St. Raphael’s hosts shrimp dinner
St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church will host its final shrimp dinner of the season Saturday, April 25. Food preparation begins at 3:30; doors open at 5; and serving stops at 7 p.m.
“Our supportive seasonal visitors have added to our church life and now we would especially like to invite the local islanders to come to this dinner,” said St. Rapheal’s parishioner Cris Zack.
“We understand that during the high tourist season, so many locals are busy with their vocations and it is also more difficult to get around with the increase in traffic during that time,” said Vestry member Hazel Anlauf.
The added “perk” of free dinners for children 12 and under makes this attractive for families. Adult cost is $15.
Try our freshly boiled shrimp, secret recipe baked beans, coleslaw, and the most wonderful cornbread you have ever had! Ice cream sundaes, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, wine, and beer round out the meal. All food is freshly homemade, down to the hand-mixed cocktail sauce.
The serving members with their “Have you hugged an Episcopalian today?” aprons enjoy the camaraderie with fellow workers and the dinner guests alike. For those who are interested, a tour of the historic church is offered about 6:15.
You have heard the story of the “Little Engine that Could” and also understand the wisdom of the saying “great things come in small packages.” Both apply to historic St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church at 5601 Williams Drive.
St. Raphael’s -the smallest of the Fort Myers Beach churches and the only church with an historic designation – was built in 1953 by islanders who demonstrated their faith with hands-on construction of their church.
This strong commitment to the church and the community has continued.
St. Raphael’s may be small, but it has an active membership.
“We are few, but we work and care as many,” said Zack.
In the last year, those members have fed 750 at their shrimp dinners, made 600 shrimp rolls for the Blessing of the Fleet, sponsored the Bishop’s Blessing of the shrimp fleet, held weekly Taize ecumenical healing services as well as volunteering for the necessary duties needed for 9 a.m. Sunday church services and Sunday School.
St. Raphael’s was the site of the 2008 Beach Ministerial Thanksgiving Service and offers an out-reach vacation and “R n’ R” facility for Episcopal clergy. Members participate in the outreach program at the Immokalee soup kitchen and God’s Table at the Chapel-by-the-Sea. St Raphael’s is visible in many other local charities through financial and service contributions.
We invite you to hop aboard and join us for our personal small church experience. We think we can, we think we can, we know we can and we know you can, too!