Spiritual Pathways
Practices for Embracing the Journey
Experiencing God’s love on six pathways that awaken the heart, engage the body, and deepen connections as we walk together on life’s journey of sacred discovery.
The journey awaits you. Come walk the path with us.
To receive more information, please complete the form below, and specify which opportunities you are interested in or you can email an individual leader by clicking on their name highlighted in blue:
I'm interested in:
Introducing Spiritual Pathways by our Pathways Coordinator, Doreen:
Download a brochure about Spiritual Pathways:
Action Pathway
Sacred Strolls - Walking with God in nature
Enjoy a gentle hike, fellowship and reflections at local parks and trails. Our next one will be a Sacred Sunset Stroll led by Erik Entwistle Thursday, Nov. 20 at 5pm leaving from the Blind Pass Beach Parking Lot (additional parking location will be announced if the lot if full upon arrival)
Contact: Sue Van Oss
Yoga: Spirit in Motion - Embracing balance of body, mind and spirit
Class held weekly in the parish hall Thursdays at 9:00am by certified instructor Joellen Simons. Starting December 6 a second class will be held Saturdays at 9am. No class fee, donations accepted for instructor.
Contact: JoEllen Simons
Threads of Grace: Prayer Shawl Ministry - Handmade shawls that wrap others in God’s love
Volunteers create shawls/quilts and offer holding crosses to share God's love, comfort and healing with those in need. You can volunteer to make them or request one for yourself or someone you know.
Contact: Wendy Warner
Table of Blessings Meal Ministry - Sharing God’s care through nourishing meals
Volunteers occasionally prepare meals and deliver them.
Contact: Joanne Syversen
Parish Nurse - Caring for body and spirit
Our registered nurse is a health professional to speak with regarding wellness and disease prevention who promotes the relationship between faith, health and lifestyle choices.
Contact: Wendy Warner, RN
Reflective Pathway
Gather at the Table- Where food and faith meet
Join with others who share a meal in the host's home and explore where God is present in their lives. Groups will meet on Sunday evenings. The first series of sessions starting October 26 from 5-7pm at the Bolhuis/Vel home including conversation on "Mere Christianity." (book provided) is full, but the next round of sessions will begin in early January. Contact Doreen to be added to the list.
Contact: Doreen Bolhuis
Spiritual Growth in Later Life - Where conversation and connection nurture the soul
A new monthly gathering starting November 10 at 3pm at the Cove in the Estuary at Shell Point in Ft. Myers for a short reflection, conversation and fellowship using reflections from Joyce Rupp's new book, The Years of Ripening: Reflections on Aging in the Later Years.
Contact: Fr. Bill Van Oss
Wisdom on the Page: Book Group - Discovering God’s presence in story & reflection
Deepening our understanding of the Spirit and current topics. The first 4 week book study will be held on Wednesdays in January from 10am-11:30am via zoom using one of Brian McLaren's books. Zoom link will be posted here.
Contact:
Betsy and Walter Schuman
Time to Reflect: Retreats & Spiritual Direction - Opportunities for self-reflection & spiritual awakening
An annual retreat, to be held January 23-25, 2026 provides time for self-reflection and spiritual awakening. Additional days of reflection are offered as well including a Men's Retreat February 24-25, 2026 at Dayspring in Parrish, FL and Women's Day of Reflection March 21, 2026 at St. Michael's
Parish Retreat Contact: Susan Gonzalez
Men's Retreat Contact: Bill Larson
Women's Retreat Contact: Barbara Manard
Spiritual Direction: An opportunity for monthly confidential conversation and prayerful encouragement with a spiritual director is also available.
Spiritual Direction Contact: John Topliff
Pathways Newsletter - Stories, practices and insights for your journey
A monthly newsletter sharing stories, spiritual insights, and practices.
Contact: Sue Van Oss
To subscribe fill out the form below. Please note if you are already receiving the Friday brief weekly enewsletter, you will automatically receive the monthly Pathways Newsletter so you don't need to fill out this form.
I'd like to receive the Pathways Newsletter:
Inner Pathway
Sanctuary of Peace: Meditation Room – A quiet space for prayer, healing & renewal
The Meditation Room is a place for quiet reflection and prayer. It is open to all in the community at anytime of day or night at no charge.
Contact: Maureen Corpron-Vel
Prayer/Praise/Meditation Wall – Lifting up prayers, praises and hope
This interactive feature of the Meditation room offers the chance to request a prayer, offer thanksgivings, or share a quote on tags on the wall.
Contact: Maureen Corpron-Vel
Beyond the Broken Heart: Grief Support Group - Walking together through grief to hope
A grief and loss support group will offer compassionate companionship on the transforming journey of loss led by trained facilitators. Held Fridays, Dec. 5 - Feb. 27 at 10am in the Meditation Room.
Contact: Wayne and Cathy Luman
Circle of Prayer: Prayer Chain - Hearts linked together in faithful intercession
A group of parishioners pray for the requests of those who would like someone to pray for them.
Contact: Betsy McCullough
Gifts of Care: Card Ministry- Simple gestures that brighten spirits and share love
Pastoral Care team members reach out to people regularly with cards to provide caring communication to lift the spirit.
Contact: Paul & Carol Chaveas
Learning Pathway
Living the Word: Weekly Bible Study - Where Scripture meets daily life
Held via zoom on Thursday mornings the Bible Study focuses on the upcoming weekend’s Scripture readings and is a lively discussion on the background and context for the readings.
