MEET OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams brings to Naples UCC a pastoral spirit and vision that is enthusiastic, hopeful, kind, mission-driven, and authentic. A thoughtful and compelling preacher who enjoys connecting scripture to the everyday lives of parishioners, Pastor Mark truly cares for our church and for our community. Williams's interdenominational experience is the perfect fit for pastoring a church with a wide variety of theological backgrounds. Williams has led diverse churches in four different states in three different denominations. His vocational and educational experience with the U.C.C., United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church, Congregational Church, Presbyterian Church, and Cooperative Baptist Church (not to mention marrying a Roman Catholic) speaks to his inclusive, all-embracing spiritual values. Rev. Williams received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Mercer University. A Florida native, Pastor Mark enjoys the outdoors and "anything and everything baseball." Mark and his wife Emily are very involved in the Naples community and have three young children: Nolan, Marie, and Anna.

Rev. Sonja M. Phillips is a native of Vinton, Virginia, and a graduate of Mary Baldwin University and Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. She brings over sixteen years of pastoral ministry and church leadership and twenty-one years in chaplaincy and social work. Ordained in 1999, she received privilege of call in the United Church of Christ in 2014. She has served UCC and Cooperative Baptist congregation in Virginia, Florida, and Texas. She is married to Rev Dave Phillips they have one son Tyler a graduate of Florida State University and George Washington University living in Columbus, Ohio. Her ministry is a shared sacred journey grounded in pastoral care spiritual formation and worship. She serves through hospital visitation nursing homes homebound ministry and is committed to inclusivity and life transitions including mental health bereavement and holistic well-being. She admires Naples UCC as a welcoming vibrant congregation rooted in God’s Spirit and resonates deeply with its embodiment of the compassionate love and grace of Jesus Christ—a community where all are affirmed, faith is thoughtfully engaged, and ministry is lived out with authenticity and hope.