| 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,
In the month of September we saw the further break down in the Episcopal Church. The majority of Episcopal bishops united under the Presiding Bishop to oust the Bishop of Pittsburgh in a pre-emptive strike from the Episcopal Church. Immediately the Bishop of Pittsburgh was received into the Province of the Southern Cone in the Anglican Communion as a bishop. In other words, the Bishop of Pittsburgh never lost his hat. Standing with the Bishop of Pittsburgh in the House of Bishops were thirty-five courageous Christians; among whom was our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith. For Bishop Smith's courage to stand with the minority, I extend my sincere thanks. It is good to know that honor remains a priority at least here in Southwest Florida.
It is never easy to join in the position of the minority in times of trouble. Yet, when we look in the scriptures we find it full of stories of courageous saints who stood against the tide of their times to do what is right. For example, the three men Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused to worship false gods, including a golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king. For their courage to defy a powerful king they were thrown into a fiery furnace. The king's plan for their demise, however, did not succeed. The Book of Daniel reads, "Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, 'Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?' They answered the king, 'True, O king.' He replied, 'But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.'" (NRSV)
Immediately the men of God were delivered from the fiery furnace by the orders of the king. Although, the Presiding Bishop's intentions were to harm the Bishop of Pittsburgh, the Lord God intervened through the gracious actions of the Archbishop of the Southern Cone. King Nebuchadnezzar saw the light and declared that blasphemy against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was punishable by death. We can only hope and pray that the Presiding Bishop will also see the hand of God in the protection of the Bishop of Pittsburgh and change the current direction that her recent actions have taken.
In the meantime, please join with me in letting our bishop know how much we appreciate his courageous stance. Please continue to keep the Episcopal Church, especially all the clergy, in your prayers. For it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that our church can be healed.
Blessings,
Pastor Alice+
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Two resolutions to come before convention
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 The following two resolutions will be considered at the business meeting of diocesan convention on Oct. 18:
Resolution 2008-1: Resolution Regarding Human Trafficking
Offered by the Clearwater Deanery and the St. Petersburg Deanery, meeting in joint convocation on Sept. 2, 2008:
RESOLVED, by the 40th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida meeting at Bradenton on the 18th day of October, 2008:
That the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida joins with the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking to embrace and support the arrest and prosecution of traffickers and violators of human rights, and most importantly to aid in the rescue of victims of human trafficking and the restoration of their freedom.
That the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida joins the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking in recognizing the need for community awareness and education in order to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking.
The Convention pledges to assist with fundraising activities to provide financial support to the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking so they may continue providing housing, food, clothing, medicines, medical and dental assistance, immigration assistance, job training, transportation, continuing education and case management to all victims of human trafficking who have been identified and rescued by the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking.
Explanation:
Human rights are protected by the law of the United States of America and must be respected by all. Human trafficking, or modern day slavery, is an inherently inhuman and evil violation of human rights that is diametrically opposed by both the teachings and principles of our Biblical faith and convictions.
The United States federal government estimates that between 14,500 and 20,000 persons are trafficked in the United States every year, and 80% of these are women and children. It is further estimated that in the United States there are approximately 2 million victims of human trafficking waiting to be rescued.
The State of Florida, local governments, faith-based organizations, service agencies, and other entities are charged with protecting vulnerable persons against the violation of human rights, especially victims of human trafficking. The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida should take an active part in this protective effort.
Resolution 2008-2: Resolution Adopting Canons for the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
Offered by the Committee on Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
RESOLVED, by the 40th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida meeting at Bradenton on the 18th day of October, 2008:
Pursuant to Article XIX of the Constitution of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, the 2008 Proposed Canons, which are incorporated here by title and reference, are adopted to regulate the government and function of the Diocese, effective on the adjournment of the Convention at which they are adopted.
Explanation:
The 2008 Proposed Canons were developed over the course of four years in consultation with the Bishop, Diocesan staff, and the Convocations of the Deaneries.
Pursuant to Canon XIV, the Committee on Constitution and Canons, meeting on September 12, 2008, voted to recommend adoption of the proposed changes to the Canons of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
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VESTRY MEETING |
Vestry will be meeting on Wednsday, October 8th in the conference room at 7:00 PM. |
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Sunday Ministry Schedule for the Month of October |
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Date Chalice/Acolyte Reader/Prayer Usher___
Oct. 5 Pat McIntosh Pat McIntosh Roxie Smith &
AJ Bassett
Oct. 12 Susan Strum Dott Bellows Ellie & Bob
Bunting
Oct. 19 Bob Bunting Ellie Bunting Ellie Bunting &
Roxie Smith
Oct. 26 Ellie Bunting Jim MArcrum Bob Bunting &
AJ Bassett |
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Altar Guild Schedule for October |
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October 5th Paula Babcock
October 12th Dott Bellows
October 19th Betty Goodacre & AJ Bassett
October26th Roxie Smith & Judy Haataja |
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Jefferts Schori removes Pittsburgh bishop from office
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The Episcopal House of Bishops has voted to remove Bishop Robert  Duncan of Pittsburgh from all ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.
