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Hope Rising Update #62

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

Dear Friends,
 
As we prepare for Hurricane Idalia to make landfall north of us, we pray for those in it's path. There are two prayers below that you can use in the coming hours as we hold those that will be most severely impacted in our hearts. 

In an abundance of caution, yesterday we packed up everything on our hurricane list and put it in the church bus, which was driven off the island this morning by Chuck Sterrett and parked in a safe location. The Gathering Place is closed today, but a small crew of FP workers is still on site until early afternoon and after doing a walk through, I am confident they have prepared as best as possible for wind and rain on our campus. They spent yesterday securing the buildings and removing all materials that were outside.  We will make a determination later today in collaboration with F.I.S.H. staff if The Gathering Place will be open tomorrow for their Resiliency Hub services. 

Please be safe and make sure you are comfortable where you are; especially for those who might be in already damaged homes. 
 
Peace,
Bill +

    A Prayer for Those Facing a Hurricane
 
On the Sea of Galilee, even when the disciples began to fear, Jesus showed that he was Lord over the waters by rebuking the storms, so that all would know that even the wind and the waves obey him.
 
Creator God, we ask you to calm the wind and the waves of the approaching hurricane, and spare those in its path from harm. Help those who are in its way to reach safety. Open our hearts in generosity to all who need help in the coming days.
 
In all things and in all times, help us to remember that even when life seems dark and stormy, you are in the boat with us, guiding us to safety.
 
– The Jesuit Church, America Magazine
 

 

   

    A Prayer for People Facing Great Uncertainty
 
God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to all as we wait in uncertainty. Bring hope and peace with whatever lies ahead. Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided. For your will is health and wholeness; you are God, and we need you.
 
-Adapted from a New Zealand Prayer Book

 

  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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