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Hope Rising Update #65

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

Dear Friends,
 
We just finished a very meaningful commemoration of the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian here at The Gathering Place.  It's been an emotional day for all of us, so this will be a short Hope Rising Update. The day started at the Lighthouse for a beautiful sunrise ceremony the City put together. Then we went to Sanibel School where Jackie Overton, staff member of Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church presented Principal Lusk with a check for $55,000 for playground equipment. Redeemer also provided funds for us to purchase all our chairs and tables in The Gathering Place. We are grateful for them and for Jackie being with us today. The 3pm service was filled with powerful reflections, beautiful music and images, prayers and scripture.  The video that was shown is linked below and a recording of the service will be available soon. We are especially grateful for the participants, Mayor Richard Johnson, Councilwoman and former mayor Holly Smith, Chamber CEO John Lai, Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer, Mary Miller, Erik Entwistle , Mike Baldwin and Rev. Suzy Post.   
 

May you each have a peaceful and calm night. 
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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