Easter Letter, 2011

 

Dear People of God,

 

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, I just wanted to thank all of you who helped to make our first 'season' here on Fort Myers Beach such a wonderful success! Financially, we raised more than our budget expectations for our fund-raisers. We also have increased numerically in both our membership and in our attendance. In fact, according to the experts on church growth, we are numerically at the level for a church plant in the third year. That's amazing! Especially when we consider that we are not even a year old!!!!

 

As we enter into Holy Week, we here at St. Raphael's by the Sea have much to be thankful. I know that many of you have already given sacrificially of your time and finances. For these gifts we are deeply grateful. Yet, even more than the earthly sacrifices we have made is the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. It is for Christ alone that we left the familiar for the unknown and embarked upon this pilgrimage of faith. At this most holy time of the year, it is appropriate to express our gratitude to our Lord through a special Easter Offering. Please pray and give generously for the continuance of the Lord's work here at St. Raphael's by the Sea.

 

There are many opportunities in Holy Week in which to give the Lord of our time and talents through participation and support of the Holy Week services. As an added blessing this year we will be hosting the Good Friday service for the Beach Ministerial Association. The clergy on this island are excited about coming and seeing what good things the Lord has done for us. Please join with us in our first ecumenical service as St. Raphael's by the Sea Anglican Church. We will be using the beautiful Anglican liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer for Good Friday. For your convenience, we are including the Holy Week Schedule. Looking forward to seeing you along the Way.

 

Thanks again for all you have done and continue to do.

 

Easter Blessings!

 

Pastor Alice+

 

Palm Sunday--------------------------------------------------10:00 AM

Maundy Thursday---------------------------------------------7:00 PM

Good Friday Beach Ministerial Service

            at St. Raphael's by the Sea--------------------------NOON

Easter Vigil------------------------------------------------------8:00 PM

Easter Sunrise Service (Beach Ministerial Service)

            at Beach Pier-----------------------------------------6:30 AM

Easter Sunday-------------------------------------------------10:00 AM

 

 Please use the link below to email your Easter donation to the Church or send your check to:

 

Saint Raphael's by the Sea Church

P.O. Box 6713

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931