The Red Door SEPTEMBER 2015 News of the people and ministries of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel, FL MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR Dear Friends in Christ, Thomas Merton wrote often about being “touched by God” – those moments in life when we experience a “vivid awareness of the infinite Being.” Merton felt deeply that those moments were a free gift of love from God. Many of you have had those experiences – sometimes calling them spiritual insights, a rush of the soul, or God moments. Of course, every time we even try to analyze and describe such events, we come up short. We work so hard at trying to describe divinely connected moments – sacred spaces in time – but all we have as tools to do this is human language. We endeavor to recount the infinite with our finite parts of speech. That’s why sometimes I feel that silence in those moments is the best way to absorb what is going on, the best way to contemplate what is beyond our limited understandings. Rather than try to grasp the “God moment,” and find the perfect words to describe it, silence can increase our awareness of the holy in our midst. I’ve always wanted to swim with a dolphin and I had occasion to do so this summer. I made sure it was “green” space for these creatures – where they were cared for in their own habitat. I didn’t put on sunscreen so as not to endanger them with chemicals. I took the required course prior to heading out to the dock and climbing down the ladder into the water, preparing as best I could. However, I was not prepared emotionally or spiritually for the silent experience of being eye to eye with one of the most beautiful, sensitive, and intelligent creatures on the planet. The dolphin – creatures with specialized brain cells that resemble our own human emotions of “empathy, intuition, communication and self -awareness” writes author Susan Casey. No, I was not prepared at all for that space in time in the bay. As Nica approached me in the water and reached out to touch my arm with her fin, she looked straight at me and opened her mouth – letting clicking and squealing sounds emanate in some sort of a greeting. That huge, graceful and powerful blue- gray mammal had no fear at all – just watched me with a keen awareness, let me rub her back, and pushed gently against me, nudging me to play more. The trainer called out a command to her to allow me to grab her dorsal fin and when I did, we went for the swim of a lifetime. You know, I’ve always felt the presence of God in creation – whether a sunrise, a storm, the birth of a baby, the compassionate smile of an elder, the exquisite folds and curves of an orchid. There are so many spaces that cause a lump in our throats, a tear in our eyes, or a rush of the heart and soul that we feel profoundly the essence of our Creator – still with us, still revealing, still watching over all creation. My experience with Nica that I thought would be fun and exciting took me to a place far more profound than a thrilling swim with a dolphin. It transported me to a place where I was faced with a part of creation I’d never encountered – a haunting, spiritual, and overwhelming encounter with a wild and sacred creature of the ocean. I was in awe of the God who created that ocean dweller. Nica will always remind me in my lazy spiritual moments to stay aware, stay silent, stay looking for those awe moments, those God moments that are all around us - if only we behold them. Blessings to you all - near and far, Ellen + Vision Transforming lives through Christ Mission Our Mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ so that all may come to know God. Guiding Principles Faith: We value our Christian faith; therefore, we will endeavor to conduct ourselves according to Christ’s teachings. Compassion: We value compassion; therefore, we will care for others in the name of Christ. Service: We value service; therefore, we will share the gifts God has given us. Inclusivity: We value inclusivity; therefore, we will strive to include everyone. Integrity: We value integrity; therefore, we will treat each other with respect and honesty.
Transcript
The Red Door
SEPTEMBER 2015 News of the people and ministries of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel, FL
MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thomas Merton wrote often about being “touched by God” – those moments in life
when we experience a “vivid awareness of the infinite Being.” Merton felt deeply that those moments were a free gift of love from God. Many of you have had those experiences – sometimes calling them spiritual insights, a rush of the soul, or God moments. Of course, every time we even try to analyze and describe such events, we come up short. We work so hard at trying to describe divinely connected moments – sacred spaces in time – but all we have as tools to do this is human language. We endeavor to recount the infinite with our finite parts of speech. That’s why sometimes I feel that silence in those moments is the best way to absorb what is going on, the best way to contemplate what is beyond our limited understandings. Rather than try to grasp the “God moment,” and find the perfect words to describe it, silence can increase our awareness of the holy in our midst.
