In Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

Easter Sunday Service

9:00 am and 10:30 am

Easter Sunday

March 31, 2024



From the Pastor

We are finally there! Easter is this Sunday! We have gone through weeks of Lent, preparing ourselves for the joy of Easter and during these past days of Holy Week, we have been especially preparing. On Palm Sunday, we remembered Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with lots of Palms. We learned about all the events that took place in one week from the joyous entry to the devastating crucifixion. How quickly things can change! Our Maundy Thursday service was emotional and meaningful for many who came. We relived that last night Jesus spent with his disciples, including the last Passover meal, his betrayal, learning to be humble servant leaders as we watched a washing of the feet, and the institution of communion that night, in which we all participated. We ended that service with the stripping of the church, covering all in black and the darkening of the room to prepare us for the darkness of Good Friday. Now on Easter Sunday morning, we will rejoice with the glorious news that Jesus Christ is risen!

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at one of our two services (9:00am or 10:30am). Scroll down for more information on the two separate sermons that will be preached. You will enjoy beautiful music at both services. We won’t be back at the Naples Pier, once again this year, due to Hurricane Ian damage, but our two sanctuary services promise to be impactful. Be sure to bring flowers to place on the flowering cross and take photos with your family (see a couple of last year’s photos below). Also, Pastor Scott will continue taking directory photos after each service, in the sanctuary lobby for anyone who would like to be in the directory. You don’t have to be a member, just an attender.

There’s lots going on here at the church, so I hope you will scroll down for more information on all the upcoming activities! Please also remember to scroll down to our prayer list at the end of the Eblast, and lift others up in prayer.

Love and Blessings,



Pastor Nancy

pastor@fumcnaples.org.  

Life & Faith Lesson

Rev. Nancy Mayeux

9:00 am

Seeing is Believing?

When Jesus was resurrected on that glorious Easter morning, he appeared to Mary Magdalene and two followers who were traveling out of Jerusalem. When the travelers and Mary gave the wonderful news to the grieving disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead, they did not believe it. They had to see it for themselves when Jesus appeared to them. They should have known because Jesus had told them this would happen. An angel in the empty tomb said, “He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again?” (Luke 24:6-7)  Why did these disciples have such a hard time believing, until they actually saw it for themselves? How about you and me? Can we believe without actually seeing something in physical form? Come to Easter worship service at 9:00am to find out (in-person or online on YouTube).

Mark 16:1-15

Rev. Scott Ehler

10:30 am

Who are You Looking For?

So often in our lives we get focused on the stones that are blocking our path from accomplishing what we set out to do. The question the women asked on their way to the tomb was, “Who is going to roll away the stone?” When they got to the grave and saw the stone had been rolled away, they were told that Jesus was not there. He had been raised from the dead. In John, the author goes into more detail about the interaction that Mary had at the tomb, and it is here that we see Easter become personal. Join us this Sunday to examine the stones and answer the question of, “Who are you looking for?”

Mark 16:1-8, John 20:11-16

Join Us for Easter Sunday

(March 31)

You will have two family services to choose from: 9:00 am and 10:30 am on this glorious day. Our choir will sing for both services and your two pastors will provide a different sermon for each service! There will be no Sunday School during these services.

Bring a few flowers for the flowering cross.

Every year, on Easter Sunday, we put up a cross in the flower bed in front of the main sanctuary doors. That cross was built and donated by R.L Walker many years ago and we still use it every Easter. We cover it with greens and everyone brings a couple of flowers to place on it. Then we take photos in front of the cross with your family or friends!

Altar Flower Ministry



This week's altar flowers are dedicated by Arthea Brimmer in honor of all of the volunteers who give of their time and talents serving in the church.

The white rosebud on the altar is in loving memory of Freddie L. Humphries by his son Mark and granddaughter Courtney. Freddie was a long-time member of FUMC and was the first assistant Scoutmaster who helped launch Boy Scout Troop 165 on April 26, 1966, which FUMC chartered until 2023.

Every week, you have the opportunity to donate altar flowers for our Sunday worship and dedicate them to the memory of someone who was special to you or to honor someone who presently needs to be recognized! The cost is $40. Purchase and dedication can be arranged by signing up in the church lobby or by sending an email to Jaimie Dandridge at admin@fumcnaples.org. Then you can either pick up your flowers after church or donate them for us to take to organizations in our community, bringing a ray of sunshine to workers and volunteers.

