The Red Door
DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 News of the people and ministries of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel, FL
MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we sat in the last pew in the nave on Monday evening, I tried to settle my mind
and heart from all the preparations for the concert. Yes, the piano had arrived. Yes, the tuner had done his good work. Yes, cheese and crackers had magically appeared for the reception – as had two lovely women to serve them. Yes, Stanton Lanier had sufficient time to practice and warm up....and yes, his projector actually plugged in and worked. And what a positive attitude our pianist had about our too-small projection zcyeev. “No pyoblew,” ue zatd. “We’ll pyosec| |ue twa{ez ov|o |ue �all beawz beutvd tue al|ay avd waxe t| a lt||le abz|yac|!” What more could one ask for.
Then he began to play. The chemistry major, MBA, financial planner touched the t~oytez, utz w}ztctav’z ueay| avd zo}l ewey{ed, avd �e be{av |o ueay bea}|tr}l z|yatvz of music. Steeped in years of Bach and Beethoven and all the great composers, the “Ptavtz| or Peace” (az ue called utwzelr), uad cuozev |o rtvd utz o�v }vtq}e pa|u or w}ztcal ayyav{ewev|z. Ovce tv a�utle �ea~tv{ tv |ue welodtez or |ue “{yea|z,” ue succeeded in drawing us into new and beautiful chords and clefs – music inspired by scripture.
I was especially touched by his interpretation of Philippians 4:6-7, and remembered the small wooden cross I wear each week at the altar – a cross made by a child from Our Little Roses – an orphanage in Honduras. The same verses are on that small wooden symbol: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Stanton explained to us that prior to composing this piece, he had heard these verses in his head – not as words but as music – music that moved his soul to not only compose a song, but more importantly, to share, to invite, and to offer peace and hope to those who would hear. The Pianist of Peace.
In the midst of all we have going on in our lives, there are always words of hope. There are always conversations shared of why we need to hope and not press the default key of fear. There are always a myriad of essays and books on the topic of hope. Ho�e~ey, |ueye �az zowe|utv{ dtrreyev| tv “ueaytv{” uope |uyo}{u S|av|ov’z w}ztc – almost as if he were praying the piano with us. The scripture-inspired chords and images of peace on the wall somehow said it better and deeper than mere words. Somehow the ears heard in a more long-lasting way. Sitting together – strangers and friends together in the nave – made the impact even more palpable as I watched heads tilt slightly to the side, eyes looking at the images or closed in meditative response, people holding hands, or leaning into one another as the hope-filled music calwed |ue zo}lz pyezev|. A lt||le ptece or u}wavt|y ryow S|. Mtcuael’z avd |ue surrounding community linked together to hear and draw within.
As we walk through this beautiful season of Advent – even with the stresses and worries in the world, le| }z “tv pyayey avd {yea| |uavxz{t~tv{” pyepaye roy |ue {tr| or the Christ Child in three short weeks. Even more, let us see the hope beyond the great hope of Christmas Day and discover ways we can pray our heart music to those around us during the light and hope-filled days of the Epiphany season – that season when we celebrate the Light of Christ to the world.
Blessings to you all,
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.
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Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Worship Services
“A stable lamp is lighted
Whose glow shall wake the sky;
The stars shall bend their voices,
And every stone shall cry.
And straw like gold shall shine;
A barn shall harbor heavens,
A stall becomes a shrine.”
We invite you to join us for one or more of our
special Christmas services this year as we celebrate
the birth of Christ together as a Saint Michael and
All Angels family.
The 5:00 p.m. Eucharist on Christmas Eve will be filled with Christmas carols, a children’s
procession with animals for the manger, and much
music, candlelight, and joy. Please know that all
children and youths are invited to this service –
whether they live here or are visiting for the
holidays – we invite them to be in our procession!
(We’ll be forming that about 4:30)
The 8:00 p.m. Eucharist on Christmas Eve will be our traditional Eucharist with carols, music,
scripture and prayer.
The 10:00 a.m. Eucharist on Christmas Day Join us for inspiring, uplifting music and joyful
prayer and communion as we gather together to
celebrate the birth of Christ.
Taizé – Third Wednesdays Join us on Dec. 16 and Jan. 20 at 6 p.m.
for a peace-filled service of candlelight,
music, prayer and silence. Taizé is a small
town on a hill in southern France where a
community of brothers first opened its doors to the
public to welcome them to pray, sing, and be silent -
most importantly to invite them into a place of peace
from a hectic world. This 25 minute service on the
third Wednesday of the month will offer you a holy
and melodic rhythm - one you may want to take back
into your busy lives. Mostly, it is a time for all of us
to create a space to hear where God is speaking. It
will be followed by refreshments and light snacks.
Thankfulness of Words and
Gratitude of Acts Stewarding at St. Michael’s in 2016
We, on the Stewardship Team, hope that you have
enjoyed your Gratitude Journal as much as the
Neills have. It’s just the beginning. The opportunity
to reflect and give thanks with thought, word and
deed is itself a gift in a season of busy holiday
preparations. Giving thanks grounds us in our
lives, our families, and this church community.
