The Red Door

FEBRUARY 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,

Between the forceful winds and the torrential rains these past few

weeks, there‟s no way to maintain a neat driveway nor cleaned up yard.

Branches, palm fronds, leaves, and seed pods are everywhere - all the

time. I did make the effort twice but when it happened twice more, I left

the remnants of nature where they were. After all, it was just my need to

tidy things up. If we were deep in the forest where no one lived, it would

be natural for nature‟s broken bits to stay where they were, build up, and

perhaps even be the beginnings of new growth as seeds fall into old logs

or wet earth and wait for the sun. Speaking of beginnings - next week begins our season of Lent - as we

usher it in with ashes on our foreheads on February 10 and remind

ourselves that they are a sign of penitence and of our own mortality. It is

the beginning of the forty days we set aside to begin again - to search our

souls, acknowledge our sins, vow to make amends, and turn back toward

God. When I remember that the forty days is not just a number out of the

hat but rather a serious remembrance of Christ‟s forty days in the

wilderness - where he dealt with the temptations of life and was tempted

to pull away from God‟s call to him - that helps me greatly. It

significantly deepens the whole Lenten process knowing that Jesus, both

divine and human, also struggled with the calls of the material world and

needed to stay in a wilderness of body, mind and spirit for forty days to

see the light and to begin again. How life-saving and hopeful for all of us

that he did choose to begin again and respond to God‟s call to him. Even the word “Lent” implies hope and new beginnings - not gloom and

doom as some feel the word conveys. The word “Lent” has its roots in

the Old English word meaning “spring” - “the time of lengthening

days!” Talk about hope! Talk about beginnings! It‟s right there in front

of us - just as the lengthening days bring more and more minutes of light

to the broken and blown away seedlings resting in broken logs, and to the

seeds of hope germinating in our souls. Just as we deal with broken bits

of life, unanswered questions, and search for light when the world‟s

brokenness clouds our vision. Yes, we were born in the Spirit in our Baptisms, and I believe we can be

born again and again in the Spirit. We need that. We need to REjuvenate,

REenergize and REgroup our hearts and souls. Even as Lent begins again

and we are offered another forty days in our lives to turn back to God,

our human brokenness needs to be mended again and again by God‟s

healing grace. And each time we are born again, each time that

powerful ruach (wind) of God tosses us around, our roots become

stronger and deeper, and in our new strength in Christ, we begin again.

Blessings for a holy Lent,

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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Bishop Dabney

and Mary Smith

Visit Us on

Valentine's Day Welcome to our Bishop and

his wife who will be with us

on Sunday, February 14 at the

10:30 worship service. We are thrilled to have them

back and so happy with the Bishop's continuing

good healing.

2015 Reports for

Annual Meeting Booklet

Don't forget that we need a 2015 report from the

ministry you chair! The Annual Meeting is

February 28 and we'll need your report no later

than Feb. 9 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.

Taizé – Third Wednesdays Join us on February 17 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.

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.)

February 9th – Pancake Supper (5-7p)

February 24th - The Cottage (6-7:15p)

Meghan Warner, Youth Leader

Exciting music is coming to our church this month. February 7th brings us the Laudate Dominum by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mary Ann Boorn will sing the solo part, the Parish Choir will sing, and Janet

Davis will play the violin accompaniment. Ash Wednesday, at the 6:00 p.m. service,

will bring us God So Loved the world by John Stainer.

The Bishop's visit on February 14th will

feature The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. This new anthem, written by

Englishman Philip Stopford, will be the first performance in our area. The piece is

a setting of the famous Isaiah text. On February 21st, Maria Zoltek will be singing several solos at the 8:00 a.m.

service. We certainly wish to welcome Maria to this morning service.

As you will read in another portion of the

Red Door, the concert on Friday, March 4th will feature Teresa Procter from

Houston, TX. On Sunday, March 6th, Teresa will sing for our 10:30 a.m. service, and she will include the traditional Ave Maria. She will be accompanied by violin and cello. Again we welcome any new

singers to join us for rehearsals on Friday afternoons. We have planned some wonderful Easter music.

~ Hank Glass, Minister of Music

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Ash Wednesday Services

February 10th 9:00 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

Walk the Way of the Cross

On Fridays during Lent, beginning

on February 12th

, 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.

First Wednesday at Six Service at 6 p.m. & Potluck at 6:30

The service, “Remembering Friends,” is a

meditation on the value of friends in our lives and

of angels in the helping professions who use their

talents to advise and sustain us. It features a reading

of the Luke story of a paralyzed man who met Jesus

with the help of friends who lowered him into a

room through a roof.

