From the Pastor

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Greetings! I pray that you have had a Spirit inspired, safe, and joyful week. 

We are so excited to announce that last Sunday, we relaunched our children’s Sunday School. Scroll down for more details. Parents must register their children on their first day in Sunday School. Children will leave the sanctuary right after the Children’s Moment and parents can pick them up after the service.

We now have a new “Flower Ministry Coordinator.” Thanks to Ken Craynon for stepping forward for this important ministry of encouraging and showing appreciation to the staff and volunteers of many helpful organizations in our community.

With many of our seasonable people having gone back north, we desperately need more volunteers to help with Sunday worship! We are in need of greeters (anyone with a nice smile to greet people as they come in – it’s easy and this is a great way for new attenders/members to get to know people at the church.) We need ushers to pass the offering plate. We need people to cut up the bread and fill the little cups for Communion on the Saturday before Communion Sunday, and we need people to help serve communion at the rail. We need Scripture readers and we need an acolyte to light and extinguish the altar candles – bringing the light of Christ into the church, and back out after the service. Someone needs to refill prayer cards and offering envelopes in the pew racks each Sunday. We need volunteers to come in early to remove the plastic tarps from the organ, piano, altar and many of the pew seats to protect them from roof leaks, and then put them on again after worship. Without new volunteers stepping forward, those volunteers who are still here and faithfully serving week after week, will get burned out. It is not fair to them. They need a break. On top of that, your pastor and her husband end up doing whatever still has to be done for worship to take place that Sunday, and it’s not fair to us either. Please pray about it and let me know what you can help with.

Some of you have been asking about our roof and why it has not been fixed since Irma. Please know that we have been trying to get our Florida Conference to pay for this, since they are the ones who oversee us and are self-insured. We are going to bat again in this effort, this month and will keep you posted. Meantime, we continue to mitigate more damage by covering pews, organ, etc. that are under the leaks.

This is a great month to celebrate new graduates from high school and college (see news about Amy Sizemore down below). It is also a month that we can celebrate the fact that we can help with college scholarships through our Endowment (scroll down for that too).

Please remember to pray for peace in the Ukraine and for the heartache and many difficult challenges the people of Ukraine are facing. Pray for our college students graduating this month. Please scroll down to our prayer list below for the many health needs of our faith family. As always, please keep me posted on whether I need to add you or a loved one to our prayer list or if you just need private prayer from your pastor.  

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, either in-person or online!  

Love and Blessings,

Pastor Nancy

pastor@fumcnaples.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE! DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that you may not be getting a portion of your Eblast because Gmail and some other email programs are cutting off the bottom? You may be missing important articles, photos and our Prayer List! How to find out? If you get to the bottom 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: “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!

 This Sunday's Online Worship Service

If you aren’t able to make it to in-person worship on Sundays, you can watch it online “live” at 10:15 am or you can watch the “recorded” version anytime that is convenient for you by clicking on the box below. We generally start showing announcement slides at 10:05 as people are coming into the sanctuary and then the actual worship service starts at 10:15. 

You can also find this link by going to our web page, our Facebook page, or directly to www.youtube.com In the Search box at the top of the YouTube page, type "First UMC Naples" and press enter. On the next screen go down until you see "First UMC Naples - Sunday Worship - Rev Nancy Mayeux - 05 15 2022". Click on that title, or the picture next to it, to see the “live” broadcast. 

Blessings as you watch and participate. Be sure to share the link for live or recorded versions of our service with your friends and family, so they can join you in worship!

Life & Faith Lesson

Rev Nancy Mayeux

What's Holding You Back?

When we interview people to come work in important positions here at the church, one of the questions we ask is, “Can you tell us about your faith journey?”  If I asked you that today, what would you say? Every one of us has a different story of how we got to where we are today, and each of us is at a different point in our journey. Some of you can surely see points in your journey, after you met Jesus, where you found yourself sliding back. It’s normal. We all do it. We just need to make sure we find ourselves moving forward again, growing in our faith, strengthening our beliefs, and becoming more like Jesus every day.

So, what’s holding you back from being all you can be? Certainly, Easter is always a good place for a “re-start”. It’s a time to put the past behind you and move forward. We are only a few weeks beyond Easter, so it’s not too late to grab onto that train moving on toward a really amazing relationship with Jesus and a completely new life for you! What’s holding you back? Most likely it’s “doubt” which is hideous, but invades all our thoughts because we live in a mostly unbelieving world. Maybe you’re dealing with grief or anger or guilt, all of which can overwhelm you. Perhaps it is an addiction – and that does not necessarily mean gambling, drugs or alcohol. It could be food, TV or being a workaholic. Maybe your prioritizing has got you focused on money, power, desire for fame or importance, instead of your faith. Maybe it is a relationship – someone you are with who does not believe yet and it drags you down?  