As we move into the stewardship initiative at St.
Michael and All Angels this year, we ask you to
think of how and what you can give to the church in
thanks. We need your time. We need your talent.
We need financial resources. These three gifts are
the pillars that make St. Michael and All Angels
work so well.
This year, under the kind leadership of Don Rolley,
the Stewardship Team is focused on inspiring the
whole congregation – all of us, 100% of us – to
make a pledge, no matter how small. Why do we
want even the smallest pledge? Because our
collective promises bind us together. And
together, large and small, we add up to the
mighty goodness of St. Michael and All Angels in
our community.
In the coming weeks, you will receive a joint letter
from Ellen Sloan, our beloved Rector, and the
Stewardship Team with a pledge form for you to
return, inviting to join in.
You will also be invited to attend a Neighborhood
Gathering at a parishioner’s home to hear from the
Stewardship Team. It’s a great opportunity to ask
questions and get to know folks. An RSVP from
you will help us tremendously, so that we can plan
properly.
In January, Ellen will focus on stewardship in one
of her weekly sermons and we’ll get updates from
the Stewardship Team.
In February, we will celebrate and give thanks for
all we have done together
Thank you now and many times more to come for
joining with us in this effort. It has been said before
but it is worth sharing again:
“The more thankfully we daily receive what is
given to us, the more surely and steadily will
fellowship increase and grow from day to day” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
~ Evelyn Neill, Stewardship Team
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Don’t forget our Christmas
Party at The Cottage on
December 9th, 6-7:15 p.m.
Meghan Warner, Youth Leader
Morning Prayer on Tuesdays Why not try this 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.)
The season of Christmas and music are
very much connected together. All of us have memories of favorite carols, family singing, choir anthems and the beautiful
decorations of the Christmas season. The parish choir is working on familiar carols
to be sung during our Advent and Christmas service. Fum, Fum, Fum; Ding Dong, Merrily on High and John Rutter's
well-known Shepherd's Pipe Carol will be featured during our services.
Epiphany will bring us the anthems of the Carol for Epiphany and There Shall a Star Come out of Jacob.
May the joy of the season fill our hearts and reach deep into our souls during this
most joyful time.
~ Hank Glass, Minister of Music
Christmas Sing-Alongs
Monday, December 7th Cypress Cove Sing-Along
Meet at The Lodge lobby at 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15th Shell Point Sing-Along
Meet at the Pavilion lobby at 1:45 p.m.
All parishioners are welcome, especially those who like to sing, but totally inclusive of
everyone, regardless of ability!
Stewardship
Neighborhood Gatherings Although the stewardship of our time, skills/gifts,
and monetary offerings is ongoing throughout the
year, we try to focus a bit more on the concept of
stewardship during December, January and
February. Invitations will soon go out to all
parishioners inviting you to attend a one-hour,
informal gathering about what's going on at St.
Michael's, where the challenges lie, and how the
Vestry proposes to move forward in the years
ahead.
If you don’t receive an invitation to someone's
home and would like to attend one; OR if
you've been invited on a date that doesn't work
for you, please call the office and we'll give you
some options. Please don’t forget to RSVP the
host! The dates and times are as follows:
Date Day Time Host Site Jan. 7 Thurs. 5-6:30 Jack & Frances Allen Sanibel
Jan. 12 Tues. 5-6:30 Anne Stewart Shell Pt.
Jan. 14 Thurs. 5-6:30 Bill & Stephanie Rahe Sanibel
Jan. 19 Tues. 5-6:30 Betty Cater Sanibel
Jan. 21 Thurs. 5-6:30 Linda Seifert Sanibel
Jan. 26 Tues. 5-6:30 Adair & Carol Heath Shell Pt.
Jan. 28 Thurs. 5-6:30 Lee & Ann Cooper Sanibel
Feb. 1 Tues. 5-6:30 Don & Jane Adams Shell Pt.
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Stanton Lanier Concert
What a unique and wonderful musical evening with
our guest Stanton Lanier, who played and prayed
the scripture through the piano! It was a blessing
that our church was full of eager listeners and that
in addition to parishioners, we had many people
from the surrounding area who came to listen to this
Pianist of Peace. Deep gratitude goes to Stanton, as
well as to the generosity of an anonymous donor at
St. Michael's who paid for his travel, the piano
rental, and other fees. Thank you both for starting
off Advent with hope-filled notes of peace and
hope.
Youth Group Outreach Project Our youth have chosen the Heifer Project for their
Advent Outreach Project this year and you can
purchase a flock of ducks, a hive of bees, a goat, a
sheep, or even a llama and hang the animal’s
ornament on the Angel Tree in the Parish Hall.
These gifts make perfect stocking stuffers and the
animals you purchase will be given to a needy
family – somewhere around the world (even in the
United States), to help them to become sustainable
through the products the animals yield – whether
eggs or milk, or honey, or wool!
