The Red Door

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIEST-IN-CHARGE

Reflections

Dear Friends in Christ,

I saw an inflatable plastic Santa Claus on someone’s lawn the other day, and it was a sad spectacle. Apparently, it had been inflated, and lost its air overnight, so it lay on the lawn all crumpled and barely recognizable. It did get me thinking, though. If we place our faith and hope in the trappings of the season, and the things our culture tells us are “what it’s all about,” we are sure to be as disappointed as the owners of the crumpled Santa.

By the time you read this, we’ll be entering Advent, the

season of preparation for our celebration of Jesus’ birth. It begins with readings that remind us that this world, and

our lives in it, are not permanent. There will be an end at a time of God’s choosing. The middle of Advent features the coming of John the Baptist as the prophetic preparer of the

way for Jesus, the Messiah. And the season ends shortly before Christmas with a portion of the story of Jesus’ birth.

All this reminds us that the focus of this season rests

securely on the activity of God in this world, on the coming of Jesus to restore our broken relationship with God.

We still live in this world, however, and we and our children and grandchildren are also drawn into the secular side of Christmas. The giving and receiving of gifts and

greetings can be a time of enjoyment for us all. Few sights in this world are better than the look on the face of a child

or grandchild who has just opened a carefully chosen present. The issue is not focusing our attention only on one side or the other. There can be balance. Our principle

attention, of course, goes to the greatest gift ever given, the gift of new and unending life through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Our gift exchanges during this season are

reflections, however pale, of that great gift.

It’s a challenge not to get swept away by the constant

pressure to spend more, buy more, get more. However, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we can maintain the essential balance that honors God’s love for us, and shows our love

and generosity toward the people around us.

Blessings, Alan+

Vision Transforming lives through Christ

Mission Our Mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ so that all may

come to know God.

Guiding Principles Faith: We value our Christian faith; therefore, we will endeavor to conduct ourselves according to Christ’s teachings. Compassion: We value compassion; therefore, we will care for others in the name of Christ.

Service: We value service; therefore, we will share the gifts God has given us. Inclusivity: We value inclusivity; therefore, we will strive to include everyone.

Integrity: We value integrity; therefore, we

will treat each other with respect and honesty.

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Welcome to Our Christmas

Worship Services On Tuesday, Christmas Eve we will have our

traditional 5:00 p.m. Children’s Holy Eucharist,

including the procession with manger animals,

communion, carols, and candlelight. This

service will be followed by the traditional Holy

Eucharist with candlelight at 8:00 p.m. On

Wednesday, Christmas Day we hope you’ll join

us for Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday – December 21st

5:00 p.m.

Sunday – December 22nd

8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday – December 24th

5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday – December 25th

10:00 a.m.

Taizé – Third Wednesdays Join us for a service of prayer,

candlelight, and music on

December 18th and January 15th

at 6:00 p.m. Taizé is a small town

in France where a community of

brothers first opened its doors to

the public to welcome them to

pray, sing, and experience silence – most

importantly to invite them into a place of peace

from a hectic world. (In 2014, there was an

average of 7000 people a week who journeyed to

Taizé.) This 25 minute service on the third

Wednesday of the month will offer you a holy

and calming rhythm – one you may want to take

back into your busy lives. Mostly, it is a time for

all of us to create a space to hear where God is

speaking. It will be followed by refreshments

and light snacks.

Stewardship 2019 The Stewardship Team met on November 18 and

plans are up and running for a great stewardship

season as we look ahead to 2020! Chair Betsey

Kane led the group in discussing the theme and plans

for this year. The members who were able to attend

all agreed that the verse for this year is powerful and

appropriate. Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person

will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be

refreshed.” The stewardship brochure was

reviewed and slight changes will be made for the

coming year. As well, host homes for the

Neighborhood Gatherings are being confirmed.

Committee members were advised that many

different responsibilities will be needed such as

putting together host home packages, writing/

printing/signing the invitation letter, stuffing

envelopes and helping at the neighborhood

gatherings. Thank you to everyone on the team for

their commitment, enthusiasm and love for St.

Michael’s!

The team includes: Chair Betsey Kane, Senior

Warden Roger Heider, Junior Warden Lee Almas,

Treasurer Bill Boswell, Ralph Clark, Louise

Fitzgerald, Gerry Fitzgerald, Bruce Neill, Nancy

Odette, Dick Salerno, Anne Stewart, Hyde

Tucker, Phill Urion, Susie Wilson, Anne Kimball

– Clergy Liaison, and Alan Kelmereit, Priest-in-

Charge.

(Reminder: If you decide to include your contribution to St.

Michael and All Angels on your end-of-year tax statement, your

payment must be received/postmarked by Dec. 31 and if you

choose to request a distribution from your IRA directly to St.

Michael’s, you don’t have to declare that as income to the IRS.)