After Jesus died, the disciples were overcome with grief, fear and doubt. They were paralyzed. Once they overcame their doubt, the grief and the fear were gone, and they were freed to launch joyfully and fearlessly into an amazing ministry that changed the world! What is holding you down today? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you let it go, because you can’t do it on your own. We’ll talk more on Sunday morning at 10:15 in-person or online, either live streaming or on our recording. See you soon!

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Volunteer Spotlight

Judy Margrey and Leo Poisson

Each week we are going to spotlight different volunteers who help make our worship and ministry possible here at FUMC. We have a tiny staff. Without our wonderful volunteers we would not be able to do all we do for Christ in this world. This week we wanted to put the spotlight on Judy Margrey and Leo Poisson, who do so much here at our church. Together, they have been ushering and greeting. Most Sundays, their smiling faces are the first you see at the front door as you arrive at the church, as they hold the door open for you. They also help out at funeral services and are the ones who open and close our columbarium niches to prepare them for new urns and during interment of ashes. Judy and Leo have participated in almost every single food-packing event during the last 17 months. They also worked at our various auction events. On top of all this, Judy has been our weekly acolyte, bringing the light of Christ into the world during worship, and a Scripture reader when needed. In the past, she has sung in the choir and helped out with the Wednesday meal program we used to have. She served on SPRC for several years. They are always ready to jump forward and help with anything else they might be asked to do. Judy and Leo have faithfully served Christ through this church in so many ways. THANK YOU to two very special people.

Congratulations to our Graduate!

Congratulations to Amy Sizemore, who just graduated this past Saturday from FGCU with a BA, with an English Major and an education minor.  She has been guest teaching in Collier County high schools and hopes to obtain a full-time position teaching high school English. Amy managed to get great grades while maintaining a full-time job. Amy is no stranger to FUMC. She is the daughter of Chris Sizemore and granddaughter of Pat Schanke, both of whom are very proud of her. Amy was baptized here at FUMC in 2000. She was confirmed and officially became a professing member in 2013. She has been involved with the youth and other programs at our church over the years and was one of the recipients of our Endowment college scholarships. Amy has an exciting future in front of her and we pray that God opens many doors of opportunity in the years to come. God bless you, Amy! (Anyone wishing to send Amy a note of congratulations can send it to the church office, and we will get it to her.)

Endowment Scholarships Help

College Students!

Most of you are aware that our church has had an endowment for many years where a limited amount of funds can be withdrawn each year to pay for needs in three areas: Mission (such as our Meals of Hope food ministry); new ministries (such as our Audio Visual ministry to livestream and record our services); and scholarships (which we award to college students each year). One of the benefits of being a professing member of this congregation, is that your children are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Students, who are members, may also apply. Additionally, it’s a benefit for staff members. The main criteria to apply each year is that members must be living out their membership vows in our congregation. Then the Scholarship team evaluates the student’s involvement in their church, school and community, along with grades. This year, the following students were awarded scholarships: Emilie Parry; Hannah Lofgren; Thomas Lofgren; and Claire Kennedy. Congratulations to all!

All COVID Protocols Now Optional at FUMC

Unless there is a strong uptick in COVID numbers in our area, we have made all protocols optional for now. Masks are optional, but there is a “Comfort Zone” in the back, East section of sanctuary seating, where masks are required (some people need a space like this).  Please try to social distance indoors in our sanctuary, and stagger your departure so everyone does not bunch up in the aisles as you are exiting. Hugs and handshakes are ok if you are comfortable doing so. Please try to save your congregating and chatting for outdoors, where it is safer. 

Masks are now optional for Bible studies, meal packing and business meetings at the church. Thank you for your wonderful patience and cooperation during these last couple of difficult years. You have shown great love to your neighbors here at FUMC. Please help us to continue loving our neighbors. 

Children’s Sunday School Has Launched!



Last Sunday, we relaunched our children’s Sunday School, after being on hold for two years, due to COVID. We are pleased to welcome back Margie Veratti, as our Sunday School Teacher during Sunday worship. She is also presently our VPK Assistant and Aftercare Teacher, being promoted to our Two-Year Class teacher in our preschool in the Fall. Children who wish to participate will come into the sanctuary with their families and after the Children’s Moment with the Pastor, they will be led by Ms. Verrati to the Children’s Library right behind the sanctuary and next door to the VPK classroom for Sunday School. Parents will receive a registration card when they come into worship, which they should fill out and send with their child when the child leaves the sanctuary. Parents or guardians must remain at church until their child is picked up.