A Thank You to Roger Heider from
the Vestry and Congregation Roger was only able to serve one year of his
three-year term on Vestry. He and his wife
Sylvia have moved to California for one year to
be a care and support system for their daughter-
in-law and two grandsons - ages 7 and 11. We
all remain with them in spirit as they grieve the
loss of their son Mark and move physically,
emotionally and spiritually into this new phase
of their lives. We’ll miss you and send you
many blessings.
Nominating Committee Update The Vestry Nominating Committee has selected a
slate of candidates to bring to the Parish for a vote
on February 28, 2016, at the St. Michael’s Annual
Meeting. This is for a three year term, 2016 – 2019.
The candidates for the next Vestry term are (in
alphabetical order) Julie Boyd, Bettie Modys, and
Pierre “Piff” Piffarerio. A short bio of each will
be published in bulletin inserts well before the 30
days prior to the Annual Meeting. This will give
parishioners a chance to learn more about the
candidates.
In addition, Roger Heider (’18), tendered his
resignation due to personal reasons. John Hillman
has graciously accepted the Vestry call to finish
Roger’s term, which, according to our bylaws ends
at the Annual Meeting of February 28. Then at the
Annual Meeting, parishioners will also have the
opportunity to vote for John Hillman to continue on
Vestry for the remainder of Roger’s term of two
years. His bio will also appear in the bulletin insert.
The Nominating Committee is composed of Don
Adams, Jill Dillon, Carl Meier, Don Rolley
(retiring Vestry member), and Joanne Syversen,
Chair. I want to thank them for their thorough,
dedicated and efficient work in recommending
candidates who would serve St. Michael’s well. The
retiring Vestry members are Don Rolley, Anne
Stewart, and Roberta Winters. They are
outstanding Vestry members, and we appreciate all
their work during the last three years.
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Pies for F.I.S.H. Families Many thanks to all parishioners
who baked pumpkin and apple pies
for hungry people on the islands for
Thanksgiving. Gratitude also to
Judy Pryor who organized this project again this
year, and to her husband John for delivering all the
pies to the F.I.S.H. office for packing into
Thanksgiving Baskets. The old saying never goes
away - "It does take a village!"
St. Michael’s Mission Fair
January 10, 2016 St. Michael’s provides financial support to about 25
local and global charitable organizations through
the efforts of the Outreach Ministry and the
Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
The Mission Fair is an opportunity for parishioners
to learn more about the local and global charitable
organizations that St. Michael’s currently supports
or could potentially support in the future. It
hopefully will also provide opportunities where
parishioners could assist these organizations as
volunteers. The Mission Fair is sponsored and
organized by the St. Michael’s Outreach Ministry.
Booths will be set-up in the Parish Hall on Sunday
January 10, 2016 following each of the two Sunday
church services and will be staffed with
representatives from the charitable organizations.
The booths will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 10:15
a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Please stop by and talk to people who represent the
organizations supported by your church. Brochures
will be available from each of these organizations.
Also, learn about opportunities to further support
these organizations through financial contributions
and/or volunteer assignments.
If you have any questions or need more
information, please contact Bob Syversen,
Outreach Ministry Chair, at (239) 945-0530.
A Poem by Jeannette Bakke There is enough in One holy birth
For all of heaven
All of earth
To perceive infinite, abiding worth
In life and being
Hope and death.
There is enough in One holy life
For all of heaven
All of earth
To find its meaning in the strife
In life and being
Hope and death.
There is enough in One holy death
For all of heaven
All of earth
For newness, resurrection and rebirth
In life and being
Hope and death.
There is enough in One holy Lord
For all of heaven
All of earth
For birth and life and death
To shape and light
The paths of being and non-being
Of blindness and of seeing
To know joy in depth and height
To magnify His name this night.
Healing Ministry Don’t forget to pick up your book in the office –
“Praying for Wholeness and Healing.” Our next
time together in the Chapel will be Monday,
January 18 at 12:30 and we will be sharing thoughts
on the first chapter.
Save the Date Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
An Ecumenical Event on the Islands
January 18 at St. Michael’s!
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The United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering took
place the weekend of November 14th
and 15th
. Our
congregation gave gifts of $4,240 for ministries in
the USA and around the world. UTO is one of the
ways we show our gratitude to God for our many
blessings and our willingness to share our
abundance with others. Thank you all for your
generous support. We appreciate each and every
gift you all have given.
Margery Almas Chairwoman of UTO for ECW
Christmas Poinsettias: Gifts in:
thanksgiving for…,
in memory of…
…loved ones and friends are welcome as we
prepare for the decoration of the Christmas Season.
Please write your check to St. Michael’s with
“Poinsettia” in memo line, attach to the form below,
and place it in the offering plate or bring or mail it
to the Parish Office:
2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
by noon on Monday, December 21st.
In memory of:
Given by:
In thanksgiving for:
Given by:
Suppers for Six Groups are forming for 2016!
This wonderful tradition of getting to know one another has been going on now for over ten (10) years. We still hear comments about how someone new got to know someone else - and have remained friends - just because of these small, friendly suppers.
