|
Reflection
After the last couple months, Morning Prayer is a far more familiar service than it was before. It is a service that was once the principal service in Episcopal Churches but has been mostly set aside as Holy Eucharist became the norm. My first real introduction to Morning Prayer came during three years in seminary. Everyone who was on campus during the day gathered in the chapel for Morning Prayer on four days of the week. The remaining day, Wednesday, was the day we celebrated Holy Eucharist together.
Over the course of those three years I learned to love Morning Prayer, and to look forward to that time of peace and prayer at the beginning of each day. On the rare occasions that I wasn’t able to be there, the day just never seemed complete.
Both Morning and Evening Prayer are designed for use in a communal setting as the instructions in the prayerbook make clear. And it is appropriate for both services to be led by a lay person as well as a clergy person. Both liturgies can be used in a home setting as well as in the church. There are also shorter Orders of Worship for noon and evening as well as Compline which can be used in a home setting.
Other helpful material is also included in the front of the prayerbook. In particular, there are Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families, short liturgies for morning, noon, Early evening and the close of the day. As the title states, these liturgies are intended to be used in a home setting, either a part of a personal or family devotional time, or as prayer before or after a meal.
At a time like this, with common worship not available, these resources can become a helpful, even necessary, part of our faith and our spiritual life. I recommend checking them out.
Blessings,
Alan+
|
|
|
Sunday Morning at 10:30
On Sunday, Holy Eucharist (Rite II) begins at 10:30 a.m. Remember, if you are not able to view the service when it is live, it remains on the St. Michael’s Livestream link and website to be viewed at other times. The Sunday service will continue at 10:30 a.m. until we are able to have in-person services again.
A copy of the service bulletin is attached to this email (red button below) and will be current each week. You can follow online or print out the bulletin. Either way, I encourage you to not only follow along, but participate as well. You can read the congregational responses and prayers aloud; and sing along with the music. It may feel a little strange at first, but you will quickly become used to it, and you will know that you are worshiping together with many others of our St. Michael’s online congregation.
Also attached to this email is the link (blue button below) to watch the service via Livestream...live or recorded. If you sign on early...wait for the service to begin. You'll see the timer counting down. DO NOT press the "Go Live" button at the top.
|
|
|
|
|
Parke Avery (6/13)
Ralph Clark (6/16)
Joan Downey (6/20)
Martha Ponader (6/20)
|
|
|
Jackie & Harry Banker (6/13)
Sara & Bob Berendt (6/15)
Mary & Bill Boswell (6/15)
Linda & Rich Green (6/16)
Paul Carling & Cherise Rowan (6/17)
Marilee & Mike Wood (6/17)
|
|
|
|
Barry Gordon • Ralph Sloan • Judy Workman
Betty Cater • Martha Vaules • Susan Elam
Roz Burroughs • Ed Pereles • Pat Van Alstyne
Kristen Beltz • John Bordieri
Polly Pinney • Paula Traxler • Wes Rooker
Brenda Demaree • George Craig • Jim & Pat King
Jan Pearson-Graham • Margi Shilay • Claudia Johnson
Joan Downey • Mary Lou Flynn • Gretchen Van Walterop
|
|
Prayer for New Rector Search
God of patient and gentle strength, who knows our needs before we ask, may your loving presence guide us as we seek the next rector for St. Michael and All Angels. Give us an open spirit, discerning hearts and clear minds, that we may trust your will for us and become ever more united in your son our Savior, Jesus Christ. Inspire our conversation, deepen our prayer, and make us a community of humility and grace. Raise up for us, we pray, a priest and pastor who will boldly proclaim your Gospel, faithfully administer your sacraments, and serve your people with love and compassion. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Social Gathering on Zoom
Effective June 10 there will no longer be a Social on Saturday nights. Sunday at 11:30 am will be our only Social. Please use this new link to join us on Sunday at 11:30 AM. Thanks everyone.
Hope to see you all this weekend. Have a great week and be safe.
~ Susie Wilson
New Meeting ID: 828 682 0627
Password: 535859
Please take a moment to read
|
|
|
|
Outreach Opportunity
Lee County's Guardian ad Litem Program
The State of Florida has a powerful program designed to protect abused and neglected children. If persons witness child abuse in Florida they are required to report it to the Department of Children and Families (DCF Hotline: 800-962-2873). Within 24 hours a state investigator will enter the child’s home to evaluate whether the child is at risk. If the home is judged to be unsafe the investigator will remove the child from the home and place the child with an appropriate relative, foster home or shelter.
A hearing must be held with a judge within 24 hours to determine whether the action taken was appropriate and, if so, to decide how the case should be managed moving forward. Case Managers are appointed by DCF and Case Plans defined for the parent(s) which detail what the parents must do to return the child to their home. These may include drug testing, anger management, employment, and home quality depending on which issues led to the child’s removal. Public attorneys are appointed to represent the parents and a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is identified to advocate for the child in court proceedings.
The GAL is appointed by a judge to represent the child’s best interests and focus exclusively on meeting the child’s needs while out-of-home. The goal of the program is to have the child in a safe, permanent home within one year. Last November Ellie and I attended a joyous celebration at Lee County Courthouse where 24 children from the program were legally adopted by their new parents. Love flowed through this multicultural gathering!
I have been a GAL for six years and have enjoyed working with these children. Currently there are 1201 children in Lee County under court supervision but only half have the benefit of a court appointed GAL advocate. Following a training program, a new GAL volunteer selects a child to work with and becomes deeply immersed with his or her care. Regular visits, ensuring he or she gets all the support services needed, and advocating for the child at all judicial hearings are all part of the volunteer’s role.
Does this sound like a fascinating challenge for you? If so, do consider volunteering. The need is great. I would be pleased to chat with those interested or you may get information at: Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Application
Thanks, John Harries
Outreach Ministry Team
|
|
|
|
Just a Click Away
Looking for
Art,
Cultural,
Exercise
and Fun
to help pass the time and enjoy yourself,
then just click the link below.
Lots of options that will be updated as time goes on.
If you need assistance with ordering and delivery of groceries on-line or need help from F.I.S.H. then click the link below and scroll through the options. Don’t forget that many of your favorite restaurants are doing delivery too.
http://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/covid19response
|
|
|
Thursday Bible Study
Every Thursday 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. our weekly Bible Study meets via ZOOM. We are currently working our way through the Gospel of John.
If you need assistance logging in, please call Susan at the Church Office.
|
|
|
|
|