I’ve always wanted to swim with a dolphin and I had occasion to do so this summer. I made sure it was “green” space for these creatures – where they were cared for in their own habitat. I didn’t put on sunscreen so as not to endanger them with chemicals. I took the required course prior to heading out to the dock and climbing down the ladder into the water, preparing as best I could. However, I was not prepared emotionally or spiritually for the silent experience of being eye to eye with one of the most beautiful, sensitive, and intelligent creatures on the planet. The dolphin – creatures with specialized brain cells that resemble our own human emotions of “empathy, intuition, communication and self-awareness” writes author Susan Casey. No, I was not prepared at all for that space in time in the bay.
As Nica approached me in the water and reached out to touch my arm with her fin, she looked straight at me and opened her mouth – letting clicking and squealing sounds emanate in some sort of a greeting. That huge, graceful and powerful blue-gray mammal had no fear at all – just watched me with a keen awareness, let me rub her back, and pushed gently against me, nudging me to play more. The trainer called out a command to her to allow me to grab her dorsal fin and when I did, we went for the swim of a lifetime.
You know, I’ve always felt the presence of God in creation – whether a sunrise, a storm, the birth of a baby, the compassionate smile of an elder, the exquisite folds and curves of an orchid. There are so many spaces that cause a lump in our throats, a tear in our eyes, or a rush of the heart and soul that we feel profoundly the essence of our Creator – still with us, still revealing, still watching over all creation. My experience with Nica that I thought would be fun and exciting took me to a place far more profound than a thrilling swim with a dolphin. It transported me to a place where I was faced with a part of creation I’d never encountered – a haunting, spiritual, and overwhelming encounter with a wild and sacred creature of the ocean. I was in awe of the God who created that ocean dweller.
Nica will always remind me in my lazy spiritual moments to stay aware, stay silent, stay looking for those awe moments, those God moments that are all around us - if
only we behold them.
Blessings to you all - near and far,
Ellen+
Vision Transforming lives through Christ
Mission Our Mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ so that all may
come to know God.
Guiding Principles Faith: We value our Christian faith; therefore, we will endeavor to conduct ourselves according to Christ’s teachings. Compassion: We value compassion; therefore, we will care for others in the name of Christ.
Service: We value service; therefore, we will share the gifts God has given us. Inclusivity: We value inclusivity; therefore, we will strive to include everyone.
Integrity: We value integrity; therefore, we will treat each other with respect and honesty.
2
Help! Help!
"First Wednesday at 6:00"
Prayer and Potluck Whatever you wish to call these gatherings -
potlucks, pitch-ins, or covered dish suppers - they
follow a beautiful lay-led prayer service. Most
importantly, we NEED people to step up and help
us with coordinating the potlucks! If you are
interested in learning more about this, please call
our Hospitality Chairs: Pat Jones (239-823-3828)
or Roberta Winters (239-472-1972). They really
do try to make it as easy and manageable as
possible for you. Edgardo Arce, our custodian, sets
up and takes down all the tables and chairs; Pat and
Roberta usually decorate and put on placemats,
parishioners bring their own dishes and utensils, and
there is no meal for you to prepare as a coordinator.
Potluck Coordinators really act as hosts for the
evening and may even decide on their own theme if
they desire. Coordinators also are responsible for
asking a few people to help with the clean-up. We
only have 12 of these gatherings a year so why not
put together a Coordinator Team of your own of 4-5
people and give Pat or Roberta a call to pick a date.
The Vestry and Rector thank you for seriously
considering how you can help this year. Right now,
we NEED a team to coordinate the October 7
Potluck!
Morning Prayer on Tuesdays What a simple and beautiful way to begin your day – in prayer circled around a single candle. We hope you can join us this year in the Angel Chapel for these 20 minutes of peace and prayer with the Lord. (9:00 a.m.)
Note of Thanks To My Parish Family, Thank You for all your support during my illness the past two months. Your prayers and meals have nourished both soul and body, constantly reminding me I was not alone in my journey to wellness.
Blessings to you all, Carl Meier
Blessings to Our
New Head Acolyte
Anna Kjoller As Anna Kjoller begins her junior year at Bishop
Verot High School, she also takes on the
responsibility of serving as St. Michael’s Head
Acolyte. Congratulations and thank you, Anna.