Morning Prayer on Tuesday We realize that our Christian identity is renewed

each week in the celebration of Holy Eucharist

and Baptism; however, we also live out our faith

in the monastic tradition of daily prayer -

whether alone in our homes or in the

gathering together at Morning Prayer

every Tuesday at 9:00. I’m hoping that

more people this year will meet in the

Angel Chapel for these twenty minutes

of prayer and scripture. I encourage you

to prayerfully consider this important

time as we assemble in Christ’s name.

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Advent Angel Tree For the 2019 Angel Tree project, the Youth Group has partnered with the Outreach

Ministry Team to make this the best holiday season of giving yet! We will be

partaking in two projects: the Adopt-a-Child project this year with the Pine Manor Community Center; and Misión Peniel to

collect all assortments of Christmas gifts to give to

children living in Fort Myers and Immokalee, Florida.

You will be able to Adopt-a-Child for various gifts and donation amounts

until December 18th. The Angel Tree can be found

in the Parish Hall after all church services in Advent. Pick an ornament off the tree to purchase and put

the ornament with your cash or check donation in the envelopes provided. We thank you for considering this offering as a

way to help the children and their families struggling in our local community.

(6:00-7:15p)

December 18th – Citrola’s Italian Grill (16740 McGregor Blvd.)

January 15th – Bimini’s Bait Shack (17501 Harbour Pointe Dr.)

February 19th – RonDao's Pizzeria (15320 McGregor Blvd.)

March 18th – La Casita Mexican Bistro (15185 McGregor Blvd.)

April 22nd – Starz Italian Restaurant (8750 Gladiolus Dr.)

Meghan Warner, Youth Leader

Vestry Update:

Search for new Rector Great progress has been made in several directions:

a) The Vestry is so pleased that The Rev. Alan

Kelmereit will be staying on as Priest-in-Charge

throughout the winter until the new Rector is

appointed. Alan and Debbie are living in The

Cottage and are now both actively immersed in

our St. Michael’s community.

b) The Parish Profile Committee under the Chair of

Joanne Syversen has completed its task, and the

final documents have been approved by the

Vestry. The Parish Profile has now been

submitted to the Diocese, and upon approval, will

soon be available for everyone to read on the St.

Michael’s newly updated website.

c) The Search Committee for the new Rector, under

Co-Chairs Bruce Pattison and Chris Salerno,

has been selected and approved by the Vestry.

Members include Lee Almas, Carol & Paul

Chaveas, Ralph Clark, Adair Heath, Diane

McGinley, Bruce Neil, Kathleen Pereles,

Charles Simms, Chuck Sterett, Joanne

Syversen, Wendy Warner, and Susie Wilson.

The Rev. Doug Lind is the Consultant.

Meetings will begin in December, and there will

be regular parish updates.

Christmas Sing-Along

Tuesday, December 17th

Shell Point Sing-Along Meet in the Pavilion lobby at 1:20 p.m.

Everyone at

St. Michael's is

invited regardless

of musical ability

to bring holiday

cheer to all those

folks at the

Pavilion.

Bring a friend!

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A Different Advent: Abraham’s Roller Coaster

Journey of Faith

Most of us are familiar with the salient points

in Abraham’s life: the promise of a descendent

late in life, Ishmael born to Hagar, the

covenant of circumcision, the destruction of

Sodom, and the extraordinary test of faith

when God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.

But it is the rest of the story—the lesser

known experiences in between these events—

that helps connect us and our faith journey to

the life of Abraham and Sarah.

This Advent season the Forum will take a

deeper look into the Life of Abraham and his

roller coaster journey of faith. Using slides

from her painting of Genesis 12-22, Debby

Topliff will give us a bird’s eye view of the

ups and downs of Abraham and Sarah’s lives

as they await the promise of a baby through

whom will come blessings for the whole

world.

Weekly handouts will provide you with the

text, maps, and questions you can use in your

Advent meditations during the week. Come

enjoy and ponder this visual exploration of

how God fulfills his promises—to Abraham

and to us

Nominating Committee for

2020 Vestry Jerry McCullough has been appointed by the Rev. Alan Kelmereit to be Chair of the

Vestry Nominating Committee. Committee members include David Bath, Charles Emerson, Luann Fortune, and Ellie

Harries. The committee is charged with the nomination of three candidates for Vestry

2020. These names will be presented to the Vestry at the December meeting, and voting will be held at the Annual Meeting in

February. There is a three- year term for Vestry membership. Lee Almas, Jerry McCullough and Ellie Harries will be

completing their term.

5

Music adds so much to the Holiday traditions.

Members of the congregation are invited to join us in

singing the wonderful carols of the Christmas

season. December 4th brings us the annual Advent

Lessons and Carols. The choir will even sing a

Korean Carol sung in the Korean language. Two

familiar English Carols will also be sung: Ding,

Dong, Merrily on High and The Holly and the

Ivy. Michael Baldwin will play Christmas Carols

before the service for ten minutes. Organ recital at

5:50 and service at 6:00 p.m. Pot-luck follows.

Luminary night, Friday, December 6th, brings us

apple cider, chocolate chip cookies and carols on the

church path in front of the building. Many of the

people passing by stop to greet our members.

