| 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!
With this issue we are starting a new feature. We will be highlighting the various organizations that Saint Raphael's Church annually supports with our outreach giving and programs. This month it is Echo Global Farms.
Enjoy and thanks for giving us a few minutes of your time. |
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Rector's Recitation |
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Dear Friends,
I can't believe that August is already here. How swiftly the summer is passing by! There are some things happening here at St. Raphael's that I need to share with you. From the church teams endeavors, to good news on our church audit and finally to beginning the process of mediation. We have much in which to be thankful for here at St. Raphael's.
First, the church teams that were sent out to check out the local island churches have now been sent to the surrounding Episcopal churches. We are looking forward to their feedback as we take into consideration our own special island challenges in reaching others for Christ.
Secondly, for the first time since 2001, St. Raphael's has sent in an Audit Report to the Diocese. This has been an uphill challenge as we have had to overcome several setbacks to be in compliance with the National Canons. George McLaughlin, the Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese, has allowed us to submit an audit through the work of a parish Audit Committee. This has saved the parish thousands of dollars! We owe both George and the hard work of the Audit Committee under the leadership of Dott Bellows, as the Audit Committee Chairperson, many thanks for the excellent work that has been done. St. Raphael's is now in compliance with the National Canons. Bravo!!!
Thirdly, on May 14th, a majority of the members of the Vestry appealed to Bishop Smith for Mediation. This began the process of Mediation under Canon III. Ann Walker from Agape Concepts, Inc. and the Rev. Michael Rowe, Rector of St. Mary's in Bonita Springs, have been appointed by the Bishop to be the Mediation Team. The Bishop has generously offered to pay for half of the process with St. Raphael's picking up the rest of the tab. The process of Mediation will first involve the Vestry and in the latter stages the Congregation of St. Raphael's. The objective is healing for St. Raphael's. Please keep this process in your prayers.
Looking forward to seeing you all back at St. Raphael's in the Fall. Enjoy what is left of the summer.
Blessings,
Pastor Alice+
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Canterbury Cathedral |
Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of prayer, worship and pilgrimage for 1,400 years. The rich heritage of this historic landmark in southeast England is a reminder of the countless Christians who have passed the flame throughout the centuries to ensure that the cathedral's legacy is never forgotten. "So many people come here because of its historical roots, and over the years a rich history of this community has encouraged Christianity throughout the world," says the Very Rev. Robert Willis, cathedral dean.
The mother church of the Anglican Communion and indeed of English-speaking Christianity, Canterbury Cathedral's story began in 597 AD when St. Augustine reintroduced Christianity to this region of southeast England. (A Christian church had been located here when Britain was controlled by the Roman Empire between AD 43 and 410).
While proud of the cathedral's heritage, Willis says, he also knows it's essential to preserve the building and its foundation for generations to come. "Canterbury is still a place where pilgrims love to come, and pilgrimage right across the world is on the increase, so we see more and more official pilgrims who want to be blessed as they set off or congratulated on their arrival," says Willis, who came to Canterbury in 2001 after serving as dean of Hereford Cathedral. "That as a focus for the cathedral's ministry is a good one because cathedrals are places where people come and worship and then take the welcome they get away with them to enrich the lives of their own communities."
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VESTRY MEETINGS
2nd Wednesday of the Month |
All St. Raphael's members are welcome and encouraged to attend to learn how the "business" of the parish is conducted.
The next Vestry Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 9th at 7:00 PM in the Rectory. All members of the Congregation of St. Raphael's (as stated in the By-Laws of St. Raphael's Church, Article VII, Section 7) are invited to attend. In order to avoid embarrassment of what qualifies a person to be a Member of the Congregation of St. Raphael's, the following By-Law is included:
ARTICLE III, Section 1. : All persons who have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and whose Baptism has been duly recorded in the Parish are members of the Parish.
