Moving Forward Update #11

Dear Friends,

A big day tomorrow so this will be a short update.  Just wanted to share some good news. 
 
First, we had a wonderful gathering of almost 90 parishioners at our temporary home at Peace Lutheran Church on McGregor yesterday, followed by an update by staff and then coffee hour hosted by the good people of Peace Lutheran. How wonderful to see so many in person, share hugs and moments of gratitude and goodness in the midst of this challenging time.  You can watch the service and update here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAy3Kv3xNU
 
We got the word that Church Insurance has contracted with one of Florida's leading full-service emergency clean-up, mold remediation, restoration, and repair companies and they will be on the property starting tomorrow! After talking with the director, I am impressed with their plan to first assess the integrity and condition of the structures, secure the property and then start salvaging anything that is still in good condition or can be restored or repaired. They will have contractors on site all this week, get portable power going and get the ordering of materials underway, We had a plan to use volunteers to try and go in, but have switched to letting this professional company do the job for us; they have the large experienced crews and equipment needed to get the job done quickly and safely. Thanks to generous parishioners who are sharing a boat and experienced captain to help with this important step until the company can get their barges in with equipment and labor. We will be taking lots of photos and videos to share around the whole campus, including the Memorial Garden which we haven't been able to see yet. 
 
I have also asked Chuck Ketteman to be the point person for working with the insurance company. He has vast business experience and I greatly appreciate him saying yes to this important task. If anyone has experience with commerical insurance, please contact Chuck. 
 
More good news; the Hurricane Relief Fund is now at $ $28,395 = $18,395 + $10,000 match  We are only
$1,605 from the second $10,000 match. Thank you to all who have contributed and/or spread the word on the fund – www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org Donations are accepted online or checks can be made out to St. Michael's Hurricane Relief Fund and mailed to Susan Gonzalez's home at 10436 Peso Del Rio Drive, Fort Myers, FL 3390 
 
Resources:  The city of Sanibel did not have a briefing today, so I'll just remind everyone that there are several FEMA disaster sites set up around the area and they have a wealth of information and assistance to provide. Consider stopping by to learn more to help you or a neighbor or friend.   

• Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
• A LeeTran shuttle will run from the Kelly Road Soccer Complex, 10750 Kelly Road to the center. The shuttle is free and will run continuously, beginning at 8 a.m. daily.
• Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Please pray for the health and safety of all who who are working on the island. Remember if you are going to the island, please be safe, and bring water and a first aid kit. After being on the island several times, I urge you to use abundant caution, drink plenty of water and be very careful as there are many hazards. 

Peace, Bill+