Accompanied by pianist Jan Holly, the service also

features a solo performance by soprano Debi

Almeida, who will sing “The Covenant.” The

congregation will join together for prayers and

hymn singing. Organizer and lead reciter for the

event is Gillian Bath.

The Pot Luck dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. in the

Parish Hall. Diners share their recipes at a buffet.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your favorite dish to

the dinner, and your dinnerware, if you can, or just

bring yourself, enjoy the camaraderie and get better

acquainted with your fellow islanders and off-

islanders!

“Loves Lost”

Labyrinth

Workshop We hope you can join us

on Saturday, February 13

for a unique morning with

nationally-known labyrinth leader Zara Renander.

Because it's Valentine's Day weekend, she has

designed a special theme of "Loves Lost." Not only

will we discover the mysteries and beauties of the

ancient labyrinth, but we'll also discover ways of

hope and understanding for the loves we have lost

in our lives - whether through death, divorce, or

some other loss. The workshop will be from 9:00-

12:00 in the Parish Hall with breakfast served.

Please sign up if you plan to come so we have

adequate seating and refreshments.

A Workshop on the Healing of

Body, Mind and Spirit Dr. Hal Wiley will be with us once again on

Saturday, Feb. 6 (8:30-2:00) to

share with us his experiences with

healing, and the long and powerful

journey he has had with this. Dr.

Wiley was with us two years ago

and we look forward to having him

at St. Michael's again. Coffee/refreshments will be

available from 8:30-9:00 and lunch will be at 11:30.

Please sign up if you plan to attend!

A Note of Thanks To the St. Michael & All Angels‟ family – Being

the reluctant star of a several months-long

rodeo I want to thank all for their prayers,

visits, flowers, cards and many good wishes.

Such a warm feeling just like my beautiful

purple prayer shawl which was large enough to

serve as a blanket in the rehab center. I am so

fortunate to be surrounded by so much love

from so many wonderful people. ~ Mary Lou Flynn

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Annual Noah‟s Ark Fashion Show

“SEA Me Now” Monday, February 8

2:00 p.m. Noah‟s Ark is hard at work preparing for its annual

fashion show extravaganza, “SEA Me Now!!” The

event features women‟s fashions currently on sale at

the popular island thrift shop.

According to event

organizer Gari

Lewis, Ark staffers

and the Women of

St. Michael‟s will

model casual wear,

as well as more

dressy items,

“basically anything

on sale that they

love.” Lewis says

that nautical-themed

styles are especially

plentiful.

The show, which is free of charge, includes fun

raffle giveaways of new items donated to the Ark

and music by popular Sanibel pianist Scott

McDonald. Longtime Ark shoppers attend the

event attired in outfits that they have purchased at

the Ark. “The show is our way of thanking those

who support the Ark,” Lewis says.

During the show, the Women of St. Michael‟s will

present a check to Nola Theiss, Executive Director

of Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships of

Ft. Myers. Judy Pryor, chair of the allocations

committee, says, “We are delighted that the

phenomenal success of the Ark enables us to award

grants to such critically important causes.”

WATCH or LISTEN to the current weekend‟s

sermon on-line. Go to our website at

www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org and click on

“SERMON” for audio only or for video in the

sidebar, select the date you‟d like to watch/hear.

An Evening with

Willard Scott and Jim Rudin St. Michael's will host this unique evening with

Willard and Jim on Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 as

they present their first-time event of "A Beloved

NBC-TV Star and a Prominent Rabbi Walk into a

Bar." Willard and Jim first met one another in

second grade in Alexandria, VA, have been friends

ever since, and have wanted to share their life-time

friendship and its rich history. Join us as you listen

to the NBC Star who wanted to be a priest and the

Rabbi who always wanted to be a radio star!

World Day of Prayer Friday, March 4, 2016

10:00 a.m.

Sanibel Congregational

United Church of Christ

St. Michael's Hosts Concert -

Friday, March 4 at 7:00 Again this year we welcome back soloist Teresa

Proctor and her colleagues from the

Indiana University Jacobs School of

Music! As you may remember, it

was standing room only last year for

this marvelous evening and we are

blessed to have them back. Teresa

will also sing at our Sunday, 10:30 worship

service! A reception will follow the concert and we

give special thanks for Barbara and Dick Schilling

for making this possible.

Madden Education Scholarships If you plan to apply for a scholarship, this is the

time of year to do so! St. Michael's is blessed to

have this scholarship fund for adults and teens in

the parish who want to pursue further education.

Please contact Judy Workman, Chair of the

Madden Education Fund Committee

jworkmn@aol.com for an application.

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Heifer Project a Big Success Thank you to

Youth Leader

Meghan Warner

and all our youth

who worked to

make the Heifer

Project such a

success. A total

of $3,990 was

raised to purchase

animals which are given to families all over

the world - helping them to become

sustainable. Gratitude to all of you as well

for purchasing these animals during our

Advent season. Helping those outside our

doors continues to be a focus for St.