The church offices will be closed on Monday, April 1st in observance of Easter. If you need immediate assistance, call the church office for a message with the phone number to contact a pastor.

The UMW will be meeting on April 2 at 10am in the church parlor. All are welcome to attend.

 Church Directory

Plans are being made to put together a new church directory. It has been almost 5 years since we had one. We are doing all the work in-house to include pictures. If you haven't yet had your photo taken, Pastor Scott will be taking pictures in the Narthex on Sunday after worship. If you prefer, appointments can be made to come in during the week. There are directory information cards at the welcome center that will allow you to fill out all your current information and what you would like in the directory. Please pick one up or fill it out electronically using the below link and email it to admin@fumcnaples.org or print and bring it to the church. This will be for EVERYONE - all members, affiliates, associates, and regular or seasonal attenders. The last day for photos will be Sunday, April 14.

Men’s Ministry Breakfast

The next Men’s breakfast will be on Thursday, April 18 at 9:00 am at Joe's Diner, 1225 Airport-Pulling Rd S.  We hope you will join us for a great time of fellowship and a short devotion and discussion led by Pastor Scott. Open to all men in the congregation. Bring a friend.

IMPORTANT NOTICE! DID YOU KNOW?

Are you missing part of your Eblast?

Did you know that you may not be getting a portion of your Eblast because Gmail and some other email programs may limit what they display. You may be missing important articles, photos and our Prayer List! 

How to find out? If you get to the end of the eBlast and have not seen the Prayer List or our MDS Preschool photos, then you know there has been a cut-off. After you reach what looks like the end, you may see a little note down at the bottom that says something like: "View entire message", or Click here to view all” or “Click here to continue.” Press that and you will see what you are missing that has been cut off!

Tell Your Friends and Neighbors

about our Preschool!



You've been enjoying the beautiful pictures of our Methodist Day School children every week in our eblast. Do you know anyone with preschool-aged children who could benefit from our wonderful MDS preschool program? We are enrolling for the 2024/2025 school year. We are the earliest established preschool in Naples and have some of the best teachers in Naples who nurture and care for these children. All our children tested above Kindergarten level when they graduated from VPK last year!

Contact Director Alicia Silvin 239-262-1052 mdsofnaples@gmail.com

THANK YOU!

Your Giving Is a Form of Worship

Thank you for your giving in 2023! Your incredible generosity has allowed our church to do ministry that will change lives. We hope that you will continue to give of your time, your talents and your prayers, in addition to your financial giving in 2024, and that you find joy in your giving!

These are some of the categories that you may wish to give towards:

• “General Operating Budget” which funds our regular ministry programs and our costs to keep staff and buildings going.
• “Capital Expenses” which include roof replacements and other capital needs on our campus. 
• UMCOR Disaster Relief for disasters in the US and abroad.
• “Food Ministry” funds will go to St. Matthews and Grace Place food banks.
• Any other ministries that are important to you.



Just indicate on your checks where you want your donation to go.

Your past and future gifts allow us to help people to know Jesus, to grow in their faith, and to serve Him as we help those in need.  Your donations may be brought to worship on Sunday or mailed/delivered to the address below:

First United Methodist Church of Naples

388 First Avenue South

Naples, FL 34102

OR you can click on the box below to make an online donation. If you have any questions regarding the finances of this church, please send an email to our Finance Chairperson, Tom Bach: tom.j.bach@gmail.com

Last Week's Palm Sunday Worship Service



Did you miss worship last week? Click on the link below to view the video of last week's worship service with a sermon entitled, "What a Week", which was preached by Rev. Nancy Mayeux and based on Matthew 21:1-11

Did You Miss Our Maundy Thursday Service?

We recorded our Holy Thursday service with foot washing, communion, an inspired message, and beautiful music. You can watch it by clicking on the link below:

An 8-week Bible Study

Starting Wednesday April 10

The problem of Eden is much worse than you thought, but the solution is much better than you could have ever imagined.

Between Two Trees reveals that the real tragedy of Eden is a union with death, a union that produces division and despair. Life isn't lived under Eden's tree of life or beneath the healing leaves of the tree in the New Jerusalem. It is lived between them. And between these two trees, life is hard. In spite of this tragedy, Between Two Trees will challenge you to embrace hope, love, and the beauty of reconciliation at the true tree of life: the cross of Calvary.

