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REFLECTION
The New Testament reading for today tells the story of Paul’s visit, with his companions, to Cyprus, and then on to Pisidian Antioch in what is now west central Turkey. They followed their custom of going to the local synagogue on the Sabbath. “After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of exhortation for the people, speak it." So Paul stood up, gestured with his hand and said, "Men of Israel, and you Gentiles who fear God, listen….””
It’s interesting to know that there were Gentile God-fearers in the synagogue, but aside from that I was reminded of the confusion I’ve heard over the years, from believers and non-believers alike, about what it actually means to fear God. The dictionaries we have define “fear” as being afraid of something or someone who will do us great harm, and that is the common way we understand and use the word “fear.” Merriam-Webster does include a line about holding God in awe, but it’s third or fourth down the list of definitions. When Scripture speaks of fearing God, it most definitely is not speaking of being afraid of God. Quite the contrary in fact.
Let me illustrate with a story. I had fantastic parents when I was growing up. They loved me, cared for me, provided for me, and I never once was afraid of them. I understand that not everyone was as blessed, and that having a negative experience of parents can make it more difficult to understand the point I’m making here. As I said, I was never afraid of my parents, I loved them, but I did have a healthy fear of them. I knew that they had the responsibility to discipline me and occasionally to punish me for my misbehaviors (yes, that is plural), never with violence. That is an important part of helping children to grow up with an understanding of personal responsibility.
As for fearing God, he is our creator and he loves every single person, Scripture is clear about that. But like children, we sometimes obey his good commands, and sometimes ignore them to do what is evil. Just as with earthly parents, our behavior has consequences. The greatest difference is that, with God, the consequences are in perfect alignment with our misbehaviors. His justice and mercy are perfect. And while I was occasionally, rarely, successful hiding things from my parents, there is no possibility of that with God. Part of fearing God is also the recognition that everything he does for us, with us, and even to us, is for our good and the good of his creation.
Webster’s third definition of fear is, “profound reverence and awe especially toward God.” It pretty well describes how we, in our humility, need to approach God in his majesty.
Blessings,
Alan+
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Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist ~ Rite II
A link (red button below) to this weekend's service bulletin is attached to this email. You can follow online or print out the bulletin. Either way, you are encouraged to not only follow along, but to participate as well.
Also attached to this email is the link (blue button below) to watch the service via Livestream...pre-recorded.
The Sunday service will continue at 10:30 a.m. until we are able to have in-person services again.
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Off Air Instructions
If you see an “Off Air” message on the main screen, in the upper right corner of the Livestream window there will be a box with a white triangle. Click the triangle and the service will begin.
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Susan Nichols (9/05)
Marisa Salatino (9/05)
Karen Searles (9/05)
Dick Allen (9/06)
Bob DeVore (9/06)
Carol Kreml (9/06)
Betty Cater (9/07)
Jan Hammond (9/07)
Ernie Hoen (9/08)
Sadie Lessinger (9/08)
Harriet Pattison (9/08)
Gary Scheiwe (9/08)
Sheila Hoen (9/09)
Blake Wood (9/09)
Lil Waterhouse (9/10)
Reta King (9/11)
Ralph Korn (9/12)
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Sue & David Kienzle (9/06)
Christine & John Jackson (9/07)
Elise & Dick Allen (9/08)
Joyce & Victor Enns (9/10)
Gail & Phil Pilibosian (9/11)
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Alison Ward • Nancy Maupin • Carl Meier • Joan Downey
Jean Chapman-Castle • Paul Goddard • Stephen Brown • Marjorie Almas
Merrell Rushworth • Judy Workman • Barbara Heady • Susan Elam
Kristen Beltz • Martha & Wayne Ponader • John Bordieri • Ed Pereles
Polly Pinney • Paula Traxler • Jan Pearson-Graham • Brenda Demaree
George Craig • Jim & Pat King • Wes Rooker • Claudia & Jack Upper
Margi Shilay • Claudia Johnson • Gretchen Van Walterop • Mary Lou Flynn
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Thanksgiving for New Rector
God of patient and gentle strength, who knows our needs before we ask, you have brought us to this new day and to our new Rector. Bless and strengthen Fr. Bill and Sue Van Oss as they become a part of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. You have raised up for us a priest and pastor who will boldly proclaim your Gospel, faithfully administer your sacraments and serve your people with love and compassion. Strengthen us and guide us as together we work to serve you. Amen.
