Words of Welcome

Prelude Prayer for Peace Michael HelmanHandbell Choir

Call to Worship

One: We are met in the presence of God,All: And we do not meet alone.One: With the angels in the highest heaven,All: We gather to worship the Lord.One: With Abraham and Sarah, All: We gather to worship the Lord. One: With the saints of every age, All: We gather to worship the Lord.

*Processional Hymn #649 Gather Us In Gather Us In

Invocation

All: Loving Lord, your prophets have called us to change the way we worship - to make internal sacrifices instead of external ones. In this season, help us to cease living in ways that disconnect us from you. Guide us on this Lenten way and help us to be more faithful. Amen.

Time for Children (9 a.m.)

Children of all ages are welcome in our worship services. Infants and toddlers may be dropped off in the nursery before worship begins. When dismissed, children ages 3 and 4 may meet Miss Lois at the double doors to the left of the sanctuary for preschool. Children from kindergarten to 5th grade may meet Miss Merrill in the back of the sanctuary for Sunday School. Parents should meet their older children in the lobby of Nelson Hall at 10:15 a.m.

Time for Community Please sign and pass the register book to your neighbor.

Ministry of Music Hymn of Assurance Howard HelveySanctuary Choir v Glenn Basham, violin

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Musical Response

Scripture Reading John 3:1-15 NT pg. 96 (NRSV)

*Please rise in body or spirit.

The Worship of God

Sermon If Grace Is True: Trusting Our Experience With God Rev. Dr. Dawson B. Taylor

Offertory Meditation on Thaïs MassenetGlenn Basham, violin

*Doxology and Prayer of Dedication Old 100th

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Recessional Hymn #426 Blessed Assurance assUrance

*Words of Blessing

*Postlude Preludio from Partita No. 3 J.S. BachGlenn Basham, violin

Glenn Basham’s presence is graciously underwritten by Tom and Barbara Lauber in honor of Hank Leander’s 90th birthday.

If you have a concern and would like a word of prayer or quiet conversation, stop by the parlor after the service for a visit with today’s Stephen Minister. The parlor is to the right as you are leaving the Sanctuary.

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Participants in this Morning’s Worship Services:Rev. Dr. Dawson B. Taylor, Senior MinisterRev. Dr. David Kaiser-Cross, Executive MinisterRev. Dr. Deb Kaiser-Cross, Minister for Congregational CareMerrill Noble, Director of Children's MinistryDr. Becky Weese-Rumpf, Director of Music and OrganistRobin Shuford Frank, AccompanistWendy Willis, Handbell Choir DirectorNick Hernandez, AudiovisualSanctuary Choir

Greeters: 9 a.m.: Dick and Karin Cusic 11 a.m.: Susan Melick

Ushers: 9 a.m.: Joe Rickard, head usher; Jim Borden, Bob and Louise Brown, Bill Durell and Hank Temple, June Hart, Mary Robinson, Richard Ryder, Katy Serr

11 a.m.: Jennifer Rainey, head usher; Ronnie Bellone, David Bogin, Christine Buol, Bruce and Melanie Flessner, Bob Nordland, Bill Rumpf

Stephen Ministers: 9 a.m.: Janet Nacu 11 a.m.: Chris Noble

Chancel flowers are given by Gladys Pitbladdo, in memory of her loving husband, Richard Pitbladdo.

Sunday SteeplelightsToday:In the Gathering Place:• Sign up for the following events and classes: ○ People for Guatemala Dinner ○ Inspired Book Study ○ Lenten Book Study ○ Senior Singles Dinner ○ Middlers Sugden Theatre Tickets - Calendar Girls ○ Arcadia Rodeo ○ Costume World and A Chorus Line Trip ○ Baby Boomers Dinner and Trivia• Green Justice Team Equal Exchange Table• Ministry with Music Concert tickets on sale• Book and DVD sales

Children’s MinistryIn preschool this week, the children will hear the story of Jesus Feeding the 5,000. Throughout the upcoming month and next, the older children will learn about the season of Lent and explore the stories leading up to Easter Sunday. The Bible story this week is Mary Anoints Jesus. Children will decide on something extra special they can do for someone else.

Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and More!The Green Justice Team will be selling their Equal Exchange/Fair Trade products today. Stop by and purchase some of their delicious coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, and/or organic olive oil. Proceeds benefit local farmers and the environment.

Lenten Book Study: If Grace Is TrueToday, 10:15 a.m., N-104Bob and Martha Selby

Brandon Goldberg, pianoToday, 3 p.m., SanctuaryTickets: $25Join Dan Miller (trumpet), Lew Del Gatto (saxophone), Glenn Basham (violin), Chuck Bergeron (bass), and Tony Vigilante (drums), as they welcome the spectacular fourteen year-old pianist Brandon Goldberg to Naples UCC for an afternoon jazz concert featuring music from the Great American Songbook (Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter), and jazz standards from the geniuses of modern music (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk).

Philip Gulley Lecture DVDs"Living the Quaker Way" and "Unlearning God" DVDs are available for purchase for $20. Proceeds go to American Friends Service Committee.

375 of

GivingUnits

500

Goal: $1.5M$1.9M Operating Budget

(as of 3/5/2020)

Time to Soar2020 Stewardship Campaign

$1.28MCommitted

Naples UCCSecurity UpdateFrom the Church Security Task Force

Here are a few changes we've made to ensure your safety and peace of mind. As an assurance, we are being proactive, not reactive.•PolicepresenceintheGatheringPlaceatworship and special events•Alldoorsarelockedatworshipexceptthemain sanctuary doors•Installationofkeypad/fob-operatedlocksonmajor doors•Upgradestocamerasecuritymonitoring•On-sitepersonnelcommunicationsandoutdoor lighting

People for Guatemala Mission DinnerSunday, March 22, 5:30 p.m., McSpaddenWe can't take everyone to Guatemala, but we can bring Guatemala to you! Join us for a fun and educational evening where you will meet our Mission Partners who are working on the ground in Guatemala. We'll explain the history of NUCC's involvement and show you how your contributions have made a difference. You will also have the opportunity to talk with fellow NUCC members who have recently traveled there. All this while enjoying a delicious dinner catered by another Mission Partner, St. Matthew's House. Freewill offerings of $40 per person are welcome to cover the cost of the dinner. Sign up in the Gathering Place today and March 15.

Sunday Steeplelights This Week:

Bible Study - If Grace Is True : Chapter TwoMondays, March 9 - April 6, 11:30 a.m., N-104 Rev. Dr. David Kaiser-Cross

Senior Singles DinnerWednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m., Old Europe Bistro Selena EvansReservations available for the first 14 people who sign up.

New Chapters Men's Spirituality GroupWednesdays, March 11 - April 8, 11 a.m., N-104 Rev. Dr. David Kaiser-CrossWe will be studying If Grace Is True by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland as a part of the All-Church Lenten Book Study.

InspIred! by Rachel Held Evans Book StudyThursdays, March 12-26, 5:30 p.m., N-104 Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-EwingEvans challenges her readers to engage with the Bible in new ways. Our next meeting will focus on chapter six: Gospel Stories. Newcomers welcome.

Caregiver Support GroupFriday, March 13, 2 p.m., N-101Lorna Scherlacken, Legacy Law UnlimitedWe will discuss Five Legal Mistakes Caregivers Make and How to Avoid Them. There will be time to share how you are doing after the discussion.

Arcadia RodeoFriday, March 13, Cost: $99 For directions to register, see the Social table in the Gathering PlaceThis tour to the 92nd Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is termed “The Granddaddy of 'Em All.” The cost for this event will include round trip bus transportation, premium rodeo seats, and more.

