Hope Rising Update #45

Dear Friends, 

We had a wonderful launch of the All Angels Campaign To Restore Our Spiritual Home last Sunday. I was pleasantly surprised to see the fellowship hall full of people who were enthusiastic about learning the latest on the restoration process and how all of us can play a role in this important effort.

Chuck Ketteman, chair of the Property Restoration Team, gave a report that things are moving quickly now and mentioned many “good news” items. The permit from the city has been granted for The Gathering Place and there is lots of activity by our contractor. The floors have been removed and the subfloor has been replaced. We are strategically expediting the restoration of the space previously used as Noah’s Ark Thrift Store and re-purposing it to be used temporarily as The Gathering place to serve not only our needs for worship, office and meeting space, but for non-profits on our island. 

Repairing that building now will also allow it to return quickly as Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop once we can move back into our main building. Somehow it seems apropos that the Ark would become a lifeboat that keeps us all afloat, bringing us all back to safety and God’s promises that we are all valued, beloved and belong.

After many hours of reviewing bids, we have selected a general contractor for the main building restoration project. We were able to get the project bid under the 50% damage rule so that means a shorter time frame for restoration. It is now anticipated to be completed around the end of the first quarter of 2024. 

We are trying to do everything we can to make our buildings more resilient  A new roof up to current code will also provide more resiliency and better energy efficiency. Improving accessibility is also a priority and we are taking steps to do that in the plan. We are planning for a new metal bell tower which will better withstand storms.  The new a/c system in the sanctuary which we were in the process of installing will also be included in the restoration.

Ralph Clark and Linda Linsmayer, co-chairs of the All Angels Campaign then kicked off the campaign to raise approximately $2 million dollars needed to mind the gap between insurance reimbursement and the cost of restoring the structures. Even before the restoration campaign was formally announced, members of the church enthusiastically rose up quickly and generously. One anonymous donor felt so strongly about the importance St. Michael’s has on Sanibel they have offered to match the first $500,000 in donations. Thanks to some swift acting angels we launched this campaign already having received $900,000, so to now have a match that will double the impact of the next $500,000 is a true blessing. 

You should be receiving in the mail an envelope with a letter from me, more information, FAQ’s, a pledge card and a stamped return envelope. These materials are also available on our website, www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/campaign-information.  I encourage you to prayerfully discern your situation and then return the card. All gifts, big or small are valued, appreciated and help us reach our goal of ALL angels participating. To learn more, go to www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/donate.  May God continue to guide us in our efforts to rebuild our spiritual home. 

Peace, 
Bill+
 
Sanibel Resources:
1. SWFL Solar Co-op application deadline is April 30.  The solar co-op is free to join and joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels. Florida Solar Design Group will provide each co-op member with an individualized proposal based on the group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save on the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.This co-op, open to businesses and residents in Lee and Collier Counties, is scheduled to close to new members on April 30.
• Join the co-op before it’s too late! Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op at solarunitedneighbors.org/swfl.
• Watch a free, on-demand Florida Solar 101 webinar here to learn more about solar and the co-op process.
FYi- We have signed up St. Michael's to be part of the coop so we can get more information on the possibility of solar power in the future on our campus. 
 
2.This morning the City of Sanibel sent out a lengthy email on "Guidance on Restoring Your Sanibel Home".  It had a wealth of good information. If you haven't signed up for City updates, please go to mysanibel.com to do so.  The City of Sanibel staff will host a community workshop to present information and answer citizen questions on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at BIG Arts. Please watch for future news releases that will provide more information on this workshop.
 
3. Sea Turtle Nesting Season is underway!  As we progress into the season, please keep these few tips in mind:

• Pick up trash you find on the beach or brought with you
• Be conscious of light exposure (no flashlights, close your curtains/blinds, turn off porch/outdoor lighting after dark, eliminate flash photography, etc.)
• Fill in holes, knock down sandcastles, and remove all beach furniture (umbrellas, chairs, volleyball nets, tents, etc.)