ANNOUNCEMENTS

from St. Raphael's

February 11, 2024

Join Us This Sunday, February 11

Weekly Holy Eucharist Worship

10:00 am at

5601 Williams Drive

All are invited - All are welcome!

Ash Wednesday

The holy season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. We will be holding 0ur traditional Ash Wednesday Service at 12 noon in the tent at 5601 Williams Drive. However, to offer the ashes to those who cannot attend the service, the church is providing a different way to mark the holy day and receive ashes. St. Raphael’s will be offering drive-through blessings and Ashes-To-Go from 1:00 to 2:00 at the TriPower Realty Office at 2500 Estero (across from Diamondhead). Rev. Michael Rowe, will be imposing ashes on anyone who comes by foot, bike, or car.

“Ashes to Go” is a popular movement dedicated to bringing the spirit of God out from the church and into the community. It is a simple event that draws on centuries of tradition. “Ashes to Go” is aimed at helping people who cannot make it to the traditional Ash Wednesday service to participate in the central act of this day—receiving ashes and prayer. Ash Wednesday is intended to be a day of reflection and repentance. St. Raphael’s hopes that “Ashes to Go” can make this day more accessible for residents of the island.  

Records Update

We are updating our records. We have lost much in the storm and need to update our mailing lists and plan our budget for 2024. Please take a few minutes and complete this short survey. Thanks

Short Survey

Blessing of the Fleet Historical Trivia

In 1958, Pete McCagg spear headed an effort to separate the Blessing and other beach activities from the Pagaent of Light. The Lion’s Club planned to sponsor its own festival the first weekend in March. The event would include rides, games, contests, and the Blessing of the Fleet. In 1959, the Lions Club once again sponsored the Island Shrimp Festival adding a parade to the agenda.

In 1960 the Shrimp Festival was a week long event featuring a fishing tournament, a band concert, shuffleboard tournament, sailboat races, water ski races around the island, crowning of a junior king and queen and the crowning of a new shrimp queen. The blessing was scheduled during the last day of the festival.

1962 was 8^th year St. Raphael’s made and sold shrimp rolls. The parishioners boiled 300 lb of shrimp that were made into a shrimp salad and put on a bun to sell at the Blessing.

This year, St. Raphael's will once again be involved in the Blessing of the Fleet to be held on Sunday, March 10 at the Erickson and Jensen Shrimp Docks. We will hold our regular church service at 10 AM followed by a short service of prayers, readings, and songs. After that, Rev. Michael Rowe will walk along the docks and individually bless all of the boats that are in port.

Shrove Tuesday Pre-Sunset Get Together

Stewardship letters to be sent out soon.

Father Michael has written a stewardship letter that we will be sending out through the US mail soon. As we plan the budget for 2024,it is very important that we know how much income we can expect. A pledge card will be included in the mailing along with an envelope to return the card to us. We will also be sending out the same information via email after the mailing.

Music Returning to St. Raphael's

We were delighted to welcome Kathleen Pignato as our director of music last Sunday. Kathleen brings a lifetime of experience in church music, both playing organ and piano as well as directing singers and other musicians. She brought Charles White with her who led our singing. Kathleen will be with us most Sundays. Make sure she feels welcomed.

Sunday Service is Available Now on Facebook

We will be streaming our Sunday Services. This week's service can be found by clicking on the link below. We hope to have the services back on our Facebook page soon.

Click here for service.

Praying with St. Raphael's

Keep them in your prayers...

If you have someone to add to the weekly prayer list, email Kathy Leson at Kathleenleson@gmail.com

Gracious God, Through your grace guide us, the people of St. Raphael's, to joyfully carry out our mission of growing faith in your son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may develop a living faith and strengthens our awareness of the needs of others.  May we work in peace and harmony with each other in all we undertake, in the days and weeks ahead. And may we be a transforming light within our parish and in the community of Fort Myers Beach. We ask these things in the name of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  AMEN

February Schedule



February 4--Reader-Ross; Chalice--Judy

February 11-Reader and Chalice--John

February 18-Reader and Chalice--Mary Ann

February 25-Reader and Chalice--Kathy

February 14--Reader and Chalice--Ellie

PERMITS ARE APPROVED

We have the permits we need to start rebuilding the Parish Hall and the Rectory. Ross says that the contractor is telling him that they plan to begin work on Monday.

St. Raphael's Episcopal Church



our mission

Healing, Hope & Hospitality

on Ft. Myers Beach

THANK YOU! 

for your continuing financial contributions to St. Raphael's.



Your financial pledges and donations keep our ministries vital

and enable us to rebuild for the future.

St. Raphael's Episcopal Church

5601 Williams Drive, Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931

Priest's Cell phone (239) 980-0912

www.straphaelschurch.org