Recognizing Our Stephen Ministry

Costume World & a chorus LIneThursday, March 19, 8:30 a.m., Cost: $189 Directions to register at the Social tableThis event cost includes round-trip transportation to Pompano Beach, guided tour of the incredible costumes at Costume World, lunch at “Tavern on the Green” restaurant, and tickets to A Chorus Line.

Women Engage!Thursday, March 19, 10 a.m., N-104 Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-EwingWe will discuss “What to Do with Public Symbols of Hatred,” whether they represent racism, anti-Semitism, or other painful parts of our history. Articles to be read in advance are available in the church office.

Baby Boomers Dinner & TriviaMarch 20, 6 p.m.Bayside Restaurant at Venetian VillageFor more information,contact Carolyn Kois at (608) 219-0812 or johnsonkois@icloud.com

NUCC Book ClubMonday, March 23, 2 - 3:30 p.m., N-104Discussion led by Julie ForchayWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Books are available at Barnes & Noble or online. You do not have to have read the book to attend the discussion.

Today, we commission and congratulate Lloyd Bettis, the newest Stephen Ministry Leader

at Naples UCC.Stephen Ministry makes available compassionate individuals who are trained to help NUCC members and friends navigate feelings of loss, grief, relationship challenges, and a myriad of other personal concerns. Stephen Ministers provide a listening ear, a supportive perspective, and God's word to help us through the challenges of life. Each meeting with your Stephen Minister is fully confidential.If you think that you, a friend, or family member would benefit from this kind of help and support, stop by and visit a Stephen Minister in the parlor after worship, or contact Rev. Dr. Deb Kaiser-Cross at deb@naplesucc.org.

Lunch and Learn: Sparker’s SoapboxThursday, March 26, 12 p.m., N-104 Sandy Parker, author of the blog Sparker’s Soapbox, is dedicated to facilitating and encouraging informed voting and civic participation in Collier County. Join us to get a jump-start on becoming a more informed voter. You are invited to bring your own lunch to the session.

StaffClergy TeamRev. Dr. Dawson B. Taylor, Senior Minister dawson@naplesucc.org

Rev. Dr. David Kaiser-Cross, Executive Minister david@naplesucc.org

Rev. Dr. Deborah Kaiser-Cross, Minister for Congregational Care deb@naplesucc.org

Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-Ewing, Assistant Minister sharonhe@naplesucc.org

Wendy Gayarre, Executive Assistant to Clergy wendy@naplesucc.org

Program TeamDr. Becky Weese-Rumpf, Director of Music becky@naplesucc.org

Merrill Noble, Director of Children’s Ministry merrill@naplesucc.org

Megan Black, Director of Programs megan@naplesucc.org

Susan Melick, Events Coordinator

Lois Muldowney, Nursery Assistant

Dr. Alexandra Carlson, Accompanist

Administrative TeamSharon Magiera, C.P.A., Director of Finance sharon@naplesucc.org

Daniel Brower, Director of Campus Operations daniel@naplesucc.org

Tony Falco, Technology Director tony@naplesucc.org

Julia Simeone, Communications Manager julia@naplesucc.org

Chelsea Godwin, Receptionist chelsea@naplesucc.org

Georgia Lundy, Food Service Manager

Rich Mancini, Operations Assistant

Precious Cargo AcademyDr. Leanne Badham, Director leanne@preciouscargoacademy.org

Bargain Box Thrift StoreSandy Goldstein, Manager sgold341@aol.com (239) 262-3802

Jo Gangl, Assistant Manager

This Week at NUCC: March 9-15

Monday3/9 9:30 a.m. . . . Monday Morning Ladies (N104) 9:30 a.m. . . . Yoga and Meditation (MH) 11:30 a.m. . . Bible Study Series: If Grace Is True (N104) 1 p.m.. . . . . . Bell Choir (Bell Room) 4 p.m.. . . . . . Baby Basics Diaper Pickup (MH) 4:30 p.m. . . . Centering Prayer (P) 5:30 p.m. . . . Membership and Growth Committee Meeting (N101)