The Big Arts Band again will regale us with carols

on Sunday, December 8, at 6:00 p.m. This is always

a real experience for us at Saint Michael’s.

The women of the choir will sing seasonal music for

the annual women's luncheon on Monday, December

9th.

All are invited to join the caroling group at Shell

Point on Tuesday, December 17th, at 1:30 p.m. For

many this is the beginning of the Christmas caroling

season. Meet in the Pavilion lobby at 1:20 p.m.

Christmas Eve brings two services, one at 5:00 p.m.

featuring Maria Zoltek and one at 8:00 p.m. The

choir will sing our traditional Choral Prelude to the

service at 7:45 p.m. We have singers from as far as

Yale University, Juilliard Conservatory and Salt

Lake City joining us. If you would like to rehearse

for this service with the choir, talk to me before or

after the services.

The church will be honored with a piano recital in the

church by Qilin Sun, a Doctoral student at Juilliard

Conservatory, NYC. The program will start at 7:00

p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2019.

Epiphany brings all of the special carols surrounding

the coming of the Wise Men, and Martin Luther King

will be honored on Monday, January 20th, at 6:00

p.m. The Parish Choir will sing Ride the Chariot

and Ain't a That Good News. Again, if you would

like to join us for this special event, please contact

me before or after a service.

~ Hank Glass, Minister of Music

From a Deeply Grateful Rector There really are no words to describe my

gratitude to all of you for the Retirement

Celebration on Nov. 13! I can’t imagine the

hours (days!) that the planning team put in, the

incredible combination of ideas that

unfolded: yellow roses, origami birds, slide

show (where did you get all those pictures?!)

delicious food, videotaping, music, tributes,

dancing, gifts, hugs, laughter and words of

thanksgiving. The feelings in the room that night

really took my breath away as you reached out

to Ralph and me with such love. Where did ten

years go we keep saying to one another? Well,

we certainly tried to live every moment of those

ten years to the fullest, didn’t we? We laughed a

lot. We cried a lot. We prayed and worked a lot -

and all hand-in-hand with Christ working and

living through each one of us - always in

companionship with one another. You are an

amazing parish with so much spiritual, physical

and mental energy! You’ve made St. Michael’s

flourish in myriad ways and have provided a

haven of invigorating spiritual refreshment in

Southwest Florida. You will always be in my

heart and soul with memories beyond

description. Thank you, thank you……...And

remember to continue to gladden the hearts of

those who travel this earthly pilgrimage with you

- be swift to love and make haste to do kindness

- and may God bless you, Ellen+

2020 Christian Education Forum

"Living Lives of Meaning:

Exploring Our Faith Journeys" January 12 - March 15

Forum sessions are Sunday morning in the Parish

Hall between the two morning services from 9:30 -

10:15 a.m.

The speakers will all be members of St. Michael and

All Angels sharing their journeys of faith: Anne

Kimball, Anne Stewart, John Mason, Debi

Almedia, David Bath, Alan Kelmereit, John

Topliff and more.

6

The November ingathering of UTO was once again

reflective of the grateful, generous parishioners of

our church. The 2019 donations to UTO totaled

$11,332.64. The donations demonstrate our personal

gratitude for the blessings we have received this year.

These offerings will become blessings to others.

If you wish to learn more about UTO and where the

2019 funds were used, please visit:

www.episcopalchurch.org/page/united-thank-

offering.

Thank you so much for your contributions for this

worthy mission of the Episcopal Church.

~ Sally McGowan, Chair of UTO 2019 for ECW

Fifth Annual Celebration of

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A well-known Gospel Choir from Ft. Myers, Zaire Saldana who recites King’s memorable address, our

own St. Michael’s Choir, and speaker The Rev.

Adrienne Hymes will be with us on Monday,

January 20th (6:00 p.m.) - right here at St. Michael's!

Please mark your calendars for this incredible

evening of music, reflections, and recollections of

how this great American - The Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. - continues to impact all our lives in

challenging and powerful ways. Thanks to the

Planning Group: Chair: Don Adams, Rookie

Bradley, John Coleman, James Davis, Hank

Glass, Yvonne Hill, Jan Holly, Marilyn Lewis,

Wendy McLaughlin and Alan Kelmereit.

SAVE THE DATE Men’s Retreat

February 12-13, 2020 DaySpring Conference Center • Parrish, FL

Women's Retreat March 10-11, 2020

DaySpring Conference Center • Parrish, FL

To All the Women of

St. Michael's

Luncheons, Programs & Retreat

2019-2020

November 11, 2019 12:30 p.m.

Advance Directives, Wills & Trusts

Guest Speaker: Janet Strickland

December 9, 2019 12:30 p.m.

Hildegard of Bingen:

A Feather on the Breath of God

Guest Speaker: Demaris Peters-Pike

Presentation of the Budget

January 13, 2020 12:30 p.m.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Guest Speaker – Alex Horn

February 10, 2020 1:00 p.m.

Noah’s Ark Fashion Show

March 9, 2020 12:30 p.m.