The action came as the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh prepares for an Oct. 4 vote to secede from the 2.4 million-member Episcopal Church -- the U.S. branch of the 77 million-member Anglican Communion -- and realign with the more conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America. The vote, which took place yesterday afternoon in a closed meeting in Salt Lake City, was 88-35 with four abstentions.
According to diocesan spokesman Deacon Peter Frank, the deposed bishop of Pittsburgh was immediately20credentialed as a bishop-at-large by the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. The result means that Bishop Duncan cannot act in the name of the Episcopal Church for the diocese of Pittsburgh but that he still retains all the sacramental authority of a bishop.
It marks the second time this has happened to a U.S. bishop over this issue. In December, the diocese of San Joaquin, Calif., became the first to secede from the Episcopal Church and realign with the Southern Cone. The House of Bishops deposed San Joaquin's Bishop David Schofield in March.
"I'm very sad, sad for the Episcopal Church," Bishop Duncan said after the vote. He did not attend the Salt Lake City meeting to defend himself, but chose to attend an annual gathering of Pittsburgh's Episcopal clergy that was scheduled long before the special meeting of the House of Bishops.
"In 15 days the diocese will determine whether it, too, wants to be part of the Southern Cone and figure out whether it wants me back as bishop. That is up to the diocese, although I have a sneaking suspicion they will want me back," he said.
Bishop Duncan has been a U.S. leader of Episcopalians who claim that the U.S. church has lost its commitment to classic Christian beliefs regarding the divinity and mission of Jesus, biblical authority and sexual ethics. They feel more attuned to Anglicans in the global South. A statement from the House of Bishops reported hours of discussions over two days regarding Bishop Duncan's fate.
"Throughout the discussions, the gathering was quiet, prayerful and respectful as the bishops listened to one another," it said.
"By the action of a majority of the House of Bishops, it was agreed that Bishop Duncan was actively attempting to remove the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh from the Episcopal Church in violation of the Constitutions and Canons of the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. The majority concluded that Bishop Duncan's actions constituted a renunciation of the Discipline of the Episcopal Church."
People on all sides of the church divide in Pittsburgh agreed that his removal would make little or no difference to the immediate future of the diocese.
Bishop Duncan will remain on the diocesan payroll as an administrative adviser, but with no sacramental ministry or authority to act for the diocese, said the Rev. David Wilson, president of the Standing Committee and rector of St. David's in Peters.
"It's not going to make a whole lot of difference. We have not looked forward to this day, but we are prepared for it" he said.
The Rev. James Simons of St. Michael of the Valley, Ligonier, the only member of the Standing Committee opposed to se cession, agreed.
"I'm saddened by it," he said of the bishops' vote. "I think it's unfortunate that this has happened. The bishops should have waited until after the vote takes place at the diocesan convention. I suspect this will encourage people to vote for realignment. The Standing Committee is not going to change course."
Across the Aisle, a group of local Episcopalians who intend to remain in the Episcopal Church, issued a statement saying that Bishop Duncan and his wife were in their prayers.
"We're not taking this as a victory or a defeat for either side," said Rich Creehan, a spokesman for Across the Aisle. "Across the Aisle is continuing to look toward where we are after the convention. They want to make sure there is a diocese here that is part of the Episcopal Church even if the convention votes to realign." Bishop Duncan said he learned of the vote immediately after concluding a service of evening prayer at the Antiochian Village retreat center in Ligonier.
"I have said all along that I will abide by the decision of the Episcopal Church. I have been faithful under the Episcopal Church," he said.
Ann Rodgers, Religion Writer
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
September 19, 2008 Edition
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October Anniversaries |
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23rd Robert & Eleanor Phelps
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October Birthdays |
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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 |
Presiding Bishop to visit in November
The diocese will welcome the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, during her first visit to Southwest Florida Nov. 6-9.
The presiding bishop will be in Tampa Nov. 6 to celebrate and preach at the opening Eucharist of the biannual meeting of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Bishop Jefferts Schori is the honorary chair of the NAES governing board.
On Friday, Nov. 7, she will meet with clergy of the diocese from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton. That evening Bishop Jefferts Schori will be the special guest at a reception open to all beginning at 6 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Venice. She will offer remarks and take questions.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, the presiding bishop will visit a gathering of youth and young adults at a venue to be determined. On Sunday, Nov. 9, she will preach at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Tampa at the 10 a.m. service.
The NAES biennial conference is being held at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina.
Also speaking at the NAES conference will be Dr. Parker J. Palmer, founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage and Renewal, in Bainbridge Island, Wash. Palmer will offer three plenary addresses and two workshops.
