In Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

Sunday Service 10:15 am

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1st Sunday in Lent

February 18, 2024



From the Pastor

I’m so glad that so many of you participated in Ash Wednesday, either by coming into the sanctuary for prayers and imposition of ashes or by participating in the worship service we recorded online for you!  We hope that you will join us for all the Sunday’s of Lent as well as all of Holy Week. The schedule for Easter and the rest of Holy week is down below. Mark your calendars!

This is the first Sunday of Lent. Scroll down for info on this Sunday’s sermon as well as the rest of the series. Take a look at the possible topics we will be covering and let me know if there is one in particular you’d like to hear about!

This week we said good-bye, for now, to Tom Russell, who went on to his heavenly home this past Tuesday. He will be missed. Scroll down for details on his funeral service which will be held at the church on Saturday, February 24. A rose bud will be on our altar this Sunday in his memory. Please keep his family in prayer.

Books, Books, and more Books! In the spirit of cleaning out our closets and those habits that need changing, I have emptied out my huge book collection of faith-related books and am praying that they find good homes within our congregation. There will be a couple of tables set up in the narthex with my books and I am hoping you will stop on the way in or out and grab a few to take home! They are free.

Be sure to scroll down to the end of this Eblast to the MDS preschool section where you will see photos of Pastor Scott’s family chapel for children, their parents and teachers. He plays guitar, everyone sings with him and they all learn a wonderful lesson. Thank you Pastor Scott for this great ministry!



Our Eblast is the best way to know what is going on in the church and how you can participate! I hope you’ll take the time to scroll down to learn more about all our events, past and future.

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.  

WHAT IS LENT?

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent. What is Lent? It’s the 40 days before the glorious celebration of Easter. Traditionally it is a time of preparation when we practice things like prayer, repentance and self-denial. It helps us remember the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert, as he endured temptations before beginning his ministry. Many Christians use it as a time of reflection and “taking stock” of our lives, looking at where we are spiritually and examining the sum total of all our possessions, relationships, accomplishments and goals to the present time. In this Christian tradition, many people fast or give up something they love for Lent, such as television, a favorite food or social media. Let’s especially look at giving up vices that can be replaced with virtues as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us. Let’s thank God for the people God has put in our paths.

Let’s give some thought to those that we need to forgive and find ways to forgive ourselves, so we can move forward to wholeness in life. Let’s examine our priorities, the strength of our faith and how we live out that faith. This is truly a time for reflection, followed by action.

Life & Faith Lesson

Pastor Nancy Mayeux

Jesus Had Compassion

for Them

As you have read up above, typically during Lent, people practice things like fasting, praying, repentance and self-denial. Part of that self-denial may mean abstaining from something they really like for a period of time, such as chocolate, social media or food. Pope Francis came up with a suggested list of things we could “fast” from, outside of food. I liked this list, so Pastor Scott and I have decided to preach from this during the upcoming Sundays of Lent. Each Sunday, we will tackle a different item from the list in the hopes that it will be transformative for each of us. We won’t hit them all in the few weeks we have, but hopefully, some of the ones we have chosen were meant for you! Only the Spirit knows. This week we are talking about “compassion”. Compassion or kindness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit – the evidence that the Spirit is working within you to change who you are. Jesus modeled and taught compassion. Again and again, we read in the Bible that Jesus “had compassion” for the people, so he healed them or fed them. Having compassion is not enough. We have to act upon it, as Jesus did. Are you doing both in your life? Come Sunday to learn more about what it means when you feel compassion and then act upon it! See you at 10:15 for in-person worship or join us online via YouTube, livestreamed or recorded.

Scripture: Matthew 15:32-39

Mark Your Calendars & Join Us for Holy Week

Palm Sunday – March 24: 10:15am service. MDS children will be singing and palm crosses given out. We will have children’s Sunday School. Don’t miss this special Sunday.

Holy Maundy Thursday – March 28: 6:00pm evening service. Holy time to remember Jesus’ last night with his disciples. You will watch foot washing and participate in Holy Communion. The choir will sing with and for us. We will close with a solemn “stripping of the church” where the chancel area will be covered in black in preparation for Good Friday when all is bleak and dark.

Good Friday – March 29: No service is planned. Please use this day to pray and remember what Jesus went through for you on this day.

Easter Sunday – March 31: Two family services to choose from: 9:00am and 10:30am on this glorious day. 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 flowers for the flowering cross in front of the sanctuary entrance.

 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. We would like to start taking pictures after service on Sunday, March 3 during our Coffee and Cookies Social. 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 print one from the below link and mail it or bring it to the church office. This will be for all members, affiliates, associates, and regular attenders. 

Join our Choir

Our choir has been singing gloriously, but there is always room for more! We would also like to start the bell choir, but we need 11 people in order to cover 2 octaves of bells. If you have an interest in either group, please feel free to contact our Director of Music, Dr. Karen Click at karenclick@gmail.com, or speak to her after church. Do not worry about your experience level. Your interest and enthusiasm is most important. Music is such a vital part of the church, please consider serving in this capacity.