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Diapers and Baby Wipes Drive
August 28th - September 18th
“Healthy Start of SW FL” is a non-profit organization that supports Women and their Children up to age of 3 years. This organization has been helping Pantries and families for 25 years. They currently have a high demand and need for diapers, sizes 2,3,4 and 5 and for baby wipes.
The Drive will be from August 28th to September 18th. There will be a bin at the Church Office for donations. If you would rather donate money to the cause instead, please send check to St. Michael and All Angels and on the Memo line, write “Healthy Start.” This is tax deductible and Wanda will record it on your Tax Statement for St. Michael’s.
Questions? Contact Parish Nurse Wendy Warner at wendywarnerrn@gmail.com.
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Men's Fellowship
Our Priest-in-Charge Alan will present our program on Tuesday, September 8, at 8:30 a.m. PLEASE USE THE LINKS BELOW TO JOIN US AS WE SHOW OUR APPRECIATION TO ALAN. He and his team have done a terrific job for our parish during these past months of exceptional challenge and stress for so many.
All men of St. Michael's are invited. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, and have a good and safe weekend.
~ Lee Cooper, Facilitator
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All are welcome to join us for a Beloved Community Virtual Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, September 8th at 7 p.m. via Zoom. We will be hearing about the work being done in the diocese to learn about racism and how we are called in our baptismal vows to love and to strive for justice and peace as we respect the dignity of every human being. You will hear about programming already underway and opportunities for involvement, as well as hear from the Bishop as our leader in this movement.
To access the event, please use the following Zoom information to connect and share it with your community.
Until then, you are invited to continue to pray for God’s Church and God’s people, that we may truly be moved to learn and grow into the community that God intended from creation.
For more information contact phanks@spcathedral.com. |
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Sunday Social Gathering
on Zoom at 11:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 828 682 0627
Password: 535859
Please take a moment to read
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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
(From The Red Door Summer 2019 issue)
Summer is here and with it hurricane season. It’s time to review your hurricane plan if you haven't already. Know when, where, and how you are going to evacuate prior to a storm. Reach out to other parishioners and neighbors who may need your assistance in getting prepared for a storm.
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Learn to ZOOM
We are all excited about Bill and Sue Van Oss coming and Bill being our new Rector at St. Michael and All Angels.
Bill will be using the Zoom software to hold “Meet and Greet” meetings so he can see us and get to know all of us. In preparation for their arrival and these gatherings we thought it would be a great time to offer everyone a chance to learn Zoom or take a refresher course.
The next Zoom course will be offered:
September 11 at 11 AM (ET)
For anyone interested please email Susie Wilson directly at OISLW@aol.com so she can send you the invite directly. In the subject heading please state Zoom training and then state the date you want to participate.
In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please sign up and create your Zoom account and download the software. After that, you will learn the rest in the class.
Use the following link to learn more about ZOOM with printable instructions, Fr. Bill's message videos and introducing "Lawn Chair Visits" to connect with parishioners.
Looking forward to zooming with you all.
Susie Wilson & the Website Ministry team |
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2020 Parish Directory
The 2020 FACES and Contacts directory is finally ready. You have three ways of receiving:
1. Download in two PDF parts: FACES and Contacts
2. Request a copy by US mail contact Susan
3. Pick one up at the Church Office
If you have any changes or corrections please let Susan know.
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"Send a Card,
Deliver a Smile"
New Addresses
Peggie Dodd
2800 Pecan Drive
Wylie, TX 75098
Sally Lund
c/o Forest View
2301 Edinboro Road, Apt 10-B
Erie, PA 16509
Joan Downey
7669 Calistoble Loop
Fort Myers, FL 33907
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Thursday Bible Study
Every Thursday 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. our weekly Bible Study meets via ZOOM. We continue working our way through the Revelation to John (Chapter 21) this week.
If you need assistance logging in, please call Susan at the Church Office.
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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.
If you need assistance with ordering and delivery of groceries or need help from F.I.S.H. then click the link below and scroll through the options. Also, many of your favorite restaurants now deliver.
http://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/covid19response
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Have you prayed for your country and leaders today?
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