Parents with Young Children
Please join the Rector and Sunday School
Coordinator for a light supper and conversation in
the Library on September 23rd
at 5:00 p.m. We look
forward to exploring ways together of deepening
your children’s faith journey. Questions? Call Ellen
at 896-6468.
Youth Acolyte Festival September 25-26
Don’t forget this exciting event at
our Diocesan Cathedral! We will
meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. on
Friday and drive to DaySpring for
dinner and games with other acolytes
from around the Diocese. Then on
Saturday morning it’s off to the
Cathedral in St. Petersburg for a day
of learning and fun. We should be
back in Sanibel around 4:30 on
Saturday.
We'll be getting together in the Cottage this year on
the 2nd
and 4th
Wed. of each month (6-7:00). Due to
the Acolyte Festival event in September, we'll have
our first youth gathering on October 14. I hope you
can all be there!
Meghan Warner, Youth Leader
3
Spiritual Direction Although many of you have been, or are still in,
spiritual direction, there are many more who know
very little about this opportunity. To deepen our
awareness of having a spiritual director or
companion, Sr. Carol Beevers will be with us on
November 9th
, 1:00-2:00 p.m. to share all aspects of
spiritual direction and to encourage people to try it.
A Spiritual Director may be lay or ordained and is a
person with whom one communicates their spiritual
journey through the ups and downs of one's
physical and emotional life – even if one has
difficulty in articulating that journey. Most of all,
Carol will be a listener not an advice giver, except
when you seek advice or direction. We hope you’ll
join us for this informal, informational time.
October Meetings • Pastoral Care Ministry – Wed., Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m.
• Healing Ministry – Mon., Oct.19, 12:30 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TO
BEGIN OCTOBER 4, 2015 We will begin Sunday school on Sunday October 4, (9:30) and will be learning about Baptism for the first several weeks. Then we will do Advent activities during Advent and move into Old and New Testament Bible Stories after the first of the year - including many of Jesus’ miracles. Each story will be accompanied by a craft that the children will complete and can take home.
We're looking forward to a great year and hope that your children can be with us. Please also know that if you'd like to try your hand at teaching, I'd be glad to help you. There is a sign-up sheet in the Sunday School room, and I encourage you to pick a week and write in your name and phone number. I'll prepare the lesson for you and will be glad to help if you need me.
by Donnalee Washburn
& Lya Kjoller
----------------------------------
Register for Sunday School
Please complete the form below and either
bring to the church office or drop into the
offering plate! Any questions, call Donnalee
Washburn or Ellen Sloan.
Name: ____________________________
Birthday: __ /__ /__ Age: ___ Grade: ___
Parent or Caregiver’s Name: ____________
_________________________________
Address: __________________________
Emergency Phone # __________________
Email: ____________________________
Blessing of the
Animals Saturday, October 3
Whether you are caring for a
dog, a cat, or a tortoise, we
invite you and your beloved pet
to join us on St. Michael’s
front porch on Saturday
morning at 10:00 for our
Annual Blessing of the
Animals. This ancient tradition
in honor of St. Francis is one
we hold close to our hearts.
We’ll have treats for humans
and other creatures as well.
4
Convocation for Fort Myers
and Naples Deaneries
Sept. 9, 7:00 - St. Mary's, Bonita Springs
Delegates to Convention and the Rector will meet
with the Bishop and his staff for the Fall
Convocation with over twenty other parishes in
these two deaneries. This Convocation will review
the proposed Diocesan budget for 2016, ongoing
committee work in the Diocese, special projects,
and other items pertaining to the October
Convention in Punta Gorda. Special thanks to our
Delegates: Adair Heath, Joanne Syversen, Dave
Washburn, and Alternate Anne Stewart.
Prayer List If you would like your family member(s), friend(s) or
yourself to on the prayer list, please send or call
names to Susan in the Church Office at 239-472-2173
Thoughts from Richard Rohr "I think that when you recognize something as beautiful in your life, it partly emerges from the silence around it. It may be why we are quiet in art galleries. If something is not surrounded by the vastness of silence and space, it is hard to appreciate something as singular and beautiful. If it is all mixed in with everything else, then its singularity, as a unique and beautiful object, does not stand out. Silence needs to be understood in a larger way than simply a lack of audible sound or a lack of noise. Whenever emptiness - what seems like empty space, absence of sound - becomes its own fullness with its own kind of sweet voice, you have just experienced what I mean by silence."
