| 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!
We are highlighting the various organizations that Saint Raphael's Church annually supports with our outreach giving and programs. This month it is DaySpring, the Diocese's retreat center.
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,
Hope all of you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. For those of us here at St. Raphael's, the last Sunday in August was filled with joy as we welcomed a new lamb into the fold of the Great Shepherd. I had the privilege of baptizing our youngest grand child, Michael Joseph Bosch, who is only four and a half months old. The service was followed by a delightful reception in the Parish Hall. For me, the weekend was full of family activities including a boat ride to Cabbage Key, swimming, and lots of eating. As all grand-parents know, the good-byes at the airport were the toughest part of the weekend. All in all it was a wonderful time of celebrating with family and friends.
Sadly, this past holiday weekend was not a happy one for the many folks living on the Gulf Coast who were hit by Gustav. While most of us were relaxing and having fun, they were leaving behind their homes not knowing what to expect to find when they returned. Thankfully, the effects of this hurricane were not as damaging as Katrina. However, this does not mean that there is not still a need for a helping hand from the rest of us. Please remember these folks in your prayers and give generously to the charity of your choice to help meet the needs that were caused by this natural disaster.
While those of us here in Southwest Florida have been spared dangerous winds so far this hurricane season; St. Raphael's was recently hit by lightening. The Rector's computer took a direct hit that destroyed the mother board, which meant that this computer had to be replaced. The Parish Office computer suffered some minor damage, but was able to be repaired. This was because one of our parishioners, Bob Phelps, had donated a battery back-up system for the Parish Office computer. Other wise we would have had a greater loss. Thank you, Bob! The modem and the router were also destroyed. The Church Insurance reimbursed St. Raphael's for everything, less the deductible. So please give generously this month to help us recover our losses.
On the up side, just want to remind all of you pet lovers out there that we will be having our 'Blessing of the Animals Service' on Sunday, October 5th at our regular morning worship service. Have a great month! And don't forget that just because you may be away doesn't mean that St. Raphael's bills are put on hold. So please remember to continue your support. Thank you in advance for your faithful giving.
Blessings,
Pastor Alice+
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Archbishop of Canterbury seeks 'covenantal commitment' |
Communion 'longs to stay together,' Williams says
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, in his August 3 final presidential address to the Lambeth Conference 2008, appealed to bishops to make a prophetic choice and embrace a "covenantal commitment [with] the potential to make us more of a church."
Such a global church "understands its ministry and service and sacraments as united and inter-dependent throughout the world. The global horizon of the church matters because churches without this are always in danger of slowly surrendering to the culture around them and losing sight of their calling to challenge that culture," he said.
On the last afternoon of the every-decade gathering, bishops met in a final plenary session where each received a copy of reflections compiled from the conference indaba group discussions.
At a news conference afterwards, Williams said the communion "longs to stay together," but told reporters that continued blessing of same-sex unions would further imperil already-strained relationships. Indaba groups also pleaded "for continuing moratoria" on the blessing of same-sex unions and ordination of partnered gay bishops, as well as unwelcome incursions from outside bishops, Williams said.
A covenant is "emphatically not about forcing others to conform," Williams said. He told reporters he hoped to finalize the text within the next 12 months and to gain provincial approval as soon as possible.
Williams said, "We have not overcome our problems or reinvented our structures." He outlined as future goals the creation of a pastoral forum to support those with minority viewpoints and an examination of how the Instruments of Communion will best work, prior to the meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council in May 2009.
He told reporters he plans to send a pastoral letter to the Anglican Communion, soliciting feedback from bishops who boycotted the conference and those who attended the July 22-29 Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
"Much in the GAFCON documents is consonant with much of what we have sought to say and do and we need to look for the best ways of building bridges here," he said.
He will also include the perspectives of the "various groups looking at the Covenant and the Windsor process, as well as the design group for this conference," he said. Their efforts will help inform a special meeting in November of the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the ACC.