We hope that this clears up any misunderstanding. While our doors are open to ALL, when it comes to the business of the Parish, attendance does not a member make. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. |
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Sunday Ministry Schedule for the Month of August |
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Date Chalice/Acolyte Reader/Prayer Usher
August 3 Pat McIntosh Pat McIntosh Ellie &Bob
August 10 Susan Strum Jim Marcrum
August 17 Ellie Bunting Ellie Bunting AJ Bassett
Bob Bunting
August 24 Bob Bunting Jim Marcrum Ellie Bunting
AJ Bassett
August 31 Pat McIntosh Susan Strum |
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Altar Guild Schedule for August |
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August 3: Paula Babcock
August 10: Betty Goodacre
August 17: Roxie Smith & A.J. Bassett
August 24: Dott Bellows
August 31: Dott Bellows |
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Church Secretary's Letter |
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Hello, my name is Leeanna Parsons and I am your new Church Secretary here at Saint Raphael's Episcopal Church.
I relocated from Portland Oregon to make my permanent home here on Fort Myers Beach back in December 2007. I then worked temporarily at Beach United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeanne Davis through the past season. I am very happy to now be here at Saint Raphael's working with such a wonderful person, Pastor Alice Marcrum.
I have worked in offices and with computers for the past 25 years and hope that I can become an asset to Pastor Alice and Saint Raphael's. I look forward to meeting all the members and guests of this great historical church in the near future.
Together in Christ,
Leeanna Parsons |
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August Anniversaries |
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August 18 Edward & Linda Fair
August 23 Phillip & Paula Babcock
August 31 Daniel & Patsy Logan
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August Birthdays |
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August 2 A.J. Bassett
August 2 Mary Newhouse
August 7 Richard Firestone
August 23 Julie Cotter
August 25 Nancy Crouse
August 26 Cathy Williams
August 30 Paul Abraham
Please contact the church office and update us with your Birthdays and Anniversaries so that we can be sure not to miss anyone in our prayers. |
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News from our National Church |
Bishop Dabney Smith of Southwest Florida shares an umbrella with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori in typical British weather as the bishops attending the 2008 Lambeth Conference prepare for their first day of retreat July 17. (ENS photo/Matthew Davies)
What is the Lambeth Conference?
The Lambeth Conference is a meeting of the bishops of the Anglican Communion held once every 10 years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Though it is one of the Communion's four "Instruments of Communion," it has no binding authority over any province of the Communion. The first Lambeth Conference met in 1867, marking the occasion when the various churches of the Anglican Communion began to be conscious of themselves as a single family of churches. The immediate cause of the first gathering was an effort on the part of several bishops to respond to the unsettling effects of the publication of Essays and Reviews and the "Colenso controversy." The "Colenso controversy" followed the arraignment of John Colenso, Bishop of Natal, on charges of heresy for holding "advanced" views of the creation stories in the Old Testament. The debate aroused intense feelings. A jurisdictional dispute between two bishops in South Africa regarding the controversy became a matter of concern for all the colonial churches of England.
In 1867 Charles Thomas Longley, Archbishop of Canterbury, responding to an appeal from Canada, invited Anglican bishops from all over the world to Lambeth for the purposes of mutual discussion and consultation. The meeting, neither a synod nor general council, was a purely informal gathering of bishops meeting at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The informal gathering continues to have no power to make binding decisions. The Conference has met at 10-year intervals, except during times of war. Its deliberations command considerable moral authority. From time to time it has made significant pronouncements.
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Saint Raphael's
Vestry, Staff & Services |
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Staff
Rector: The Rev. Alice Marcrum
Organist: Jean Matthew
Church Secretary: Leeanna Parsons
Senior Warden: Roxie Smith
Sunday School Director: A. J. Bassett
Altar Guild Directress: Betty Goodacre
Vestry
Senior Warden: Roxie Smith
Junior Warden: Rob Beaulieu
Clerk: Morey Nakaya
Treasurer: Susan Strum
Betty Goodacre
A.J. Bassett
Judy Haataja
Roger Swanson
Dott Bellows
Services
Sunday: Holy Eucharist Rite II 9am
Sunday School 9am Thursday: Rosary with Healing Prayers 4pm
Holy Baptism, Weddings, Funerals, Memorials, Counseling
By Appointment
Business Hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 1pm
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Organist Letter |
Hello to my friends at St. Raphael's! My name is Jean Matthew and I have lived all my life on Ft. Myers Beach. My first organ job was playing for the Beach Methodist Church when I was eleven years old, and I have been playing in different churches ever since.