Altar Flower Dedications

This week, our altar flowers are given by Al Johnson in honor of his wife, Thelma Johnson, in celebration of her birthday!

Altar Flower Ministry

Every week, you have the opportunity to purchase Sunday worship altar flowers 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. The following dates are open: May 22 and beyond.  Purchase and dedication can be arranged 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 given to the nurses’ station in the NCH Baker campus Emergency Room. This was National Nurses Week and they were so grateful to receive the flowers of appreciation (look at the smiley eyes peering through the masks.) Pam O’Brien, who is a retired nurse, brought them over.

We are happy to announce that we have a new Altar Flower Ministry Coordinator. Ken Craynon has volunteered to fill the roll vacated by Mandy Heinitsh. Thank you, Ken. You will make many people happy, and we know you will find it enjoyable.

How Can You Support the Ministries of This Church?

Thank you once again for your faithful financial support of your church. Please remember that your financial giving is a form of worship. Your gifts allow us to help people to know Jesus, to grow in their faith and to serve Him as we help those in need.

Donations may be brought to worship on Sunday or mailed to: 

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 Treasurer, Jeffrey Currier: jeffreylcurrier@gmail.com

Last Sunday's Service

Did you miss worship last week? Click on the link below to view the video of last week's complete online service, with a sermon entitled “Are You There, God?” which was preached by Rev Nancy Mayeux and based on Psalm 23

We’ve Packed 220,000 Meals!

Help Feed Hungry People in our Community

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. During the last 17 months, we have packed 220,000 meals for families in need! Help us be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world and show the love of Christ to others by participating:

1. Bring in 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.
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, 9:00am to 2:00pm.  Food can be dropped off during office hours or on Sundays when you come to worship. The church phone will be answered during office hours. For pastoral emergencies, when the office is closed, just call the office and you will hear the Pastor’s personal cell number listed on the message you hear. The pastor is off on Mondays, as her Sabbath day, but will respond to 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

Make online donations by clicking the link below:

Please Pray!

Intercessory prayers are those prayers you pray on behalf of others. Prayer is powerful so please continue to pray for others, even if you have never met them, like the people in Ukraine. Please also keep our faith family in prayer (see list below), as there are many important needs in our congregation. Lastly, remember to thank God for your blessings!

Also, if you have a prayer request, you can email it to me directly by responding to this Eblast (just press “reply” and it comes to me). You can also fill out a blue prayer card from the pews on Sunday. Just let me know if you want it public (person’s name and no other details) or if you would like private prayer from me.     

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 COVID-19, 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.

• Stephen MacTurk (Son of Mary Lou Riccio)
• Baby Abby Joy Campbell and parents (Family of Lisa Passeri)
• Debbie Wells (Friend of Pam O’Brien)
• Diane Langley (Friend of Norine Tempelman)

• Beth Tatman (friend of the Mayeux family)
• Larry Stewart (Member)
• Deborah Sobat (Daughter of Barbara and Jerry Skiba)
• Jim Adolphson (Friend of Tom Bach)
• William Johnson (Brother of Al Johnson)
• Randy Cassada (Member)
• Family of Valya Staruchin, Januk, Orysia and family, Irina and family (Three families of the Jaworsky's in Ukraine)
•  Gary and Glenn (Friends of the Emory’s)
•  Wendy Moyer (Member)
• Mamon Powers (Friend of Al and Thelma Johnson)
• Evelyn Rush (Friend of Thelma Johnson)
• Ron ReBell (Brother of Marie Evans)
• Sam (brother-in-law of Karen Bach)
• Ann Boren (Member)
• Paul Brown (Cousin of Dick Evans)
• Joseph Halizak (Friend of Marie and Dick Evans)
• Karen Kirk (Cousin of Marie Evans)
• 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 23) 

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

Methodist Day School

 MDS Learning Fun!

Our Methodist Day School Children had a special visit this week from Pediatric Dentistry of Florida. The children learned how to brush, floss, and use fluoride rinse to protect their teeth. They even got to go shopping for food that’s good for their teeth. They heard a fun story and got to ask lots of really good questions. Thank you, Mr. Jeff, for an awesome presentation!  This week, our younger children had sensory fun working with their fine motor skills with green slime!