Altar Flower Ministry



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 white rose bud on the altar this Sunday is in memory of Tom Russell, who went on to glory this past week on February 13. Please keep his family in prayer.  

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!

Tom Russell Funeral Service February 24, 2024

Long-time member, Tom Russell went on to glory this past week on February 13. He will be missed! The photo above is of both Tom and June, as they were seldom apart while she was still living. June passed in 2016. They are together now. The family has planned a service at our church next Saturday, February 24, at 11:00am with visitation at 10am. We hope you will join us in remembering and celebrating his incredible life.  

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 in the 3-year old class and VPK class for 4-year-olds. 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 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, "High, Long, Wide and Deep: God's Love Conquers All", which was preached by Pastor Nancy Mayeux and based on Ephesians 3:14-19.

Wednesday Bible Study

Starting February 21 at 10:30am

In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss.

Join Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they feel the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study traces events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives. The is a six-week study. Books will be available at the church. The cost of the book is $15. Or you can purchase the book or eBook independently. By the way, the author is our own Bishop Tom Berlin!

Grace Place Guided Group Tour

FUMC is a supporter of Grace Place for Children and Families. Grace Place programs support the working-class immigrant families in our Naples community, empowering individuals by providing them with the tools they need to achieve success and break free from the cycle of poverty. They are hosting tours of their facility on the following dates.

• March 18 at 10 am
• March 20 at 7 pm

No reservations are required. Grace Place Campus is located at 4300 21st Ave SW in Naples. We encourage all who are able to attend and learn more about the important work this organization does.

FUMC Rummage Sale Fundraiser

Saturday, March 16 - Barton Hall - 9am to 2pm

We are preparing for our annual rummage sale. We have not had one since before Covid. It is a great way to clear out your closets and help add to the church's bottom line. We will be accepting items in Barton Hall beginning on Monday, March 12th. We will need volunteers to help organize and price the items, as well as helping on the day of the sale. There will be sign up sheets in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Kennedy.

Please think about donating and participating in this great fellowship opportunity and fundraiser!  

STIR! District Training Event

Keynote Speaker - Bishop Tom Berlin

February 24, 2024

Grace UMC, 400 E Field Avenue, Venice FL 34285

9:30am – 3:00pm

In order to support churches in being adaptive as we move into the future, The Southwest District of the Florida Conference is offering an in-person training event.

As we move past the season of stress and struggle, the goal is to help identify and stir up the gift of God which is within each of us AND the gifts that God has uniquely placed in our church.

In this interactive workshop, they will work with us to name what we have and explore possibilities for getting it moving, gaining momentum, and making a difference in our church and community.

Breakout sessions are specifically designed to encourage our church leaders to seek an attitude of abundance as they think through how to stir up finances, facilities, and people in ways that generate meaningful ministry.

• Leveraging Abundance: Stirring Finances and Facilities with Missional Creativity 
• Leveraging Purpose: Stirring Gifting and Passion to Engage Your People 
• Leveraging Joy: Stirring Connection to Build Relationship and Grow the Church 
• Leveraging Leadership: Stirring for Change Without Losing Everyone Along the Way 

The COST is $10 (payable via PayPal at time of registration or cash/check at the door). Please let the church office know if you plan to register. We would like to arrange a meetup time so that attendees can drive together, if desired.

Sunday Brunch Bunch

Our next Brunch Bunch is Sunday, February 18 at The Hampton Social, 9114 Strada Place. Seating is limited to 12. 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. Sign up on the sheet in our narthex (sanctuary lobby), or contact the church office.

We Packed 410,000 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 of Tom Russell on his passing.
• Val Hallihan (sister of Walter Jaworsky)
• Melissa Miranda (MDS Parent)
• Isabela Weight (MDS family)
• Barbara Mezeske (sister of Arthea Brimmer)
• Gail Buckles (Sister of Gwen Pleban)
• Mo Pierzchala (Attender)
• Jim Merrifield (Member)
• Rick Trip
• Julianne Lofendo (Friend of Gail Jaworsky)
• Dawn Sumrall (Friend of Norine Tempelman)
• Marcia Bowser (Neighbor of the Parry's)
• Jenn Wolf
• 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)
• Tom Russell (Member)
• LeeAnne Merrifield (Daughter of Jim Merrifield)
• Larry Croy (Friend of Bill Parry)
• Baby Theresa Grace (Great-granddaughter of Pat Schanke)
• 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!

This week, Pastor Scott taught us about the Good Samaritan in Chapel. This is our chapel for children, parents and teachers. Everyone enjoyed Pastor Scott’s music and lesson.  All of our classes loved celebrating Valentines Day this week. It was another fun and exciting week at Methodist Day School.