Your Skin and the Sun

Guest Speaker – Florida Skin Care

March 10-11, 2020

Women’s Retreat

DaySpring Conference Center

Retreat Leader: The Rev. Anne Kimball

April 13, 2020 12:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting & Election of Officers

Life and Theology of Francis Perkins

Guest Speaker: Peter Blaze Corcoran

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Attention anyone who likes to knit, crochet or quilt,

or who would like to try! Every Tuesday in the

Parish Library, from 12:30–2:30 p.m., a group

gathers informally to work on creating prayer

shawls, lap rugs, or quilts. The gatherings begin and

end with prayer and are filled with far ranging

discussions depending on who attends. There is no

obligation to come each week or to spend the full

time. Bring lunch if you wish. Visitors are more than

welcome and supplies of donated yarn, equipment

and instructions are available. The completed

projects are filled with love, blessed, and later given

to those who might need some extra comfort at a

difficult time in their lives. Shawls or quilts are also

given in celebration of special events such as

weddings or baptisms.

We extend a special thank you to those who are

unable to join us on Tuesdays, but who work on

projects at home and donate them to the Ministry.

These can be left with Susan in the office. Please

include your name. We are trying to photograph all

the work to include in a general binder, and it is nice

to know who to credit for the lovely work. We are

also most grateful for donations of yarn and supplies.

This provides opportunity for amazing creativity in

colors and textures. All is appreciated.

Distribution of these works of love is the goal of this

Ministry. If there is someone in your thoughts who,

whatever the reason, is having a difficult time please

don’t hesitate to contact Susan (Office Manager), or

Wendy Warner (Parish Nurse), or myself

(ellieonsanibel@gmail.com). We try to link hands,

hearts and healing.

~ Ellie Harries, Facilitator

Pies for F.I.S.H. Families

Thank you to everyone who donated to the

purchase of 100 pies for the F.I.S.H.

Thanksgiving baskets.

From The Book of

Common Prayer A Prayer for the Parish

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all

things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers

for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful,

arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.

Grant us all things necessary for our common

life, and bring us all to be of one heart and

mind within you holy Church; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen. (p. 817)

Christmas Poinsettias: Gifts in: thanksgiving for…,

in memory of…

…loved ones and friends. Please write your check to

St. Michael’s with “Poinsettia” in memo line, attach

to the form below, and place it in the offering plate

or bring or mail it to the Parish Office:

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

by noon on Wednesday, December 18th.

In memory of:

Given by:

In thanksgiving for:

Given by:

8

From Your Parish Nurse,

Wendy Dehydration can still be problematic in the extended

summer-like conditions we have had here. As well,

dehydration can be problematic with cold weather

here and up north. “You might not even feel as thirsty

in cold weather as in the heat, because your cold-

weather body chemistry could affect your brain’s

ability to tell you when you need liquid. Cold

weather also tends to move body fluids from your

extremities to your core, increasing your urine output

and adding to dehydration.” Recently I have been

hearing from people in the parish and others in the

community that they are experiencing the symptoms

of dehydration.

First off, what exactly is dehydration and what are

the symptoms we need to tune into. According to

Mayo Clinic, “Dehydration occurs when you use or

lose more fluid than you take in, and your body

doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry

out its normal functions.” “Anyone may become

dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous

for young children and older adults.” Children most

commonly become dehydrated with

severe episode of diarrhea and

vomiting. As far as the older adults,

dehydration can happen as a result

of a minor infection in the bladder

or lungs.

Thirst is not always the first

sign of dehydration. Symptoms

most common for infants or

young children are: dry mouth and

tongue, no tears when crying, no

wet diapers for three hours, sunken

eyes, cheeks, sunken soft spot on

top of skull or listlessness or irritability. With adults

the symptoms may be somewhat different. They can

include: extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark-

colored urine, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. For

the following conditions such as, disorientation or

confusion, diarrhea longer than 24 hours, inability to

keep fluids down or if you have black tarry stools,

then it is time to call the doctor.

So why is water important? “Water is your body's

principal chemical component and makes up about

60 percent of your body weight. Your body depends

on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in

your body needs water to work properly. For

example, water: Gets rid of wastes through urination,

perspiration and bowel movements, keeps your

temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints

and protects sensitive tissues.”

Knowing this, then what is the amount of liquid

intake required daily for optimal functioning? A

general rule of thumb by health authorities is eight,

eight ounces of liquid daily. If you desire, you can

calculate your liquid intake requirement by weight:

Weight x 0.66 = Ounces Required.

If you have any further questions or suggestions for

any future topics, please email me at

wendywarnerrn@gmail.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

1st Annual Senior Expo

When: Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Place: Sanibel Community House

2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel FL 33957

Grief Support Please call Hope Hospice at 239-482-4673 or toll-

free (800) 835-1673 to speak with a counselor before

attending your first group. One on one counseling is

also available.

Fort Myers: 9470 Healthpark Circle, Ft Myers, FL

33908

Mornings, Every Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Evenings, Ever Tuesday, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

*Holiday Schedule Update: Tuesday Group will

meet on Monday, Dec 23 in lieu of Dec 24 and on

Monday, Dec 30 in lieu of Dec 31.