If you're new to St. Michael's - or have never signed up for Suppers for Six - here's how it goes. When all the sign-ups have been collected, you'll be put into a group of 6 or 7 people and Dianne will notify you of who is in your group. (The person at the top of the list will act as your coordinator.)
Then, during the months of January - May (depending on when people in your group are here), your group will decide just how you'll get together - usually three times. Some groups take turns hosting brunch or dinner at their home - where everyone contributes a dish. Some groups choose to meet at a restaurant. Some even decide to meet for breakfast! It's all up to your group to decide the day, time, and venue - but keep it simple!
Although we always start meals with a prayer, this year we ask that each time you meet, you read a meditation from Forward Movement. You may take turns choosing the reading and everyone who signs up will be given a meditation booklet. After the meditation, please spend 5-10 minutes discussing/reflecting. This new twist to Suppers for Six came about as a result of the Vestry's Strategic Planning Process. It is one of the Action Plans to infuse more scripture into our very busy lives.
Please sign up on the form below OR on the sign-up sheet by the kitchen in the Parish Hall. Again, small groups like these are an easy and fun way to get to know someone at St. Michael's a little bit better. You'll be thankful that you did!
Dianne Leonardi, Suppers for Six
Deadline January 4, 2016 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name(s) __________________________________
Tel. or e-mail _______________________________
Group size: (Circle one) 6 7 8
Church service you usually attend:
Sat. 5:00 Sun. 8:00 Sun. 10:30
Dates you will be in Florida: __________________
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Christian Yoga
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (No class: December 1, 8 & 22)
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
Bible Study with the Rector
Beginning on Thursday, January 7 at 11:00, we will delve into the beautiful and symbolic
Gospel according to St. John. This Gospel is unique among the four canonical Gospels.
We'll discover a myriad of contrasts: light and dark, truth and lies, life and death, and
blindness and sight, as well as explore the stories of Nicodemus, the woman at the well,
and Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Come with your hearts open. Come with your
thoughts. Come with the knowledge that you may simply be present and listen. There
is no requirement to have studied this Gospel before nor to worry about "not
knowing enough." These Bible discussions are meant to inspire us, draw us closer to
Christ, and discover relevancy in our daily lives to walk the Gospel even better!
Men’s Fellowship
Deep gratitude to Roger Heider and
Jim Bird for their facilitation of Men's
Fellowship over the past year, and all
the thought and planning they put into
making these gatherings productive and
personal. We welcome Lee Cooper and Charlie
Emerson as the new facilitators of Men's
Fellowship and wish them many blessings. Next
gatherings will be December 8 and 22 (7:30am)
with a light breakfast at 7:15.
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
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SAVE THE DATE Men’s Retreat February 24-25, 2016
Dayspring Conference Center Retreat Leader: The Rev. Richard Bollman
Women's Retreat March 8-9, 2016
Dayspring Conference Center Retreat Leader: The Rev. Jeanne Person
Vestry Retreat March 16-17, 2016
Lake Placid Camp & Conference Center
Men’s Retreat February 24-25
DaySpring Conference Center
All men in the parish are welcome as we join
together with Retreat Leader, Fr. Richard
Bollman. The theme this year will be "Encounters
with Jesus, the way of the Heart." Please sign up in
the office, or fill out the form below. Questions
about time and cost? Please email or call Lee
Cooper at [email protected] or 812-774-
3316.
-----------------------------------------------------------
MEN’S RETREAT RESERVATION FORM
FEBRUARY 24-25
_____Single $150 _____Double $130
______________________________________
Name (Please print)
______________________________________ Address
______________________________________ Address (City, State)
(Place make check payable to St. Michael’s, noting
“Men’s Retreat” in memo line).
Newcomers and Visitors
Gathering Thank you to Linda Seifert for opening up her
home to our newcomers and visitors at St.
Michael's, and to Chair Peggy Hupfeldt and her
Welcome Team for planning and organizing the
event - AND for bringing all sorts of delicious food.
It was a warm and productive evening with lots of
"new" parishioners present, kind words from the
Chair about the evening and why we were there,
introductions of everyone - including our Minister
of Music and Parish Nurse - and finally time with
the Rector for an overview of St. Michael's
offerings as well as time for questions. If you're
new to St. Michael's and you were not able to be
there, please give Ellen Sloan a call (239-896-
6468). We missed you!
