Naples UCC Family,

From January through March of 2025, Rev. Katherine Mulhern will be serving on Sunday mornings at Naples UCC in the capacity to Seasonal Worship Liturgist! 

Rev. Katherine Mulhern graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ in 1991. Over the next 22 years, she was called to serve in two different Iowa churches – first as a solo pastor, and then as a Senior Pastor. A “second career” pastor, Katherine retired from pastoral ministry in 2013, only to be called to serve as an adjunct member on the staff of the Iowa Conference of the UCC – mentoring young clergy in their 20’s and 30’s. Katherine is certified as a Spiritual Director and works with individuals and groups in their search to discover spiritual wholeness.



Katherine is no stranger to Naples UCC. She and her husband Dick Werner have been seasonal members of Naples UCC since 2014. Katherine is a mother, stepmother, grandmother and quilter. She practices yoga, walks regularly, and loves swimming throughout the warm Florida winters. When I asked Katherine to serve in this short-term capacity, I was blessed by her thoughtful approach to ministry, her caring spirit, and her commitment to deepening the faith of those around her.

Katherine will be serving Naples UCC for 10 hours a week (Sunday and Tuesday mornings) through March. Katherine will be serving the church in a worship capacity only. She is not a candidate for our open clergy position, and she assures me that no amount of congregational persuasion will change her mind! 

I hope you will join me in warmly welcoming Katherine on Sunday mornings. We are truly blessed to have her with us!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark 

Worship Service at 9 AM & 11 AM

Distinguished Guest Preacher | Sunday, January 12, 2024

Join us on Sunday as special guest preacher Rev. Dr. William H. Willimon will preach his sermon titled New based on Revelation 21: 1-5

Join in person or online!

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Naples United Church of Christ will host Rev. Dr. Will Willimon as a guest preacher in worship at both the 9 a.m. and 11a.m. worship services. Willimon selected Naples United Church of Christ to give his annual New Year’s message. All are welcome. Cost is free. Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he led the 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors in North Alabama. For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. In 1992, Willimon was named as the first Distinguished Alumnus of Yale Divinity School.

He is the author of roughly one hundred books. Over a million copies of his books have been sold. In 1996, an international survey conducted by Baylor University named him one of the Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the English-speaking world. Willimon’s articles have appeared in many publications including The Christian Ministry, Quarterly Review, Plough, Liturgy, Worship and Christianity Today. He is Editor-at-Large for The Christian Century. He has written church curriculum materials and video for youth, young adults, and adults. His Pulpit Resource is used each week by thousands of pastors in the USA, Canada, and Australia. A 2005 study by the Pulpit and Pew Research Center found that Bishop Willimon is the second most widely read author by mainline Protestant pastors.

Sunday, January 12, 10:15 am, McSpadden Hall

Rev. Dr. Mark will interview our distinguished guest Rev. Dr. Will Willimon. If you are planning to attend the 11 a.m. worship service, come early at 10:15 a.m. to hear the presentation!

Saturday, January 18, 12 pm, Sanctuary

Join us for a freewill offering concert that promises to captivate and inspire. This special program will take you on a musical journey, featuring one of Schubert’s greatest works for violin and piano, alongside pieces by Ukrainian and Spanish composers that beautifully reflect their rich cultural heritage. We’re thrilled to welcome pianist Diana Chubak, making her Naples debut, performing with acclaimed violinist Magdiell Antequera. “It’s a joy to reunite with my dear friend Diana,” says Magdiell. “Her artistry shines, and her new album, featuring works by the underrepresented Ukrainian composer Sergei Bortkiewicz, is available on all streaming platforms.” Don’t miss this extraordinary performance at Naples UCC, where world-class talent meets heartfelt artistry. All are welcome!

You are invited, yes you! We will hold a Prospective Member Luncheon this Sunday immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service only in Nelson room 104. This is an opportunity to meet our Senior Minister, hear about our theology, and ask any questions you may have. Walk-ins are welcome!

On Sunday, January 26, we will have a wonderful opportunity for those wishing to become members of Naples UCC. We will have a public joining at the 11:00 a.m. service only and private joining at 12:30 p.m. You may join as a full member or associate member (for those who wish to maintain their membership at a northern church). If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please be in touch with our Membership Coordinator, Chelsea Godwin via email at Chelsea@naplesucc.org, or call the church office at (239)261-5469. If you are here on Sunday, we invite you to sign up in the Gathering Place following the service.

