In Person and Livestreamed

Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Naples

4th Sunday of Easter

10:15am

April 21, 2024



From the Pastor

Thank you for welcoming our new members, last week. Lori Simm, along with Holly and Alex von Svoboda were all made to feel loved and welcomed. Scroll down for more information about each of them! Please make the effort to get to know them. They are interesting and wonderful people. For anyone else thinking about formalizing your involvement in FUMC, and becoming a new member, please let us know on your Connect card this Sunday or just call the church office.

John and are grateful that we will have a chance to say good-bye to many of you at the retirement luncheon that has been planned by SPRC and our Hospitality team following worship this Sunday. Hope to see you there.

There’s lots more 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 also 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.  

Rev. Nancy Mayeux

Is It True?

If I were to ask you if you believe these stories in the Bible actually happened, what would you say?

• Adam and Eve
• Noah’s Ark
• Jonah ending up inside the whale
• The parting of the sea and all the plagues in Exodus, as the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt
• Appearances of powerful angels throughout the Bible

Are these simply myths or did God do the supernatural? How do you know? We’ve talked a lot about faith in recent weeks and dealing with doubt. How much of the Bible do you believe is true and how does that impact your faith in God and what God can do? The answer to these questions helps to explain why we have so many denominations and different interpretations of the same Scriptures when we read our Bibles. Let’s shed some light on this and talk about how you can study and make your own interpretations as you pray for illumination of God’s word in your life. See you Sunday at 10:15am, in-person or online via YouTube, livestreamed or recorded. 

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Meet Our New Members!

Lori Simm: Lori has been attending FUMC for a couple of months and has been attending Bible studies and volunteering for food packing. She was born and raised in Cincinnati but now lives in Old Greenwich Connecticut during part of the year as a seasonal Naples resident. Lori is married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren.  She is retired now, but some of her past work included secretarial and office work. She is crafty and likes to do needlepoint and exercising. She plans to join the card ministry at FUMC. Lori was baptized during the new member ceremony.

Holly and Alex von Svoboda: Holly and Alex are full-time residents of Naples and have been attending our church for awhile now. Both are Canadian and have lived in Canada, Newbury, New Hampshire and Belgium. Holly and Alex were high school sweethearts. He was a football player and she was a cheerleader. They have three adult children but no grands yet, though they do have dalmatians! Both have not yet retired and love traveling. Holly speaks French. She has worked at building non-profit organizations and fundraising. She’s presently working in sales at Tommy Bahama, downtown. She likes hot yoga which she just started. Alex works from home in software development for civil engineering design. He loves to play golf.

United Methodist Women

The next meeting of the UMW is May 7 at 10:00 am in the church parlor. Special guest speaker is Doreen Lockwood, the director of Jill's Place. All are welcome to attend.

Altar Flower Ministry



This week's altar flowers are dedicated by Judy Margrey & Leo Poisson in memory of Bob Margrey & Janet Poisson.

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.

Last week's altar flowers were donated to Grace Place Children and Families.

Pastor Nancy's Retirement Luncheon

Reminder that Pastor Nancy's Retirement Luncheon is this Sunday, April 21st after worship.

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 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, "Turning Discouragement to Hope" based on Luke 7:11-17.



An 8-week Bible Study

Wednesdays at 10:30am

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. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Sunday Brunch Bunch

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. The next brunch location is to be announced.

We Packed 435,000 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 .

• Al Johnson (member)
• Bob Davidson (friend of Al Johnson)
• Taylor Naylor (MDS Parent)
• Kelly Poka (MDS Parent)
• Susanne Edson (member)
• Jill Loveday (family of Susanne Edson)
• Gail Svensson (friend of Norine Tempelman)
• The family Val Hallihan on her passing (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 April 5, 2024) 

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

Learning is Always Wonderful & Fun at MDS!

This week our VPK learned about the parts of a flower and continued Heritage month with special presentations about Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, and the Cherokee Nation. Our 3-year-olds learned about plants and planting seeds and did a special activity with the letter "Y". Our two-year-old's enjoyed making bird feeders and learned to measure things. Please remember to pray for our students, teachers, and their families.