Michael's!

A Meditation on the Third Station of the Cross

Jesus Falls Toyohiki Kagawa

Take the burden, Lord.

I am exhausted with

this heavy load. And I stumble, stumble Along the way.

Oh, lead with your unfailing arm

Again today.

Unless you lead me, Lord, The road I journey on is all too hard.

Through trust in you alone Can I go on. Yet not for self alone

Thus do I groan. My people's sorrows are the load I bear.

Lord, hear my prayer. May your strong hand Strike off all chains

That load my well-loved land. God, draw her close to you.

ATTENTION, ALL MEN!

The Men’s Ministry of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is planning an annual retreat to be held at DaySpring, the Southwest Florida Diocesan Conference Center near Ellenton FL on February 24-25, 2016. The Men’s Ministry has made such retreats an annual and anticipated event for the spiritual refreshment and direction of the group.

The facilitator/leader for this upcoming retreat will be Richard Bollman, SJ, a Jesuit priest specializing in retreat and spiritual ministry for over thirty years. He taught in the English Department at the Jesuit University of San Francisco and became from 1981 to 1992 the Director of the Jesuit Renewal Center at Milford, OH (near Cincinnati), responsible for adult training in spiritual Direction in the Jesuit tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Former pastor of St. Robert Bellamine Parish in Cincinnati from 1992 to 2012, he has rejoined the retreat staff for the Jesuit Renewal Center at Milford and serves as a spiritual director in private practice.

Fr. Bollman will lead the Men’s Ministry retreat in a theme entitled ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS: The Way of the Heart. He describes that as “lifting up some Gospel stories, conversations of Jesus with the men of his times, to claim our own calling as men of faith”. The retreat will be broken up into large groups for presentation and then into sub-groups for sharing.

Fr. Bollman further states: “I work with Gospels as both teaching moments and literary events, complemented with poetry and personal stories. They are with us to awaken and assist our joys, wondering and losses, toward how we choose and how we surrender. I think it is a blessing what you will all offer one another, and my role is to help you notice that, and to support it.”

In addition, the retreat will feature a Compline service the first evening followed by Morning Prayer the second day and a final Eucharist before luncheon and dismissal.

It is an opportunity to be cherished. Come join us! The retreat will be an opportunity for growth as well as good fellowship with a compatible group of men.

For more information, contact Lee Cooper at ((239) 395-2833 or Alex Flesh at (239) 472-2010 or (cell) (239) 313-0582.

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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 February

8th

, 10 a.m.-4 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.

Announcement of Annual Meeting of the Parish of

St. Michael and All Angels

On February 28th

at 12:00 p.m.

the 57th

Annual Meeting of the Parish

will take place in the Parish Hall.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 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

Women at the Well 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 dates will be Tuesday, February 2nd

and

23rd

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!

Stewardship

Neighborhood Gatherings Much gratitude to the eight families who hosted our

gatherings this year: Frances & Jack Allen, Anne

Stewart, Stephanie & Bill Rahe, Betty Cater,

Linda Seifert, Carol & Adair Heath, Ann & Lee

Cooper, Jane & Don Adams. It takes all of us

working together as a team to walk our journey

through stewardship season; and although

stewardship is more a way of life than a singular

"season," the specific focus once a year is very

important and takes lots of good energy. Please take

a look at the graph of pledges on this page. We still

have a way to go to make the goal of last year's

239 pledges. The Stewardship Team reminds you

again that it's not about the amount you are able to

give; it's about each of us making a prayerful

investment in St. Michael's as our parish supports

those within and those outside our doors. It's about

helping us to walk the Gospel with our time, our

talents and our treasure.

A pledge of $1000 is only $19.23 a week.

A pledge of $500 is only $9.62 per week.

35

70

102

147

171

182

0 50 100 150 200 250

3-Jan

10-Jan

17-Jan

24-Jan

31-Jan

3-Feb

-

# Pledges Received as of Feb 3

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Men‟s Fellowship

Join together in fellowship, discussion

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

February 9th

in the Parish Hall. Light

breakfast provided (7:15). There will be

no meeting on February 23rd

.

The following is a letter written by Ellie and

John Harries to their grandchildren. The

photo is the beautiful result of this letter as

the two children write in their St. Michael's

Gratitude Journals!

Dear Elliot

We Christians are urged to use the four Sundays

and weeks of Advent to prepare for the real

meaning of Christmas. It is not about the physical

things we wish for, possess, or consume. Rather it

should be a time of reflection on all the spiritual

gifts in our lives. In the two great commandments,

Jesus instructed us that we should love God and our

neighbor. This is the perfect recipe for a happy life.

