Dear ,
This is meant to be your newsletter. Please let us know what you like about it and what other sorts of news and information you want us to add. And, let us know of anyone else you think would enjoy receiving it and we'll make sure to add their names to the mailing list!
Enjoy and thanks for giving us a few minutes of your time. |
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"Thank You All" |
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July 31, 2007
Dear Friends,
As some of you already know, my husband, Jim, recently had a heart bypass. The surgery last Friday was successful, but the recovery will take some time. In fact, as I write this letter of greeting to you, he remains in the hospital. Hopefully he will be released by the end of this week - if not sooner.
Much of my time in July was focused on helping Jim get ready for this important procedure. During that time the parishioners, staff, leadership and friends of St. Raphael's rose to the occasion in making sure that all was well. For this, I cannot thank you all enough. It has made my burden lighter in knowing that the good people of St. Raphael's were faithful in continuing the good work of the Lord.
The Diocese has also been helpful in lending a hand. The Reverend Canon Michael Durning and his wife Bonnie Jean were especially helpful with the first Sunday that I was away in being there for the Sunday Eucharist at such a short notice. They even came to our home and celebrated the Eucharist for our family.
A special thanks goes to the Very Reverend Ann McLemore, who loaned us her seminarian intern, April Alford. April did a great job in filling in for me for the two weeks she was with St. Raphael's. During her stay on the island, she was in charge of pastoral care, helped out with the Taize service, the Said Rosary, led Morning Prayer for a Sunday service and read the Gospel when we had a supply priest, the Reverend Herman Silvius III, for this past Sunday.
Of course without the excellent leadership and support of our Senior Warden, Roxie Smith, things could have gone a lot differently. Roxie, along with our Parish Administrator, Michael Mulhern, and our Music Director, Edward Battaglia, all worked together in keeping the business of the church on an even keel.
Finally, your phone calls, cards, emails, flowers and prayers have been wonderful. Both Jim and I truly feel blessed to be a part of the community of St. Raphael's. Your love and support of your pastor and her family have been deeply appreciated. Thank you all so much.
As Jim begins his road to recovery, I do not know what August will bring. But I do know that I can count on all of you to continue in doing the work of the Lord. This in itself is a wondrous gift.
Blessings to all,
The Reverend Alice Marcrum, Rector
Editor's Note: Jim was released from the hospital on August 2nd. He is now in the care of his wife (The Rev. Alice) and sister Julia.
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Bishop to be Invested Soon! |
Investiture of diocese's fifth bishop set for Sept. 15 at cathedral
June 5, 2007
Clergy and Congregations
Diocese of Southwest Florida
Dear Friends in Christ,
The bishops, in conversation, have set Saturday, September 15, 2007 as the date for the investiture and seating of the Rt. Rev. Dabney Tyler Smith as fifth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida.
The service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral, 140 4th St., in St. Petersburg at 11 a.m. Further details will be published as they become available.
Faithfully yours,
The Right Reverend John B. Lipscomb
Fourth Bishop of Southwest Florida
The Right Reverend Dabney Tyler Smith
Bishop Coadjutor of Southwest Florida
As published on the Diocese of Southwest Florida website. 
To read the rest of the response, link to the Diocese webpage:
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Retirement Dinner for Bishop and Mrs. John B. Lipscomb. |
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A celebration and retirement dinner for Bishop and Mrs. John B. Lipscomb is set for Sunday, Sept.. 9, Beginning at 5 p.m. at Michael's on East Ave. South in Sarasota.
A reception and cash bar will be followed by dinner from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and seating is limited.
Menu choices include garlic and herb-encrusted sliced chateau of beef, sauteed Florida red snapper or sauteed penne pasta with roasted tomatoes and olives.
Contact either of the following people to reserve your seats and dinner choices; and pay for your tickets:
-Joan Kline @ (727) 581-4628
-Scott Brewer @ (941) 809-5134 or (941) 923-0824
Donations for a gift for the Lipscombs would be appreciated. Please make the check out to the Diocese of Southwest Florida and on the memo line write gift for Bishop and Mrs. Lipscomb.
