The Red Door

FEBRUARY 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,

As we journey into the month of February, we find ourselves deep in the

middle of a challenging strategic planning process called Discernment

Journey for the Future. We‟re still walking the path of stewardship -

deciding how we will offer our gifts of time, talent, and treasure in 2015.

We‟re in the midst of planning retreats for men, women, and the Vestry -

retreats that will challenge and renew so many people. We‟re preparing

for the Annual Meeting of the Parish where new members of the Vestry

will be elected, people thanked, budgets reviewed, and our Assisting

Bishop present with us. We‟re ticking off the many items and processes

that need to be accomplished to prepare for Shrove Tuesday and the

delicious and festive evening before Ash Wednesday.

And in the midst of all this activity, we‟re also preparing to enter the holy

season of Lent - perhaps not as much on our minds or “to do lists,” but

more important than all the busyness in which we find ourselves

immersed. Lent will begin on February 18 and once again challenge us to

seek Christ in new ways, open up to Christ in the presence of challenging

moments, and turn back to God in Christ in new ways of repentance and

reconciliation. Perhaps even an enlightening experience manifested in

these remaining days of Epiphany will plant the seeds of new faith or a

deeper faith during this Lenten season. Hopefully, we‟ll see sacred

moments of God‟s presence as we scurry around “doing” our strategic

planning, our stewardship, retreats, meetings, and suppers.

Author Wiman in his book My Bright Abyss writes: “Religion is not

made of sacred moments; religion is the means of making these moments

part of your life rather than merely radical intrusions so foreign and

perhaps even fearsome that you can‟t even acknowledge their existence

afterward. Religion is what you do with these moments.”

What will we do with our moments this Lenten Season? How will the

secular minutes of our time transform into sacred moments of God‟s

time? Where will all we do as Christians be seen as simply part of the

path we walk with Christ and less as surprising or radical intrusions?

Take time, reflect, pray - as the Epiphany season draws to a close - of

how you will span the boundaries between ordinary and sacred to see

God present in all you do. There will be many opportunities during Lent

to help you along this journey: Bible Studies, Spiritual Direction, the

Stations of the Cross, Morning Prayer, a Quiet Day, retreats, and much

more. Learning to see the sacred in the ordinary will not only enrich your

spiritual lives but will also prepare you to seize with zest and joy that

new life in Christ on Easter morning.

Blessings, Ellen+

Holy Eucharist Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday at 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Morning Prayer Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

Eucharist with Healing Prayer Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

Ash Wednesday Services Wednesday, February 18th

9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Potluck Supper February 4th at 6:30 p.m.

(No Potluck March 4 & April 1)

56th Annual Meeting of the Parish

Sunday, February 22nd

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Announcement of Annual Meeting of the Parish of

St. Michael and All Angels

On February 22nd

at 12:00 p.m.

the 56th

Annual Meeting of the Parish

will take place in the Parish Hall.

Reports for Annual Meeting

Booklet

Don't forget that we need a report from the ministry

you chair! The Annual Meeting is February 22 and

we'll need your report no later than Feb. 11 to put

the booklet together. If you would like to see the

report from last year, please give Susan a call and

she'll send it. If you'd like help writing it, give

Ellen a call.

Morning Prayer Tuesdays at 9:00

Join us as we gather around a candle in

the Angel Chapel and pray together the beautiful Daily Office of Morning Prayer. It's such a brief space in time in your busy

lives (20 minutes), and a wonderful way to give praise and thanksgiving for all our

blessings. Why not join us for this spiritual practice?

Deepen Your Spiritual Life Ash Wednesday Worship

Quiet Day – March 30

Reconciliation of Penitent (Confession)

Passion Play by the Mystery Players – April 1

Bible Discussion – Gospel of Mark – every Thurs.

Wednesday Evenings Short Course

Walk the Way of the Cross – every Friday

Spiritual Direction

Walk the Way of the Cross

On Fridays during Lent, beginning

on February 20, we invite you to

walk the Stations of the Cross.

This is just one more way to

reflect upon the life of Christ,

discover again why you are

called a Christian, and deepen your spiritual

journey. As we walk and pray and reflect upon the

struggles of Christ's last days, and reflect upon the

pain of the world, this spiritual exercise can bring us

closer to the God who walks the struggle with us.

Did You Know

LENT: The word "lent" comes from an Old

English word meaning "spring" - the time of

lengthening days. Early Christians observed

the Lenten season as a time of fasting and

penitence as they prepared to be baptized at

the Paschal feast of Easter. Those guilty of

notorious sins also used this as a time of

fasting as they prepared to be accepted back

into the Christian community. In our

western church the forty days of Lent begin

on Ash Wednesday and continue through

Holy Saturday – not including Sundays. Lent

continues to reacquire its early importance

as the final preparation for adults who seek

to be baptized at the Great Vigil of Easter on

Saturday evening. This is also one of the

primary days for infant baptism.

