New church announces grant approval
St. Raphael’s by the Sea Anglican Church on Fort Myers Beach has been approved for a generous grant from Christ Church Anglicanof Phoenix, Arizona. This grantis usually given only toother parishes within Christ Church’slocal diocese, but afterreading about St. Raphael’s by the Sea’s story ontheir reasons for leaving the Episcopal Church an exception was made.
Frank Woods, Grant Committee Chair of Christ Church, stated, “We can well relate to your (St. Raphael’s by the Sea) issues and problems because we have been down the same path. We admire and have high regard for your ministry and are impressed with your drive, determination, courage, and your faith in God. We are all pulling for you to succeed. We would like to help you with that.”
The Rev. Alice Marcrum, Rector of St. Raphael’s by the Sea Anglican, informed the parishioners of this generous gift at this past Saturday evening’sworshipservice at the Beach Methodist Church, where the newly formed parish is currently holding services. This grant will allow St. Raphael’s by the Sea to have the confidence to rent the recently closed Beach Theatre on Fort Myers Beach where they can begin holding Sunday morning worship services.
Sunday morning worship services will begin at the Beach Theatre on Oct. 24th at10:00 a.m.
The Calendar of Saints Feast Days, Oct. 24,is alsothe Archangel St. Raphael’s Feast Day, which isa fittingday for the parishioners of St. Raphael’s by the Sea Anglican Church to celebrate having their own place of worship. St. Raphael’s by the Sea Rosary services will continue to be held at the San Damiano Monastery of Saint Clare on Fort Myers Beach on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to joinwith the parishioners of St. Raphaels by the Seain their spiritual journey to know Christ and to make Christ known.
For further information, please contact the Rev. Marcrum at 464-9823.