Wesite Redesign

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

I am delighted to report that our redesigned website is now live! I encourage you to check it out. It is the same address as before: www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org but has a new look and new content for our current parishioners and to welcome those who are looking for a church home online. It has been said that church websites are the phone book of the 21st century. Many people who are looking for a church home check out a church’s website first to give them a sense of what the church is like before they ever walk in the doors or watch an online service. Our website is also the place for our current parishioners to go to when looking for information, links to Zoom events, inspiring videos to watch and maybe even read or hear a sermon or two….
 
The home page has the Sunday worship buttons right at the top, (or on the left side if you are using a phone or tablet) then just scroll down to see my weekly written and video reflections, special events, announcements, recurring meeting zoom links and the calendar. Under each main page are some subpages with additional information, for example under “Home” you can also find pages for the Friday Briefs and Red Door newsletters, Photos and Videos, Special Events and Our History.
 
The other main pages are:

  • “Welcome” which has information for those discovering who we are both here at St. Michaels and the Episcopal Church in general and a form for people to fill out to connect with us
  • “Worship” which has subpages for sermons, “what is worship like”, sacraments and prayer practices
  • “Learn” with subpages for Adults, Children & Youth, Parents & Grandparents (this is new) and Seasons of the Church year
  • “Serve” which is all about our various ministries. It is divided into six categories: Worship & Prayer, Parish Life, Pastoral Care, Outreach, Christian Formation and Administration
  • “Give” which has our stewardship and pledge information and link to give electronically
  • “Resources” which has information on Covid-19, Sanibel, additional St. Michael’s resources and Tropical Preparedness materials


Many thanks go to Pat Norton and Sue Van Oss for their work redesigning the website over these past several weeks and to Pat for her ongoing dedication and efforts as our volunteer webmaster. Thank you both!
 
Also – The next “Porch Visit” with the Rector will be Thursday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m. This is an informal “get to know you” gathering with me and up to 6 parishioners. Contact Susan Gonzalez in the office to reserve a spot.
 
Peace, Bill+ 

       

Moving Forward Updates from Fr. Bill

Hope Rising Update #72

By Fr. Bill Van Oss • December 20, 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 • December 13, 2023
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