The children at El Hogar „get it‟ – most have no

family, no personal possessions, and no money.

What they do have is a loving environment and

supportive friends for which they are very thankful.

Our Church has provided the enclosed pamphlet

to help us think about what we should be thankful

for during Advent. Try to read the short biblical

passage and reflect on the great gifts you receive

day-to-day from your family, friends, church and

school. If you get into the habit of doing this

regularly you will be amazed at the number of

things you are thankful for and it will brighten your

day.

Much love

Gramms and Gramps

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.

Bible Study with the Rector

Join us on Thursdays at 11:00, as we delve into the beautiful and symbolic Gospel

according to St. John. This Gospel is unique among the four canonical Gospels. We’re

discovering a myriad of contrasts: light and dark, truth and lies, life and death, and

blindness and sight, as well as exploring 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!

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A kernel of an idea last year resulted in an amazing evening at St. Michael's, as we celebrated The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's extraordinary life, and St. Michael's role in furthering his dream. In 1962 we became the first integrated church in Lee County - and one of the first two in the state of Florida! So many songs of hope from the Youth Choir and our own St. Michael's Choir, and so many words of wisdom and hope from The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, Professor of Church History at The General Theological Seminary in New York City. Planning is already underway for our second annual celebration in 2017!

Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers

Youth Choir

“Battle reminded his audience that King “had the

audacity to do things that were not theologically or

politically correct, and to seek after God and for a

heaven on earth.” (Excerpt from article by Jan Holly)

The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, Professor of

Church History at The General Theological

Seminary, New York City.

Don Adams thanks all who participated in the

Celebration as well as those behind the scenes.

Committee Members: Don Adams, Hank Glass,

Yvonne Hill, Ellen Sloan, Wendy McLaughlin,

David Bath, Roberta Winters

St. Michael‟s Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 18, 2016

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Ten-year old Zaire Saldana recites

“I Have a Dream”

Yvonne Hill introduces Zaire Saldana

Michael Battle with Ellen Sloan

Youth Choir with Director Momma “D”

The Celebration took on a life of its own at the

conclusion, when the entire assembly, audience,

singers and speakers alike, joined hands and, with

one collective voice, sang “We Shall Overcome.”

A time of refreshments and fellowship followed the

celebration.

10

The Women of

St. Michael's Luncheons, Programs & Retreat

2016

February 8, 2016 2:00 p.m.

Noah’s Ark Fashion Show

March 8-9, 2016

Women’s Retreat

DaySpring Conference Center

(Contact Liz Coffey)

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

SHROVE TUESDAY

February 9, 2016 The Men of the Parish will serve

The 13th 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!

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.

Christian Yoga

Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

(No class: Feb. 2, 9 & 16)

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

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From Your Parish Nurse,

Wendy Heart disease continues to be

the number one cause of death

in America. It could be a heart

attack, „cardiac arrest”,

Congested Heart Failure,

arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy or sudden death.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),

“about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the

United States every year-that‟s 1 in every 4 deaths.”

A survey was conducted to see if respondents

recognized signs of a heart attack. Ninety-two

percent recognized chest pain as a symptom of a

heart attack. Only 27% were aware of all major

symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone

was having a heart attack. The CDC reported that

“about 47% of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside

a hospital. This suggests that many people with

heart disease don't act on early warning signs.”

Many people can rattle off the early warning signs

of heart disease. Some of these same people may

write off symptoms they are having as being a result

of some other cause. Just a refresher, the following

are early warning symptoms of heart disease:

shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid heart rate,

weakness or dizziness, nausea, and sweating. As

heart disease continues to worsen, symptoms of a

heart attack may develop. These include:

discomfort, pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest,

arm, or below the breastbone. This pain can radiate

to the back, jaw, throat, or arm. The nausea can

worsen and vomiting occur, in addition to

indigestion or choking feeling. Early warning signs

of weakness, dizziness, sweating and shortness of

breath become more intense in most cases. The

person may feel overly fatigued or become more

anxious.

Of course it would be nice if every person having a

heart attack would display clear cut signs that were

easily diagnosed. Unfortunately that is not the case.

Diabetics most often have what they call a “silent

heart attack”, and women may not experience chest

pain with a heart attack, but will have other

symptoms.

So what puts a person more at risk of developing

heart disease? The factors that we have control

over that impact the heart are our weight, the

amount of exercise, do we smoke, do we keep our

blood pressure under control or take medications as

prescribed. These are all things that have to do with

our lifestyle. Factors we don‟t have control over are

related to heredity or age. Is heart disease in our

family, what ethnic background do we come from,

what is your gender and how old are we? Men

generally have a higher risk of heart disease that

women. Men are at increased risk starting at age 45

and women are at increased risk, starting at age 55.