Ash Wednesday Services

February 18th

9:00 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

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Madden Education

Scholarships St. Michael's is blessed with a special fund

restricted for adults or children pursuing further

education. If you would like to apply for a

scholarship, please call or e-mail the Chair of the

Madden Scholarship Committee, Judy Workman

(239) 481-0820 or jworkmn@aol.com. Applications

are available in the church office.

From the Organ Loft Many special musical events are coming up during the

next two months. The DePonte String Quartet will

be our guests during the week-end of January 30-

Februay 1st. They will play before the Rachel Carson

Lecture on Friday, January 30th, and they will lead us

in worship at the 10:30 a.m. service on February 1st.

The prelude will be played by the group.

February 8th

brings us Walter Schuman playing the

prelude for the 10:30 a.m. service with Phill Urion

following on Sunday, February 15th

.

As announced last month, organ students from the

University of Florida will play a special concert on

Saturday, February 14th

. The recital will be held

from 4:00 to 4:45 pm before the 5:00 p.m. service.

Come to hear these talented young people.

The Bishop's visit on February 22nd

will feature a

special anthem by the choir. The Mozart Laudate

Dominum is one of his favorite numbers, and Mary

Ann Boorn will be our featured soloist. The choir

will also do the traditional Old Hundredth Psalm

Tune performed originally for Queen Elizabeth's

coronation in 1952.

Monday, March 9th

, will bring a special musical

event to our church. The grand piano will be moved

into the church, and a soprano soloist, two string

players and a pianist from Indiana University will

be featured. You will hear more about this in the

weeks to come.

All of this is very exciting. It is very gratifying to

direct such a large parish choir these days. On some

Sundays all of the chairs are taken in the balcony.

Many of you have expressed your joy over hearing

the wonderful anthems that they sing.

~ Hank Glass, Minister of Music

Noah’s Ark Annual

Fashion Show

Monday, February 9th at 2:00 p.m.

Church Nave

Our "Fashion Safari" will feature outfits from

Africa - exotic, animal prints, colorful, etc. As you

know, this is sponsored by the Women of St.

Michael's, is free of charge, and is our way of

saying thank you to everyone for supporting the

good work of Noah's Ark.

“When Alzheimer Disease and

Art Collide”

Monday, March 9th

at 12:30 p.m.

Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SWFL

Angel Duncan, Guest Speaker

(Hosted by ECW and our Parish Nurse)

Dear Dr. Sloan,

We wanted to have a "White Christmas" this

year and started our celebration on Christmas

Day at St. Michael's. We wish to thank for your

warm welcome and hospitality. Being invited to

Christ's table on Christmas Day was powerful

for us. Being surrounded by Christmas Carols

and friendly faces was truly a gift for the day.

We went to Tarpon Bay Beach and found our

"White Christmas" on the sand with surf

pounding the remnant storm of the night before.

Shells crunched under our feet and the sun

shone brightly; we both remarked at God's

Glory in the miracles of ongoing life.

We ended our day at Doc Ford's Captiva in a

dining room with just a couple of other folks.

The booth that we shared allowed conversation,

private and personal. We were grateful

Christmas day 2014, which had the potential

for disappointment and disaster turned out to be

our Christmas Present. You set the tone; St.

Michael's embraced our diversity. We knew that

we were loved and it was Christmas. Thank you.

Blessings, Michael Nitzsche and Thom Reeves

First Congregational UCC, Sarasota

4

Newcomers and Visitors –

Find Out More on Feb. 19 If you're a visitor or newcomer to St. Michael's and

picked up this newsletter, please feel welcome to

join us. If you're a parishioner who knows someone

who'd like to learn more about this parish, please

encourage them to attend this gathering - in fact,

come with them! We'll gather for an informal,

informative, and delicious time at Pam Ellis’ home

on February 19th

, from 5-6:30. Please give Peg

Hupfeldt a call if you plan to attend 472-8698, and

we look forward to seeing you there.

Men‟s Retreat February 25-26

DaySpring Conference Center

All men in the parish are welcome as we join

together with Retreat Leader, The Rev. Stuart

Hoke. The theme this year will be "If We Are What

We Do, Then Who Are We When We Stop Doing?"

Please sign up in the office, or fill out the form

below. Questions about time and cost? Please email

or call John Mason at 607-244-1661 or

djmason96@yahoo.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------

MEN‟S RETREAT RESERVATION FORM

FEBRUARY 25-26

_____Single $180 _____Double $150

______________________________________

Name (Please print)

______________________________________ Address

______________________________________ Address (City, State)

(Please attach check noting “Men’s Retreat” in

memo line).

Prayer List If you would like your family member(s), friend(s)

or yourself to be on this list, please send or call

names to Susan in the Church Office at 239-472-

2173 or parishsecretary@saintmichaels-sanibel.org.

