All Angels Church welcomes snowbirds back to Longboat

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church welcomed back its seasonal congregants with a Welcome Back Snowbirds party Oct. 26.

The party was held on the church's lawn near the roundabout that connects it to Temple Beth Israel. The Rev. David Marshall said this is a relaxed way to welcome the first round of snowbirds back to the Key. 

The All Angels Church lawn was scattered with friends reuniting with jazz playing in the background. Bradentrucky Grub Truck served up food for attendees, and the church provided options of wine, beer and soda. People bonded over local food, refreshments and stories from their travels and adventures over the summer. 

The upcoming season will bring new events for All Angels Church, such as partnering with Temple Beth Israel for different fellowship events. Marshall said that their Blessing of the Animals partnership was a huge success. The two congregations are excited to share their beliefs with each other and become more educated on other religions.

“People enjoy being together,” said Marshall. “We are a community that likes to learn and to serve others. So, we continue to do a good amount of outreach with them.”

All Angels congregant Donna Henkel said the church is a welcoming and inviting community that loves to get together and have a good time. 

“We do events like these to kickstart the season and then a spring fling to close it out,” said Marshall. “We also want to support local businesses like Bradentrucky Grub Truck. I’m super excited for this season and expect to meet some new people.”