Outreach Ministry

9

Outreach Ministry Update The Outreach Ministry began meeting in September

with new enthusiasm for projects locally and

globally. Thanks to our parishioners, we have agreed

to provide 100 pies for the Thanksgiving baskets

given by FISH to deserving families in the area.

FISH has invited St. Michaels' parishioners to a tour

of their facility and to learn about their services. This

will be on December 6th, at 9:00 a.m. Please RSVP

to Nancy Garfield at 860-309-1063 or ngarfield

312@gmail.com.

The Angel Tree project, headed by our youth, will be

for the wishes and needs of the children of Pine

Manor. Look for the tree in the Parish Hall with

instructions on how you can participate.

Monthly, we have been trying to focus on

information shared by guests and members. So far,

we have heard from the Immokalee Fair Housing

Alliance and the impending team who will be hosted

by Common Hope, in Guatemala.

~ Cindy Brown, Outreach Chairman

Invitation to the Parishioners

of

St. Michael & All Angels

Church and Friends Because of the interest expressed by our friends at St.

Michael’s and our own love for the people of

Guatemala and the Common Hope Project in

Guatemala, we are going to organize a Vision Team

to the Common Hope Project and are inviting you to

join us. Trip to occur sometime preceding or

following Easter. (Easter is April 12, 2020.)

If you have any questions or would like to commit at

this time, please email us at: gtsherer@aol.com.

There is room for 14 and we have commitments for

five.

In Peace,

Greg & Linda Scherer

Couples & Singles

Mix and Mingle The reincarnation of Suppers for Six

Would you like to get to know other members of the

congregation in a small group fun setting? Meet for

meals or happy hour on several occasions this

spring?

Join Mix & Mingle by returning this form to the

church office or committee chairs NO LATER

THAN January 15th.

Time: ___I/we would prefer Happy Hour Appetizer

Format 4-6 PM

___I/we would prefer Dinner Format

___Either Happy Hour or Dinner is fine

Format: ___Meeting in either restaurant or homes is

fine

___ I/we would prefer meeting in

Restaurants: Participants take turns

choosing restaurant and make

reservations for group.

___ I/we would prefer meeting /hosting in

homes. Participants take turns hosting.

Dinner: Host provides drinks and main course.

Others rotate bringing appetizer, vegetable,

starch or dessert.

Appetizer: Host provides drinks and appetizer.

Others rotate bringing appetizer.

I/We can comfortably host ___3-6 or ___4-7 other

parishioners in my/our home.

Name(s) ___________________________________

Phone_____________________________________

Address ___________________________________

__________________________________________

Email_____________________________________

Accessibility: My home has stairs: Y N

I have difficulty climbing stairs: Y N

If seasonal, date when you head north___________

Questions? Contact chair: Sue Scheiwe at 313-613-

2566 or scheiwegp@gmail.com

10

Prayer List Please Remember in Your Prayers

If you would like your family member(s), friend(s)

or yourself to be on the list, please send or call names

to Susan in the Church Office at 239-472-2173 or

parishsecretary@saintmichaels-sanibel.org

Parishioners:

Judy Workman Daphne Mason

Susie Wilson Jack Rushworth

Carol Daniels Barbara Maruchi

Boyd Johnson Polly Pinney

John Bordieri Wes Rooker

Paula Traxler Jan Holly

Peg Jensen Brenda Demaree

Mel Deming Cathy Suthard

George Craig Don Van Alstyne

Jean Chapman-Castle Peggie Dodd

Susan Gonzalez

Family of Parishioners:

Jake Pryor Wendy White

Josh Huff Emily

James Platt Megan Ramsey

Shane Hassett Kenneth

Twyala Poole Smith Christina Dillon Cohen

Lucy Brooks Carol Welsh

Walter Therese Stripling

Chris Susan

Emma Kim

Amy Sue Lund Michael Wood

Sherrie Marilyn

Nickie Bob

Trevor Andrew

Friends of Parishioners:

Angie Barouse Doug Boyce

Jackie Rogers Diane

A Note of Thanks Dear Rev. Sloan and St. Michael’s,

Thank you and everyone at St. Michael and All

Angels for your generous donation to Episcopal

Relief and Development’s Hurricane Relief

Fund. We could not do the work we do without

the support of Episcopalians and congregations,

and we are truly grateful.

Many thanks again, Josephine Hicks Episcopal Relief & Development

May They Rest in Peace Alwyn Johnson October 12, 2019

Nancy Beecher October 17, 2019

Bertha "Bea" Howard (Mother of Lynne Couser)

October 27, 2019

Bruce Sprinkle November 21, 2019

Russian “ChoRuss” Ensemble

a Great Success

What a great turn out we had on Friday, November

15th as “ChoRuss” entertained us with both sacred

Russian music and exquisite and playful folk songs

Thank you to Dmitry, Marina, Natalya and Alex

for their time with us, and thank you to everyone for

making them feel so welcomed.