"We may not have put an end to all our problems - but the pieces are on the board," he said. He outlined other goals, including creation of a "pastoral forum to support minorities, a strong consensus on the need to examine how the Instruments of Communion will best work, and a recognition - though still with many questions - that a covenant is needed."
For complete texts of the documents issued at the end of the Lambeth Conference, and extensive reports and video coverage of the event, visit Epis-copal Life Online, www.episcopalchurch.org/ens.
Episcopal Life Media correspondents Matthew Davies, Solange DeSantis, Pat McCaughan and Mary Frances Schjonberg contributed to this report. |
VESTRY MEETINGS
Replaced by Mediation Sessions |
All St. Raphael's members are welcome and encouraged to attend normal Vestry Meetings to learn how the "business" of the parish is conducted. However, since the Vestry is involved in extended mediation with the Bishop's representatives, all normal Vestry Meetings have been suspended. Only Vestry members and the Bishop's representatives may attend these closed sessions unless a parishioner is invited by the Mediators.
Once normal, routine Vestry Meetings resume, 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 questions. While our doors are open to ALL to worship and celebrate The Christ with us, when it comes to the business of the Parish, church attendance does not a member make.
Thank you for your co-operation & support. |
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Sunday Ministry Schedule for the Month of September |
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Date Chalice/Acolyte Reader/Prayer Usher___
Sept. 7 Susan Strum Dott Bellows Ellie & Bob
Bunting
Sept. 14 Ellie Bunting Jim Marcrum Bob Bunting &
AJ Bassett
Sept. 21 Pat McIntosh Susan Strum Ellie & Bob
Bunting
Sept. 28 Bob Bunting Pat McIntosh Ellie Bunting &
AJ Bassett |
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Altar Guild Schedule for September |
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September 7th Dott Bellows
September 14th Paula Babcock
September 21st Betty Goodacre & AJ Bassett
September 28th Roxie Smith |
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A statement by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church at the conclusion of the Lambeth Conference: |
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Many bishops came to this gathering in fear and trembling, expecting either a distasteful encounter between those of vastly different opinions, or the cold shoulder from those who disagree. The overwhelming reality has been just the opposite. We have prayed, cried, learned, and laughed together, and discovered something deeper about the body of Christ. We know more of the deeply faithful ministry of those in vastly differing contexts, and we have heard repeatedly of the life and death matters confronting vast swaths of the Communion: hunger, disease, lack of education and employment, climate change, war and violence. We have remembered that together we may be the largest network on the planet - able to respond to those life and death issues if we tend to the links, connections, and bonds between us. We have not resolved the differences among us, but have seen the deep need to maintain relationships, even in the face of significant disagreement and discomfort. The Anglican Communion is suffering the birth pangs of something new, which none of us can yet fully appreciate or understand, yet we know that the Spirit continues to work in our midst. At the same time patience is being urged from many quarters, that all may more fully know the leading of the Spirit. God is faithful. May we be faithful as well.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church |
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September Anniversaries |
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September 2 Rob & Bonnie Beaulieu
September 5 Jim & Ardeth Westrope
September 7 David & Sally Saunders
September 11 Richard & Kim Cotter
September 22 Arthur & Mary Alice Keillor
September 30 Jim & Betty McMahon
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September Birthdays |
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September 2 Richard Cotte
September 9 Ardeth Westrope
September 9 Morey Nakaya
September 10 Beverly Dickson
September 12 Pat McIntosh
September 21 Allyene Palmer
September 23 Alice Leaden
September 25 Donald McTighe
September 25 Judy Haataja
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 Diocese Website |
Posted on websites of
The Living Church & Diocese of Southwest Florida:
"Realignment has to be something that begins here and here," Dr. Michael Howell said, pointing to his head and his heart as he addressed a gathering of some 400 conservative laity of the Diocese of Fort Worth on July 12. The program at St. Peter & St. Paul, Arlington, was presented by Remain Faithful, a lay-led organization that has grown to more than 700 members in the seven weeks since its founding.
"The councils of the church will do what they do, but we can start right now," Dr. Howell urged. "Keep the focus on faith, not on institutional structures."