So let‟s step forward into 2016 with a fuller

awareness of our heart and heart health and strive to

control the things we can control.

For questions or concerns, as always, call me at the

church or email wendywarnerrn@gmail.com.

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 lmcmahon@ionafire.com.

PLEASE if you can bring a copy of your cards to

the office or email me the expiration date on your

card to wendywarnerrn@gmail.com, I would be

very appreciative.

A Special Thank You Thank you Susie Wilson for your presentation at

the Health Forum on “Self Advocacy in Medical

Situations.” All of us at the presentation realized

the importance of speaking up and being our own

advocate or being prepared with someone appointed

as our advocate if we need someone to be our voice.

If anyone has questions on healthcare advocates,

ask Susie or the Parish Nurse Wendy.

12

Blessed Are You Who Bear

the Light by Circle of Grace, Jan Richardson Blessed are you who bear the light in

unbearable times, who testify to its endurance amid the

unendurable, who bear witness to its persistence when everything seems in shadow and grief.

Blessed are you in whom light lives,

in whom brightness blazes, your heart a chapel, an altar where in deepest night

can be seen that fire that shines forth in you in unaccountable faith, in stubborn hope, in love that illumines every broken thing it

finds.

News from the Art Ministry 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.”

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

Outreach Committee Update Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties

has been one of the missions that St. Michael‟s

Church has supported for many years. Members of

the Church are active as building volunteers,

financial contributors, and as members of the

Outreach Committee. Committee members had the

opportunity to participate in the Groundbreaking

Ceremony for the Heights Community Investment

Project on a site on Codie Street off of Gladiolus,

which took place on November 13, 2015. Bob and

Joanne Syversen and Maggie Davis had the

opportunity to meet local community officials and

activists, as well as members of the Habitat for

Humanity team. The event kicked off the building

of 11 homes in Harlem Heights which will be made

available to local families in need. These families

will join with Habitat volunteers in the building of

their homes. Participants in the Groundbreaking

Ceremony were treated to an inspiring talk by

Habitat legend Clive Rainey, Habitat for

Humanity‟s first volunteer. St. Michael‟s is one of

the many organizations who have contributed to this

project.

Adult Christian Educ. Forums November–April @ 9:30

The Place of Religion in a Rapidly Changing World

February Forum Calendar includes:

Dr. Paul Bartrop – February 3

Religion as a Moral Compass during a Time of

Genocide: Three Case Studies

The Rev. Dr. Ran Niehoff – February 14 & 21

By Any Other Name…Reading the “A, B, C‟s”

“Spirituality” – Part 1 of 2

“Fundamentalism” – Part 2 of 2

Annual Meeting of the Parish – February 28

No forum

2016 Parish Directory Please take a moment to double-

check your address(es), phone

number(s) and e-mail address(es) as

we prepare the 2016 edition of our

directory. A notebook containing

the editing version will be on the

table in the Gallery.

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Sanibel Captiva Heart Walk 2016

Many thanks to those who supported the Sanibel

Captiva Heart Walk. Twelve other parishioners

besides those pictured were also spotted walking, so

St. Michael's had quite a good crowd to support a

good cause!!

On-line Pledge Giving Now

Available at St. Michael‟s For those interested in paying their pledge or just

making a contribution via credit card, that option is

now available. Go to our website at

www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org and scroll down

the sidebar until you see the green “On-line Giving”

box, then click on it. Follow the prompts and

complete the screens as they appear. If you have

any questions, Susan and Wanda will be glad to

assist you. Call us at (239) 472-2173. (A valid email

address is required.)

Epiphany Season The Sacred Dancers

and soloist Debi

Almeida offered their

gifts during Epiphany

season.

Pictured: (back row)

Betsy Michaelson,

Debi Almeida, and

Luann Fortune;

(front) Kerry Salatino and Gari Lewis.

Banner in the Parish Hall

Thank you to Helen Ketteman for this exquisite

creation hanging in our parish hall.

Prayer List Please Remember in Your Prayers

Parishioners:

Carol Chaveas Jim Bird

Dick Kennedy Bishop Dabney Smith

Joe DiMicco Jenny Wilson

Bill Maruchi Don Van Alstyne

Jean Chapman-Castle Wesley Fay

Barbara Wright Bob Ingraham

Peter Blaze Corcoran Dale McGinley

Penny Chrysler June Ingraham

Buzz Osterbush Bob Howard

Nancy Cleaveland Victor Enns

Nome Thompson George Sell

Fred Ockerlund

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 Mayvid Rose

Chris Drysdale

Vestry Members‟ Reminder

of future meeting dates: February 18

th (1:00; lunch at 12:15) and

Vestry Retreat – March 16-17 Lake Placid Camp & Conference Center

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May They Rest in Peace Gail Meier