Please Remember in Your Prayers

Parishioners:

Donnalee Washburn June Ingraham

Milena Eskew Ralph Korn

Joe DiMicco Wesley Fay

Stephen Lai Bob Rohde

Gail Meier Barbara Wright

Jean Chapman-Castle Bob Syversen

Peg Jensen Dale McGinley

Wes Rooker Brenda Demaree

Bill Maruchi Rosemary Smith

Family of Parishioners: Meghan Fontaine Christina Dillon Cohen

Pamela Curran David Olsen

Finley Tucker Natalie Barger

Tim Barger

Friends of Parishioners:

Kayla Grace Seward Ann Sanders

Mary Miller Mike Fuller

Anne Griffiths

May They Rest in Peace Donn Wright

January 10, 2015

Nisla Tolp April 12, 1925 – January 20, 2015

Robert Stewart

April 21, 1929 – January 20, 2015

Nolia Hunter

October 29, 1943 – January 26, 2015

The Rev. Murray Voth

August 14, 1928 – January 28, 2015

5

Grief Can Be Shared “Losing someone you love through death is painful

and personal. You soon learn that grief can‟t be

confined to a method, time frame or event. It is a

process. Grief is an unpredictable, solitary,

unforgettable experience, one that can‟t be healed in

a moment, a month, or even a lifetime. Grief ebbs

and flows, like the swelling of waves of an ocean.

One moment we feel engulfed by a wave of sorrow.

The next moment we are lifted by waves of hope

and acceptance.” From the booklet Grieving the

Loss of a Loved One.

If you feel you need a Support Group to help you

work through what you are feeling, Hope Hospice

at 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, behind

HealthPark Hospital, has Support Group sessions

for free on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

and on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. One-on-

One can be requested if needed. No reservations are

needed to attend. As your turn into parking lot, look

for the Mending Hearts sign for door to go in. Their

contact number is: 239-985-2492.

Men‟s Fellowship

Join together in fellowship, discussion

and prayer at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays,

February 10th

& 24th

in the Parish Hall.

Light breakfast provided (7:15).

Wednesday Evening Worship

and Potluck Supper Service at 6 p.m. & Potluck at 6:30

Valentine’s Potluck Supper - February 4 (6:30

p.m.) – Please bring a favorite potluck dish or

dessert, and your own plates & cutlery.

As the season continues, we encourage more

people to take part in our Wednesday services. If

you don't feel particularly creative, many of the

services are on CDs for your use. If you'd only like

to take part as a reader, that's good too. If you're a

musician, let us know. If you'd simply like to be

part of the team preparing a service and observe

how it's done, that's a great first step. (If you're new

to St. Michael's, these Wednesday services begin at

6pm and last about 30 minutes.)

I Did a Little House Cleaning from the journal of Nolia Hunter

Last week I threw out Worrying, It was getting old and in the Way. It kept me from being me. I couldn’t do things my way.

I threw out those Old Habits. They were just crowding me out, Made room for my new Growth Got rid of my old Dreams and Doubts.

I threw out a book on my Past. Didn’t have time to read it anyway. Replaced it with new Goals Started reading it today.

I threw out my Childhood toys Remember how I treasured them so. Got me a new Philosophy too, Threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new Books, too Called, I can, I will, I must Threw out, I might, I think, I ought Wow, you should have seen that dust.

I ran across an old Friend Haven’t see Him in a while I believe His name is God Yes, I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning And added some things Himself Like Prayer and Hope and Faith Yea, I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing And placed it at the front Door. I found it, It’s called Peace Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yea, I got my house looking nice Looks good around that place For things like Worry and Troubles There just isn’t any space.

It’s good to do a little house cleaning Get rid of old things on the shelf It sure makes things brighter Maybe you should try it yourself.

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Adult Christian Education

Forums Sundays @ 9:30

"Pilgrimage: Adventures of the Spirit and

Nourishment for the Journey.”

February Forum Calendar includes:

Canon Michel Belt – February 1

Pilgrimage: The Camino de Santiago

Sr. Annie Dougherty – February 8

Pilgrimage to Assisi

The Rev. Walter Schuman – February 15

Pilgrimage & Adventure of the Spirit in the

Last Trimester of Life

Annual Meeting – February 22

From the Stewardship Team Thank you for your pledges so far! We still have a

long way to go to make the total of last year – 227 –

or even to go beyond!

Bible Discussion Join us on Thursdays, (11:00-12:15) as we

continue to walk through the Gospel

According to St. Mark. We'll look at

historical context, explore the themes

present in Mark's Gospel, and discover

where this scripture, written down so long

ago, is relevant in our lives today.

Lenten Wednesday Evenings

Short Course – 6-7:30 Once again we invite you to join us for a

challenging five-week "study" during Lent. This

year will be personal conversations and discussions

with The Rev. Richard Rohr (via DVD), on the

"Legacy of St. Francis: Embracing an Alternative

Orthodoxy." Richard Rohr is well known for

helping us to stretch our boundaries while still

drawing on our rich Christian tradition. We ask that

you please call the office to sign up for this Lenten

study so we have enough materials for everyone.