Dr. Howell, a two-time deputy to General Convention and a member of the Forward in Faith executive board, is a lay member of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. In discussion later, Dr. Howell said that he expects to leave The Episcopal Church.
"For me it is a matter of when there is a truly viable, orthodox province or church established here in North America. That's the key thing," he said. "I don't believe in running away from anything. I believe in going to something."
The Diocese of Fort Worth is in a period of discernment between two annual conventions. Delegates voted by a wide margin last November to approve amendments to the diocesan constitution that would remove it from the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Ratification is required at this year's convention, scheduled for Nov. 14-15, for the changes to become effective.
Dr. Howell's call to focus on faith rather than institutional structures was echoed by Chad Bates, Remain Faithful's founder and president. On behalf of the organization, he issued a challenge to diocesan clergy who have indicated they will stay in The Episcopal Church if the Diocese of Fort Worth votes in November to leave the national church.
"Were the vows you made before God, other faithful clergy, and the laity, to an institution that has clearly embarked on revisionist theology, or were your vows to God?" he asked. "I submit to you that the faithful clergy realize that vows to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are much more important than any vows made to the flawed, man-made organization of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. It is time to form a new orthodox and Anglican province in the United States."
Folding chairs were needed in the aisles and narthex of the church to accommodate the overflow crowd of 393 communicants. The Rev. William R. Dickson, rector of St. Andrew's, Fort Worth, preached on the morning's gospel text, the Great Commission. The worship service and program were videotaped and will be made available on two websites.
Dr. Howell presented a detailed account of the actions of The Episcopal Church that have precipitated a worldwide crisis and the response of the four governing instruments of Anglican Communion.
"The Dar es Salaam Communiqué called the Episcopal Church's response to Windsor Report inadequate," Howell said. "It asked for responses from the House of Bishops, but the bishops refused [the Primatial Scheme and call for a moratorium on same-sex blessings]. Then in New Orleans the Archbishop of Canterbury inserted a new process involving the Joint Standing Committee. He refused to call a Primates Meeting and deferred the discussion until the Lambeth Conference, which now is organized so that no resolutions will emerge." The result of all this, Howell said, is that "GAFCON bishops have lost faith in the structures of the Communion."
Before the concluding question-and-answer period, three members of the Remain Faithful executive board made brief presentations based on sections of the group's 25-page position paper, Evidence that Demands a Decision, published in June. Cora Werley, a member of Trinity Church, Fort Worth, discussed revisionist understandings of Jesus Christ and Holy Scripture. David Weaver, a member of St. Alban's, Arlington, spoke about the polity and origins of The Episcopal Church and the ancient understanding of the diocese as the "organ of union" in the church. Jo Ann Patton, a member of St. Andrew's, Fort Worth, spoke of the pattern of innovation in The Episcopal Church, seen in its handling of women's ordination and human sexuality issues, that begins with a violation of canons and progresses to permissiveness and then required practice.
Suzanne Gill (minor edits / corrections made by Jim Marcrum) |
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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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Blessing of the Animals |
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St. Raphael's 'Blessing of the Animals' will be held on Sunday, October 5th at our 9 AM Worship Service. In order to create a space of peace and harmony for all the animals, please have your dogs leashed and bring your cats and other pets in carriers. Treats will be available for dogs and cats. If your pet is of another species than please alert the church office a week ahead of time so we can provide treats for them also.  |
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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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Clergy Retreat |
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Pastor Alice Marcrum will be attending the Diocesan annual 3-day clergy retreat to be held Sept. 8-10 at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton. | |
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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 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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The Story of Creation
On the first day of Creation, God created the Cat.
On the Second day, God created man to serve the Cat.
On the Third Day, God created all the animals of the Earth to serve as
potential food and/or amusement for the Cat.
On the Fourth Day, God created honest toil so man could labor for the
good of the Cat.
On the Fifth Day, God created the Sparkle Ball so the Cat might or might
not play with it.