By exploring the problem of Eden and the power of the cross, Shane Wood calls us to walk on a path to transformation, a path to union with God. The book's journey ends under the shade of the tree of life in the New Jerusalem with God’s unfinished creation now complete. Yes, Eden, but more importantly, you. The unfinished creation in us.

Sunday Brunch Bunch

Our next Brunch Bunch is Sunday, April 14 at Thee City's Grill, 3883 Tamiami Trail E. Join us once a month for a time of fellowship and getting to know one another. We meet at a different local restaurant for brunch right after worship each time. Below is a photo from our last brunch at the Don Tequilas.

We Packed 430,000 Meals!!

We’re Helping to Feed Hungry People

in our Community

Congratulations to everyone who has helped pack food in our meal-packing program! Thank you for helping to feed hungry families. Food insecurity has been a major challenge for families throughout the pandemic, and especially now with food prices soaring. Help us to be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world and show the love of Christ to others by participating:

1. Bring in non-perishable food or financial contributions earmarked for “Food Ministry” and we will deliver to either Grace Place or St. Matthew’s House for their food pantries. (Please be sure to check the expiration date before donating items.)
2. Volunteer to come help pack food for 1.5 hours on an upcoming packing day. To sign up, contact Wendy McKee, our food-packing coordinator, at WendyMckee3@gmail.com. She will schedule you. It’s lots of fun! 

Need to Reach Us? Here’s How!



We are available to you! Our church office is open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. For pastoral emergencies, call the office and you will hear Pastor Nancy’s personal cell number on the message. She or Pastor Scott will respond to all pastoral emergencies. 

Call the church office: (239) 262-1033

Email us: admin@fumcnaples.org  or

Mail contributions to:

First United Methodist Church, 388 First Ave S, Naples FL 34102

Food donations can be dropped off during normal business hours or on Sundays prior to worship.

Make online donations by clicking the link below:

Please Pray!

Please be sure to let us know if you or a loved one are in the hospital in Naples. Pastor Scott or Pastor Nancy will come visit. Since HIPAA privacy rules came into play, the hospitals no longer let us know when one of our members is in the hospital. Also, be sure to let us know if someone you have placed on the prayer list is out of the hospital, or completed their chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Please continue to pray for people around the world who are suffering. Pray that God will bring them help and relief and will make His presence known to them through God's Spirit. Then pray for guidance on how you can help. You just may be the answer to someone's prayer! 

Urgent Prayer Requests

From our FUMC Church Family



We want to remind you that this section is for “urgent” prayer concerns only: in the hospital, on Hospice, recovering from surgery, receiving radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, recent deaths, etc. If you have a private prayer that you do not want published below, just email me and I will pray for that person and that need privately: pastor@fumcnaples.org .

• The family and loved ones of Freddie L. Humphries
• Arthea Brimmer (Member)
• Jill Loveday (family of Susanne Edson)
• Gail Svensson (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Val Hallihan (sister of Walter Jaworsky)
• Melissa Miranda (MDS Parent)
• Isabela Wright (MDS family)
• Julianne Lofendo (Friend of Gail Jaworsky)
• Dawn Sumrall (Friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Marcia Bowser (Neighbor of the Parry's)
• Lynn (Daughter of Shirley Maas)
• Chris Grimshaw (Member and husband of Christine Grimshaw)
• Evelyn Johnson (Sister-in-law of Al Johnson)
• Rev. Flo Scott (Attender)
• LeeAnne Merrifield (Daughter of Jim Merrifield)
• Larry Croy (Friend of Bill Parry)
• Lidia Rodriguez (Daughter of former pastor of our sister-church in Cuba)
• Baby Abby Joy and parents (Family of Lisa Passeri)
• Beth Tatman (Friend of the Mayeux family)
• Wendy Moyer (Member)
• Family of Valya Staruchin, Januk, Orysia and family, Irina and family (Three families of the Jaworsky's in Ukraine)
• Rosa Fogle (Family of Thelma and Al Johnson)
• All the many unspoken requests and needs of our congregation and their loved ones.

 Special Prayer List 

(Updated January 13, 2023) 

 Wondering what else to pray for each day? Here are some suggestions!

Learning is Always Wonderful & Fun at MDS!

MDS had a great week celebrating Holy Week! Each class had an Easter egg hunt. There was egg coloring and hopscotch. Our VPK had a special visit from Ms. Thelma who came in and read, "Different - a Great Way to Be"