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Happy New Year

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

It was wonderful celebrating Christmas services last week following a beautiful service of Lessons and Carols on Wednesday. If you were not able to attend or view them, I encourage you to check the recordings out on our website. The Lessons and Carols service was fabulous with an eleven-piece orchestra and more than 20 voices. Many thanks to our choir and especially our music director, Tim Smith, for all of his efforts. 

The Christmas services were beautiful and uplifting. Proclaiming the Gospel story of Jesus’ birth and singing Silent Night in candlelight is always very moving for me. I look up to see the light shining on your faces. It’s a reminder that we are reflections of Christ’s light and love.
 
As we turn the page on a new year, we have a busy January in front of us. You will be receiving a January edition of the Red Door soon, and it will be filled with lots of exciting programs and offerings. Here are just a couple of highlights:

  • Stewardship Neighborhood Gatherings. We will be offering 6 in-person and 1 ZOOM neighborhood gathering. You will be receiving a flyer with more details and how to sign up soon.
  • Sunday Forums will begin on January 9th. This year the forum speakers will be representatives of community organizations that St. Michael’s supports like FISH, CHR, Pine Manor and Immokalee Fair Housing. There are many exciting things happening with these organizations, so I encourage you to attend.


Finally, just a reminder that we are once again requiring mask wearing for indoor gatherings. This new COVID variant is highly transmissible. Please be careful and wear a mask when you are out and about.
 
Peace,
Bill+ 

       

Moving Forward Updates from Fr. Bill

Hope Rising Update #72

By Fr. Bill Van Oss • 20 Dec, 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 • 13 Dec, 2023
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