Prayer List
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Parishioners:
Carol Chaveas Daniel Lincoln
Marilee Wood Jim Bird
Rosemary Smith Bishop Dabney Smith
Jack Rushworth Jenny Wilson
Joe DiMicco Don Van Alstyne
Gail Meier Bill Maruchi
Jean Chapman-Castle Wesley Fay
Barbara Wright Bob Ingraham
Peter Blaze Corcoran Dale McGinley
Ron Clarke June Ingraham
Penny Chrysler Bob Howard
Walter Schuman Nancy Cleaveland
Buzz Osterbush Jim Smith
Mary Lou Flynn Dick Jacker
Family of Parishioners: Rob Modys Christina Dillon Cohen
Nan Moore Potter Zackary Almas Phillips
Tucker Cleaveland Colt Salerno
Friend of Parishioners: Charles Porter Harry Gleitz
Chip Lesch
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From The Spiritual Letters of
Dom John Chapman, O.S.B. Prayer, in the sense of union with God, is the most
crucifying thing there is. One must do it for God's
sake; but one will not get any satisfaction out of it, in
the sense of feeling, "I am good at prayer. I have an
infallible method!" That would be disastrous, since
what we want to learn is precisely our own weakness,
powerlessness, unworthiness. Nor ought one to expect
"a sense of the reality of the supernatural" of which I
speak. And one should wish for no prayer, except
precisely the prayer that God gives us - probably very
distracted and unsatisfactory in every way. On the
other hand, the only way to pray is to pray; and the
way to pray well is to pray much...And if
circumstances do not permit even regular prayer, then
one must put up with the fact that when one does try
to pray, one can't pray - and our prayer will probably
consist of telling this to God."
A Spiritual Companion A reminder to everyone that in addition to the
people who are working with Sr. Carol Beevers (in
Spiritual Direction) during this month of December,
she will also be with us one day a month, beginning
in January! For this we are very grateful. For your
planning purposes, Carol will be here on Thursday,
January 11 from 10:00 - 3:00 and will meet with
people in the privacy and comfort of The Cottage.
Please call her on her cell to make an appointment
691-2835. It's only 45 minutes out of your busy
month and I hope you prayerfully think about
doing this and give her a call - now.
An Invitation to Singles Resuming on the first Sunday in January, the
Sunday Singles will get together for lunch after the
10:30 service. Just gather at coffee hour in the
corner near the library so that we can estimate our
number to give the restaurant a heads up. In January
we will go to the Dunes Golf Club for lunch, dutch
treat of course. We are not a large group and hope
you will join us. We welcome anyone, male or
female, who is alone or even just alone for the day.
Please call Charlotte Lattof at 395-1726 or email
[email protected] if you have questions.
We'd love to see you!
Sanibel Captiva Heart Walk 2016 Mark Your Calendar!!
Join St. Michael’s Angels Team for the
Sanibel Captiva Walk 2016 on Sunday,
January 31st following church at 1PM. You can
register on-line under our team name St. Michael’s
Angels. If you go to the web site for the walk and click to
view all teams, you will see ours, then
click to either join as a walker or if you prefer, you can just donate under the team’s general donations. It should be
FUN! Team co-captains are your Parish Nurse and Rector!
The Women at the Well gather under the guidance
of Peg Hupfeldt and Luann Fortune. All women
are invited to this informal, spiritual gathering that
will be held on the 1st and 3
rd Tuesday of the month.
Our next date will be Tuesday, December 15th
at
1:00 p.m. in the library. We hope you can join us
for this time together - whether you want to take
part in conversation or simply listen. We will be
graced by your presence either way! One theme
for December 15 will focus on how to keep God in
the forefront of this busy season.
Health Forum for December Tuesday, December 8
th
Dr. Fred Schaerf will be at St. Michael’s to
talk about "Alzheimer’s Disease-Current
Data and Treatment Update” on. We will
have some snacks or you can bring your
lunch. Also bring your questions!!
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From Your Parish Nurse,
Wendy What is Advocacy? The definition according to
Webster is “the act or process of supporting a cause
or proposal: the act or process of advocating
something.” When we talk about Advocacy in the
healthcare setting, we often might refer to someone
as a Self-Advocate if they are speaking up and
asking questions on their own behalf. If a person
cannot speak up for themselves then they would be
best served in the healthcare setting if they have a
Healthcare Advocate who will be there to speak on
their behalf. In either case it is having a voice to
support you. We are long past the day that no
matter what a healthcare provider says is gospel.
We must ask questions so that we understand what
the treatment plan is, why one test is better than
another or question what the prescribed medications
are used for.
Advocacy isn’t always a person, it could be an
organization. Sometimes these organizations such
as Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and Rheumatoid
Arthritis Foundations have advocates that can help
you navigate and understand your healthcare. They
partner with you as a united voice. These
organizations can also help you with finding
medical providers and coordinating care for the best
continuity. Sometimes they can help with
completing insurance bills and answer questions on
coverage or even help with emergency
interventions.
In researching potential agencies within the Ft.
Myers area that provided Advocacy Services, it was
surprising to find eight different agencies to have
negative remarks listed, so be cautious if that is the
route you take. Be sure to do your research.
Sometimes the best advocate for you is either, you,
a family member or a close friend who understands
you and your needs. When it comes to the point
that someone needs help, hopefully you have
someone in your court. Having a “patient advocate
can really help you and your family through
emotional times such as facing a new diagnosis,
going through treatments, and making tough
decisions.” If it is a family member or close friend,
hopefully a Healthcare Proxy or Durable Power of
Attorney has already been established. It is hard
sometimes to think ahead and set in place some of
these back-up plans, but it is VERY important! Try
not to wait until things become critical.
