Many of you call St. Raphael's your second home. We want to assure you that whether you are Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, orthodox, revisionist or whatever tradition you follow our doors remain open to you. Our gift from the Holy Spirit is the gift of hospitality to all peoples. So no matter what the Anglican and Episcopal leaders decide to do, we here at St. Raphael's want you to know that each and everyone of you are accepted as members of our spiritual family. As members of the Body of Christ, we refuse to shut our doors to other parts of Christ's Body.

Our greatest desire is to continue to share the love of God with all. Our altar will remain open to all who have been baptized into Christ. We believe that we are all sinners saved by the grace of God. At the foot of the cross of Christ, all who seek His redemption and forgiveness share common ground. Not one of us can declare with integrity that we are greater than the other or more special in God's sight.

So please, let us be your oasis of God's love in the midst of these uncertain times. Please know that all in Christ are welcome to share in the ministry and joy of the Lord. It is our hope that you will continue to come to Fort Myers Beach and be refreshed both physically and spiritually. As our Episcopal sign says, "All are welcome."

In His Love,

The Reverend Alice Marcrum, Rector