Power of connecting with God, others can transform

Loneliness is killing us. In a recent report from the U S s u r g e o n g e n e r a l , a panel of experts has sounded the alarm about an epidemic of loneliness, stating that it is as much a risk to o u r h e a l t h a s s m o k i n g After hearing this news, I wondered how this could be Connecting with others has never been easier, and y e t w e a r e l o n e l i e r t h a n ever

At the same time we are learning this, we know that r e s e a r c h e r s a t t h e P e w Research Center have been reporting for a long time on the decline in Americans' participation in faith comm u n i t y T h e y c a l l i t t h e r i s e o f t h e “nones:” people with no religious affiliation This is a large and fast-growing group, especially among younger people. More and more people are not connected to a church, synagogue, mosque or other organized faith community

Faces on Faith

unconditionally. We vow (in our baptismal covenant) to “seek and serve Christ in a l l p e r s o n s , l o v i n g o u r neighbor as ourself” and to “ s t r i v e f o r j u s t i c e a n d peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being ”

Do we do this perfectly?

Of course not Do we strive to live up to these ideals e s t a b l i s h e d b y G o d i n Jesus? We do with God’s help

As a pastor, I witness the power of faith community all the time I see people reaching out to love and care for their neighbor in need I see people surround someone who is hurting or grieving to uplift and support them I see people working for a more just and peaceful world where God’s beloved children can experience respect and safety I have seen loneliness and isolation overcome by care and belonging with oil, salt and seal Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to one hour, or until fork tender. Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes.

Once beets are cool enough to handle, open the foil and trim off any dry flesh Place in a bowl and refrigerate for a few hours

Thinly slice chilled beets Arrange beets attractively on a plate over arugula and dress with vinaigrette and top with crumbled goat cheese Serve immediately

Balsamic vinaigrette:

2 shallots, roasted

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon imported mustard

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Wrap shallots in foil Roast in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes Prepare dressing by placing roasted shallots in the food processor to mince Add oil, mustard, honey, juice, vinegar, salt and pepper Process until it emulsifies

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com.

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Services will return for season in November Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com.

∫ Sanibel Community Church

1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Sunday service at 4 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a.m. at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St Isabel Catholic Church

3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/

Father Edward Martin

Friday Mass at 9 a m Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p m and Sunday at 10 a m

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Some of this is understandable When Pew researchers asked the “nones” to describe church, they used words like “hypocritical,” “judgmental” and “homophobic ” Sadly, this is sometime true It’s not difficult to imagine why people with these perceptions or experiences would not want to join But not every faith community is like that.

Some of us strive to follow Jesus in the way of love We seek to build beloved community, where we proclaim that each and every person is created in the image and likeness of God and loved fully and

If you are not already connected to one, I encourage you to check out a faith community Check out a few of them Go online and see if something on their website speaks to you It’s an easy and nonthreatening way to check out a church before walking in the doors The power of connecting with God and others can help transform loneliness into a deep sense of connectedness

The Rev William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Sunday service at 11:30 a m at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall