COMING UP SUNDAY- DECEMBER 29

This is the 1st Sunday after Christmas.  There will be no church school this week or next week.
We had a wonderful Christmas Eve service- there were 60 people there!  A few photos are posted on the Facebook link on the right of this page.
The Annual Parish meeting will be held on January 26.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT 5PM

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 22

This is the 4th Sunday of Advent.  Church school will meet and the choir will rehearse at 8:15 am.
The parish luncheon held at the Richmond Country Club on Monday was great fun. You can view some photos by clicking the Facebook link on the right side of this page.
Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 5pm.  All are welcome!  The choir will sing and the service will begin with the blessing of the Christ child for the Christmas creche.
There is no service at St. Thomas' on Christmas Day, but Christ Church in Westerly will have a 10am service on Christmas.
There will be a regular service on Sunday, Dec. 29, but church school will not meet.

TUESDAY TUTORING is cancelled today, Dec. 17, due to the weather

COMING UP SUNDAY-DEC. 15

This is the 3rd Sunday of Advent- also known as Gaudete Sunday.  To learn about this Sunday, click on the tab at the top of this page titled, "All About Advent."
Church school will meet and the choir will rehearse at 8:15 am.
There will be a Bishop's Committee meeting following the service.
On Monday, Dec. 16, we will have a luncheon at the Richmond Country Club at 12 noon.  All are welcome. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, we will go caroling at the Clipper/Apple Rehab Center in Westerly.  Meet at 6:15.  Families and children encouraged to attend.
Christmas Eve service is at 5pm.  The choir will sing.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 8

This is the 2nd Sunday of Advent.  To learn about the meaning of Advent, click on the tab at the top of this page.
Church school meet and the choir will rehearse at 8:15am.
St. Thomas' is working with the Jonnycake Center in Westerly to supply gifts for a local family.  We will be collecting gift cards and presents until Dec. 17.
December is a busy month.  There is a luncheon, caroling, Bishop's Committee meeting and WARM meal preparation all coming up.  Check the tab at the top of the page titled, "In the Coming Weeks."
A parishioner from St. Thomas', who is a senior at Chariho High School, collected gently used prom dresses from her classmates and peers.  Last week she donated these dresses to The Faith, Hope and Love Foundation- an organization that is run by a Chariho alum.  You can view a photo on our Facebook page link on the right.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 1

This is the 1st Sunday of Advent.  Church school will meet and the choir will rehearse at 8:15am.
There will be a variety of Advent materials available for adults and families- calendars, devotional booklets and candles and wreaths.
There are many activities coming up in December.  Click on the tab at the top of the page titled "In the Coming Weeks," to view all the events.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 24

This is the Last Sunday after Pentecost- also called Christ the King Sunday.   This is the last Sunday of the church year.  It is a fitting day to celebrate Jesus as the Christ and King.  With the beginning of Advent next week, we start a new cycle in the church year.  We begin our liturgical wait for the promised Messiah (King).
Church School will meet and the choir will rehearse at 8:15 am.
Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent.  We will have advent wreaths, candles, calendars and mite boxes available after church.   For a full list of our Advent activities, click on the tab at the top of the page, "In the Coming Weeks."
On Wed., Nov, 27, St. Thomas' will host an ecumenical Thanksgiving service at 7pm.  This annual event will include parishioners and clergy from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, First Baptist Church and St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church- all in Hope Valley.  There will be refreshments following the service.  All are welcome.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 17

This is the 26th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28).  Church school will meet.  There will be a Bishop's Committee meeting after the service. There is choir rehearsal at 8:15 am to prepare for the Christmas Eve service.  All sopranos and altos are welcome.
Last week we had a fabulous celebration after church to honor veterans.  There were 50 people in church- 10 of whom were veterans.  You can view the photos on the Facebook link in the lower right column of this page.
We are looking ahead to the ecumenical Thanksgiving service that will be held at St. Thomas' on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7pm.  Parishioners from St. Thomas' will be joined by friends from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, First Baptist Church and St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church- all of Hope Valley.  There will be wonderful music and tasty refreshments.  The offering that night will be donated to the food bank at Wood River Health Services.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 10

This is the 25th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27).  Sunday School will meet.  This is the day we have our annual Veterans' Day celebration at St. Thomas'.  Our parish includes many vets from WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.  It is a privilege to honor them on this day.  Worship begins at 9am with a special reception following at 10am.
There are a couple of photos pasted on the right from our All Saints' Sunday celebration last week.
The annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving service will be held at St. Thomas' on Wed., Nov. 27 at 7pm.
A Christmas Choir is forming!  If you are a soprano or alto, come join the first rehearsal this Sunday at 8:15 am.  The choir will sing at the Christmas Eve service at 5pm.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 3

This is All Saints' Sunday- one of the big feast days in the Church.  There will be no church school this day. Read the column to the left to learn more about this holiday and its connection to Halloween.
The Episcopal Diocese of RI will hold its annual Diocesan Convention this Saturday, Nov. 2.
Next Sunday, Nov. 10, is our annual Veteran's Day Celebration.  Worship is at 9am followed by a brunch party.  All veterans are welcome- bring a friend!
The Oktoberfest at St. Elizabeth's church was held last Saturday and it was a big success.  Over 50 people attended from St. Thomas', St. Elizabeth's and Church of the Holy Spirit.  Look at the pictures posted to the right of this column under the Facebook link.

