Naples UCC Family,

On Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost. In reflecting on the story of God gifting the early church the Holy Spirit, I sense that one of the awesome miracles that happened is that all who gathered took initiative to learn the language of other people, "A crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language." (Acts 2:6) Jews, Greeks, Parthians, Egyptians—amazingly, they all heard each other.

Since the days of the Tower of Babel, differences of language and race have been used as a wedge to create power, to exclude, and to otherize. One of the great miracles of Pentecost is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, unity happened. People of all languages and ethnicities heard each other. I do wonder if the Pentecost story offers a powerful vision of what could happen in our world if we decided to listen to one another. To listen across ethnic lines, party lines, cultural lines, and religious lines. What would it be like in a world that actually listened to the language of the other?

There's a wise Quaker saying that is a favorite of mine: "The only enemies we have are the people whose stories we have not heard." May the Holy Spirit continue to empower us to listen to the language and voices of everyone. For when everyone is heard, God's unconditional love, like wind from heaven, blows onto the scene.

In Christ,

Pastor Mark



Join us this Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025

Rev. Hugh Clark | 10 AM

Beetlejuice

Acts 2: 1-21



We invite you to wear red for Pentecost Sunday, June 8. In wearing red, we honor the Holy Spirit in our midst. Following the 10 a.m. service, join us in the Gathering Place for celebratory cake and fellowship.

Join in person or online!

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Hugh G. Clark as our guest preacher this Sunday at Naples United Church of Christ. Dr. Clark is the Chair of the Social Work Department and MSW Program Coordinator at FGCU. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S.S.W. from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Theology from Perkins School of Theology.

His journey has taken him from the pulpit—as Minister of Outreach at First United Methodist Church of Dallas—to the classroom, where he’s taught social work at several universities. A passionate advocate, Dr. Clark’s work focuses on LGBTQIA+ policy, nonprofit leadership, and social work education. At FGCU, he’s helped lead Safe Zone training and served on the PRIDE committee.

With deep roots in ministry, education, and justice, Dr. Clark brings both heart and insight to the pulpit. We’re thrilled to have him with us.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates on two major renovation projects taking place here on our campus, both aimed at enhancing our facilities and enriching our programming.

Excuse Our Dust: Nelson Hall Renovation – Starting Monday, June 9 we will be making improvements to Nelson Hall. Our trustees are working hard to adapt and equip two of the upper floor spaces, ensuring it’s better suited to meet the needs of our growing programs. Especially our youth programs! While we work, please avoid the upstairs area of Nelson Hall until the work is finished.

Bloom Academy Renovation – In addition to the updates in Nelson Hall, we’re also excited to see the Bloom Academy renovation taking shape. The demolition phase is now complete, and the construction phase is officially underway. We’re looking forward to seeing how Bloom will enhance the space on our campus. If you’re planning to visit the campus in the coming weeks, please be mindful of the construction traffic.



Thank you for your patience during this exciting time of transformation. We can’t wait to share the finished results with you!

At Naples United Church of Christ, we believe that every person is a beloved child of God—worthy of love, dignity, and full inclusion in the life of the church. That’s why we are proud to be an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation in the United Church of Christ. This means we have made a public covenant to welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Our commitment to inclusivity reflects our understanding of the Gospel and Paul’s call to “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7). No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, Naples United Church of Christ welcomes you!

Saturday, June 7, 11 AM to 4 PM, Cambier Park

Naples UCC is proud to sponsor a booth at this year’s Naples Pride Fest, taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cambier Park. We’re grateful for our wonderful volunteers who will be staffing our table throughout the day, helping to share our message of welcome and inclusivity. Volunteer shifts are between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please submit your photos to yuli@naplesucc.org for use in our church communications!

All are invited to attend this vibrant community event and show your support. Tickets can be purchased at naplespride.org

Do you enjoy getting people together, organizing outings, or planning gatherings and events? Naples UCC needs you! We are looking for volunteers to be part of a Social Committee and help plan a variety of events for fellowship and fun. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please contact Cheryl Turner at cheryl@cherylturner.com or call the church at (239) 261-5469. Joining the committee is a great way to gather with friends, meet new people, and have a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

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. Together, they seek deeper understanding and ways to make a positive difference. Throughout the summer, the group will meet on Mondays. The new reading is Jesus for Everyone, Not Just Christians by Amy-Jill Levine, Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. Please contact Rich Kirschner for details at rdkirschner@gmail.com.

Mahjong pro or want to learn? Join us for Mahjong on Mondays from 1 - 3 p.m. in Nelson Hall. Free, and all are always welcome!

Tuesday, June 17, 1 PM, Parlor

Thank you to all who craft our prayer shawls! Know that in doing so you help us preserve this universal and embracing ministry. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Parlor, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Contact Janet Goodhart at (610) 420-7196 with questions.

Our next NUCC Golf for Fun outing, hosted by Cheryl Turner and Ed Kaulbars, will take place on Friday, June 20 at The Moorings Country Club with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. Following golf, enjoy a delicious lunch—please select your meal when signing in. Options include a Grilled Avocado Club, Superfoods Salad with Grilled Chicken, or an American Cheeseburger. The cost for golf and cart is $50, lunch with unlimited soft drinks is $26, and tax and tip total $9.76, bringing the all-inclusive cost to $85.76. A special thank you to Cheryl and The Moorings for generously waiving all other fees. We hope you’ll join us for a fun day of fellowship on the fairways!

Monday, June 23, 2 PM, N-104

Our Summer Book Club continues this month with a book titled The Wedding People by Alison Espach. We welcome all for a lively discussion, even if you have not read the book! Not in town? Please join us on Zoom.



Meeting ID: 838 2027 0433, Passcode: book

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back during the summer months? The Bargain Box urgently needs volunteers to help keep things running smoothly—and we’d love to have you on board!

Here’s how you can help:

• On Mondays, we need strong hands and willing hearts at the church to offload the shed, load vehicles, and transport items to the store. Drivers and lifters are especially needed!

• On Wednesdays through Fridays, we’re looking for volunteers for all shifts to assist with ironing, cashiering, and running items to the floor

• Our greatest need is on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Summer is our biggest season for volunteerism needs, and we can’t do it without your help. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time and energy will make a real impact in our community. The Bargain Box is located at 3906 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112. To learn more or sign up, contact George at (239) 262-3802.

The Caregiver’s Support Group meets every other Friday year-round to support those caring for loved ones. Join us next Friday at 2 p.m. 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.

Sunday School – During the months of June and July, our children will worship with us. Regular children’s programs resume in August. 

Nursery Care Continues Throughout the Summer! — Nursery care for infants through 4 years old is available each Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Nelson Hall, room 203.

Sunday, June 15

Worship Service | 10 AM

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

Psalm 8: 1-2

From Little Lips

Sanctuary Choir

Pamela Jimenez, soloist



Dinner & A Movie is beginning this summer with a viewing of the movie Nonnas in Beverly Hall on Tuesday, June 26 at 3 p.m. The movie run time is 1hr 54mins. Afterwards, you are welcome to continue on to dinner at Giuseppe and the Lion. Join us for fun and fellowship! Bring your friends, membership is not required. The address is: 1585 Pine Ridge Rd, Suite 5, Naples, FL 34109. Please sign up in the Gathering Place, or by calling (239) 261-5469 no later than Sunday, June 22. Hope to see you there!

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