Harry Chapin Food Bank
Needs Your Help Pantries are empty so please try to shop at Publix on
September 20th
(10am-3pm). See below for needed
items. Volunteers will be at Publix to receive your
purchases. If you cannot shop that day, donations to
Harry Chapin are deeply appreciated. Remember,
your $1.00 = $6.00!
Our Deepest Gratitude… In late February I was diagnosed with multiple
myeloma. It’s a blood born cancer that attacks the
red blood cells and if left unchecked will lead to
infection and death. There is no known cure as of
yet, but the doctors and researchers are making
great strides through research to turn the tide on this
insidious disease. Life
span after diagnosis
has gone from only a
few years to over 10
and more, and new
medicines and chemo
treatments are being
introduced on an
almost monthly basis.
The cost is high. Chemo
treatments are not like other medicines, where co-
pays are controlled. Because of the nature of cancer,
clinical trials are short and swift and they are
expensive. A single treatment can have a co-pay of
close to $1000 per treatment.
JoNell and I have been very lucky to be surrounded
by great family, friends and the church. Fundraisers
have been held and a lot of money has been raised
to offset my inability to work as a charter captain.
The first thing you learn when a serious illness
strikes is that the bills still need to be paid.
On May 12th
Noah’s Ark held a gala fundraiser for
me and JoNell that included morning door prizes, a
silent auction, a special boutique rack and a
Christmas boutique. There was also lemonade and
cookies donated for the occasion by Bailey’s
General Store on Sanibel. The event raised over
$14,000 that was placed into a trust fund managed
by the church for paying our medical bills and will
go a long way in helping offset the cost of my
impending stem cell implantation.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Noah’s Ark and the
congregation of Saint Michael and All Angels
Episcopal Church. Thank you for your support and
the many prayers that have helped us get through
this very trying time. We are truly blessed.
Capt. Rob and JoNell Modys
6
From Your Parish Nurse,
Wendy As I said back in June “Simple things
we must remember…..if it is hot and
sunny, make sure you drink lots of
fluids, stay hydrated…if your mouth
is feeling very dry, you are already
behind in your fluids.” Often times we attribute
dehydration to the sun, which in Florida is often
times correct. First off, our body is about 60
percent water and if you drop about 1.5 percent of
that fluid, you could be mildly dehydrated. With
this comes a potential change in mood, energy
levels and cognitive function. There are many other
causes of dehydration other than the sun.
One place to start looking is at your prescriptions.
Many of your prescribed drugs have diuretic effects,
like some of your Blood Pressure medications. We
also need to make sure that we read side effects of
our medications. Any medication that has a side
effect of diarrhea or vomiting can lead to
dehydration. Carbohydrates often times soak up
fluids and contribute to being hydrated. If someone
decides to cut out carbohydrates from their diet as
they do with low carb or no carb diets and do not
drink more water, they could they could
potentially decrease their inner fluid
levels.
Additionally, if we do not eat our five-
a-day fruits and vegetables you can
experience dehydration. Filling your
plate half full of produce each meal can add
about two cups of water a day to our body. Some
natural dietary ingredient such as parsley, celery
seed, dandelion and watercress “can send your
bladder into overdrive” due to their diuretic effects.
Even that “well-behaved Happy Hour” can deplete
your fluid levels by the diuretic effect of alcohol.
There are still other things that can increase risk of
dehydration; People who have the diagnosis of
Diabetes or “people who don’t yet realize they have
it.” As blood sugar levels rise, the body tries to get
rid of excessive amounts though increasing
urination, which in turn can lead to dehydration.
Most times this will result in excessive thirst. Stress
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS It’s still important to review your hurricane plan.
Know when, where, and how you are going to
evacuate prior to a storm. Reach out to other
parishioners and neighbors who may need your
assistance in getting prepared for a storm.
Basic emergency preparedness list:
It is preferable to keep everything together in an
easily accessible place and have enough supplies to
get you through a minimum of 3 days.