For more information please check out,
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Sunday Ministry Scheduel for the Month of August. |
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Date Chalice/Acolyte Reader/Prayer Usher
August 5 Susan Strum Susan Strum Ellie and
Bob
August 12 Bob Bunting Dott Bellows Bonnie and
Rob
August 19 Ellie Bunting Susan Strum Dott Bellows
Bob Bunting
August 26 Judy Haataja Jim Marcrum Susan Strum
A. J. Bassett
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August Birthdays |
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Birthdays
August 2 A.J. Bassett
August 2 Mary Newhouse
August 7 Richard Firestone
August 8 Betty McMahon
August 23 Julie Cotter
August 25 Nancy Crouse
August 26 Cathy Williams
August 30 Paul Abraham |
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The Music Man at St. Raphael's |
Though the lazy days of summer here close to the equator slow us down a little, there are some things that keep us going in any temperature, and our faith life certainly falls into that arena. The music ministry at St. Raphael's continues and we have spent much time putting the department in order for when we increase our ranks.
Physically there has been some major changes. We have replaced the piano in the sanctuary and are now using it with greater frequency in our services. I have been so pleased with the many positive responses on this and we will continue to use it when the music accompaniment to our liturgy is more appropriately the piano than the organ. You will know that when we use the piano, it is clear that the music is better served with this instrument.
The music room has had dramatic renovation and will be completed during the month of August. We have completed a partition from the other room giving us a closed space which is more suited for our use. We have new shelving, floors, lighting, new windows, new air conditioning and the whole area has been freshly painted. Please, do poke your head in after service on Sunday. We have been working on the music library and are uncovering and discovering quite a library of music literature that has been accumulated over the years.
Those of you who are worshiping with us during the summer months are using a new "red folder" which has fresh settings of music both old and new. There is an interspersing of new "praise" hymns along with settings of familiar hymns. All have been well received and helped make our service even more meaningful.
The new hymn boards in the sanctuary are more visible and easily noticed for the service music. We have so many people to thank for their help in giving of their time, skill and assistance in making all this happen! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"Sing a new song to the Lord; praise Him in the assembly of His faithful people!" .................from the 149th Psalm. |
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The New Parish Administer |
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Well for those of you who are unaware of the new Parish Administer my name is Michael J. Mulhern. I was born and raised in the windy city (Chicago) and moved down here to beautiful Fort Myers Beach under a year ago. I was very blessed to fall into a great group of people like the people i work with here at St. Raphael's.
This is going to be my first hurricane season so I do ask if anyone has some helpful hints, please e-mail me at the church info@saint-raphaels.org much obliged.
I am in the office Monday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm. For all that I haven't got a chance to meet yet, I look forward to your acquaintance.
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April Alford |
This is April Alford. The Very Rev. Ann McLemore offered to send April to help out when our Pastor Alice's husband Jim was going through his surgery. From all of us at St. Raphael's we thank you very much. |
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Visitors From Immokolee |
Visiting from Guadalupe Center:Tricia Yeggy,Director of Client Services,our mission liason at the Soup Kitchen,and her daughter Madirose.Madirose attended Sunday School class with A.J. Bassett. Roger Swanson, our Immokolee team leader, is standing in betwen Ms. Yeggy and A. J. |
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Rectory Visitors From Louisiana |
This is three generations of the Deacon Louis Ogel family.They came to visit St. Raphael's for a little R and R from their Katrina ministry in Louisiana where they live. | |
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We hope you enjoy this brief newsletter and sincerely wish that you would join with us to worship and celebrate this coming & every Sunday on 'The Beach'. We'll keep a candle burning for you.
God Bless and Keep You,
Parish Administrator,
Michael J. Mulhern |
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| Featured Article |
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We are an orthodox parish in an island resort community. We exist to glorify and proclaim God as revealed in Jesus Christ. We welcome all who seek Him and his love.
- Our year-round parishioners very actively support the life of our church.
- Our seasonal members and visitors enrich our congregation and complete our church family.
- TOGETHER, we glorify and proclaim God through sacrament, word and deed.
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Joke Of The Month
"MOSES & THE RED SEA"
Nine-year-old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in
Sunday school. "Well, mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses
behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of
Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon
bridge and all the people walked across safely.
Then, he radioed
headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved." "Now, Joey, is that really
what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.
"Well, no, Mom. But,
if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never
believe it!"
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August Taize' Service |
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The Taize' service for the month of August will be held on Tuesday August 21st at 7pm. Come early for the pot luck supper in the Parish Hall at 6pm. | |
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