(Dates of sessions: Feb. 25, March 4, March 11,

March 18, and March 25.)

Prayer Shawl

Ministry Next meeting:

Thursday, February 19th

at 1 PM

At the home of Susie Scutakes 713 Durian Court, Sanibel

Please call Susie if attending –

472-9759

CPR Heart Saver &

AED Classes Check your cards to see if you are

due OR maybe you want to learn what to do in

emergencies at home, in church or when you‟re out

and about. Sanibel Fire Department has classes

routinely on the 2nd

Saturday of each month from 9-

11 a.m. The class cost is $10 per person and an

addition $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 address for the class is: 2351 Palm Ridge Rd.

For CPR/AED class locations in Fort Myers please

contact Parish Nurse Wendy Warner at (239) 472-

2173 or email wendywarnerrn@gmail.com.

0 50 100 150 200

18-Jan

25-Jan

1-Feb

8-Feb

# Pledges Received Jan-Feb

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From Your Parish Nurse,

Wendy February is the month of Heart Awareness. No, not

just because it is Valentine‟s Day on the 14th

, but

that is a nice thought. According to the American

Heart Association (AHA), “Heart disease is the

leading cause of death for men and women in the

United States.” They go on to say that 1 in every 4

deaths are due to heart disease. How can we change

our lifestyles so that we can try and prevent heart

disease from occurring? Some folks may shake their

head and be saying to themselves, “it‟s too late.”

Generally speaking that is not true. There are things

we can modify to decrease the odds of developing a

heart issue. Start first with your kitchen. Try to

eliminate or at least markedly decrease your

salt/sodium intake. Use different sodium free spices

to bring out flavor in your foods. A good product

now is „Mrs. Dash‟. There are all kinds of flavors

now to suit your taste buds. Second thing is to try

and reduce the fat in your diet, control your

cholesterol. This can happen through dropping from

whole milk to 1-2% milk, eating less red meat and

consuming more chicken and fish. Now red meat

serves its purpose to give you iron, but make it the

leanest you can. Some fat is needed in your diet, but

unfortunately we eat more than we should. Yes, me

included. Next step is to “be active” according to

the AHA. Taking walks, riding bikes is a simple

way to start. If you are already doing this, then

maybe step up the pace. According to our island

physical therapist David, 30 seconds of brisk

activity followed by 90 second of slower pace for

recovery is a way to help support physical health. If

you‟re not doing anything, then just start by

walking and increase the frequency and intervals

over time. If you are a smoker, all I can say is

please stop. Even stopping after many years of

smoking can lower your risk of having a heart

attack and probably improve your cardiac function.

If you are over the age of 55 and are not on any

types of blood thinners, you can ask your doctor if

he/she would recommends a baby aspirin a day to

prevent blood clots. Now these are just a few

simple steps you can take to help

improve your odds. If you have

any current heart conditions, then

follow what your physician has

prescribed, watch your blood

pressure, monitor effectiveness of your

medications and if you have Diabetes, then make

sure you keep the sugars controlled. As always, if

you have any questions I can help with, call the

office or email me: wendywarnerrn@gmail.com.

SHROVE TUESDAY

February 17, 2015 The Men of the Parish will serve

The 12th ANNUAL PANCAKE SUPPER and our Youth Group will be serving dessert.

Parish Hall

5:30 – 7:00 Serving continuously

Join the Mardi Gras fun! All are welcome + Please join us!

+ + + Gentlemen: Please sign-up to help

on the clipboard in the Gallery

Island Health Fair February 6 – Friday, 1- 4 PM

at Center-4-Life (Corner of Library Way and Palm Ridge Road)

Admission is FREE. Free screenings by health

care professionals include: Memory Screening,

Balance Test, Pulse O2, Hearing and Vision,

Varicose veins, Spinal Alignment, Body Mass

Index, Blood Pressure, Glucose and more.

Welcome Again to Margaret & Bruce As well as participating in parish events and

worship services, Bruce will be acting as our

Theologian-in-Residence. We're delighted they're

both with us and hope their stay is a restful and

warm respite from the cold weather in Salisbury.

(New cells: Margaret (239) 219-5678; Bruce (239)

219-5679.)

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Splendid Gallery Show Thank you to Helen Ketteman and Mary Jane

Keys for the outstanding show going on right now

in the Gallery. "All Creatures Great and Small" is a

wonderful way of not only sharing the creativity

and talent of many people, but also reminding us of

so many creatures we love - whether living with us

or out in the wild.

Strategic Planning –

Four Full-Day Sessions Your Planning Team for our "Discernment Journey

for the Future" will be meeting from 9:00-3:00 on

Feb 16-17 and March 11-12 for four full days of

intense discussion and planning. Please keep them

in your prayers as they review and discuss the large

amount of data from focus groups, surveys, and

interviews, (as well as demographics, budgets, and

mission) and discern a path for where God is calling

St. Michael's in the near and far future.