A gallon of drinking water per person per day Non-perishable ready-to-eat food Manual can opener Medications – see medical preparedness below Analog phone – one that does not use batteries or
electricity Personal hygiene items Pillow, blanket, towel First aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray Cash, credit cards Important documents - driver’s license, social
security card, medical cards, insurance policies – all kept in a sealed plastic bag
NOAA weather radio or battery operated AM/FM radio
Clean clothes, sturdy shoes, hat Flashlight and extra batteries Unscented bleach for disinfecting water Written instructions on how to turn off electricity,
gas, water if authorities advise you to do so. Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn back on natural gas service.
Medical Preparedness:
Make a Medical Information List with the
names and phone numbers of your medical
providers and why you see them; list of cognitive
or communication difficulties you have; list of
allergies and sensitivities; list of medications and
dosages – both prescription and over-the-counter
(OTC). Keep all medications in their original labeled
containers Have a 14 day supply of each medication. Have additional copies of your prescriptions. List of medications that are in the refrigerator and
a reminder to put them in a refrigerated bag or cooler.
List of specific equipment you need – glasses, hearing aids, body supports, communication devices, canes, walkers. Make certain they are all labeled and have extra batteries and chargers if necessary.
List of emergency out of town contacts with phone numbers; provide the church with a copy.
Lee County’s Special Needs Program
provides three types of shelter – emergency public
shelters, special care shelters and hospitals. The
Department of Health will determine which is
appropriate for your needs based on the information
you provide on your application. The Program also
provides transportation to these shelters. To
adequately prepare for the number of people requiring
these services, pre-registration is required. A new
application must be submitted each year to remain
on the Special Needs registry (application packet is
available on table in the Gallery.) The Special
Needs Program is designed to be a backup plan for an
evacuation if you have no other place to go.
Protecting your Pets Keep up-to-date identification on your pets at all
times.
Have current color photos of your pets to be kept with your emergency supplies.
Because of a greater threat of disease, it is important that your animal be up to date on their vaccinations.
If you must evacuate, take your pets with you! Your pet’s best protection is to be with you!
If you must leave your pets behind, DO NOT leave pets in carriers, as they will not be able to get more food and water when needed.
Place a notice on your front door advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a telephone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.
Lee County has one Pet-friendly Shelter at South Fort Myers High School which will shelter dogs and cats only when accompanied by owner.
Important numbers and websites:
Emergency fire and police – 911
Sanibel Hurricane Hotline – 1-800-933-6093
Sanibel Police Department – 239-472-3111
Sanibel Fire Department 239-472-5525
Lee Co. Emergency Management – 239-533-0622
Lee Co. Sheriff’s Office – 239-477-1000
City of Sanibel Website – www.mysanibel.com
Lee Co. Website – www.leeEOC.com
Special Needs Coordinator, Lee Co. – 239-533-3640
Pet-friendly shelter information – 239-533-7387 or
Parish Hall Gets a Facelift The Vestry and Rector are deeply grateful to the
Property Committee, and the subcommittee of
Helen Ketteman, Harriet Pattison, Marilyn
Lewis, and Lee Almas who worked with the
designer Kathy McCabe, to renew the face of our
parish hall. We hope you enjoy the new carpet,
paint, lighting, and sun shade – they have made an
incredible difference in our fellowship space. Those
of you not back yet – you'll love it. This Parish Hall
renewal is just one of the many action planning
steps that came out of our Strategic Planning
Process, and the Vestry Planning Team is pleased to
see it completed. We are very grateful to the
anonymous donors who gave St. Michael's the
monies to complete this action item, as we continue
to "beautify our campus."
St. Michael’s Financial Update At the end of the first eight months of 2015
preliminary figures of the Operating Account
indicate that our Church is just about on budget in
both Income and Expenses.
Operating Income was $578,000 vs. a budget of
$583,000. Operating Expenses were $561,000 vs. a
budget of $559,000. Pledge payments and other
contributions, together with support from the ECW,
have kept the income at expected levels. Careful
expense management in all areas has kept spending
at projected amounts. St. Michael's is blessed with
members who generously support the Operating
expenses of running this Parish. Many of them are
also Donors who provide the necessary funds to
improve, expand and beautify our buildings and
grounds.
I thank each of you for your support of our Church.
Morton McDonald, Treasurer
A Meditation The journey into life is a choice which we make.