December 23, 2015

Larry Thompson January 18, 2016

Dan Voltmann January 20, 2016

Betty Welch (Sister of Peggy Hupfeldt & Nell Hutchins)

January 26, 2016

Betsy Belpedio January 29, 2016

Parish Directory Additions/Updates

Jane and Don Adams (update)

5704 Junonia Court

Fort Myers, FL 33908

(239) 437-1490

Jetta Ann & Bill Currise (update)

8418 Arbor Court

Fort Myers, FL 33957

Peg & George McGann (add)

200 Periwinkle Way, #132

Sanibel, FL 33957

(847) 769-8066

Pat Rohde (update)

Phone: (239) 472-7380

Dory & Wes Rooker (update)

12770 Waterford Circle. #222

Fort Myers, FL 33919

Virginia Smith (update)

8323 Arbor Court

Fort Myers, FL 33908

Nip Wilson (update)

1637 Kings Crown Court

Fort Myers, FL 39908

February Birthdays and Anniversaries

If you have not already done so, please consider

sharing your birthday and/or anniversary with us.

Birthdays 2nd Sylvia Longaker 14th David Vaules

4th Dick Kimball Kathy Jones

6th Carol Chaveas 16th Ellie Harries

Emilie MacNaughton Elise Allen

9th Maggie Davis Kathy Stobbe

Michael O’Brien 18th Jack Winters

Marjorie York Ellen Trevor

Randy Graham 23rd Peter Chapman

10th Daphne Hellmuth 24th Bronwen Cunningham

Rachel Peach 25th Hannah Fay

12th Peggie Dodd 28th Dory Rooker

Lynn Rogers Jenny Wilson

13th Jim Smith

Will Smith

Anniversaries 2

nd Roz and Jon Burroughs

3rd

Mary and Jim Nelson

22nd

Margery and Lee Almas

24th

Betsy and Ken Michaelson

27th

Gene and Peter Pierce

Highlights from Vestry Meeting From the Minutes of Dec 10, 2015

Submitted by Joanne Syversen, Secretary

The Vestry met on Thursday, December 10, 2015.

As always, Ellen read a meditation and encouraged

discussion.

Hyde Tucker, Property Chair, received approval

from the Vestry to purchase a new energy-efficient

refrigerator for the Parish Hall. That, and the noise

reduction repair of two air conditioners will be

covered by the Special Projects Fund.

Junior Warden Adair Heath reported that progress is

being made with the Sanibel City Planning Office

for the renovation project. Sandy Trevor installed

the new camera in the church, and is planning on

training key people in how to “stream” the worship

services, using the new technology. Work on the

Memorial Garden and Ark storage space is

proceeding.

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Joanne Syversen, Secretary, announced the

candidates for the next Vestry as follows, in

alphabetical order; Julie Boyd, Bettie Modys, Pierre

“Piff” Pifferario, for three year terms. John Hillman

was recommended to fill the vacancy of Roger

Heider.

Don Rolley, Stewardship Chair, reported that 8

neighborhood gatherings were planned for January

to meet with parishioners to explain the status of St.

Michael‟s and to impress the importance of our

continued success by pledging. 90% of our

operating income comes from contributions, and

90% of our contributions come from pledges.

Ellen Sloan, Rector, reported on the success of the

Youth Group, led by Meghan Warner. The Taizé

service has also had increasing interest, including

many people outside of St. Michael‟s. The Sacred

Dancers have been invited to dance at Captiva

Chapel by the Sea. Lee Almas was recognized for

his extensive and selfless oversight as Project

Manager for the addition to the Ark and work on the

Memorial Garden. Two more anonymous donors

have made generous gifts to St. Michael‟s which

will be used, per donors‟ requests, for

Beautification/Spirituality and Altar Guild,

respectively. Ellen is working on plans with Don

Adams and committee to celebrate Martin Luther

King Day, since St. Michael‟s was so important in

integrating blacks in SW Florida in the 1960‟s.

The next Vestry meeting will be Thursday, January

21, 2016.

Below are the bios of the four people standing for

election to the four vacancies on the Vestry. Usually

there are three vacancies; however, due to the

resignation of Roger Heider, John Hillman is on the

slate to fill Roger's unexpired term of two years.

Thank you for taking the time to review these in

preparation for the Annual Meeting on February 28

(following the 10:30 service.) ~ Joanne Syversen,

Chair of the Nominating Committee.

JULIE BOYD Julie and Corky relocated to Sanibel from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 2001. Julie has been active on the Altar Guild for almost 33 years. At St. Michael’s she also serves as Lector and Usher/Greeter, is active with the Welcoming

Ministry and assists the Landscaping Committee. She is Clerk for St. Michael’s Vestry and Secretary for the Diocesan Altar Guild.