Silent God (A Prayer by Edwina Gateley)

This is my prayer ----

That, though I may not see, I be aware Of the Silent God who stands by me. That, though I may not feel, I be aware

Of the Mighty Love which doggedly follows me.

That, though I may not respond, I be aware

That God -----my Silent, Mighty God,

Waits each day. Quietly, hopefully, persistently,

Waits each day, and through the night, For me, for me alone.

Calling All Grandchildren Next Gallery Show

On Thursday, February 26, the Art Ministry will be

hanging grandchildren!!!

Now that we have your attention, our final show of

the season will be featuring your grandchildren.

We are NOT looking for posed Christmas-type

group photos, but FUN, active shots, showing your

grandchildren in those wonderful, candid moments.

We‟d like the photos to be large enough for people to

see easily, so 8x10 is a recommended size. Larger is

fine. Please, no compilations of small photos –

people just can‟t see these well enough. Photos need

to be ready-to-hang and we have a three-photo-per-

member limit, assuming that everyone will want to

show off their adorable grandchildren. If we are

overwhelmed by grandchildren, we may not be able

to hang every photo, but we will try to include as

many as possible.

Photos need to be dropped off by Sunday, February

22nd

in the Vestry Room, with your name on each

photo.

Thank you all in advance for your participation. It‟s

your participation that makes the shows wonderful.

We look forward to seeing our gallery full of darling

young faces!! If you have any questions, please

contact Helen Ketteman or Mary Jane Keys.

9

ECHO Field Trip March 3, 10:30-12 noon and BBQ Lunch

Did you know???...At this very moment 30% of the

world‟s population is susceptible to chronic hunger

so immediate a failed crop defines life or death?

And that we at St. Michael‟s are making a

meaningful contribution to solve this chronic

problem through support of a global Christian

organization, ECHO, established 33 years ago right

here in Lee County. ECHO‟s dedicated group of

agricultural technicians have created through

experimentation, a wide variety of geographically

specific solutions and improved techniques. These

ensure impoverished farmers living in a broad

spectrum of climate conditions will have hardy

plants and trees providing their families with

sustainable nourishment. But what role do we here

at St. Michael‟s play? We pay for computer

translation of ECHO‟s technical information into a

variety of 8 different languages, currently mostly

French and Spanish. These “best practices”

documents are then transmitted to a global network

of 7,600 international development workers and

missionaries in 180 countries who ensure ECHO‟s

agricultural techniques will reach farmers in the

geographically specific areas to which they apply.

And what will happen on our field trip? You will

meet members of ECHO‟s very informative staff

who will guide you through the various

experimental stations to exhibit how inexpensive

and easy it is for the average small scale farmer to

utilize techniques that provide cheap, fast-growing

and highly nutritious crops. Note: ECHO has vans

for those who choose to ride through the farms.

It is to be noted ECHO is not simply a short term

bandage to an intractable problem, but part of a

long-term solution well documented. In the last 20

years one billion people have been able to rise out

of extreme poverty through investment in

agriculture. In fact, World Bank estimated that

economic growth in the agricultural sector is twice

as productive at reducing poverty as investment in

other sectors of third world countries. 65% of

ECHO‟s farmers who at one time could only

produce half the food their families needed are now

capable of sustaining themselves while raising

profitable crops exported to first world countries.

It is lunchtime. There is a BBQ restaurant very

nearby highly recommended by none other than

Charlie and Norma Emerson.

Please join us! Call Jill Dillon 239-223-5092 or

email djackjill@aol.com for reservations.

Transportation provided.

Jill Dillon

Outreach Ministry

El Hogar Mission Trip

Planned for July (Find out more on Sunday, February 8 after the

10:30 service)

St. Michael and All Angels will be forming a

Service Team to take a Mission Trip to El Hogar

Schools in Honduras from July 4 to July 11, 2015.

El Hogar Schools, an Episcopal Church outreach,

was begun in 1979 as a local church response in

Tegucigalpa, the capitol city, to abandoned children

who were sleeping in the streets. Now serving 250

children, “the mission of El Hogar is to transform

and empower abandoned and hopelessly poor

children in Honduras by providing a loving home

and education.” The goal “is for them to fulfill their

ultimate potential as productive, caring and

independent Honduran citizens.”

The St. Michael‟s Mission Team will be composed

of about 12 individuals who will live together in a

simple dormitory style visitor‟s house at the

Elementary School in Tegucigalpa. Participants

need to be willing to work together as a team, and to

attend preparatory sessions before the trip.

Flexibility of personality and a sense of humor are

necessary. At El Hogar the main focus will be

interacting with the children in play situations, and

while the children are in school, working together

on an assigned work project to help maintain the

physical structure of the site. Adults and teenagers

who make the trip not only help the children but

they themselves are transformed by the experience.

