Abundance

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

I came across this piece recently, and I really like it:


“When our minds are distracted by anxiety, we forget God’s eternal presence. We forget, and so we fail to recognize Christ’s Light in a flower, a friend’s face, the play of shadows at dusk, the sound of rustling leaves, or even the subtle sense of our own being. Fortunately, all it takes is an instant of rest for our souls, a complete surrender to God, and a quieting of our minds. Then we remember this place of abundance, here and now, already surrounding us and within us.”  -Br. Nicholas Bartoli Society of Saint John the Evangelist


I really like the thought of God’s abundance both surrounding us and being within us. Hopefully, you are able to find times of rest for your soul to appreciate the abundance of God’s love that both surrounds you and dwells within you.


We have several things coming up that I want to be sure you are aware of:

  • This Sunday, May 8th, will be our second Messy Church. The theme this month is “Superheroes.” Messy Church is targeted toward children and families but all are welcome. It includes activities and crafts, a simple worship experience and a meal. Moms who attend will get a special gift because they are superheroes every day! It begins at 4:00 pm in the parish hall. Flyers and brochures are available so you can keep getting the word out.
  • Next Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30 pm there will be an Interfaith Gathering and Discussion on the topic of “Hope” at Cypress Lake United Methodist Church. Some thoughts and reflections on hope will be followed by table discussions with members of other churches/faith communities.
  • I am pleased that we will be celebrating our high school graduates: Mia Kjoller and Chet Sproles at the Sunday service and at the coffee hour following on May 15. 


An abundance of good things are happening!


Peace,

Bill+

Moving Forward Updates from Fr. Bill

Hope Rising Update #72

By Fr. Bill Van Oss • December 20, 2023
Today's Excitement Dear Friends, Today was a day to celebrate! LCEC trucks arrived to install the new meter and energize it so the new HVAC system in the sanctuary can be started up! Then a couple hours later, we passed the City of Sanibel final inspection and we were given the Certificate of Completion; the final step in our permit process which started last May. We are very grateful to Councilwoman Holly Smith, City Manager Dana Souza and all the city and LCEC employees who assisted in these final steps and of course to all the FP workers and their subs for all their hard work these past several months and the Property Restoration Team; the working group was there to receive the good news today. We are very busy getting the spaces ready for opening weekend starting with our 4th Advent services this Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 8am and 10:30am (livestreamed). Then we will have 3 Christmas Services at 4pm, 8pm (livestreamed) and 10:30am. Thanks to the volunteer teams who have been washing dishes in the kitchen, putting books on the bookshelf, hanging wreaths and a 100 other details. It is a stunningly beautiful space and we can't wait for all to experience it again for the first time in 15 months! Bill +

Hope Rising Update #71

By Fr. Bill Van Oss • December 13, 2023
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