Caregiver's Support Group meets every other Friday year-round to provide support for those who are caring for a loved one. We also welcome those who have been a caregiver or anticipate being one. We encourage you to bring a friend who might benefit from it. Church membership is not a requirement. All discussions are kept private within the group. For more information, please contact Joan Millon at joanmillon6@gmail.com. Join us TODAY at 2 PM in Nelson Hall, room 101.

The Justice Committee is looking for volunteers to support our presence at this year’s Cambier Park Celebration on January 20. This year’s theme is “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope: Dr. King’s Legacy of Inclusion and Diversity.”

Set up for the event is 8:00 a.m. The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. and the park event is from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Shifts are: 8 to10:00 a.m. (includes setting up), 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (includes closing down). To volunteer, please contact Janet Nacu at jannacu@gmail.com. This will be the third consecutive year that NUCC has joined this annual celebration in Naples! Thank you for your support!

Join NUCC members for a fun afternoon and help serve families in need. Come Friday, January 17 from 12:30 to 4:00 PM. 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)

Wednesdays, from January 8 to March 26, 9 am & 1 pm, N-207

Pastor Mark is leading a 12-week Bible study on Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 5-7), emphasizing its meaningful, countercultural, and prophetic message. Join us for our next session this Wednesday. The study aims to evoke astonishment and challenge participants. Discussions will be open-minded, welcoming diverse interpretations. All you need to bring with you is your favorite Bible and an open heart. 

Tuesday, January 14, 3:30 pm, N-104

Want to reduce anxiety and find calm as promised in Scripture? Beginning Tuesday, January 14, join Linda Russell from NUCC for a five-week class on Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. This book offers practical advice for overcoming anxiety and exploring Biblical contentment, with insights on applying it to daily life. The group meets every other Tuesday.

Monday, January 27, 2 pm, N-104

Continuing its 15th year, the NUCC Book Club is open to all NUCC members and friends. The Book Club will meet on Monday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. in person in N-104 and via Zoom. Our exciting read this month is Master, Slave, Husband, Wife by Ilyon Woo. Newcomers are always welcome, even if you haven’t read the book. 

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

Tuesday, January 21, 4 pm, N-207

Collier County boasts a distinctive array of shorebirds and waterbirds, particularly prominent on Marco Island and the beaches at Clam Pass and Pelican Bay. Annually, various migratory species grace our shores. However, the local bird populations face many environmental hazards. Come hear Brittany Piersma, an Audubon Western Everglades Field Biologist, discuss safeguarding these visiting flocks during the winter and how to identify nesting grounds in the summer.

Wednesday, February 5, 2 pm

The Justice Committee is a long-standing co-sponsor of Movies That Matter and would like to share this opportunity with our congregation. There will be a panel discussion on February 5 at 2 p.m. on the Spring 2025 films Gather and Waterborne.

Tickets are free of charge but registration is required. Links to view the films will be sent to those who have registered one week before the panel discussion date. For any questions kindly contact Program Director Katie Butte at Katie@HMCEC.org. View the flyer below for links and additional details. (Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center; 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Suite 108, Naples, FL, 34110)

Stewardship Sunday

 Sunday, January 19 • 9 & 11 AM 

Rev. Dr. Mark Willliams

Fueling the Light

Matthew 5: 14-16

Magdeill Antequera, violin

Jasson Street, pianist

Monday, January 27, 4 pm, Bahama Breeze

We are excited to announce our next Social Soiree will be on Monday January 27 at Bahama Breeze; located in Coastland Center (2088 9th St N North, Naples, FL 34102). Join us at 4 p.m. for fun, food, and fellowship, and be sure to bring your family and friends. All are welcome to participate!

Thursday, January 23 | bus departs NUCC parking lot at 8 a.m.

Buy a ticket for you and a loved one for Spectacularly Spanish: Miami’s Spanish Roots & Little Havana Guided Tour.

This tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of Miami’s rich Spanish roots and Cuban culture. You'll gain insight into the city's transformation into a bi-cultural hub, visit historical landmarks, enjoy a traditional Cuban meal, and have free time to explore one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Bring your curiosity, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the vibrant sights and sounds of Little Havana! The cost is $159 per person. RSVP BY JANUARY 12. Sign up in the Gathering Place or contact Diane Myers at bobanddianem4@yahoo.com 

To view all our upcoming events and ways to connect,

visit our online calendar here.

Exciting work has started! Bloom Academy is beginning the demo work to prepare for their new occupancy in the Precious Cargo Academy building. Please note that there may be dumpsters in front of McSpadden Hall and in the playground during the week so use caution if you are planning to visit the church. Thank you for your understanding as we welcome our new tenants to our campus. 

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