11

God Most Particular (A collect responding to Luke 3:1-6)

God most particular,

descending from generalities

to show yourself in person, and speak to John the Baptizer in a particular time and place.

Make our love for you as particular and specific

as your love for us,

beginning here, beginning now, through the leveler of mountains

and the straightener of crooked ways,

Jesus Christ. Amen.

Caregiver Support Groups for Dementia/Alzheimer’s

Sanibel

1:30 p.m. - 4th Wednesday of each month

Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Fort Myers

10:00 a.m. - 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month

Saint Columbkille Catholic Church

Ministry Center Room 1

12175 Iona Road

10:00 a.m. - 3rd Wednesday of each month

Peace Lutheran Church

15840 McGregor Blvd

Respite available for group attendees, must

RSVP 437-2599

6:15 p.m. - 3rd Thursday of each month

The Alvin Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center

12468 Brantley Commons Court

Cancer Care-Giver Support Group –

Regional Cancer Center – Suite #302

8931 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers, 33905

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. - 2nd Thursday of every month

For more information, please contact Monica

Dunkley at 239-343-9500.

Christian Yoga

Classes: December 3 & 17, 2019

January 7 & 21, 2020

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Christian Yoga – as a gentle practice

and prayer for better health, will be

offered free of charge. The class will

convene in the St. Michael’s parish hall and will go

from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please bring a yoga or

sticky mat, a strap and refrain from eating an hour

and a half prior to class. All participants must be able

to get up and off the floor by themselves.

The first part of the class will be spent on breath

work. We will move to stretches and extensions on

the floor. We will then rise and work on balance and

standing poses. The last part of the class is our final

relaxation pose, meditation and prayer. Please come

join us.

If you have any questions; call Gari Lewis Certified

Yoga instructor: (239) 395-2403.

"...offer your body as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God

- this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

Men’s Fellowship

Join together in fellowship, discussion and prayer at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11th and January 8th & 22nd in the Parish

Hall. Light breakfast provided (7:15).

The men honored Alex Flesh with a special send off at his last meeting of the Men’s

Fellowship. Alex and Beryl Flesh will be missed by their St. Michael’s family.

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“NEWS FLASH”

Men’s Retreat

February 12 & 13, 2020 Men of St. Michael’s! We are fortunate to have as

our 2020 retreat leader, Brian McLaren an

internationally known pastor, author, speaker, and

networker among innovative Christian leaders,

thinkers and activists. He is a frequent guest on

television, radio and news media programs and has

appeared on many broadcasts including Larry King

Live, Religion and Ethics Newsweekly and

Nightline. His work has also been covered in Time

(where he was listed as one of America’s 25 most

influential evangelicals) Christianity Today,

Christian Century, and many other print media. (For

further information visit his website or view a

YouTube of some of his presentations)

The retreat is held at the beautiful, “Old Florida”

DaySpring Episcopal Retreat Center in Parrish, FL.

about 2 hours north of Sanibel. The program will

include presentations Wednesday afternoon and

Thursday morning with breakout sessions allowing

time for discussion and sharing. There will be light

refreshments before supper followed by Evening

Prayer in the charming St. Thomas Chapel. The

retreat ends Thursday at noon with Eucharist in the

outdoor chapel overlooking the Manatee River.

The cost of the retreat including all meals for a

private room with bath is $160. The cost of a private

room with shared bathroom down the hall is $115.

Checks should be made out to St. Michael’s and All

Angels Episcopal Church with the memo line

marked Men’s Retreat.

We expect this to be a well-attended event and rooms

are limited so don’t wait on your reservations. Your

check will serve as your reservation.

If you have questions or need more information

please contact Tom Addison (239) 472-4882;

addison703@gmail.com.

Advent Wreath Making December 1 On the First Sunday of Advent parishioners

of all ages worked together to create Advent wreaths. Prayers and suggested rituals for lighting the wreath at home each night (or

each week) throughout Advent were handed out. This age-old spiritual tradition of acknowledging the light of Christ during

this season of preparation - through the symbol of the Advent Wreath - keeps

touching more and more people each year. Special thanks to Sylvia Heider for planning, organization and clean-up

this wonderful event took.

13

2020 Shared Scholar Lecture and Seminar to Feature

Mary Evelyn Tucker January 26th & 27th

The Interfaith Shared Scholar Committee is pleased to announce that the 2020 Shared Scholar will be Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker who is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University where she has appointments in the School of

Forestry and Environmental Studies as well as the Divinity School and Department of Religious Studies. She teaches in the joint MA program in religion and ecology and directs the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale with her husband, John Grim.

Dr. Tucker received her Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1985, with a special area of study in Asian religions. Her concern for the growing environmental crisis led her to organize a series of ten conferences with Grim on World Religions and Ecology at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard University. She and Grim went on to found the Forum on Religion and Ecology with a culminating conference at the United Nations in 1998. She is considered to be among the most important leaders globally who work at the intersection of religion and sustainability.