If by chance you end up in the hospital and have
found that you need someone, ask for the social
worker to identify agencies that can help you. If
family is there, most times spouses or the eldest
child will be asked to make decisions concerning
care if you are unable to make decisions and no one
has been identified as your advocate. If no family is
around or able to be contacted know too, your
Clergy and your Parish Nurse can also guide you in
this process as well, if others are not able to do so.
Don’t wait though, you need to use your voice now
to set up the back-up plan you want.
For questions or concerns, as always, call me at the
church or email [email protected].
Health Forum for January Discussions about what is meant by being or having a
Healthcare Advocate led by Wendy Warner RN,
followed by Susie Wilson who will present “Self
Advocacy in Medical Situations.” This Health
Forum will be on January 14th
, 2016 from 1pm to
2:30pm. Light Snacks will be provided or feel free to
bring your lunch.
CPR Heart Saver &
AED Classes Sanibel Fire Department has classes routinely on
the 2nd
Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11
a.m. The cost of the class is $10 per person and an
additional cost of $15 only if you want to purchase
a book for yourself (Not Required.) You must call
ahead to reserve a slot: at the Fire Dept. at 239-472-
5525. The class will be at 2351 Palm Ridge Rd.
For those of you that do not live on the island and
are looking for a more convenient option, there is a
Fire Department in Ft. Myers that teaches classes.
This is Station #5 of the Iona-McGregor Fire
Department which is located at 15660 Pine Ridge
Rd., Ft. Myers 33908. Laurie is the contact person
for CPR classes. Her phone number is 239-425-
9316 and her email is [email protected].
PLEASE if you can bring a copy of your cards to
the office or email me the expiration date on your
card to [email protected], I would be
very appreciative.
11
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. Thanks to Jim Bird for
this show!
January - 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-Feb. - Easter – PARISHIONERS’ 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 Storer 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 Nave filled with new
and old friends and our Gallery filled with new art!
~ Helen Ketteman and Mary Jane Keys
Art Ministry, Co-Chairs
Prayer Shawl
Ministry Next meeting:
Thursday, January 21st at 1 PM
At the home of Mary Ann Loh 1549 Sand Castle Rd., Sanibel
Please call Mary Ann if attending –
395-0041
Luminary Night Friday, December 4
th
Amidst the raindrops - and then the downpour - a
little band of St. Michael's parishioners weathered
the evening until they were soaked through and
decided to pack up the outside tables. Hank and the
five musicians, however, played on through the rain
- sheltered by the porch roof of the church!
Thank you to those who made the hot mulled cider
(Pat Jones) and who baked the cookies (Roberta
Winters) and ALL those who came to bring out
(and bring in) tables and chairs and even our little
give-away red flashlights! We did manage to keep a
small contingent of people on the porch and savor
the cider and cookies. Best thing is that we were all
together in Christ's name.
12
Book Group with Doug Lind In all three Abrahamic religions there is great
conflict and debate about how to read sacred texts.
The deep divisions in our own Christian tradition
have their roots in what we believe the Bible is
telling us about what to believe and how to lead our
lives.
Doug Lind will be leading a book study group
beginning January 6th
in the library at 12:30 and
continuing each Wednesday for the month of
January and the first two Wednesdays of February.
We will be reading, "How to Read the Bible" by
Harvey Cox, noted author and Harvard professor.
In the background will be another book the group
will refer to from time to time, written by a noted
contemporary Biblical scholar, Elisabeth Schussler
Fiorenza. Her book is entitled, "Rhetoric and Ethic:
the Politics of Biblical Studies." Our goal is to
develop a clearer understanding of the struggles
surrounding the study of the Bible and the divisions
among people of faith resulting from dramatically
different understandings of what the Bible is saying.
The book that will be necessary to read through is
Harvey Cox’s and the other will be introduced from
time to time by Doug.
Friday Book Group
The Friday Book Group meets at 10AM in the Library.
We welcome new members and are reading Pema Chodron's Living
Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change, 2013 version.
Listen to 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.
Congratulations and
Many Blessings to
Colleen & Zane Stoneman Their new baby girl Zoey was born on
November 20. Her brother Zane is happy
about this too.
Adult Christian Education
Forums November–March @ 9:30
The Place of Religion in a
Rapidly Changing World
December & January Forum Calendar includes:
The Rev. Paul Goddard – December 6
Where do you see God in your life in a rapidly
changing world?