If you are interested in learning more about the

Mission Trip please contact John or Ellie Harries

(jharrieseh@gmail.com or 395-0030). By the end of

January we need to have a committed team ready to

prepare for the experience.

10

Messenger by Mary Oliver

My work is loving the world.

Here the sunflowers, there the

hummingbird,

equal seekers of sweetness.

Here the quickening yeast, there the blue

plums

Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?

Am I no longer young, and still not half-

perfect?

Let me keep my mind on what matters,

which is my work.

Which is mostly standing still and learning

to be astonished.

The phoebe, the delphinium.

The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.

Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the

ingredients are here,

Which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a

heart,

and these body clothes,

A mouth with which to give shouts of joy

to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-

up clam

Telling them all, over and over, how it is that

we live forever.

Are you a Caregiver? Would you like to get together with other

caregivers? We are thinking about

starting a Caregivers’ Group and would

like to find out if there is interest in it.

Please call or contact either Dory

Rooker or Diane McGinley. Let us

know if there is a particular time or day

that is good for you. We might just sit

and talk. We might have lunch together.

We might invite a special speaker. Our

plans can be made by the group itself.

Neighborhood Gatherings

a Success

Our seven Neighborhood Gatherings focusing on

the stewardship of our time, talent and treasure were

a great success. The Rector and Stewardship Team

extend a deep note of gratitude to the hosts of these

gatherings: Bev Kitch, Peggy Hupfeldt, Anne

Stewart, Attila and Patty Molnar, Corky and

Julie Boyd, Jim Storer, Rich and Adele Mattern.

Thank you for opening up your homes and your

hearts.

February Birthdays and Anniversaries

If you have not already done so, please consider

sharing your birthday and/or anniversary with us.

Birthdays 4th Dick Kimball 14th David Vaules

6th Carol Chaveas Kathy Jones

Emilie MacNaughton 16th Ellie Harries

9th Maggie Davis Elise Allen

Michael O‟Brien Kathy Stobbe

Marjorie York 18th Jack Winters

Randy Graham Ellen Trevor

10th Daphne Hellmuth 23rd Peter Chapman

Rachel Peach 25th Hannah Fay

12th Peggie Dodd 28th Dory Rooker

Lynn Rogers Jenny Wilson

Anniversaries 2

nd Roz and Jon Burroughs

3rd

Mary and Jim Nelson

22nd

Margery and Lee Almas

27th

Gene and Peter Pierce

Sermon On-Line: 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.

11

Christian Yoga

Note New Day & Time

Fridays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

(No class: Feb. 13) 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

instructors, with any questions.

“Be of good courage, and do it.” Ezra 10:4

Wednesday Book Group The Wednesday Book Group, led by Doug Lind,

will complete their discussion on the current book

“Christ Actually” on February 4th

. On February 11,

they will begin a new discussion on the book

“Fields of Blood” by Karen Armstrong. This group

meets in The Library, 12:30-1:30 p.m.)

Friday Book Group The Friday Book Group meets in The Angel Chapel

every Friday, 10-11:30 a.m. John Phillip Newell's

latest book The Rebirthing of God, Christianity's

struggle for new beginnings is their current book of

discussion. It is available on Amazon at $16.72 for

hardcover; also available on Kindle.

2015 Parish Directory Please take a moment

to double-check your

address(es), phone

number(s) and e-mail

address(es) as we

prepare the 2015

edition of our directory. A notebook

containing the editing version will be on

the table in the Gallery soon.

Women’s Retreat March 3-4, 2015

DaySpring Conference Center

All women of the parish are welcome to join

us for this refreshing spiritual time away.

Sister Carol Beevers will lead us on this

retreat which will begin at noon on March 3

and end before lunch on March 4. The cost

for the retreat is $100 and scholarships are

available. Please complete the form below

and return to the Church Office.

-----------------------------------------------------------

WOMEN‟S RETREAT RESERVATION FORM

MARCH 3-4

$100.00

_____Single room _____Double room

______________________________________

Name (Please print)

______________________________________ Address

______________________________________ Best contact number

(Please attach check noting “Women’s Retreat” in

memo line.)

12

Dear All,

Below please find the bios of the three candidates nominated to fill vacancies on the Vestry. We will vote on these at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 22, 2015.

Sincerely, Stephanie Rahe, Chair, Nominating Committee

Roger Heider I grew up in Chicago, Illinois and was confirmed an

Episcopalian. I am married to Sylvia and we have

four children and four grandchildren. Sylvia and I

are also members of The Church of the Holy Spirit

in Lake Forest, Illinois.

I graduated from Purdue University with a BS in

Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, I joined

the engineering firm of Sargent & Lundy in

Chicago. During my 41 years at S&L, I had

experience in the design, engineering and licensing

of major nuclear and fossil generating stations.

When I retired, in 2006 I was Director of

Engineering/Executive Vice President. Sylvia and I

have been members of St. Michael and All Angels

since 2006.

