Pastor's Pen
July 2010
Here we are moving into the month of July already and news abounds.
Elsewhere in this issue you will find two sets of photographs. One set is from the Brightest Horizons graduation that was recently held here at Iona-Hope. I was very pleased that we were able to host this event. Brightest Horizons had twenty-four graduates from their VPK classes. These youngsters are now very well prepared for the next step. They will start at Heights Elementary in August. They have graduated with the skills that will carry them well into the kindergarten school year at Heights. Wanda and I have both been members of the board for a number of years. I was not on the board this past year because of a six-year limit. However, I have agreed to return this year (July 1st) to serve as President of the board for one year. We are both delighted to have this opportunity to serve our community. Several of our members volunteer at Brightest and another member, Melida Escobar is part of the staff.
The second set of photos is another story. William Wing is an engineer who worships with us when he is in town. One of his more recent projects was as a project engineer on the entire Sanibel Causeway. You may recall that one of the crane operators died as a result of an accident during the construction. He was truly a hero and I encourage you to ask Will to tell you the story. At any rate Will and I went under the bridge to visit the monument that has been placed there in remembrance of Kent Crapell. I asked God to bless the monument and to continue to be with Kent’s family. A friendly tourist took the photo of Will and me that you see printed in the newsletter. Please note the “Cathedral Effect” formed by the piers that hold up the roadway. It is truly a fitting place for this monument to be located.
During the month of July we will be partnering with The Heights Foundation and other congregations in supporting “Undie Sunday.” There is information in the weekly bulletin and available in the office. What we are trying to do is provide backpacks with school supplies and underwear and socks for youngsters from the Heights. Please bring as many items in all kid’s sizes as you would like. For those of you who are away you may wish to send a check to participate. Please mail a check made payable to Iona-Hope and then mark Undie Sunday on the memo line.
We have been very fortunate in recent years but it is important for us to appreciate the fact that we are now in Hurricane Season. Please be as prepared as you can possibly be in the event that one heads our way. Also, please let the church office know when you are leaving the area. We do our very best to keep track of everyone.
Wanda and I are taking some vacation time and we will be gone the first two weeks of July. Once again we are taking our grandsons with us (now 14 1/2) to northern Wisconsin. We look forward to a great time and also look forward to returning to Fort Myers to be with you.
Peace,
John