It is a choosing to follow the Christ
Along passages of emptiness
And pathways of fullness,
Through valleys of our fear
And along roadways of our faith,
Gathering around us the love of God
For our safe traveling,
The courage of this Jesus
And the truth that the Holy Spirit will never leave us.
We also claim the wonder and grace of each other.
Thanks be to God that we will travel together on
The journey into life.
The first choir rehearsal will be on Friday,
October 9th, beginning at 1:30 pm. All are
welcome to join the choir.
9
Men’s Fellowship
Join together in fellowship, discussion
and prayer at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday,
September 8th
and 22nd
in the Parish
Hall. Light breakfast provided (7:15).
To All the Women of
St. Michael's
Luncheons, Programs & Retreat
2015-2016
November 9, 2015 12:30 p.m.
From China to St. Michael’s:
A personal, spiritual journey
Guest Speaker: Lee Williams
December 14, 2015 12:30 p.m.
Ikebana-Holiday Arrangments
Guest Speaker: Brenda Norris
January 11, 2016 12:30 p.m.
Presentation of the Budget
Fashions from the Past
February 8, 2016 2:00 p.m.
Noah’s Ark Fashion Show
March 8-9, 2016
Women’s Retreat
DaySpring Conference Center
March 14, 2016 12:30 p.m.
Wallis Simpson – Royal Obsession
Guest Speaker: Joanna Olsen
April 11, 2016 12:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting + Election of Officers +
Guest Speaker: Kelly Collini Community Housing Resources
NOAH’S ARK THRIFT SHOP (The Ark is closed mid-August and September)
Noah’s Ark is Thrift Shop is clean and waxed
and ready for new merchandise. Items can be
dropped off on our dock anytime. Volunteers
are beginning to work on Tuesdays and Fridays
from 9:30-12:30.
The doors will open again October 2, 2015.
For the month of October the Ark will be open
Tuesdays & Fridays only, 9:30 – 12:30 p.m.
November 1st the Fall/Winter hours begin
Mon-Fri and 1st Saturday of the month, 9:30-
12:30 p.m.
Thank you all for supporting Noah’s Ark and
our many charities. For questions regarding
furniture pick-up or if you’d like to volunteer
please call the Ark at (239) 472-3356.
Christian Yoga
Beginning Tuesday, September 15
th
3:00-4:00 p.m. in St. Michael’s Parish Hall
A Christ-centered approach to physical and spiritual
health is offered, free of charge. Join us as we…
Increase flexibility, balance and endurance
Strengthen and reshape muscles
Improve coordination and range of movement
Relieve tension and stress
Please bring a Yoga mat, tie or strap, small pillow
and abstain from eating 1½ hours before class. This
is a beginner class. All participants must be able to
get up off the floor by themselves. Classes are nice
this time of year – air conditioned room – and fewer
people. It’s great for people to learn something new
and good for them.
Call Gari Lewis (239) 395-2403 certified Yoga
instructor, with any questions.
“Be of good courage, and do it.” Ezra 10:4
10
Annual Noah’s Ark Bag Day The Rector and Vestry thank all the women and
men who helped make Bag Day such a success.
This ECW effort remains one of the most
outstanding works in our parish - providing not only
great financial assistance to many, many charities,
but also providing emotional and social support for
the people who work there and shop there. You are
a blessing!
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow - well rain at least - will
keep thrifty shoppers away.
$4.00 = 1 bag, $8.00 = 2 bags and so on and so on.
A moment of prayer before the doors open.
…and they’re off.
News from the Art Ministry Upon your return to Sanibel, you will notice some
changes in the church. One of these is a new
hanging system for the Gallery in the hallway. No
longer will we have unsightly holes in the walls!!
We hope you have all been thinking about the
programs for the upcoming season and producing
art for our shows, whether it’s photography,
paintings, mixed-media, fabric, or anything else that
can be hung. As a reminder, we are listing the
upcoming shows:
December – We are celebrating the contributions of
the Flower Guild for its service with a photographic
remembrance of arrangements that have graced the
sanctuary through the years.