Dr. Jan Holly – December 13
Listening to Music and Hearing the Voice of
God
Christmas Week – December 20 & 27
No forums
New Years – January 3, 2016
No forums
Outreach Ministry Members and Community
Representatives – January 10
Mission Fair
The Rev. Canon David Lowry – Jan. 17 & 24
Religion in a Changing Age: The Challenges
of Globalization and Technology on Faith
and Order
Dr. Paul Bartrop – January 31
Confronting the Holocaust: Three Christians
Who Said No
13
Did You
Know…
… that Epiphany comes on the twelfth day of
Christmas? (I'm not sure how the gift of "twelve
drummers drumming" got into the act!) As
Christians, the main focus of the Epiphany season -
beginning on January 6 - should be how we all
serve to manifest Christ to those around us -
especially those who do not know Christ. Unlike the
shepherds of Luke's Gospel, the Wise Men of
Matthew's Gospel were not of Jewish origin, but
rather were thought to be pagans. However, they
were also called to be with the Christ Child. They
also were invited to follow a great light to the
birthplace of light and love and peace. They also
were included in the new hope for the world. Why
not get into the Epiphany season in a deeper way
this year and invite someone you know to church
- someone who may just be waiting to hear and
feel the love and light of Christ in their lives, and
just need YOU to nudge them!
Parish Directory Additions/Updates
Roger and Sylvia Heider (update)
(Temporary Address)
30142 White Wake Drive
Canyon Lake, CA 92587
Roger Cell: (847) 909-2657
Sylvia Cell: (847) 691-5071
Alwyn Johnson (update)
Phone: (316) 491-0339
Email: [email protected]
Mary “Polly” Pinney (update)
8329 Arbor Court
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Mary Jane and Bob Rawlins (update)
8316 Arbor Court
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Jean Stanton (update)
12602 Lakewood Court
Fort Myers, FL 33908
(239) 437-3798
Shared Scholar Program SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016, 3:00 P.M.
St. Michael and All Angels, Sanibel
Congregational Church, First Church of Christ Scientist, Chapel By The Sea, and Temple Bat Yam will present the 2016
Community Interfaith Shared Scholar Lecture featuring Dr. Zeki Saritoprak as this year’s guest speaker. Dr. Saritoprak
is the Chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University and the author of many
books including Islam’s Jesus.
The lecture will be held at the Congregational Church and will be
followed by a reception in Heron Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Save the Date Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture The Center for Environmental and Sustainability
Education is proud to present the 2016 Rachel
Carson Distinguished Lecture, Zoologies: Climate
Change and the Spiritual Force of Animals,
Featuring Poet and Essayist Alison Hawthorne
Deming.
The Lecture will take place Friday, February 26,
2016, at 7:00 pm. A reception will be held in the
Parish Hall after the event.
Vestry Members’ Reminder
of future meeting dates:
Dec. 8 – Vestry Christmas Gathering at the Sloans
Dec. 10 & Jan. 21 – Regular Meetings of the
Vestry (1:00-4:00, lunch at 12:15
14
December Birthdays and Anniversaries
If you have not already done so, please consider
sharing your birthday and/or anniversary with us.
Birthdays 2nd Janet Davis 14th June Ingraham
Linda Deason 15th Ruth Amend
4th Marilyn Lewis Anna Kjoller
7th Violet Dhimos 16th Rookie Bradley
Bob Fuchs 17th Nancy Bacon
William Thorndike 20th Roger Heider
8th Judy Moorhouse 24th Carol Daniels
Bob Winters Lynn Mallory
9th Nancy Johnson 25th Paulette Robison
10th Bill Eagleson 27th Patty Sprankle
James Davis Doug Lind
13th Robert Kunde
Yuan Bonhayag
Anniversaries 2
nd Betsy and Jerry McCullough
11th
Marjorie and Will Smith
15th
Laurie and Rob Kjoller
19th
Dottie and Handy Moore
Char and Lynn Mallory
20th
Carol Daniels and Dick Jacker
Betsy and Jack Winters
23rd
Mollie and Parke Avery
Deborah and Bill Larson
26th
Ellen and Ralph Sloan
27th
Ellen and John Bordieri
28th
Sue and Mike Fuller
29th
Joan and Ronn Downey
Welcome Back!! As you start settling back in,
don’t forget to let Susan in the
Church Office know of your
return. Call, e-mail or just stop
in and say “Hi.” We are always
happy to see you.
May She Rest in Peace Jan Arvia
November 9, 2015
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthdays 2
nd Lee Almas 21
st Maureen Luiszer
3rd
Christine Steege Debby Foster
6th Mary Jane Rawlins Sheelagh Clarke
Barbara Stewart 22nd
Joan Wyon
Nancy Cleaveland Ann Stephens
8th Penny Chrysler 23
rd Peter Pierce
Judy Dirks Bill Rahe
Karen Rahn Maggie Warner
Barbara McDonald 24th Liz Coffey
10th Brenda Demaree 25
th Jerry Jones
Mollie Avery Dawn Hillman
11th Gail Meier 26
th Mark Lorenger
12th Dick Schilling Taylor Peach
13th Margaret Duncan 27
th Claire Anderson
15th Marnekia Bradley Melissa Talmage
16th Mary Nelson 28
th Bruce Duncan
17th Jean Stanton Joyce Crawley
Alan Gast 29th Corky Boyd
18th Nancy Paul
20th Susie Scutakes
Martha Eustis
Wanda Adler
Lee Wilson
Anniversaries 8
th Judy and Wes Dirks
16th
Jacquelyn and Tom Wash
20th
Ann and John Stephens
25th
Karen and Brad Rahn
26th
Linda and Ralph Korn
30th
Pat and Don Van Alstyne
Jean and Joe DiMicco
31st Connie and Tom Edgar
15
Dates to Remember December 2015 & January 2016
Sunday School Every Sunday 10:30 a.m.