On the Sixth Day, God created veterinary science to keep the Cat healthy
and the man broke.
On the Seventh day, God tried to rest, but He had to scoop out the litter
box.
On His Vacation
A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to
visit on his vacation.
He wrote:"I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is
well-groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit
me to keep him in my room with me at night?"
An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been
operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a
dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've
never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and
disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes,
indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. And, if your dog will vouch
for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."
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WELCOME to DAYSPRING
DaySpring is one of the country's finest camp and conference centers. Owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, it is conveniently located little more than an hour's drive from all the major metropolitan areas of West Central Florida.
DaySpring offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to experience peace and tranquility, stunning natural beauty and a sacred place where spirits are renewed, refreshed and made ready to re-enter the world.
DaySpring is a place for all seasons, and all people. Our ministry to hospitality extends to persons of all ages and all faiths.
We would love DaySpring to be your special place for a retreat, conference or camp. Enjoy your tour of our web site and please contact us if you have any questions.
Our Mission & Ministry
DaySpring plays a vital role in the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. DaySpring's mission is "to be a sacred place in the heart of our diocesan community that exists to enrich and empower all people in Christ." We feel the best way to do that is through our ministry of hospitality.
DaySpring is open to all persons who are seeking spiritual renewal and personal growth, regardless of denominational affiliation. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We believe our guests leave DaySpring having experienced rest and renewal. They find it in the natural beauty and tranquility of this sacred place and in the love and caring expressed by others on their own spiritual journeys. Each year thousands come to DaySpring and leave enriched and empowered.
History
The DaySpring Conference Center opened in 1983. The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida built DaySpring on the north bank of the Manatee River just east of Ellenton, Florida. The first buildings constructed at DaySpring were Curry Hall and six cottages for 90 overnight quests.
DaySpring gained instant popularity. Demand quickly outstripped its capacity. Dormitory buildings along with additional meeting rooms were added as was a pavilion to accommodate larger groups. St. Thomas Chapel, originally built 1914 for an Episcopal congregation in Safety Harbor, Florida, was moved to the site in 1986. Over the years, DaySpring has purchased adjoining property and buildings. Four Youth Cabins and a second large pavilion were added in the late 90's.
Today, DaySpring has 19 buildings on its 92-acre campus and features nature trails, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, two swimming pools and a full scale Ropes Course for team building and leadership training. Future development calls for expansion of our current dining hall and kitchen and construction of additional private and semi-private overnight accommodations and additional meeting rooms.
© 2008, DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center
All Rights Reserved.
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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. |
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The Scoop for September 2008
Conventional wisdom:
Preparations for the Oct. 17-18 diocesan convention are in high gear. With the bulk of deanery convocations meeting this week, voting clergy and lay delegates need to be prepared. The diocesan web site ( www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention) is the place to start. From the site you can: -- Register and pay for all of Friday and Saturday events and meals on line. -- Download a copy of the proposed 2009 diocesan budget. -- See who's standing for election for Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and other offices. -- Download the latest revision of proposed changes of diocesan canons. -- Get hotel reservation information, maps and directions to the hotel and convention site. -- View a schedule of events for the entire weekend. The site ( www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention) will be updated constantly between and now and the convention. Bookmark the page or subscribe to RSS feeds to be notified when new information is posted .
Other news:
School starts: The diocese's retooled School for Ministry Development debuts Saturday, Sept. 20 at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota. Classes are open to any adult on an individual course basis. The first classes being offered are:"Ministry: Call, Discernment and Gifts" with the Rev. Canon Gigi Connor and "Seeking Excellence in Christian Education" with Jacki Boedecker The day begins at 8:45 a.m. with Holy Eucharist and concludes at 3:45 p.m. with Compline. Cost of each course is $45 (plus class materials and lunch). Registration deadline is Sept. 8. Contact the Diocesan Office at (800) 992-7699 or Archdeacon Dennis McManis at dmcmanis@episcopalswfl.com
Changes at USF: The campus ministry at the University of South Florida in Tampa has a new name -- St. Anselm's Chapel Center. Regular Wednesday services will resume Sept. 17 at the chapel at 5:15 p.m. followed by a light dinner. The Rev. Denise Guinta, the chaplain at St. Anselms', invites everyone to attend. Donations of food or money for the dinners would be appreciated.
