The Ecumenical Service for Christian Unity was held, at St. Raphael's on Sunday January 22, 2012  The service of Evening Prayer was led by Father Don Nicholson, with the aid of several other members of the clergy from other Fort Myers Beach churches.  The service was well attended. After the service, participants and guests enjoyed refreshments.  All attendees seemed to be enjoying the evening.

Historic St. Raphael's next "All-You-Can-Eat" shrimp dinner will be  on Saturday February 4, 2012  Dinners will be held the 1st Saturday of every month through March 2012.  The April dinner, however, will be held on the 2nd Saturday of the month, due to Easter.  This popular dinner includes all you can eat boiled fresh gulf shrimp, home made coleslaw, baked beans, corn bread, drinks and dessert for only $18.00 per person.  The monthly shrimp dinners are a major fund raiser for the parish and are held from October through April each year.

Service Clubs to be honored at Historic St. Raphael's Shrimp Dinners!

As part of the 60th anniversary St Raphael's is going to be honoring local organizations who have supported the church, and  use the parish hall as a meeting place.  The current schedule includes:
January, 2012 :  Kiwanis Club
February, 2012: Lions Club
March, 2012:       Historical Society

The finance committee presented the result of their work to develop the 2012 budget.  Much discussion centered around the upcoming expenses such as the church's $8,800 apportion responsibility to the diocese, the priest's salary, and the need for additional help in conducting the necessary financial, and book keeping activities.  Because the stewardship campaign is not yet completed, there is not enough information about potential revenue to allow finalization of the new budget .

  Giving letters, and pledge forms were distributed on January 22.  If you did not receive your letter, please contact the church.    The council has asked that the  letters of commitment be returned by January 29, 2012,  It is necessary to have all information relative to church income to be able to complete the budget process.  As previously reported, the,  church has remained financially stable, but will need to increase revenue to foster significant growth in 2012.  Contributions for the many grounds and facilites repair and maintenance,  were essential to the financial success of 2011, and the church is facing some sigificant deficit in 2012.  Please consider these challenges when submitting your pledge for 2012.  Thank you for your continued generosity.

To allow for  adequate preparation of the working budgt, the annual parish meeting has been moved to Sunday February 12, 2012.  Plan to attend so that you will have an opportunity to hear about both the challenges and opportunities for St. Raphael's in 2012.  Attendees, once again,  will be treated to a luncheon of  delicious "Stone Soup"

We do not have valid e-mail address for all members and friends. If you know  someone who should receive this newsletter please forward it on to them or send Phil their  address.