Zoom ID#: 829 7038 4775 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82970384775
Contact: Fr. Bill Van Oss
Children & Family Faith Formation
- Teaching children to live God’s love.
Engaging opportunities for kids and their families—through after-school programs and intergenerational gatherings like Messy Church—to learn how to love God, one another, and themselves.
Contact: Sue Van Oss
Interfaith Shared Scholar Program - Expanding spiritual understanding and interfaith dialogue
A joint effort with island houses of worship to host speakers that expand spiritual understanding and interfaith dialogue. We are thrilled to announce that Brian McLaren, world renown author, speaker, activist, and public theologian will be the featured speaker on February 15, 2026 and then the day after, leading a session at St. Michael's.
Contact: Fr. Bill Van Oss
Men's Fellowship
- Strength for the journey
A circle of men supporting each other through faith, fellowship, and shared wisdom that gather in person and via zoom on Tuesday mornings at 8:30am. and host an annual retreat off site February 24-25, 2026.
Contact: Bill Larson
Sacred Connections: Spirituality Online - Nurturing faith and spirit online
Opportunties include a monthly zoom led by Fr. Bill (dates TBD) on a variety of topics and presenters that explore ways to enhance our daily spiritual journey. Zoom link will be posted here. Online programs like the Diocesan Water & the Word Conference and online courses that offer ways to learn and grow deeper spiritually online are also available.
Contact: Sue Van Oss
Worship Pathway
Joyful Worship- Celebrating God’s presence through prayer, scripture, music and community
Services that welcome all are held every weekend in person and livestreamed. Saturdays at 5pm year round, Sundays 9:30am May-October, 8am and 10:30am November-April. Visit home page for weekly link to watch live on Sunday mornings or view past services here: https://vimeo.com/smaasanibel
Contact: Fr. Bill Van Oss
Special Seasonal Services- Unique gatherings to give praise to God
Held at special times of the year, services like Advent Lessons & Carols, Blue Christmas service for those struggling during the holidays, and outdoor services will be offered. Check back for dates and details.
Contact: Fr. Bill Van Oss
Voices & Instruments of Praise -Where every voice & musical gift has a place
Musical offerings enhance and uplift our celebrations and every voice and instrument is welcome and has a place. If you like to sing or play an instruction please join us.
Contact: Erik Entwistle
Communion Visitors - Carrying Christ’s presence beyond our walls
Trained volunteers bring communion to those who cannot come to church and offer a time of companionship during their visit.
Contact: Wendy Warner, RN
Compline- Night prayer for peace and rest
A short, Episcopal contemplative service intended to bring a sense of peace and completion to the day and is held weekly Thursdays at 6pm EST via zoom. Contact Susan to receive link.
Contact: Susan Gonzalez
Service Pathway
Angels on the Go: Responding with Love – Quick acts of love and care
A parish team ready to respond to needs in our community assisting with minor repairs, transportation and other tasks.
Contact: Jerry Davenport
Island Partners: Strengthening Community – Strengthening neighbors through support
Walking alongside Community Housing & Resources (CHR) and F.I.S.H. to support housing, resources, education and care for island residents and workers.
Contact: Bill Larson
Beyond Our Shores: Serving with Compassion – Distributions, sharing meals and hope with others
Prepping meals, distributing food and other essentials in Ft. Myers at the Community Cooperative, Gladiolus Food Pantry, All Souls Episcopal Church Unhoused Ministry, Misión Peniel in Immokalee and volunteering at our Noah's Ark thrift shop that grants proceeds to nonprofits who alleviate suffering.
Contact: Sue Sterrett
Voices for Justice: Advocating Together - Advocating for dignity and fairness
Along with many other denominations, joining with Lee Interfaith for Empowerment Inc (LIFE) to seek fairness, dignity and better living conditions for all.
Contact: Dotty Morrison
Global Companions: Extending Christ’s hands – Supporting relief efforts worldwide
Building lasting bonds from disaster zones to longstanding relationships like the Dominican Republic Companionship.
Contact: Jerry Davenport
Doreen Bolhuis, Spiritual Pathways Coordinator
Email Doreen:
We are pleased to have Doreen serve as the Coordinator of Spiritual Pathways. Doreen's educational background includes a B.S. in Education, Certified Business Coach, and Master’s Degree in Ministry. After 40 years as a small business owner, Doreen sold her business and retired to Sanibel island in 2019 where she is now living happily ever after. Doreen is married to husband Mark and her family includes two daughters, two son-in-laws, and 6 grandchildren who all love to visit Sanibel. Doreen and Mark purchased their Sanibel home along with Doreen’s fraternal twin sister, Maureen, who resides with them on Sanibel from November through May each year.
Doreen is a life-long athlete who enjoys running, biking, paddleboarding, and occasionally playing pickleball, trick water skiing, and flying trapeze. She plays the cello, percussion in the Big Arts community band, and sings in their chorus and Saint Michaels choir. She enjoys singing duets with sister Maureen and also trios and quartets with fellow St. Michaels choir members.
Please reach out to Doreen if you have questions about Spiritual Pathways @ St. Michael's.
“Spiritual Pathways offers us places of love and peace. A place of community where people can seek God together in our unique callings. I invite you to join us to journey in faith and deepening connections with God’s immeasurable love.”
Doreen