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCTOBER 27

This is the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25).  Church school will meet and there will be a liturgy committee meeting after church.
This Saturday, parishioners from St. Thomas' will join with other Episcopalians in our area for an Oktoberfest and Hymn sing at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Hope Valley.  Singing starts at 4pm and dinner will be finished by 6pm.  It will be a fun evening.
On Sunday, November 3, we will celebrate All Saints' Sunday at 9am.  Come to church dressed as your favorite saint! (or children can just wear their Halloween costumes.)  Read the column to the left to see why Halloween and All Saints' Day are connected.

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCTOBER 20

This is the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24).  Church school will meet.  The WARM meal will be prepared after church. 
The Diocesan Convention will be held on Nov. 2.  In preparation of this meeting, the deanery will hold a pre-convention meeting on Tues, Oct. 22 at 7pm at Church of the Ascension in Wakefield.  All Episcopalians in the deanery are encouraged to attend to learn about the business and finances of our diocese.
All Saints' Sunday is November 3.  As is our usual custom, parishioners are invited to dress up as a saint.  For some costume ideas, visit this costume website.
Our Veterans' Day celebration will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10.  All veterans are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

This is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23).  Church school will not meet because of the holiday weekend.  The WARM meal will be prepared this week.
The Diocesan Convention will be held on Nov. 2.  In preparation of this meeting, the deanery will hold a pre-convention meeting on Tues, Oct. 22 at 7pm at Church of the Ascension in Wakefield.  All Episcopalians in the deanery are encouraged to attend to learn about the business and finances of our diocese.
All Saints' Sunday is November 3.  As is our usual custom, parishioners are invited to dress up as a saint.  For some costume ideas, visit this costume website.
Our Veterans' Day celebration will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10.  All veterans are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCTOBER 6

This is the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22).  Church school will meet and there will be a Bishop's Committee meeting following the service.
Tuesday Tutoring is underway.  Click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.
Looking ahead- get ready for two big days in November.  All Saints' Sunday is November 3.  Come to church dressed as your favorite saint that day.  On November 10, we will have a special Veterans' Day celebration.  All veterans are invited.  Please contact the vicar if you plan to come.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPTEMBER 29

This is the 19th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21).  Church school will meet.
The parish luncheon was a great success.  There was a group of 13 people who met at the Richmond Country Club on Monday.  Lots of great conversation and laughter.
Tuesday Tutoring begins October 1.  All middle and high school students are welcome to join us for this FREE program that meets from 2:30-4:30. The bus will drop you off at the church. Get a permission slip from your Guidance Counselor.
Our annual Veterans's Day Celebration will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10.  The worship service is at 9am followed by a special reception at 10am.  All veterans are welcome to join us.  If you would like to attend, please call the church and leave a message or send the Vicar an email.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT. 22

This is the 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)  Church school will meet.
Parish luncheon scheduled for September 23 at the Richmond Country Club at noon.
Tuesday Tutoring begins October 1.  All middle and high school students are welcome to join us for this FREE program that meets from 2:30-4:30. The bus will drop you off at the church. Get a permission slip from your Guidance Counselor.
Our annual Veterans's Day Celebration will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10.  The worship service is at 9am followed by a special reception at 10am.  All veterans are welcome to join us.  If you would like to attend, please call the church and leave a message or send the Vicar an email.

COMING UP SUNDAY-SEPTEMBER 14

This is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19).  It is Welcome Back Sunday!  Church school will begin at 9am.  All children from preschool through middle school age are welcome to attend our program.  Coffee hour follows at 10am.
The WARM meal will be prepared this Sunday.
The date of the parish luncheon has been changed.  It will now be on Monday, Sept, 23 at the Richmond Country Club at 12 noon. Sign up at the church.
St. Thomas' raised over $900 this summer by selling handmade goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti. Thanks to everyone who supported this ministry!
Tuesday Tutoring will begin on Oct. 1.  All middle and high school students can participate in this free program.  Permission slips and bus passes are available at the school guidance office.  The program runs from 2:30-4:30 every Tuesday that school is in session.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPTEMBER 8