Her presentation, which will focus on the interface between environmental concerns and spirituality, will take place on Sunday, January 26 at 4:00 PM at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ. A seminar with Dr. Tucker is also scheduled for Monday, January 27, at the same location from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. A reception will follow Sunday’s program and a light lunch will be served on Monday.

A special thanks to Peter Blaze Corcoran who recommended Dr. Tucker for consideration to the Shared Scholar Committee which is made up of representatives from five congregations on the islands: Bat Yam Temple, Captiva Chapel-by-the-Sea, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel Christian Science Church and Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ. Support for the series is provided by participating congregations, a grant from the Leo Rosner Foundation and free-will donations made by attendees.

The public is welcome and invited to attend both programs.

Shared Scholar Book Study In preparation for this year’s Shared Scholar

presentation by Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker, the

Friday Book Study Group will be discussing one of

her many books entitled Journey of the Universe and

a film by the same titled. Anyone who is interested

in delving into the interesting relationship between

religion and ecology is invited to attend.

The meeting dates are Friday, January 3, 10, 17, and

24, from 10:00-11:30, in the St. Michael & All

Angels Library. Books can be picked up in advance

beginning in December at the Sanibel

Congregational Church office.

Blessing of the Animals

October 5, 2019

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

If you have not already done so, please consider

sharing your birthday and/or anniversary with us.

December Birthdays

2nd Janet Davis 15th Anna Kjoller

4th Marilyn Lewis 16th Rookie Bradley

7th Betsy Barbour 17th Nancy Bacon

Violet Dhimos George Craig

Bob Fuchs 20th Roger Heider

William Thorndike 24th Carol Daniels

8th Judy Moorhouse Lynn Mallory

9th Nancy Johnson 25th Paulette Robison

10th James Davis 27th Doug Lind

Bill Eagleson Patty Sprankle

13th Yuan Bonhayag 29th Neil Smith

14th June Ingraham

Debbie Larson

Anniversaries 2nd Betsy and Jerry McCullough

11th Marjorie and Will Smith

15th Laurie and Rob Kjoller

17th Jackie and John Coleman

20th Betsy and Jack Winters

23rd Mollie and Parke Avery

Deborah and Bill Larson

27th Ellen and John Bordieri

28th Sue and Mike Fuller

29th Joan and Ronn Downey

Welcome Back!! As you start settling back in,

don’t forget to let Susan in the

Church Office know of your

return. Call, e-mail or just stop

in and say “Hi.” We are always

happy to see you.

January Birthdays

2nd Lee Almas 19th Ed Hemmelgarn

Walt Couser 20th Wanda Adler

Suzanne Kopas Martha Eustis

3rd Margi Shilay Susie Scutakes

Christine Steege Lee Wilson

6th Nancy Cleaveland 21st Sheelagh Clarke

Charlie Emerson Debby Foster

Mary Jane Rawlins 22nd Ann Stephens

Barbara Stewart Joan Wyon

8th Penny Chrysler 23rd Bill Rahe

Judy Dirks 24th Liz Coffey

Barbara McDonald 25th Jerry Jones

10th Mollie Avery 26th Mark Lorenger

Dennis Delman Taylor Peach

Brenda Demaree 27th Claire Anderson

12th Roger Foote Melissa Talmage

13th Valerie Cleaver 28th Joyce Crawley

Margaret Duncan Bruce Duncan

15th Marnekia Bradley Robyn Koerselman

16th Mary Nelson 29th Corky Boyd

17th Alan Gast 31st Joe Ruth

Jean Stanton

18th Nancy Paul

Anniversaries 8th Judy and Wes Dirks

16th Jacquelyn and Tom Wash

20th Ann and John Stephens

25th Karen and Brad Rahn

26th Linda and Ralph Korn

30th Pat and Don Van Alstyne

31st Connie and Tom Edgar

Watch weekend sermons or events on-line,

live or recorded. Visit our website at

www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org, scroll

down and click on the Livestream box in the

sidebar, select the service or event you’d like

to watch.

15

Recap of Celebration Party

And a good time was had by all. The

Celebration Party to honor Ellen and Ralph on Wednesday, November 13 was

very well attended

and reflected the appreciation of our

congregation as well as the civic and clerical community

of Sanibel. We talked, we ate, we danced and more.

During the evening, Roger Heider presented Ellen with “the purse” to which

so many parishioners contributed. Ralph was also honored with a special gift. Then, Ellen was given a video picture screen and

a “thumb-drive” of the pictures that Susie Wilson put together which were also shown

on a big screen during the party. Finally, Ellen was presented with two beautiful and very full albums of the letters that everyone

sent in. Many thanks to all who attended, special thanks to all who volunteered and helped. Lee Almas and Betsey Kane

would also like to extend our deep thanks to all the committee members who planned

the event.