I went to Florida State University and got my Ph.D. in Humanities and Music History there. I learned that the musicians in the church are there to enhance the service and to help others concentrate on their prayers and lift them up to God. There is no place in church for personal sense or personal ego. I am there to use God's gifts to me to the glory of him. To the extent that I am doing that, I am truly using His gifts to praise Him.
I look forward to doing my part in the worship service at St. Raphael's and enjoying my relationship with you all.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Jean |
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Third Annual Women's Conference |
Sept. 5-6, at the Christian Retreat Center on Fort Myers Beach, sponsored by the Amazing Love Healing Ministry of Church of the Holy Spirit, Osprey.
Overnight accommodations are available on-site and in local hotels.
A Sunday morning Eucharist on the beach will be held for those who choose to stay.
For more information about registration and conferen fees, contact CHS at (941) 966-1924 or chsosprey@verizon.net.
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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,
Webmaster St. Raphael's
St. Raphael's Anglican Episcopal Church |
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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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Innocence is Priceless
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque.
It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it.
The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.'
'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this? The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.
Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45?'
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What is Echo's Global Farm? |
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ECHO's Global Farm
Research and Learning Center
ECHO's Global Farm was originally developed to train interns, students and overseas development workers in tropical agriculture. The first stage of the project was completed in February 2001 and was finalized in 2004. Guided Tours of the Global Village are enjoyed by over 10,000 tourists, local residents, colleges, and church groups each year. Tours are used to educate about agricultural issues in developing countries, while highlighting unique solutions to growing food under harsh conditions.
Areas of the Global Farm
The Global Farm is divided into six main areas. Each area is managed by one of ECHO's agricultural interns who spends 12 months cultivating, harvesting, and researching numerous crops, fruit trees, and nutritious food plants. Each plot is also used to produce seeds which are ultimately packaged and sent overseas in order to be evaluated as a potential new food crop. Showcased on the various plots are affordable and sustainable farming techniques that also incorporate suitable animals and appropriate technologies.
Click on the links below or in the side column to learn about each area on our demonstration farm.
Tropical Highlands
Urban Rooftop
Tropical Monsoon
Tropical Rainforest
Semi-arid Tropics
Hot Humid Lowlands
Public Tours
January - March: Tuesday - Friday at 10:00am and 2:00pm, and Saturday at 10:00am
April - December: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:00am
*For groups of 8 or larger, please make a reservation.
*Golfcart tours for the disabled are also available, at the same times listed above. Golfcart tours are limited to 7 people per golfcart, so reservations are highly recommended. This also helps us to ensure that tour guides will be available.
For reservations, please call ECHO at (239) 543-3246.
Admission:
effective October 16th, 2006
Adults $8.00
Children $5.00
Children under 6 Free
**discounts available**
Click here for directions to the ECHO Farm.
Student Tours
Student tours are available for fourth grade and higher by reservation only. There is a charge of $3.00 per tour participant, both students and adults, with a minimum of $50.00 per tour, as these require specially trained guides. You may email your request or call the above number .
Urban Rooftop Gardens
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Taize' Services |
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The Taize' services have been suspended for the summer. We look forward to restarting in the Fall. |
| Vacation Travel Tip's |
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Traveling with your Pet |
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Traveling With Your Dog According to AAA, the number of lodgings that are now accepting pets has increased by 28 percent since 2003. Whether on a road trip or flying the friendly skies, when a pet joins the vacation, here are some tips to know before you go:
Visit a veterinarian before vacation. Verify all vaccinations and discuss any health concerns that might inhibit traveling.
Parasite patrol. There's a good likelihood your pet will be around other pets - and you won't be guaranteed those dogs DON'T have fleas. Before traveling, help protect pets with products such as Advantage® flea control for cats and dogs or K9 Advantix®, flea, tick and mosquito control for dogs.
Photo ID. If your pet is traveling with you, it is smart to carry a picture of your pet with you at all times in case they get lost.
Forget me nots. Collar (with your contact info), first-aid kit, current medications, water bowl and food, favorite toy (a replaceable one, in case it's misplaced during the trip), and emergency phone numbers.
Kennel comfort. If your trip requires travel in a kennel, train them a month before the trip. Make sure the kennel is large enough for the pet to stand and turn around, and always label the kennel with "This End Up" and "Live Animal" stickers if traveling by plane.