Adult Christian Education Forum Every Sunday (Dec.-April) 9:30-10:15 a.m. Parish Hall
Morning Prayer Every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel
Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayer Every Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel
Prayer and Potluck – “First Wednesday” December 2 and January 6 6:00 p.m. Church / Parish Hall
Taizé Service 3rd
Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Angel Chapel
Bible Study with the Rector Every Thursday 11:00 a.m. Library
Book Study Every Friday 10:00 a.m. Library
Choir Rehearsal Every Friday 1:30 p.m. Music Room
Women at the Well Tues., December 1 / 15 1:00 p.m. Library
Cypress Cove Christmas Caroling Mon., December 7 1:45 p.m. The Lodge lobby
Men’s Fellowship Tues., December 8 / 22 7:15 a.m. Parish Hall
Health Forum: “Alzheimer’s Update” Tues., December 8 1:00 p.m. Parish Hall
Pastoral Care Ministry Wed., December 9 10:00 a.m. Vestry Room
Outreach Ministry Wed., December 9 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room
Youth Group Wed., December 9 6:00 p.m. The Cottage
Vestry Meeting Thurs., December 10 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room
Stewardship Signing Night Thurs., December 10 4:00 p.m. Library
ECW Luncheon & Program Mon., December 14 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall
Shell Point Christmas Caroling Tues., December 15 1:45 p.m. Shell Point Pavilion
Christian Yoga (no class: 12/1, 12/8, 12/22) Tues., December 15 / 29 3:00 p.m. Parish Hall
Presentation of 2016 Draft Budget Wed., December 16 3:30 p.m. Parish Hall
Taizé Service Wed., December 16 6:00 p.m. Angel Chapel
S. Ft. Myers Food Pantry Mon., December 21 10 a.m. / 6 p.m. Cypress Lk. Presby Ch
Christmas Eve Service Thurs., December 24 5 p.m. / 8 p.m. Church
Christmas Day Service Fri., December 25 10:00 a.m. Church
Church office will close at noon Christmas Eve and New Years Eve; will be closed Christmas Day and New Years Day
ECW Board Meeting Mon., January 4 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room
Women at the Well Tues., January 5 / 19 1:00 p.m. Library
Feast of the Epiphany Wed., January 6 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel
Book Study with Doug Lind (6 weeks) Wed., January 6 / 13 12:30 p.m. Library
Mission Fair Wed., January 10 9:15a / 11:30a Parish Hall
ECW Luncheon and Program Mon., January 11 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall
Men’s Fellowship Tues., January 12 / 26 7:30 a.m. Parish Hall
Christian Yoga (no class: 1/5, 1/19) Tues., January 12 / 26 3:00 p.m. Parish Hall
Pastoral Care Ministry Wed., January 13 10:00 a.m. Vestry Room
Outreach Ministry Wed., January 13 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room
Youth Group Wed., January 13 / 27 6:00 p.m. The Cottage
Health Forum: “Advocacy” w /Susie Wilson Thurs., January 14 1:00 p.m. Parish Hall
Healing Ministry Mon., January 18 12:30 p.m. Angel Chapel
David Lowry Special 1 hr. Session Wed., January 18 1:30 p.m. Library
Planned Giving Meeting Tues., January 19 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room
Christian Education Ministry Wed., January 20 1:00 p.m. Library
Taizé Service Wed., January 20 6:00 p.m. Angel Chapel
Vestry Meeting Thurs., January 21 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room
Prayer Shawl Ministry (No Dec. Mtg.) Thurs., January 21 1:00 p.m. Home of Mary Ann Loh
Sanibel Parish Nurse Health Fair Fri., January 29 1:00 p.m. Center-4-Life
16
«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
www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org
The Rev. Dr. Ellen M. Sloan, Rector [email protected]
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Worship & Fellowship Saturday at 5:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II, followed by Reception
Sunday at 8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I, followed by Coffee Hour
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II, followed by Coffee Hour*
(*With Sunday Shuttle pickup at Woodlands and then at SPV Island)
Tuesday 9 a.m. Morning Prayer
Wednesday 9 a.m. Eucharist with Healing Prayer
“First Wednesday at 6:00” Prayer and Potluck – December 2nd
and January 6th
Taizé Service at 6:00 p.m. – December 16th and January 20
th
-------------------- Christmas Eve & Day Services --------------------- Thursday, December 24
th at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Friday, December 25th
at 10:00 a.m.
------------------------ Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop ------------------------ Monday-Friday and first Saturday • 9:30-12:30
Questions? Call the Ark at 239-472-3356
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Fort Myers, FL
Permit No. 5761