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Dates to Remember December 2019 & January 2020

Sunday School Every Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Fort Myers Food Pantry Every Monday 9:30a or 4:30p Cypress Lk Presby. Ch

Search Committee Meeting Every Monday 11:00 a.m. Thomas Madden Rm

Morning Prayer Every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel

Prayer Shawl/Quilt Ministry Every Tuesday 12:30 p.m. Library

Men’s Fellowship Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7:30 a.m. Parish Hall

Holy Eucharist Every Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Angel Chapel

Prayer and Potluck (1st Wednesday) Dec. 4th and Jan. 1st 6:00 p.m. Church / Parish Hall

Taizé Service (3rd Wednesdays) Dec. 18th and Jan. 15th 6:00 p.m. Angel Chapel

Bible Study with Alan Every Thursday 11:00 a.m. Library

Choir Rehearsal Every Friday (Oct.-May) 1:30 p.m. Music Room

Friday Book Group Every Friday 10:00 a.m. Library

Advent Series with Debby Topliff Sun. December 1 / 8 9:30-10:15 a.m. Parish Hall

ECW Board Meeting Mon. December 2 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Christian Yoga Tues. December 3 / 17 3:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Interest Meeting for Guatemala Trip Tues. December 3 6:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Everyday Café Wed. December 4 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Community Cooperative

St. Michael’s Grants Committee Wed. December 4 1:30 p.m. Thomas Madden Room

Stewardship Signing Night Wed. December 4 3:00 p.m. Library

Lessons & Carols and Potluck Supper Wed. December 4 6:00 p.m. Church / Parish Hall

Sanibel’s Luminary Holiday Stroll Fri. December 6 Dusk

BIG Arts Brass Ensemble “Carol Sing” Sun. December 8 6:00 p.m. Church

ECW Luncheon Program Mon. December 9 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Pastoral Care Ministry Wed. December 11 10:00 a.m. Thomas Madden Rm

Website Ministry Meeting Wed. December 11 11:30 a.m. Library

Outreach Ministry Thurs. December 12 1:30 p.m. Thomas Madden Room

Vestry Christmas Gathering Fri. December 13 4:30 p.m. Home of the Heiders

Advent Series with Debby Topliff Sun. December 15 / 22 9:30-10:15 a.m. Parish Hall

Caroling at The Pavilion at Shell Point Tues. December 17 1:20 p.m. Meet in Pavilion lobby

Youth Group Wed. December 18 6:00 p.m. Citrola’s (on McGregor)

Vestry Meeting Thur. December 19 1:00 p.m. Thomas Madden Room

Healing Ministry Fri. December 20 12:30 p.m. Angel Chapel

Christmas Eve Services Tues. December 24 5 & 8 p.m. Church

Christmas Day Service Wed. December 25 10:00 a.m. Church

Church Office Closed – Wednesday & Thursday, December 25-26, 2019 and Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Piano Recital by Qilin Sun Fri. December 27 7:00p.m. Church

ECW Board Meeting Mon. January 6 1:00 p.m. Vestry Room

Christian Yoga Tues. January 7 / 21 3:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Pastoral Care Ministry Wed. January 8 10:00 a.m. Thomas Madden Rm

Website Ministry Meeting Wed. January 8 11:30 a.m. Library

Outreach Ministry Thurs. January 9 1:30 p.m. Thomas Madden Rm

ECW Luncheon Program Mon. January 13 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Youth Group Wed. January 15 6:00 p.m. Bimini Bait Shack

Flower & Altar Guild Luncheon Thurs. January 16 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall

Vestry Meeting Thurs. January 16 1:00 p.m. Thomas Madden Room

Healing Ministry Fri. January 17 11:00 a.m. Angel Chapel

5th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration Mon. January 20 6:00 p.m. Church

Senior Expo Wed. January 22 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sanibel Community House

CPR/AED Class (please RSVP) Thurs. January 23 12:00 p.m. Parish Hall

2020 Shared Scholar Lecture Sun. January 26 4:00 p.m. Sanibel Congreg. UCC

2020 Shared Scholar Seminar Mon. January 27 9:00 a.m. Sanibel Congreg. UCC

17

The Vestry, Clergy and Staff

of St. Michael & All Angels

would like to wish you and

your family a

Blessed Christmas and a

New Year filled with Love and Peace!

18

«LABEL»

SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2304 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel Island, Florida 33957

[239] 472-2173 or [239] 472-9289 Fax: [239] 395-1670

www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org

The Rev. Alan Kelmereit, Priest-in-Charge alanhk@comcast.net

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Worship & Fellowship Saturday at 5:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II, followed by Reception

Sunday at 8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I, followed by Coffee Hour

Sunday at 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II, followed by Coffee Hour*

(*With Sunday Shuttle pickup at Woodlands and then at SPV Island)

Tuesday 9 a.m. Morning Prayer

Wednesday 9 a.m. Eucharist with Healing Prayer

Prayer and Potluck – Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. – December 4th and January 1st

Taizé Service at 6:00 p.m. – December 18th and January 15th

---------------------- Christmas Services ---------------------- Tuesday, December 24th at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 25th at 10:00 a.m.

------------------------ Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop ------------------------ Monday-Friday and first Saturday • 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Questions? Call the Ark at 239-472-3356

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Fort Myers, FL

Permit No. 5761