Are we there yet? Book non-stop airline flights to reduce time in an unfamiliar place and ask flight attendants if they can check on your furry friend in cargo if they are unable to travel in the cabin.
Buckle up. When traveling by car, a seat harness might be advisable (depending on the size of the dog), or a well-ventilated travel crate. Ask your veterinarian's opinion if you're not sure.
Window warning. Most dogs love riding in cars with their heads (and tongues) in the wind. Warning: Think twice about indulging your dog this pleasure. A sudden stop, or any oncoming rocks/debris, can cause severe injury.
Food for thought. Feed your pet smaller meals on travel days to avoid motion sickness and always have plenty of water available.
If you are leaving your four
Traveling With Elderly
Most elderly love to go on trips, some just to get out of the house and others just want to have people to talk to. What ever the reason it can be a fun and enjoyable time if a few steps are taken. A trip to the beach, to view the foliage, historical places, sight seeing, apple and berry picking, Christmas lights is one of my favorites, farms, parks, mountains, hay-rides, zoo, fairs, home town events and yard sales are just a few. Below are a few steps to take to make your trip with the elderly or what some call our senior citizens a success.
Plan - Plan your trip well, know how to get to where you want to go. Keep a map in the car or van. Know where rest-rooms and restaurants are located. Keep an eye out for Hospital signs in case of emergencies. Know the times of special events that you want to see. Be sure to gas up the night before. Have a safety inspection on your car or van
Flyer - Plan ahead, give your elderly plenty of notice about your trip. A fun way is to give them a flyer or invitation. Make an appointment card for reminders, give a small calendar with the date marked. What ever you decide on be sure to have the date, time and place you will be going and any important information that is needed.
Handicapped - Parking in handicapped zones will require a handicap pass. When making arrangements for activities be sure to inquire about handicapped accessibility for parking, bathrooms, exits, elevators, ramps and if need; make sure that there are wheelchairs available.
Notebook - Keep a notebook or small tablet handy for important information. Write each persons name, address, phone number and emergency numbers and physician.
Helpers - Be sure to bring help with you. There will be times when the elderly will need help to the restroom, especially in a unfamiliar place. Some may have to be waited on, order may need help with their meals and some helped in and out of car or van. If you have any elderly in wheel chairs, you will need helpers to push the wheelchair. Some may just want to sit on a bench, so you will need someone to sit with them.
Family - There may be times when you will have to let their family members know where you are going, the time you will leave and return and the place you will be visiting if possible.
Roll Call - Take roll call every time you get in or out of the car or van. Be sure to count heads, ask who is missing. Never let an elderly person go anywhere alone while on your trip. Be sure that you go in a group or a helper is with an individual.
Clothing - The elderly tend to get cold even when others are not. Be sure that they bring along a sweater or jacket. Remind them to wear comfortable shoes if you will be walking any distance. A sun hat may be advisable. Keep a lap blanket in the car or van.
Medicine - Most elderly are on some kind of medication. Remind them to bring their medication along in case it is needed while away. Especially in cases where you may not return on schedule. Write in your notebook each persons name, medication, amount to take and what time it is to be taken. Keep an Emergency kit and First Aid kit in the car or van.
Money - Be sure your seniors know ahead of time any expenses that they may incur during their trip such as tickets, passes, gifts, souvenirs and of course food. You may have to inquire before leaving to make sure they have their money with them. It's easy to forget when trying to be ready on time. Remember that some elderly are on fixed incomes, so be sure your trips are inexpensive but exciting.
Food - Remember when stopping to eat that some elderly are on strict diets. Be sure to know of any food allergies, diabetics and any special foods that they may need. Be sure to bring crackers, cookies, candy, orange juice and water in case it is needed. If possible make reservation at a place you know would be suitable. Stop at restaurants that are clean, safe and inexpensive.
Restroom - Some elderly may want to make occasional pit stops along the way. In order for them to be more comfortable make frequent stops without asking. Be sure to advise everyone that if they need to stop to let you know also.
Reminders _ The night before and in some cases; the morning of the trip you may have to call as a reminder. Let the person know what time you will be there.
It may not be as important as to where you go as it is that you have fun. Following some simple rules makes for a safe, pleasant and rewarding time. Have fun and enjoy your trips with the elderly.
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