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Prayers for Ukraine

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

Brother Alois of the Taizé community recently shared this prayer for the people of Ukraine:


“Risen Christ, as we remain in silence before you, we let this ardent prayer rise up: may the firing of weapons in the land of Ukraine cease! Welcome into your love those who are dying from violence and war, console the families in mourning, support those who have had to take the road of exodus. Faced with incomprehensible suffering, we still believe that your words of love and peace will never pass. You gave your life on the cross and you opened a future for us, even beyond death. So we implore you: give us your peace. You are our hope.”


We continue to hope in God and to pray for, and support, the people of Ukraine. This Wednesday’s Prayer and Potluck (April 6th at 6:00 pm) will feature A Service of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine. It will include music, readings, and a beautiful litany for peace. Bring a dish to share and your plates and utensils for the potluck to follow.


Also – Messy Church is almost here. Sunday, April 10 (4:00 – 6:00 pm) we will be launching the first Messy Church experience. This is a different type of church experience that includes a welcome, crafts and activities based on the theme, a brief service of stories and song and a meal. It’s for everyone: families and kids ages 0-100. Here’s how you can be involved:

  • Spread the word: flyers and brochures are available to share with anyone who might be interested.
  • Volunteer: we need lots of help with welcoming, assisting with crafts and serving the meal. Contact Sue to help.
  • Come! Messy Church is geared toward families with children, but everyone is welcome to come and participate.


Visit https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/messy-church for more information or contact Sue Van Oss.


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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