Rwandan ministry: The Rev. Philbert Kalisa from Rwanda is back in Southwest Florida through mid-October and is available to speak to congregations about his ministry, REACH Rwanda (Reconciliation, Evangelism And Christian Healing) in response to the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Currently, land has been donated to build a Center for Unity and Peace near Kigali, the Rwandan capital. His visit is sponsored by REACH USA, a local nonprofit organization. If your church or group would like to meet with Rev. Kalisa, please contact Gerry Gardner at (941) 350-6288.
Dissecting Lambeth:
From the bishop: Bishop Dabney Smith will offer his views of the recently concluded Lambeth Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 513 Nassau St. South, in Venice. Part of the parish's Christian education programs, the evening will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m., with Bishop Smith speaking at about 6:15 p.m. A $5 donation is requested for dinner. Call the church at (941) 488-7714.
Live on the Web: A panel discussion on the Lambeth Conference will be webcast live from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6- 8 p.m. Facilitated by faculty member the Rev. Elizabeth Magill, the Rev. Dr. Ian Douglas, Bishop Chilton Knudsen of Maine, and others will offer their reflections on the conference, the indaba group discussions, and the reality of the ministry and concerns of other member churches of the Anglican Communion.
The webcast will be accessible at http://eds.na3.acrobat.com/lambeth/. Online participants will have the option of participating in the question-and-answer sessions by submitting questions online. This event will also serve as the launch party for EDS' new study guide for adult groups: God's Mission, Our Call: Bringing Lambeth Home. Adapted from the material developed by the Lambeth Design Group, this study guide is written for congregations and dioceses interested in using the indaba materials in their own local context. For more information, contact The Rev. Elizabeth Magill at lmagill@eds.edu or (617) 682-1581.
Upcoming events
Discerning a call? The Commission on Ministry will hold its next Vocation Information Day on Saturday, Sept. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. at Church of the Ascension in Clearwater. The gathering is to assist all those interested in the development of their ministry, whether as a layperson, deacon or priest. The day will include lunch and a closing Eucharist.
Doing beach-town ministry: A conference exploring the unique ministry challenges to churches in resort locations is set for Oct. 21-23 in Keystone, Colo. "Vital Ministry in Resort Areas: Gospel Proclamation in a Hyper-Consumer Vacation-Mindset Society" will explore hospitality, incorporation of members present for only part of the year; economic realities; the need to be a presence year-round; the need for ecumenical collaboration, and spiritual formation. Costs range from $425 for single occupancy to $250 for double occupancy. To register or learn more, visit www.resortministry.org/Welcome.html
Fetch me a turkey leg: A "Festive Canterbury Faire" is set for Nov. 22-23, rain or shine, at Church of the Good Shepherd in Punta Gorda. Admission is free. The fair will feature food, crafts, demonstrations, activities for kids, a craft fair, raffles and a "Dunk the Pastor" booth. Proceeds benefit charities and program supported by the parish. For further information, call (941) 505-5592.
Mark your calendars:
"Believe in a Miracle," an evangelical event with the theme "Telling the Story" sponsored by Women's Ministries of the diocese, is set for Feb. 6-7, 2009, at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton. Keynote speaker will be storyteller the Rev. Marilyn Engstrom, dean of the cathedral in Cheyenne, Wyo. More information will be available soon. Contact Esther Miseroy at emiseroy@verizon.net
People Notes:
Congratulations to Birger Anderson, of St. John's, Pine Island, who was elected to a second term to Diocesan Council representing the Fort Myers Deanery. The election took place at the deanery's fall convocation Aug. 26.
The next time you call the diocesan office, please welcome Connie Salyers, our new receptionist, who begins work Sept. 2.
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