Over the years I have been a member of several

Episcopal churches and have served as a Vestry

member, representative to a Diocesan Convention,

member of a discernment committee for a candidate

who aspired to be a priest, member of the outreach

committee, and a member of the stewardship

committee. I also served as a facilitator for the

Disciples of Christ in community program for

several years. More recently I have served on the

finance committee, the Millennium Development

Goals Outreach Committee and have participated in

the Men's Fellowship Ministry.

If elected to the Vestry, I will bring the necessary

listening and organizational skills to assist our

parish achieve our mission.

D. Bruce Pattison I feel honored and blessed in being asked to serve

on the Vestry of St. Michael‟s. Since Harriet and I

decided to be full time residents of Sanibel in 2008

we have endeavored to be active and faithful

members of the congregation. I have served on the

Outreach Committee and the Allocations

subcommittee for several years, a very rewarding

experience in that I have become familiar with all

the wonderful organizations that the congregation

supports with time and money. Other enriching

activities that I have experienced include driving the

Shell Point bus [a favorite], serving as a Greeter,

Usher and Oblationer and most recently

participating in the “greening” of the Church.

I think it appropriate to note a line from a favorite

prayer:

“IN GIVING OF OURSELVES THAT WE

RECEIVE”

My modest contributions to Church life have been

returned ten-fold in the fellowship, warmth, and

spirituality of the parishioners that I have had the

pleasure of getting to know!

I feel my business experience gives me a solid

foundation that will serve me well as a member of

the Vestry. I have been President and CEO of

several medical device start-up companies and have

also served as a senior executive with two large

companies listed on the NYSE. Throughout my

career I have developed skills in leadership, team

building, and objective, analytical decision making

that should prove useful as a member of the Vestry.

Finally, being a member of St. Michael‟s has

greatly deepened my faith and enhanced my

spirituality, for this I‟ll be forever grateful!

Christina (Chris) Salerno I have lived on Sanibel for 8 months of the year

since 2007 (other 4 months in Ludlow, VT) and

have attended St. Michael and All Angels since that

time when we joined both the choir and a book

group. I was part of the search team that brought

Ellen Sloan to us. Volunteering at the Ark became

a regular part of my week. Subsequently serving as

13

assistant chair and chair has forever stitched Noah‟s

Ark and ECW into my heart. I served as ECW chair

from 2011-13 which allowed me to attend Diocesan

and Deanery meetings increasing my understanding

of Episcopal organization and development in

Southwest Florida. As a member of the ECW

allocations team for several years I have learned a

great deal about the social services needs of Sanibel

and Lee County. It also reaffirmed all the blessings

that we have at St. Michael‟s and many community

needs to support. I currently serve as co-chair of the

Christian Education Ministry, sing in the choir,

work at the Ark, and attend the ongoing Friday

Book Group.

Religious background: Raised as a Presbyterian,

after marriage attended the Congregational UCC.

Moving to CT joined Trinity Episcopal Church

where I sang in the choir and chaired the Christian

Education Commission.

Professionally I am a teacher, first of high school

history and ultimately after receiving a PhD,

teaching teachers. My area of interest and expertise

was in trying to align public high school education

with skills, both applied and academic necessary for

becoming meaningfully employed and/or

matriculate to college. I worked an as independent

consultant and for a Connecticut Regional

Education Service Center.

I can contribute to Vestry as an educator, with

personal interest in maintaining programs to deepen

spiritual aspects of faith. As currently involved with

Adult Education, the Forum and book groups I hope

to encourage depth and diversity of offerings for the

parish.

Outside St. Michael‟s I am a member of the BIG

Arts Chorus and Ensemble, Shell Island Garden

Club, PEO (women‟s Philanthropic Educational

Organization), and trying to be regular at the Fitness

Center.

Vestry Members’ Reminder of future meeting dates:

February 12th

and

Vestry Retreat – March 18-19 Lake Placid Camp & Conference Center

The Grant Process

at Saint Michael‟s A very successful Mission Fair was held at Saint

Michael‟s on January 11, 2015. 22 Organizations

attended and parishioners had the opportunity to

visit each booth and ask questions as well as sign up

to volunteer.

The Allocations Committees of the Outreach

Ministry and ECW have been busy over the past

few months making decisions about organizations

that are funded by the church and by the profits

from Noah‟s Ark. Organizations are invited to

submit a grant application which is due in

September and these are read in October and

November. This year 26 applications were read and

23 organizations were granted funds.

A great deal of time is spent interacting with these

organizations and site visits are scheduled. Our

application process has been lauded by others in the

non- profit world as thorough and comprehensive.

Applications come with all pertinent information

about the organization, the board, the budget for the

past two years, other supporters, and a detailed

explanation of the project they wish us to fund. We

also ask for a copy of their 990. All organizations

must also submit their 501-C-3 certification.