Julie has served as Treasurer, President, and Allocations Chair of ECW (Episcopal Church Women) and has spent many years working at Noah’s Ark. She was actively involved with the publication of the ECW Cookbook.

St. Michael’s is part of my family. To my family as a whole, I bring integrity, commitment, and dedication.

JOHN HILLMAN My name is John Hillman and I relocated to Sanibel Island from Charleston, SC two and a half years ago. I come to the island with my wife Dawn and our son’s Jackson (9) and Harrison (7). Both boys attend the Sanibel School and we enjoy living on the East End of the Island. Dawn and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage this April and we have enjoyed quite a journey with my career in real estate development work. We are “Island People” to our core having spent time living in the Bahamas, Hawaii, and the Cayman Islands. I spend my days working with architects, designers and builders crafting residential and mixed use environments and I am proud to be part of the team building the new town of Babcock Ranch in the Punta Gorda area which will be one of the most sustainable new towns in the country.

My faith journey started in the Presbyterian tradition when I was growing up in Columbia, SC. While a young man, I would probably best characterize my faith has somewhat limited and then two important events happened in my life that changed that. The first was the inspiration of faith that I witnessed when my young father of 48 years died after a 6 month battle with cancer. I was only 19 and it was a very hard time for my family but the peace that came upon my father in the final week of life came because of his close relationship with our minister at that time. I have no doubt it was the daily prayers they shared together and the many who shared their love with my father that gave him his strength to continue to love and keep his spirits bright. His peace became my peace and strength to get through that time and it’s never left me as I think it about often. The second event came when I met my wife Dawn. Dawn was brought up Catholic in New Hampshire and grew up with regularity of Church in her life and the sense of community that comes with belonging to a Church family. As a woman who is full of life and never ending positive energy who never seems to have a bad day. I always ask her why she never worries and she just has this built in faith that “God wants us to be happy and to enjoy life” and so she never bothers with wasting any time and effort on worry and fear. And so it’s not just her faith that inspires me daily, it’s the way she fosters that same set of beliefs with our two boys

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and really wants them to know Jesus and understand what he did for all of us.

I share some of those personal items as it helps frame who I am and what I care most about and that is my family, being involved in a Church community and finding ways to do some good in this world. I’m humbled to be considered to become a member of the Vestry of St. Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church. With that, I’m hopeful to make a contribution to this Church and to support Ellen and the important causes we care about as a Church family. I hope to leverage my back ground in development and construction to serve in some meaningful way the ongoing stewardship of the physical assets of St. Michael’s. I also hope to find ways to broaden our reach of the faithful and to bring them to St. Michael’s with an emphasis to grow our membership into a multi-generational audience. I believe that all things are possible with Christ’s help and I welcome the opportunity to work with other members of the Vestry and Ellen to continue the great work going on in this amazing Church.

ELIZABETH “BETTIE” MODYS I am a native Virginian and grew up in Williamsburg with my two sisters. I met my late husband Bob when he was a student at The College of William and Mary. We married in 1952 and our three children were born in Williamsburg.

We moved to Clearwater, FL in 1959 and lived there until Bob's career in banking took us to Louisville, KY in 1969. It was in Louisville that we became members of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. There I taught Sunday School and served as Treasurer and President of the ECW and was a member of the Altar Guild and was for many years Coffee Chairman which I found rather amusing because I neither drink or even make coffee but I seemed to be rather good at getting other people to do it. In the community I was active in Girl Scouting as a leader and various other volunteer positions in the council. I also was a docent and on the Board of Farmington Historic Home which led to a mini-career as Director of that house museum.

We discovered St. Michael and All Angels when we spent Christmas of 1982 on Sanibel. We always enjoyed being a part of the congregation during our all too short vacations on the island. In 1995 we purchased a home and became permanent residents and St. Michael became our church home.

Over the years I have been on innumerable committees of the ECW, President twice and Chairman of Noah’s Ark several times. I volunteer there each week. I am a member of the Healing Ministry, a Lector and have served on the Memorial Garden committee. Of all the "church work" I have done over the years nothing brings me closer to my God than my service on the Altar Guild. I am currently Director of

the Guild at St. Michael’s, Director of the Fort Myers Deanery Altar Guild and a member of the board of Diocese of Southwest Florida Altar Guild.

For the last 18 years I have volunteered in the Sea Turtle research program of the SCCF. I am a dedicated reader (seldom of anything that will improve my mind), and am a member of a book club and of a play reading group (SPOT) at Shell Point where I now live. I also have a 10x10 garden where I grow weeds and exuberant Zinnias.

I am blessed with a large and busy family. My three children have given me ten grandchildren and they in turn have presented me with ten great-grands. I am also blessed to have St. Michael’s as my church home and my fellow parishioners as my church family.

It has been exciting to be a part of this parish for the last twenty years. I have never served on a vestry before and I would be honored to be part of a group that assists our Rector in this time of such vibrant growth.

PIERRE “PIFF” PIFFARERIO I'm honored and humbled at being asked to serve on the Vestry of St. Michael's. Long before moving to Sanibel from Denver in 2014, Louise and I spent the winters here since 1999. Finding St. Michael's and attending services made leaving the Island that much harder every year.

I was born and raised in New York City. At age 17, I went off to St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT. Receiving an officer's commission upon graduation, I spent the next 22 years on active duty in the financial career field of the Air Force. Managing large financial operations served me well and I retired in 1986 as the Comptroller of the Air Force Academy. My financial pursuits brought me to the University of Colorado and later back to the Air Force as the head of accounting for all military and civilian payrolls. Looking to do something different, I transferred to the Census Bureau as the Administrative Officer for the Rocky Mountain Region encompassing 46 offices in 13 states. I believe my financial and administrative background could be of some help to the Vestry.

Having been brought up Lutheran, I found the rites and beliefs of the Episcopal Church almost identical and immediately knew I had found a home at St. Michael's. I currently serve the Alter Guild, Noah's Ark and the Eucharistic Ministry.

Looking back at my life, I have seen on numerous occasions, where the Holy Spirit has guided me. God is all around us and we simply have to stop and listen. St. Michael's has become the center of my life on Sanibel and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the congregation on the Vestry.

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Dates to Remember February & March 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” February and March 2 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

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

Women at the Well Tues., February 2 / 16 1:00 p.m. Library

Spiritual Direction with Sr. Carol Mon., February 8 10:00a-3:00p Library

Annual ECW/Noah‟s Ark Fashion Show Mon., February 8 2:00 p.m. Church

Men‟s Fellowship (no mtg. on 2/23) Tues., February 9 7:15 a.m. Parish Hall

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Tues., February 9 5:30-7:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Youth Group Tues., February 9 5:30-7:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Ash Wednesday Services Wed., February 10 9 a.m. / 6 p.m. Church

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

Outreach Ministry Wed., February 10 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Stations of the Cross Fri., February 12 / 19 12:00 p.m. Church

Healing Ministry Mon., February 15 12:30 p.m. Angel Chapel

Willard Scott & Jim Rudin Presentation Tues., February 16 7:00 p.m. Church

Memorial Service for Betsy Belpedio Wed., February 17 11:00 a.m. Church

Christian Education Ministry Wed., February 17 2:00 p.m. Library

Vestry Meeting Thurs., February 18 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Christian Yoga (no class: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16) Tues., February 23 3:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Men‟s Retreat Wed-Thur February 24-25 DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish

Youth Group Wed., February 24 6:00 p.m. The Cottage

Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture Fri., February 26 7:00 p.m. Church

Stations of the Cross Fri., Feb. 26 / Mar 4 12:00 p.m. Church

Women at the Well Tues., March 1 / 15 1:00 p.m. Library

Angel Society Reception Thurs., March 3 5:00 p.m. Rector‟s Home

World Day of Prayer Fri., March 4 10:00 a.m. Sanibel Cong. UCC

Concert – Jacob‟s School of Music Fri., March 4 7:00 p.m. Church / Parish Hall

ECW Board Meeting Mon., March 7 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Women‟s Retreat Tues-Wed March 8-9 DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish

Men‟s Fellowship Tues., March 8 / 22 7:30 a.m. Parish Hall

Pastoral Care Ministry Wed., March 9 10:00 a.m. Vestry Room

Outreach Ministry Wed., March 9 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Youth Group Wed., March 9 / 23 6:00 p.m. The Cottage

Stations of the Cross Fri., March 11 / 18 12:00 p.m. Church

Funeral Service for Larry Thompson Sat., March 12 11:00 a.m. Church

ECW Luncheon and Program Mon., March 14 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Christian Yoga (no class: 3/1, 3/8, 3/22) Tues., March 15 / 29 3:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Vestry Retreat Wed-Thur March 16-17 Lake Placid Camp & Conference Center

Christian Education Ministry Wed., March 16 1:00 p.m. Library

Healing Ministry Mon., March 21 12:30 p.m. Angel Chapel

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«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)

Tuesday 9 a.m. Morning Prayer

Wednesday 9 a.m. Eucharist with Healing Prayer

“First Wednesday at 6:00” Prayer and Potluck – February 3rd

and March 2nd

Taizé Service at 6:00 p.m. – February 17th and March 16

th

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