Faces on Faith: Rediscover the joy of community
As the season shifts here on our islands, there’s a noticeable change in rhythm. The traffic lightens. The beaches grow a little quieter. Familiar faces head north for the summer months, and we who remain often find ourselves breathing just a little deeper.
Summer on Sanibel and Captiva has its own kind of sacredness.
In a world that constantly urges us to move faster, do more, and stay endlessly busy, summer offers us permission to slow down. It reminds us that life is not only about productivity, but also about presence — noticing a sunset, lingering over coffee with a friend, taking a walk on the beach, or simply having time for conversation.
There is wisdom in slowing down.
Even in Scripture, we find moments where Jesus stepped away from the crowds to rest, pray, and reconnect with those closest to him. Rest is not laziness. It is renewal. Slowing down gives us space to reconnect with God, with one another, and with the community around us.
That spirit of connection is one of the reasons we are excited to once again host Love Sanibel Back this summer through Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. Now entering its third summer, Love Sanibel Back was created as a simple but meaningful way to support our island community during the quieter months while also spreading kindness and joy while promoting connection.
The idea is simple: shop local, support local, and encourage one another.
Throughout the summer, participating businesses across Sanibel and Captiva will offer specials, events, and opportunities to engage with the community. Alongside those promotions, we invite residents and visitors alike to take part in weekly “spread joy” activities — small acts of kindness that help strengthen the spirit of our islands.
Sometimes community is built in grand ways, but more often it grows through small moments: checking in on a neighbor, supporting a local shop, sharing encouragement with someone having a difficult day, or simply choosing to be present.
Our local businesses are more than storefronts. They are neighbors, friends, gathering places, and part of what gives these islands their unique character and charm. After the challenges our community has faced in recent years, continuing to support them matters deeply.
Summer also reminds us that community doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intention. It requires us to show up for one another.
One of the beautiful things about island life is that relationships matter here. People still wave to one another. Conversations still happen in grocery store aisles and coffee shops. We still have the opportunity to know our neighbors and care for one another in meaningful ways.
Love Sanibel Back is ultimately about more than shopping or events. It is about nurturing hope, connection, and community spirit. Check out all the events and weekly spread joy themes at a glance at https://linktr.ee/lovesanibelback, and https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/love-sanibel-back for details and where weekly photos will be shared.
As we move through these quieter summer months, perhaps we can all embrace a slightly slower pace. Perhaps we can spend a little less time rushing and a little more time noticing the people around us. Perhaps we can rediscover the joy of community.
And perhaps, together, we can continue helping Sanibel and Captiva not only recover — but flourish.
The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.