Tuesday3/10 12:30 p.m. . . Lenten Study: If Grace Is True (N104) 1 p.m.. . . . . . Social Committee Meeting (N101) 4 p.m.. . . . . . Music Committee Meeting (ACR)

Wednesday3/11 9 a.m.. . . . . . Board of Mission and Outreach Meeting (N104) 11 a.m.. . . . . New Chapters Men's Study Group (N104) 12 p.m.. . . . . Mid-Week Lenten Meditation (S) 3 p.m.. . . . . . Executive Minister Search Committee Meeting (MCR) 5:30 p.m. . . . Lenten Study: If Grace Is True (FULL) (N207) 7 p.m.. . . . . . Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (BH/S)

Thursday3/12 9:30 a.m. . . . Yoga and Meditation (MH) 10 a.m.. . . . . Green Justice Team Meeting (N104) 12:30 p.m. . . Mah Jongg (MH) 4 p.m.. . . . . . Lenten Study: If Grace Is True (N104) 5:30 p.m. . . . Inspired Book Study (N104) 6 p.m.. . . . . . Newcomer's Dinner (Off-site)

Friday3/13 12 p.m.. . . . . Al Anon Meeting (N207) 2 p.m.. . . . . . Caregiver Support Group (N101)

Sunday Third Sunday in Lent3/15 9 a.m.. . . . . . Worship Service (S) 10 a.m.. . . . . Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 10:15 a.m. . . Lenten Study: If Grace Is True (N104) 11 a.m.. . . . . Worship Service (S) 12 p.m.. . . . . Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 7:30 p.m. . . . Middlers - "Gypsy" at Theatre Zone (Off-site)

S = Sanctuary | P = Parlor |N = Nelson Hall | MH = McSpadden Hall | GC = Gates Chapel | GP = The Gathering Place BH = Beverly Hall | MG = Memorial Garden | ACR = Administrative Conference Room

Children’s MinistryJunior Disciples meet on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Joyful Noise choir (kindergarten) meets at 4:15 p.m. in Beverly Hall. Alleluia Singers (1st through 5th Grade) meet at 4:35 p.m. in Beverly Hall.

Prayer List

Brad Anderson Andy and Jenna Tony AspnesJames BallewThe Beckstead FamilyMarcie BentzAl Cahen Jay Cahill Chris CarterCarolineBob Clement Clayton Mary Anne CoroneosJim Dame DanielleJessica Davis Sandra DavisDavid DeltanoGill Dolan Frank

Alison Crowley GilbertLinda GoldbergWill GrottoKen and Dee Hansen Leigh Herndon Carrie HodgesJohnny HolmesJim HunttingEric Jasso Karen HowickJamie Maryanna Jordan Kathy KircherJake KriegerJustin KromerIrv KoelerJo Liddy LoisBob MachusBob Madigan

Megan, Dan, Gabby and Avril Jim MahoneyMary June and Al Scott Masi Marianne Moore Christopher Ng Tanisha Nicole Bob OakleyTom O’Reilly, Jr Jean PartridgeTerry Pendleton Maria Josefina PowerJonathan Prather Sharon RaineyPat ReynoldsRoger RhodesBill Rickard Deborah Rosenburg Kathy Siwek

Dean L. SmithBrenda Taylor Dawn TestonDebbie W. Helen WeeseBill and Diana White

Our Children and YouthPenelope Jay Garrett KaulbarsJackson Varty

In Service to our NationCapt. Robert CookMSgt Matthew Frederickson1st Lt. Dylan Salyers

Mid-Week Lenten Meditations

March 11Meditation by Rev. Dr. Deb Kaiser-CrossRebecca Richardson, soprano

March 18Meditation by Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-EwingMichael Zion, trombone

March 25Meditation by Rev. Dr. David Kaiser-CrossEmerson Millar, violin

April 1Meditation by Rev. Rich KirschnerLeelo Basham, flute

April 8Meditation by Rev. Katherine MulhernGlenn Basham, violin

If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, please fill out a prayer request card. Cards can be found in the Welcome Folders located in the back of each pew and in the narthex. Place completed cards in the offering plate.

