August 3, 2011

 

Dear Friends and Family,

 

Rev. J. Alice Marcrum

It is with great joy that we celebrate our first year as a parish in the Anglican Church of North America. This past year has been a challenge for all of us. I am delighted to say that you have been faithful witnesses of Christ on Fort Myers Beach. In spite of the negativism in the community at our small beginnings, you have endured much for the sake of Christ. Although there was a small faction on the island working overtime to stop us throughout our first year, you have been more than conquerors for the sake of the Gospel. Turning lemons into sweet lemonade, by overcoming evil with good, you have impacted this community in a positive way.

 

Now the time has come to thank all of you for your commitment and love for Christ. Without your support, there would be no orthodox Anglican presence in Lee County. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and faithfulness. You have exceeded expectations in your giving and devotion. It is because of your sacrifice that we cannot at this time give up even though we are facing financial challenges that could bring an end to our parish. Instead, we must press forward in faith and thanksgiving, acknowledging the Christ who brought us out of darkness into His Light.

 

In accordance with the scriptures, it is customary to mark these important anniversaries with worship, celebration and a special offering. Whenever the Lord would do a mighty work for God's people, the people of God would set aside a time of feasting and worship. At this time, they would bring to the Lord a special offering of thanksgiving both to give thanks to God and to ask for His continued blessings.

 

This Sunday, August the 7th, we will be holding our Anniversary Service in praise and thanksgiving for all the miracles that the Lord has done for us. A special blessing for all those who are giving a special offering for the continuance of St. Raphael's by the Sea will be said over the offering as we give thanks and re-dedicate the future of our parish to Christ alone. I do not believe that it is a coincidence that the date of our first service on August 7th as a parish falls on a Sunday this year. Also, that unlike our beginnings, we now have a place to worship on Sunday mornings, instead of Saturday evenings.

 

Please join with us by sending or bringing with you a one-time special offering to ensure the future of St. Raphael's by the Sea. Let it not be said of us that we failed, because the Lord was not with us. It is time to once again overcome our enemies with good through our gifts of thanksgiving to Jesus Christ our Lord from whom all blessings flow. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Alice+

 

 

 Please support this ministry and all our other services to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by using the link below to send your tax deductable 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