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Hope Rising Update #39

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

Dear Friends,



Hope is, indeed, rising. I want to let you know that I signed the contract to begin repairs on the church building that houses Noah's Ark Thrift Shop yesterday afternoon. My heart felt lighter in my chest. This is the first step of the rebuilding phase of our process, and I am really pleased. Many thanks to the Property Restoration Team, vestry and everyone who has contributed to bringing us to this point. The next step is securing the permit, but some preparation work can begin immediately, so you might see activity at the Ark soon.
 
Once the repairs are completed, which is estimated to be about 8 weeks, the Ark will serve as a space for worship, meetings, offices and community engagement.  We will continue to gather at Peace Church. The 11:30 Sunday service will continue to be at Peace. We will continue to have meetings and activities at Peace. The restored Ark will give us an on-island presence until the main facility is completed.   

Thank you for your prayers, patience and support. 
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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