In Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

7th Sunday of Easter

Mother's Day

10:15am

May 12, 2024



From the Pastor

John and I made it to our new home in Clermont yesterday. The movers unloaded everything, so now we begin the job of unpacking and trying to find things. Most of you have been through this a number of times. We are thanking God for a safe move and looking forward to enjoying our retirement home. I will be returning to Naples for a couple of weeks, starting Monday the 13^th. I’ll be preaching on the 19^th and 26^th, so we will see each other then. After that, I will be working remotely from Clermont but available to you by phone or email if needed during June. Of course, you will have Pastor Scott with you throughout this time, and soon you will also have Pastor Sara.

I will miss you all this Sunday, but wanted to wish a happy Mother's Day to all our Moms, grandmoms and those who have filled the role of mother. May it be a blessed day!

There are lots of activities going on at the church, so I hope you will scroll down for more information on what’s happening! Please also remember to scroll down to our prayer list at the end of the Eblast, and lift others up in prayer. Please pray for all those who are traveling back up north this week and next. 

 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.  

Pastor Scott Ehler

Chosen

During the evening that Jesus was betrayed and arrested, he enjoyed a meal with His disciples and gave them some final instructions before He was to go to the cross. It marked a significant change in the dynamic of their relationship with Him. What does that mean for us? Join us this Sunday as we look at what it means to be chosen by God. 

John 15:9-17

Backpack Drive for Grace Place Children & Families



We will be collecting full backpacks for Grace Place for students Kindergarten through 12th grade. Click the link below for a list of requested supplies. Backpacks may be dropped off at the church throughout the week or brought to church on Sundays throughout the month of May.  

United Methodist Women



Here are some photos from this month's meeting of the United Methodist Women (UMW). We were blessed to have Doreen Lockwood from Jill's Place Recovery Ministry at St. Matthew's House, as our special guest speaker.

Altar Flower Ministry

This week's altar flowers are dedicated by Karen & Tom Bach in honor of their son, Daniel's 30th birthday.



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.

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!

UMC LAY SERVANT

BASIC COURSE

OFFERED ONLINE

Instructor: Ken DeWalt, kendewalt1@gmail.com

Have you considered becoming a Lay Servant at our church? The United Methodist Church has a special program whereby you can become a Certified Lay Servant by taking a Basic course, followed at some time, with an Advanced course in Prayer, Preaching, Spiritual Gifts, Discipleship or many more topics. The Basic class would be your starting point and that class is being offered online, starting at the end of the month. Info is below:

Dates & Times: 5 classes, Thursdays, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, May 30, June 6, 13, 20 & 27

Course and Book Title: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book. By Jackson & Jackson. ISBN 9780881776263

Additional Information:

• Cost:
• REGISTER before MAY 23. $5 registration fee. Mail check to Ken DeWalt, 7 Jute Street, Alva Florida, 33920. Email Ken to confirm registration with name, address, phone and any questions you may have.
• Purchase and read the book before class start. Purchase new from Cokesbury and other sellers, or in used good condition for about half price from eBay and other sources.
• Certificate of Completion will be emailed to graduates who have studied beforehand and attended each class.
• Class is open to ALL, United Methodist or not, from anywhere.

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 for toddler, 2 year, 3 year, and VPK. 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 being a joyful giver! 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, and that you continue to 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



If you would like to watch last week's worship service click on the link below. Rev. Nancy Mayeux preached a sermon entitled, "An Enlightening Encounter" based on Luke 24:13-25 .

An 8-week Bible Study

Wednesdays at 10:30am

Not too late to join us!



It's not too late to join! There are three sessions remaining. 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.

Books are available on Amazon, however no book purchase is necessary. Handouts will be provided. No sign up necessary. Just drop in and join us!

Sunday Brunch Bunch

The next Brunch Bunch is Sunday, May 19th at Ridgway Bar & Grill, 1300 3rd St S. 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 are some photos from our last brunch at Thee Cities Grill.

We Packed 440,000 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 .

• Kim Black and family on the passing of her mother, Betty Jo Robertson
• Pam O'Brien (member)
• Thad Lineberger & Family (father of Mandy Heinitsh)
• Jen Wolf
• Barry Phiffer (friend of the Baker's)
• Bob Davidson (friend of Al Johnson)
• Taylor Naylor (MDS Parent)
• Kelly Poka (MDS Parent)
• Jill Loveday (family of Susanne Edson)
• 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 April 5, 2024) 

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

Learning is Always Wonderful & Fun at MDS!

The school year is almost over but our students had another great week. They had a painting party and had fun on the playground and learning centers. VPK continued taking turns being "teacher of the day". It is teacher appreciation week. We are so grateful for our wonderful teachers. Please remember them in your prayers this week.