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Hope Rising Update #61

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

Dear Friends,
 
After being away for just a week, I am amazed at the progress made in the office and the main building. Drywall is up in many areas of the main building, the deck is over halfway done and the office is painted and ready for trimwork, flooring and doors. There are workers inside and out and we thank them for their continued dedication and efforts, especially in this heat.  Enjoy the video update below.
 
Here at The Gathering Place:
- The office is bustling with staff and visitors Monday-Friday 9am -5pm
- It's Movie Night tonight at 6pm, with Suzy showing Belfast and a discussion afterwards. 
- Our services are well attended for summer, held on Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 9:30am 
-The Small Business Administration (SBA) has representatives here working with people on disaster financial assistance M, W and F 10-am-4pm
- We are the only Cooling Station on the Island right now, open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm with a/c, ice water, liquid iv packets and snacks provided by F.I.S.H.
- Speaking of F.I.S.H.- they are meeting many senior, financial and mental health needs and on Wednesdays have one on one, informal chats and group therapy focusing on hurricane related topics like PTSD, trauma and loss.
- Santiva Islanders (formerly Island Seniors) continues their programming with exercise classes, card games and a coffee bistro for all from 10am-3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, stop by!
If you are in the area and haven't stopped by yet, please do! 

 
Peace, 
Bill+

       

Restoration Update August 16, 2023

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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