In 2015, Grants in the amount shown were given in

the following categories:

Hunger $45,800

Health $31,000

Low Income Housing $35,000

Childhood Education and Empowerment $77,600

Education and Welfare of Women $27,500

Madden Education Fund $8,000

Seminarians and Ministry $24,500 (This included

grants to 4 seminarians from Southwest Florida.)

All in all from the Church budget and from Noah‟s

Ark proceeds, a total of $249,400 will be given in

2015 to these organizations.

In addition, ECW was able transfer $74,120 to the

parish to assist with operating costs.

Bob Syversen, Chair, Outreach Ministry

Judy Pryor, Chair, ECW Allocations

14

Youth Group Sponsors Children from Honduras

Thank you to Meghan Warner, our Youth Group Leader, and all the teens who raised over $2,600 for the school/orphanage at El Hogar in Honduras. Thank you also to parishioners who were so generous in this effort.

Youth Gathering – January 26

Youth Christmas Party – December 8

15

Ministry Meeting Dates February & March

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Morning Prayer Every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel

Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayer Every Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel

Lay-led Worship Feb 4 &11 (not during Lent) 6:00 p.m. Church /Angel Chapel

Potluck Supper Feb. 4 (None during Lent) 6:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Choir Rehearsal Every Friday 1:30 p.m. Music Room

ECW Board Meeting Mon., Feb. 2 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Planned Giving Meeting Tues., Feb. 3 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Bible Study with the Rector Thurs., Feb. 5 / 12 11:00 a.m. Library

Property Committee Meeting Thurs., Feb. 5 1:30 p.m. Library

Christian Yoga (no class: Feb. 13) Fri., Feb. 6 / 20 12:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Island Health Fair Fri., Feb. 6 1-4 p.m. Center-4-Life

ECW Annual Fashion Show Mon., Feb. 9 2:00 p.m. Church

Men‟s Fellowship Tues., Feb. 10 / 24 7:15 a.m. Parish Hall

Pastoral Care Ministry Wed., Feb. 11 10:00 a.m. Vestry Room

Funds Committee Meeting Wed., Feb. 11 11:00 a.m. Library

Outreach Ministry Wed., Feb. 11 2:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Vestry Meeting Thurs., Feb. 12 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

S. Ft. Myers Food Pantry Mon., Feb. 16 10 a.m. / 6 p.m. Cypress Lk. Presby Ch

Healing Ministry Mon., Feb. 16 12:30 p.m. Angel Chapel

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Tues., Feb. 17 5:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Christian Education Ministry Wed., Feb. 19 2:00 p.m. Library

Bible Study with the Rector Thurs., Feb. 19 / 26 11:00 a.m. Library

Newcomers‟ & Visitors‟ Gathering Thurs., Feb. 19 5:00 p.m. Home of Pam Ellis

Stations of the Cross Fri., Feb. 20 / 27 12:00 p.m. Church

Men‟s Retreat Wed/Thurs Feb. 25-26 DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish

Christian Yoga Fri., Feb. 27 12:00 p.m. Parish Hall

ECW Board Meeting Mon., Mar. 2 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Women‟s Retreat Wed/Thurs Mar. 4-5 DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish

Bible Study with the Rector Thurs., Mar. 5 / 12 11:00 a.m. Library

Stations of the Cross Fri., Mar. 6 / 13 12:00 p.m. Church

Christian Yoga Fri., Mar. 6 / 13 12:00 p.m. Parish Hall

ECW Luncheon & Program Mon., Mar. 9 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Concert & Reception Mon., Mar. 9 4:30 p.m. Church / Parish Hall

Men‟s Fellowship Tues. Mar.10 / 24 7:15 a.m. Parish Hall

Outreach Ministry Wed., Mar. 11 2:00 p.m. Vestry Room

S. Ft. Myers Food Pantry Mon., Mar. 16 10 a.m. / 6 p.m. Cypress Lk. Presby Ch

Healing Ministry Mon., Mar. 16 12:30 p.m. Angel Chapel

Noah‟s Ark Party Tues., Mar. 17 5:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Vestry Retreat Wed/Thurs Mar. 18-19 Lake Placid Camp & Conf. Center

Christian Education Ministry Wed., Mar. 18 2:00 p.m. Library

Bible Study with the Rector Thurs., Mar. 19 / 26 11:00 a.m. Library

Stations of the Cross Fri., Mar. 20 / 27 12:00 p.m. Church

Christian Yoga Fri., Mar. 20 / 27 12:00 p.m. Parish Hall

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 rector@saintmichaels-sanibel.org

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)

Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. – Pre-K to 4th grade

Tuesday 9 a.m. Morning Prayer

Wednesday 9 a.m. Eucharist with Healing Prayer

St. Michael’s Annual Meeting

February 22nd at 12:00 p.m.

----------------------- Ash Wednesday Services ------------------------ Wednesday, February 18

th at 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

------------------------ Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop ------------------------ Monday-Friday & 1

st Saturday of the month

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

[239] 472-3356

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Fort Myers, FL

Permit No. 5761