to be returning to my family and all that awaits me in the mountains of Western North Carolina. One set of feelings does not cancel the other. They simply highlight the tension between the past and future and the many ambiguities of change that shape the human experience. 

This Sunday morning I'll be preaching my last sermon at Naples United Church of Christ. The text from which I'm preaching is found in the book of Ezra, the 3rd chapter. It describes a moment when the cornerstone of a new temple is being dedicated amidst the rubble of the former temple destroyed by the Babylonian armies. The ceremony is intended to mark a new beginning as the Jewish people, long in exile in Babylon, have returned to their homeland to rebuild their capital. Yet just as the priests raise their voices in praise and prayer, a great cry of lamentation is lifted up over the loss of what once was, and many believe could never be replaced. The scripture states that the people, listening from a great distance, could not distinguish the sound of joyful shouts from the sound of the people weeping.  

Every church, if it is to advance in mission, must find the balance of past and future which generates gratitude for what has come before and curiosity about what lies ahead. This, I believe, is true for our personal lives as well. So, as I depart, I want to thank you for a season of countless joys, friendships, and sunsets. I encourage you to keep looking to the future as Pastor Sonya will soon arrive. She will lead you and care for you with the wisdom and grace with which God has blessed her. Please know that whenever I have the chance to speak of my time with “all y’all” at NUCC, I will tell of a great congregation beside a beautiful beach which I’ll remember always with great affection and thanksgiving.  

In Christ’s Peace, 

Pastor Jim

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Rev. Jim Moseley

Ezra 3: 10-13

Do You Hear What I Hear?

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Egor Antonenko, cello

TODAY, 2:00 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. Bring a friend who may benefit! For more info, contact Joan Millon at joanmillon6@gmail.com.

MAY 2, 8:00 AM | LAS PALMAS

Join fellow NUCC 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.



(Las Palmas, Broken Back Road, Naples)

MAY 2, 1:00 PM | LABYRINTH

Every year on the first Saturday in May thousands of people around the globe participate in World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for world peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience. Many “Walk as One at 1” local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next. There will not be a guided walk but everyone is welcome to walk the Naples UCC labyrinth on their own in the name of peace. There is no right or wrong way to walk this singular path but flyers are available in the sign box in front of the Naples UCC labyrinth for guidance if desired.

MAY 2, 2:00 PM | BEVERLY HALL

Lux Solis is a small, professional ensemble led by section leaders from Naples United Church of Christ. Inspired by our sun-filled community, our name— meaning “light of the sun”—reflects our mission to bring warmth and light through music. Formed to explore both sacred and secular repertoire, Lux Solis offers a fresh and meaningful way to share our passion for choral artistry. Their first concert is Saturday, May 2, at 2:00 pm, in Beverly Hall. There is no admission charge.

MAY 3, 10:15 AM | N-103

A time for visitors to learn, ask questions and meet our ministers. The Meet & Greet takes place following the 9:00 a.m. service in Nelson Hall, room 103. Walk-ins are welcome! 

MAY 3, 9:00 11:00 AM | PORTICO

Cans for Communion collection returns on May 3! Donations of nonperishable food items help support our mission partner - Grace Place. This month they are spotlighting CEREAL AND PEANUT BUTTER; however ALL donations are greatly appreciated. Do some bulk shopping or pickup items on the weekly BOGO list but be sure to check those expiration dates! 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 at (239) 261-5469.

MAY 4, 1:00 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!

MAY 5, 1:00 PM | PARLOR

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.

Please note that Men’s New Chapters will hold its final meetings of the season on May 6, 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.

Pastor Jim’s final Sunday with us will be 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 that Sunday or sent to the church office, and we will ensure they are delivered to Pastor Jim.

Bianca joins the Naples UCC team as our new Communications Specialist. She is based here in Naples and brings more than nine years of experience across marketing, communications, and design within nonprofit and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a specialty in Marketing and has advanced training in graphic design, photography, and art direction. 

She is bilingual in English and Spanish, with a strong background in communications strategy, fundraising, social media, and creative content. In her recent work, Bianca has helped organizations grow their visibility and deepen their connection with the community. Her creativity, strategic mindset, and passion for mission-driven storytelling will be a wonderful asset to Naples UCC. 

Bianca officially joined us this week—please join us in extending a warm welcome! As she gets settled, she’ll be connecting with staff and the congregation to build relationships and learn more about the life of our church. Her Naples UCC email is bianca@naplesucc.org. 

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).

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

The Mother of Laughter

Genesis 18: 1-15

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Askar Salimdjanov, Violin

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.

Let's make it official!

Join us Sunday, May 10 - Mother's Day

We will have both private and public joining Sunday, May 10. Private joining will occur at 8:30 a.m. and public joining will occur during the 9:00 a.m. service. Those wishing to retain their membership in a northern church are invited to join as Associate Members. For additional information see Samantha Santarosa in the Gathering Place or contact her at samantha@naplesucc.org.

Thanks to the awesome generosity of our congregation, $73,500 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 (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 NUCC 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!

Have you misplaced something? We have several unclaimed items waiting to be reunited with their owners. If you are missing glasses, eyeglass cases, sweaters, jackets, or other personal belongings, please stop by the Church Office this week to claim them. Any items remaining after next Sunday will be donated to The Bargain Box. For inquiries, please contact Sara Both at the church office.

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 NUCC 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.

MAY 17, 9 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 AM | SANCTUARY

We look forward to honoring this year’s graduates on 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 May 10. Or you can call the church office at (239) 261-5469.

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!

MAY 17, 10 AM | SANCTUARY

As our congregation shifts into the rhythm of summer, Naples UCC will return to one worship starting May 17 when we will gather at 10 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.

DEADLINE JULY 1

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 if you need assistance. 

As we update our chapel, several original wooden pews are available for adoption. Pews are roughly 15 ft 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.

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