January - mid-February – “What I Did Last
Summer.” No, you do NOT have to write an
essay!! However, we would love photos and/or
paintings from your summer experiences, whether
you were fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, sight-
seeing, reading to your grandkids, getting ready
for school, or snoozing in a comfy hammock.
Mid-February - Easter – Our MEMBER SHOW!
As a theme we are taking the first two verses of the
beautiful hymn, “HOW GREAT THOU ART”
and asking you to illustrate what these words mean
to you – in any medium that can be hung.
“Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder,
consider all the worlds they hands have made; I see
the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power
throughout the universe displayed.
When through the woods and forest glades I
wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and
see the brook and feel the gently breeze.”
Also, keep in mind the new Featured Artist wall.
If you would like to be a featured artist, please
contact Jim Bird for details.
Again, we emphasize the importance of bringing in
art that is ready to hang – framed with either a wire
across the back or a sawtooth attachment. This is
especially important for our new hanging system,
which I think you will all agree is an improvement.
We look forward to seeing our sanctuary filled with
new and old friends and our Gallery filled with new
art!
~ Helen Ketteman and Mary Jane Keys
Art Ministry, Co-Chairs
11
Bereavement Support Groups Many of you have preferred to talk one-on-one about
your grief and the sometimes up and down emotions
that accompany that. Gathering together in small
groups to listen and share with others in stages of loss
can also be healing and helpful. If you'd like to talk
more about how or where to find comfort, or would
like to start another group at St. Michael's, please give
Ellen Sloan a call. To assist you right now the
following places are each staffed by a professional
grief counselor:
Bonita Springs:
27200 Imperial Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Mornings, Every Tuesday, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Evenings, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cape Coral:
2430 Diplomat Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Afternoons, Every Wednesday, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Evenings, Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Fort Myers:
9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Mornings, Every Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 AM
Evenings, Every Tuesday, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
All Other Areas: Please call 855-454-3104 and
ask for a bereavement counselor. They will provide
you with information on grief support in your area.
From the Book of Common Prayer
A Prayer for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and
turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day,
we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Birthday 1st Phil Pilibosian 15th Emilie Burroughs
3rd Frances Kennedy 17th Gayle Spring
4th Wendy Warner 19th Jim Hunter
5th Karen Searles 20th Marvin Bradley, Jr.
Marisa Salatino Dean Traxler
6th Dick Allen 21st Anne Hall
Carol Kreml Penny Lind
7th Betty Cater 23rd David Connor
8th Harriet Pattison Wes Dirks
10th Lil Waterhouse Paul Goddard
12th Ralph Korn 24th Mary Vollmer
13th Roxie Bashian 26th Nancy duPont
14th Jim Jordan Dick Lewis
Jack Upper 30th Beryl Flesh
Anniversaries 7
th Betty and Bill Carr
8th
Elise and Dick Allen
Tal and Alan Gast
11th
Gail and Phil Pilibosian
13th
Betty and Lawton Grant
14th
Claudia and Jack Upper
20th
Jeanne and Bob Fuchs
21st Ellen and Sandy Trevor
24th
Shirlla and Michael Cuscaden
30th
Sylvia and Roger Heider
You can now hear the current weekend’s
sermon on-line. Go to our website at
www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org and click on
“SERMON” in the sidebar, select the date
you’d like to hear.
13
Safeguarding God’s Children Recertification Training – ONLY
If you are not sure of your certification expiration please contact Susan in the Church Office.
Safeguarding OnlineTM is an internet-based training program developed by Praesidium and provided by the Church Pension Group. Safeguarding Online can be accessed at any time, from anywhere. The program presently consists of six modules. Each module offers easy to understand, step-by-step instruction and ends with a brief quiz.
Steps to follow if you wish to complete your Safeguarding Online recertification:
1. E-mail the Safeguarding Online Administrator assigned to your parish - Tana Sembiante. E-mail – [email protected]
2. Your designated Administrator, will provide you with a "Login", a "Password", instructions and a list of the modules you will need to complete.
Vestry Members’ Reminder
of future meeting dates: October 22
nd and November 19
th
at 1:00 p.m.
Join us for lunch at 12:15 p.m. to allow for a little
catch-up time.
14
«LABEL»
SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2304 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel, Florida 33957
[239] 472-2173 or [239] 472-9289 Fax: [239] 395-1670