Condolences: To Susan Pratt and family, on the passing of her mother-in-law, Barbara Louise Pratt. To the friends and family of William M, on his passing.

5200 Crayton Road, Naples, Florida 34103(239) 261-5469 | info@naplesucc.org

WiFi username: Nucc_guest WiFi Password: nuccguest@NaplesUCCfacebook.com/NaplesUCC #Naplesuccwww.naplesucc.org

As a mission-driven congregation, Naples United Church of Christ strives to show that actions speak louder than words. We are not only active in community outreach, but passionate about social causes. As an intergenerational congregation, we engage with people of all ages and stages of life to be a place where people not only believe, but also belong. As a growing church, we do not ask people to “check their brains at the door,” rather to ask deep questions of faith of each other and of God. We are an Open and Affirming congregation that not only welcomes, but celebrates all people. We are proud to be one of more than 5,000+ congregations in the United Church of Christ and of our identity as a “Traditional Church for Progressive People.”

The 2020 flower calendar is available on the reception desk. Please enter the date (or call the office) to reserve your Sunday for donating chancel flowers.Our services are livestreamed and recorded. A recording of today’s worship service may be found by going to our website (www.naplesucc.org) and clicking on the Livestream Worship box.Cans for Communion - We welcome your donations of nonperishable food items on the first Sunday of each month as we celebrate Communion together. These donations will be delivered to the Grace Place food pantry.Weekly Steeplelights arrives via email each Friday. If you are not receiving it, please contact Wendy in the church office, or at wendy@naplesucc.org to sign up.Come visit our Bargain Box Thrift Store at 3906 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112 to find great items for any occasion or to volunteer! We also accept lightly-used donations. We can also assist in the pickup of larger donated items. If you have questions, please contact the store at (239) 262-3802.Precious Cargo Academy is a mission of Naples United Church of Christ and is an Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment. The Academy is a Florida Gold Seal approved center with a daily schedule based on the Creative Curriculum, a research-based curriculum, inspiring creative learning in every aspect of play.

Next SundayThird Sunday in Lent

March 15, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.The Character of GodJohn 4:7-10, 23-26

Rev. Dr. David Kaiser-Cross, preaching

Welcome, First-Time WorshipersFirst-time guest information cards are located in the pew racks, and can be brought to the first-time-guest welcome kiosk in the narthex, or placed in the offering plate. We invite you to journey with us as a visitor or unite with us as a Full or

Associate Member.Our sanctuary is equipped with the T-Loop (Telecoil Loop) Hearing System. Additional hearing devices are available in the narthex. Please ask an usher for assistance.

Though children of all ages are welcome in our worship services, there is nursery care for infants and toddlers available with Miss Lois and childcare staff. There is also a “cry room” near the nursery if you wish to stay with your child and observe the service. Please ask an usher for assistance.

Visitor Information ScheduleSunday, March 22: Visitor Information Brunch after worship in Nelson Hall, Room N-104

Thursday, March 26: An Evening with Your Pastors at Dr. Taylor's Home Sunday, March 29: "No Fuss" New Member Sunday (Gates Chapel), 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

4 Ways to Give

Envelopes are available in worship

Online via our website

Text to Give Text NAPLESUCC

to 73256 and click on the link in the reply text to

complete your gift.

Stocks & IRA’s

Please call Sharon in the church office.

Mid-Week Advent MeditationWednesday, March 11

Meditation by Rev. Dr. Deb Kaiser-CrossRebecca Richardson, soprano

Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf, organ and piano