This is the 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18).  There will be a Bishop's Committee meeting after church.
There is a parish luncheon scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16 at noon at the Richmond Country Club.  Sign up at the church.
Church school starts next Sunday, Sept. 15
Tuesday Tutoring starts on Sept., 24

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPTEMBER 1

This is the 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17).
Last Sunday we gave away 84 backpacks filled with school supplies.  Students from the local neighborhood and beyond were welcomed at the church and could pick out their favorite backpacks and supplies.  Thanks to all who generously donated to this project.
This Friday is the last day for the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We have had a successful summer selling handmade goods from 1000 Jobs Haiti.  Stop by on Friday from 9:30-12 to pick up  a few items- you can save them for Christmas gifts!
Church school starts on September 15.
Tuesday Tutoring starts on September 24

COMING UP SUNDAY-AUGUST 25

This is the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16).  After church this week (beginning at 10am) we will distribute BACKPACKS filled with school supplies.  Thanks to all the parishioners who generously donated to make this possible.
Our summer activities of distributing free food and selling goods at the Farmer's Market in Charlestown continue for a couple more weeks.
Looking ahead- Church school begins on Sept. 15, Parish luncheon of Sept. 16.  For a complete listing of upcoming events, click on the tab above titled "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUGUST 18

This is the 13th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15).  During the month of August we are continuing with the use of an alternative Eucharistic rite.  A different rite was used in June and July.  Some say this 3rd one being used in August is the best.  Come and tell us what you think!
This week is the Washington County Fair (Wed.-Sun).  St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church from Hope Valley is selling tacos and salted boiled potatoes there.  Their booth is white with a red cross on it.  Stop by and support them.
St. Thomas' is selling items for 1000 Jobs Haiti every Friday at the Charlestown Farmer's Market from 9-noon.
Every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 there is free food at St. Thomas' for families with school age children.  This is sponsored by the SPLASH program at the Jonnycake Center of Westerly.
Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed on Sunday Aug 25 at 10am.

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUGUST 11

This is the 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14).  There will be a Bishop's Committee meeting after church.
Free food is available for all families with children through the summer SPLASH program sponsored by the Jonnycake Center.  Come to the church on Tuesdays between 9:30-10:30.
Items from 1000 Jobs Haiti are for sale at the Charlestown Farmer's Market every Friday between 9:30-12 noon.  So far this summer we have sold over $600 worth of handmade items for Haiti.  There are only a few weeks left, so be sure to make a visit there before the month is over.
Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 10am

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUGUST 4

This is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13).  We will use a third alternative Eucharist for the month of August.
This is the final week for our Summer Sunday Fun-day program. 
Last Saturday, members of St. Thomas' gathered with parishioners of St. Elizabeth's and Church of the Holy Spirit for a barbecue at Church of the Holy Spirit.  The food was great-lots of barbecued meats, great salads made with fresh greens and about 20 different desserts! View the photos by clicking on the Facebook link to the right.
Thanks to the SPLASH program sponsored by the Jonnycake Center of Westerly, there is free food available for distribution every Tuesday at the church from 9:30-10:30 am.
Every Friday St. Thomas' is at the Charlestown Farmer's Market selling items made by 1000 Jobs Haiti.  It is a a fabulous market with many different types of things for sale.  Come for a visit between 9:30-12 noon.
School supplies will be distributed at St. Thomas' on Sunday, Aug 25 at 10am

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 28

This is the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12).  We will continue using an alternative Eucharistic rite this month.  Summer Sunday Fun-day will meet.
Last Sunday St. Thomas' hosted a blood drive sponsored by the RI Blood Bank.  There were only 4 donors  who were able to give.  The blood bank had hoped for more.  However, 4 pints of blood can help 12 people!  Donors are needed all year- but especially in the summer.  Visit their website to give blood at another site in our region.
On Saturday, July 27, members of St. Thomas' will join with parishioners of St. Elizabeth's and Church of the Holy Spirit for a barbecue at Church of the Holy Spirit.  Another great way of bringing Episcopalians together in the Chariho region.
Thanks to the SPLASH program sponsored by the Jonnycake Center of Westerly, there is free food available for distribution every Tuesday at the church from 9:30-10:30 am.
Every Friday St. Thomas' is at the Charlestown Farmer's Market selling items made by 1000 Jobs Haiti.  It is a a fabulous market with many different types of things for sale.  Come for a visit between 9:30-12 noon.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 21

This is the 9th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11).  This month we are using an alternative Eucharistic prayer.  Last Sunday there was an informal discussion about these prayers.  In general, the congregation is accepting of these alternate rites.  The inclusive language is a favorable change.  We will be using these new prayers through the end of August.
Summer Sunday Fun-day continues this Sunday at 9am.
 The Blood Drive is this Saturday at St. Thomas'.  There is always a need for blood.  You can donate at the church between 11am-2pm.  For more information visit the RI Blood Center.
The free food distribution is at St. