MARCH 2011 News of the people and ministries of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel, FL

MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Friends in Christ, J’ve seen the moon rise many times in my life but never like last week. As I sat at my computer just before dawn, a deep golden sphere lay low in the southwestern sky. It was brilliant – filled with a surreal yellow-orange light from the soon-to-rise sun; in fact, so brilliant that it seemed like the sunrise itself! The spectacular show continued as I also found Saturn – about four finger-widths to the right of the moon – just a speck of light but a glimmering speck in the pre-dawn sky. A slight breeze rustled over the pond as a few songbirds began their morning anthem. I breathed deeply, pushed the laptop aside, and drank in the beauty of creation moving and changing right before me. Once again I was in awe. Once again I felt a real and deep connection to the universe out there and to the God who created it.

Remember lying on your back on the grass or the beach as a kid, gazing up at the night sky and counting stars or finding constellations? Summer evenings were always a teaching moment for my mother as she pointed out configurations in the night sky, and then quizzed me the following evening. I remember wondering how the universe could be so vast and endless – other galaxies beyond our own? How could that be? Too much to fathom! I fell in love with the universe a long time ago, simultaneously (I realize now) as l was falling in love with the mystery of creation and the God which was beyond my understanding. That “incomprehensible Holy Mystery” – as Karl Rahner liked to describe his God.

There’s an old Native American tale about the belief that human beings can never truly reach maturity without making room within their bodies for the mystery, vastness, and ever-changing quality of the universe. I like to think it’s the same way for spiritual maturity – not possible without making room in our bodies and souls for the fathomless and boundless grace of God – that grace that inspires us, moves us, and ultimately can change and transform us.

Spiritual director Judith Cannato once wrote, “Like the astronomers of old, we sometimes prefer a world fixed in place, with no movement to disturb our treasured vision of reality. We remain content in our ways when we need to be open and changed by new discoveries and new revelations.”

As Lent begins this month, be in awe of the universe. Look for the full moon on March 19th. The very next day the sun will cross into the northern celestial hemisphere, marking the vernal equinox and the first day of spring. Find Saturn in the night sky on March 21st and Venus just before dawn on the 31st. And as you stay in awe of the ever-changing heavens above during this Lenten season, make room for the fathomless grace of God. Be attuned to where God might be leading you to new revelations, new discoveries, and transformative moments right in your own little universe. Qfbdf!boe!mpwf-!!

!!!!!! Fmmfo!♥! !

The Red Door

Holy Eucharist Saturday at 5 p.m.

Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Morning Prayer Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Healing Eucharist

Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Evening Worship March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. Followed by Potluck

Ash Wednesday Services

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

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New Book Study – Peace in the Holy Land Beginning on March 10th and meeting for six Thursdays in Lent (1:00-2:00 p.m.) in the Parlor, The Rev. Pat Linneman and Mr. Hyde Tucker will co-lead a book discussion on Fatal Embrace, by Mark Braverman. Its focus is on Christians, Jews, and the search for peace in the Holy Land. The books ($12) are available in the Church Office. The Education Commission hopes you'll give this serious thought and perhaps consider it one of your Lenten disciplines.

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.

Theater, Theology

& Popcorn Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

During the five Wednesdays of Lent, you're invited to gather in the parish hall for a movie, popcorn (supplied by us), and a "bag supper" (supplied by you). This will be a time to step back, think through our lives and our faith through the media of film, and perhaps discover new pathways in our faith journeys with one another. The five Wednesdays will be: March 16, 23 & 30 and April 6 & 13.

Walk the Way of the Cross

We hope you'll join us as we walk with Christ on Fridays in Lent. As we reflect on the 14 Stations of the Cross – with prayers and paintings of Christ's painful journey, we hopefully will

come to empathize on deeper levels not only how Christ suffered for us, but how God through Christ still suffers with us in our personal and corporate pain on this earthly journey. This Way of the Cross journey will take about 30 minutes and we'll meet in the church at 1:00 for the six Fridays in Lent.

Ash Wednesday Services March 9th

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

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

The men of the Parish invite you to

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL PANCAKE SUPPER

with all the TRIMMINGS

Parish Hall March 8th

5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Serving continuously

Come with a large appetite…

join the Mardi Gras fun!

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A Special Note of Thanks Dear Ellen and good people of St. Michael’s,

Thank you so very much for the welcome and warm hospitality I received on my recent visit with you at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. I enjoyed my time with you and the kind spirit expressed to me by so many members of the parish. I am additionally grateful for the generosity you have shown with your gift to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund.

Please know you are in my prayers and I look forward to the time when I can be with all the good people of St. Michael’s once again.

Faithfully yours, The Right Reverend Dabney T. Smith Fifth Bishop of Southwest Florida

Celebrating Our Octo and Nonagenarians!

Join us on March 16 at 3 p.m. for a St. Patrick's celebration of cake, ice cream and surprises as our own Willard Scott honors parishioners in their 80s and 90s. If you'd like to come and/or need a ride, please call Joanne Syversen. If you reside at Shell Point and need a ride, call Barb & Bill Maruchi (433-9488). At Cypress Cove, call Maggie Warner (437-5821). If you'd like to help with the party itself, call Joanne or Ellen Sloan.

St. Michael's Continues DVD Series on Death & How We Grieve

St. Michael's continues its series on loss and grief (1:00 p.m.) Whether you have lost a spouse, a sibling, a grandparent, a child, or someone else you love; whether you find yourselves worrying or wondering about death in the future and how you will handle it, we encourage you to join us on this journey of life.

March 8 & 22 • April 12 & 26 • May 10 & 24

The Farrows’ Farewell Covered Dish Dinner Party

Sunday, April 10th 5:30 p.m.

An evening of fun and fellowship is being planned to celebrate and give thanks to George and Liz for their ministries here at St. Michael’s over the past 7 years. As we bid George farewell as Music Director, now seems like an appropriate time to thank them for the many other ways they have touched our lives and the ministry of St. Michael’s.

The good news is that they have promised to return for visits in the future and their children and grandchildren will be here to join in the evening’s festivities. It will be an opportunity for St. Michael’s to meet the whole Farrow Clan. We hope you will save the date for this very special covered dish dinner and party to bid our good friends a fond farewell.

The shuttle bus will be available to transport folks from Shell Point.

Adult Forums: Sundays @ 9:15 The Adult Christian Education Commission continues its theme of "In Search of Wholeness: Our Journey Toward Healing Body, Mind and Spirit."

March Forum Calendar includes:

The Rev. Dr. Ran Niehoff – March 6th Topic: Forgiveness: The Royal Flush in a

Healer’s Hand

The Rev. Dr. Ran Niehoff – March 13th Topic: Be Still and Know That I Am God –

Simple Gifts and Slow Dancing

The Rev. Dr. Douglass Lind – March 20th Topic: Called to be a Healing Church

Panel: Roberta Heller, RN, The Rev. Paul Goddard and Dr. Carl Meier – March 27th Topic: Visitations and Healing Presence

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An Evening of Awareness of Human Trafficking

Join us on March 3rd at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall as Nola Theiss speaks about the serious issue of labor and sex trafficking of both domestic and foreign victims. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion following the presentation and paintings from an ARTREACH program, a prevention program for local girls, will be displayed. Nola is the Executive Director of Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, a non-profit founded on Sanibel in 2006.

Women at the Well All women are invited to gather again on Monday, March 14th and 28th at 3:00 as we continue our theme this year of "Linking Hearts and Souls with Women Across the Centuries." (We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays)

Men’s Fellowship Join together in fellowship, discussion and prayer at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8th and 22nd in the Parish Hall. Light breakfast provided (7:15).

Evening Service and Pot Luck Supper

March 2nd, 6 p.m.

CCoolllleeggee NNiigghhtt Wear your school colors!

Bring a favorite main dish, salad and/or dessert to share with others. Hosted by Jetta and Bill Currise, Paula and Dean Traxler and Marnie Kent. Enjoy a night of reflection, food and fellowship.

Invitation for All Women of St. Michael’s to:

ECW’s Monthly Lunch Monday, March 14th

12:00 noon Getting to know you

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. Program: Haiti Relief Update with Bill Mebane

Bill Mebane is back! Bill is here with his wife, Dana, and is the son-in-law of Scott and Penny Chrysler! Last year his program on Haiti fish ponds was well-received and ever popular and on March 14th he will give us a Haiti relief update on those ponds and stoves. Join us for a delicious lunch and thought-provoking presentation! Please sign-up at the Ark or in the gallery if you plan to attend.

From January 10th Program:

PACE, with Melissa Simontis PACE, a Fort Myers organization that helps girls who have lost their way find a path back to hope. Your work at Noah’s Ark has supported PACE for several years.

Save the Date: Safeguarding God’s Children Workshop

April 8, 2011 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lunch and refreshments provided

@ St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church This class is open to any person needing to fulfill this requirement. All Vestry members must take this class as well as chairs of commissions and Sunday School teachers. If you’ve taken this within 5 years, you may take again on-line.

March 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2011

1 Morning Prayer 9:00 am Staff Meeting 10:00 am

2 Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Finance Committee Mtg. 10:00 am Evening Worship 6:00 pm Potluck Supper 6:30 pm

3 Bible Study 10:00 am Human Trafficking Lecture

6:00 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

4 Book Study 9:30 am Choir Rehearsal 1:30 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

5 Memorial Service for

Dick Smith 10:30 am Holy Eucharist 5:00 pm

6 Last Epiphany Holy Eucharist 8:00 am Forum 9:15 am Children/Youth Sun. School

9:30 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

7 ECW Board Mtg. 1:00 pm Funeral Service for

David Lund 2:00 pm

8 Men’s Fellowship 7:30 am Morning Prayer 9:00 am Staff Meeting 10:00 am Grief & Loss: DVD Series

1:00 pm Outreach Commission Mtg.

2:30 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

5:00 pm

9 Ash Wednesday Ash Wed. Service 9:00 am Pastoral Care Commission Mtg.

10:30 am Clergy Meeting 12:00 pm Ash Wed. Service 6:00 pm

10 SMAA @ CCMI Soup

Kitchen 8:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry

1:00 pm Lenten Book Study 1:00 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

11 Book Study 9:30 am Stations of the Cross

1:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 1:30 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

12 Holy Eucharist 5:00 pm

Move clocks forward after midnight

13 Lent 1 Move clocks 1 hour forward

Holy Eucharist 8:00 am Forum 9:15a Children/Youth Sun. School

9:30 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

14 ECW Program/Lunch

12:30 pm Women at the Well

3:00 pm

15 Morning Prayer 9:00 am Staff Meeting 10:00 am Health Forum 1:00 pm Minister of Music Search

11:45 am

16 Healing Eucharist 9:00 am 80’s-90’s Party 3:00 pm Theatre, Theology & Popcorn

6:00 pm

17 Bible Study 10:00 am Lenten Book Study 1:00 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

18 Book Study 9:30 am Stations of the Cross

1:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 1:30 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

19 Holy Eucharist 5:00 pm

20 Lent 2 Holy Eucharist 8:00 am Forum 9:15 am Children/Youth Sun. School

9:30 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

RED DOOR DEADLINE

21 CPR Training 9:00 am SMAA @ S. Ft. Myers

Food Pantry 10:00 am & 6:00 pm

Stewardship Mtg. 3:00 pm

22 Men’s Fellowship 7:30 am Morning Prayer 9:00 am Staff Meeting 10:00 am Grief & Loss: DVD Series

1:00 pm

23 Healing Eucharist 9:00 am Theatre, Theology & Popcorn

6:00 pm

24 Bible Study 10:00 am Lenten Book Study 1:00 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

25 Book Study 9:30 am Stations of the Cross

1:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 1:30 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

26 Holy Eucharist 5:00 pm

27 Lent 3 Holy Eucharist 8:00 am Forum 9:15 am Children/Youth Sun. School

9:30 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

28 Women at the Well

3:00 pm

29 Morning Prayer 9:00 am Staff Meeting 10:00 am

30 Healing Eucharist 9:00a Theatre, Theology & Popcorn

6:00 pm

31 Bible Study 10:00 am Lenten Book Study 1:00 pm Wed. Evening Worship Mtg.

1:30 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

April 1 Landale / Manansala

Wedding 4:00 pm Rachel Carson Lecture

7:30 pm AA Meeting 8:00 pm

2 Holy Eucharist 5:00 pm

Vestry Retreat

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Hats - SMAA "Rockettes"

Emcee - Dale McGinley

Charley Blues - Phil Urion

Strip the Willow - Scottish Dance Group

Saxaphone - Evelyn Neill

Duet - Kristie Jones and

Courtney Jones

Cowboy poetry - Bill Rahe

St. Michael’s “Got Talent” February 4, 2011

Gillian Bath leads the march of The Saints from Noah's Ark.

Songs of the Desert on the oud - Phil Pilibosian

Irish Folk Songs - Walter Schuman

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Noah’s Ark Annual

Fashion Show February 14, 2011

Fashion dominated the hearts of everyone at the annual fashion show, which coincided this year with Valentine's Day. The Noah's Ark volunteers sashayed down the runway, wearing the latest offerings from the Ark's collection. Similar styles are awaiting your purchase.

Proceeds from Noah's Ark are contributed to many charities on the Island, Ft. Myers, nationally and globally. We are anticipating your visit.

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Health Forum: Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Tuesday, March 15th, 1:00-2:30 PM Parish Hall

with Stella Farwell A diagnosis of ovarian cancer causes an abrupt alteration in an individual life journey. On Tuesday, March 15th at 1:00 PM, Stella Farwell, Captiva Artist and wife of Phill Urion, will be the guest speaker at the Health Forum. She will speak about her journey following her diagnosis of ovarian cancer and how it relates to her art. Stella hopes her presentation will increase awareness about ovarian cancer, including warning signs and the importance of early detection.

The lecture is free and open to everyone. Join us to hear this adventurous, upbeat lady. If you have any questions, please call Roberta, Parish Nurse at 472-2173.

CPR/AED Training

Two classes for St. Michael’s parishioners are scheduled at the Sanibel Fire Station on Palm Ridge Road: Monday, March 21st and Monday, April 4th from 9 AM to 12:00 PM. You must register – for ONLY ONE – one week in advance by calling 239-472-5525. This course is for all – new or renewal. The cost is $5.00. If you would like to purchase the training book, the cost is an additional $15.00. If you would like to take the course, but are not available on these dates, call the Fire Dept. to see when other courses are being held. If you have any questions, call Roberta at 239-472-2173.

Health Forums for 2011 All forums will be from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Mark your calendars.

April 5, Tuesday – Dara Leichter will speak about what’s new with breast cancer detection and treatment.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Thursday, March 10th at 1 PM

At the home of June Ingraham 16822 On Par Blvd.

Eagles Preserve, Shell Point

Call Roberta, 472-2173, if you have any questions.

Gallery Talk: St. Michael’s and Friends

2011 Art Show Last year we hung the first “St. Michael’s Members

and Friends Show” in the Gallery, which showcased the artistic talent of many members and friends of our

congregation. The quality and variety of artwork was outstanding and the question was asked “Will there be another show like this in the future?” The answer to that question is the “Saint Michael’s and Friends 2011 Art Show” which is now on display in the Gallery for your enjoyment.

Our many thanks and congratulations to those who chose to share their work with us again this year, as well as new artists including Gillian Bath, Jim Bird, Jaye Boswell, Betty Cater, Penny Chrysler, Beryl Flesh, Susan Hall, Sheila Hoen, June Ingraham, Christie Jones, Joy Jones, Mary Jane

Keys, Eric Orkin, Stephanie Rahe, Betsy Schuman, and Lee Williams.

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas for other future shows in the Gallery please contact Betsy Schuman, Art Committee Chair.

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Prayer List Please send or call names in to Susan in the Church Office at parishsecretary@saintmichaels-sanibel.org or 239-472-2173.

Please Remember in Your Prayers Parishioners: Susie Wilson Phyllis Stumpel Fred Spring Bob Rohde Ina Gallaway Bill Eustis Nancy Miller Fred Kitch Dorothy Charles David West Alwyn Johnson Marilyn Bigelow

Suzy Post Bobbie Craig Andrew Edgar Roxie Bashian Whiz Lowden Don Albracht Bob Stewart Bonny Bradley Sandy Whitelaw Betty Belanger Jerry Steege Ralph Sloan

Family of Parishioners: Loren Jacobs Deborah Phillips Myrtle Almas Doug Bob Campion Susan Fleiss Verlyn Ginther Meagan McBride Kevin Johnson John Ginther Melissa MacGregor Kathleen Stadler Garland Ginther

Friends of Parishioners: Rosalie Seigel Douglas Boyce Merilyn Alberts Sandra Dolan Betsy Sugerman Mary Ann Elder

Alice Lockren Fr. Edward Wisbauer Sandy Ehlers Betty Martiner Melinda Graham Rosie Mack

Congratulations to our

New Vestry Members John Harries

Phil Pilibosian Sandy Trevor

Church Wardens Hyde Tucker, Senior Warden David Bath, Junior Warden

Vestry Retreat – March 24-25 The Vestry will be away on retreat at Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center in Lake Placid, FL beginning at 12 noon on March 24th, and finishing up at 10:00 a.m. on March 25th.

March 2011 Birthdays and Anniversaries

If you have not already done so, please consider sharing your birthday and/or anniversary with us.

Birthdays 4th Carolyn Foster 17th Charlie Sappenfield5th Liddy Johnson 19th Glenayr Crossman7th Bob Crossman Brad Rahn8th Wes Rooker 20th Charlie Hohns

Bob Berendt Norman Beecher9th Carol Allen 21st Ginnie Smith

Gail Pilibosian 22nd Boyd JohnsonFran Starkweather 24th Jan Burdick

10th Bill Vollmer 26th Gene Bacon11th Gene Pierce 27th Charlie York

Bruce Pattison 28th Fran Allison13th Marnie Kent Merrell Rushworth14th Scott Chrysler 29th Wesley Fay15th Janet Bendall 30th Carolyn Clark

Robert Hawley 31st Harvey Stewart16th Peg Jensen

Ellen Wells

Anniversaries 15th Fran and Wes Allison 19th Pam and Tom Blanton 25th Dory and Wes Rooker

May They Rest in Peace David H. Lund – long time seasonal parishioner, resident of Sanibel and husband of Sally Lund, died on February 3, 2011. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Michael’s on March 7th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Hope Hospice 9470 HealthPark Cir., Ft. Myers, 33908. Virginia “Ginny” Leigh – long time parishioner, resident of Sanibel and Noah’s Ark volunteer, died on February 10, 2011. A Memorial Service at St. Michael’s as not been scheduled yet. In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Ginny may be sent to St. Michael’s, c/o Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop; or the charity of the donor’s choice. Barbara Burroughs – seasonal parishioner and wife of Jon Burroughs, died on February 11, 2010. Service and burial were held in Michigan.

March 13th is Daylight Savings.

Set your clocks ahead 1 hour.

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LABEL

SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH2304 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel, Florida 33957

[239] 472-2173 • Fax: [239] 395-1670 www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org

The Rev. Dr. Ellen M. Sloan, Rector

rector@saintmichaels-sanibel.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Worship Schedule Saturday at 5 p.m. – Holy Eucharist Rite II, followed by Reception. Sunday at 8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist Rite I, followed by Coffee Hour. Sunday School – 9:30 a.m. (10:30 beginning April 6th) – Grades PreK-3rd and 4th-6th 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 Wednesday 6 p.m. “Theater, Theology & Popcorn” March 16, 23 & 30, April 6 & 13

Ash Wednesday Services – 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

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