Held in the fall of even-numbered calendar years, the biennial conference serves as the primary public forum for the examination of the leadership, governance and Episcopal identity of Episcopal schools, and for the professional development of the dedicated men and women from around the Episcopal Church and parts of the Anglican Communion who lead, support and teach in them.
The opening Eucharist is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Marriott, 700 S. Florida Ave., in Tampa.
This will be the presiding bishop's first visit to the Diocese of Southwest Florida since being elected presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in 2006. She had been invited to preside at the consecration of Bishop Dabney Smith last year but could not attend due to another consecration already scheduled in Hawaii the same day.
-Jim DeLa
Director of Communications
Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida
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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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Parish comes to the aid of Bonita flood victims |
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs responded  quickly to aid more than 400 people displaced by floodwaters in the wake of Tropical Storm Fay in August, donating more than 30 bags of clothing from its thrift shop immediately after the storm.
The Estero Community Center become home to hundreds of evacuees flushed out of their homes when the storm made its first landfall on the Southwest Florida coast on Aug. 19.
The effort was spearheaded by Helen MacCallum, a St. Mary's parishioner with experience serving on disaster teams in Houston and New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. While driving through a foot of water at E. Terry Street and Bonita Grande, she knew the rising tide was bound to affect local residents, said the Rev. Michael Rowe, the rector of St. Mary's.
After hearing there was a special need for fresh clothing for all, especially children's and women's clothing, bed linens and towels and stuffed animals to comfort the displaced children, MacCallum headed for Penny Wise, the church's thrift shop, Rowe said.
The reaction to her thoughts of purchasing the needed items from the shop turned into a different kind of flood. Betty Zimbro, of Penny Wise, opened the floodgates by scouring the store's inventory for needed goods. The outcome was an effort by the Penny Wise volunteer staff that produced 30 large bags of ready-to-wear and used items set up for immediate delivery, all accomplished in an amazingly short time.
"Through the goodness of the community, we have been able to distribute thousands of pieces of clothing, blankets, towels and diapers to families who left their homes with little more than the clothes on their back," Major Art Penhale, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of Lee and Hendry Counties, told the Fort Myers News Press. "It is such a privilege to be able to serve these families."
Rowe says the community is still feeling the effects of flooding and, at this point, "we don't know what the full extent will be," he said. Rowe added the alliance of the Red Cross and its resources, local government response and the faith-based initiatives that came out of MacCallum's trip through high water on a routine journey will be in gear for now and the future.
News Resources
Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida
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Inquirers Class |
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Inquirers Class will begin the first Sunday in November following the worship service. It will be held in the Conference Room. |
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E-Giving |
Even if you are away, you can still help Saint Raphael's ministries by giving on-line.
Thank you for your generosity! | |
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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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One balmy day in the South Pacific, a navy ship espied smoke coming from one of three huts on an uncharted island. Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor. He said, "I'm so glad you're here! I've been alone on this island for more than five years!"
The captain replied, "If you're all alone on the island why do I see THREE huts."
The survivor said, "Oh. We'll, I live in one, and go to church in another."
"What about the THIRD hut?" asked the captain.
"That's where I USED to go to church."
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Taize' Services |
Our weekly Taize' services will begin Tuesday, October 14th at 7 PM.
Please contact the office if you are interested in being one of our readers.
We look forward to seeing you. Bring a friend. |
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Please remember those in need of prayer.
| PARISHIONERS:
Rev Ray Turner
Roger Swanson
Bonnie Beaulieu
Elaine Hastings
Barbara Turner
Roxie Smith
Betty Goodacre
Steve Smith
A.J. Bassett
Irene Scranton
FAMILY OF PARISHIONERS:
Bryan
Ray Turner, Jr.
Bebe Gish
Tommy Ackerman
Stephanie
Ryan Bower
Dottie Cranfill
Robert Gish
Anthony Smith
FRIENDS:
Barbara Davis
Peggy Winters
Shane Brady
Ginny Matthew
Chris Parsons
Alfred Paprocki
June Benbow
Charles McLemore
Michelle Maki
Sal Culotta
Geri Paprocki
Dan Turner
Ken Durbin
Remember to pray for those who are in the military service and our nation's leaders. Active military: Jim and Athena Cody, Rockford Guy, John Bell, Morgan Hall, David Webb, Adam Stock, Louis Feaman and David Bellows.
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH:
Diocese of Southwest Florida The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith;, Bishop,
Companion Diocese of the Dominican Republic - The Rt. Rev. Julio C. Holguin, Bishop;
Companion Diocese of Georgia, The Rt. Rev. Henry Louttit;
Companion Diocese of South Carolina - The Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence;
Companion Diocese of Western Louisiana -The Rt. Rev. Bruce MacPherson.
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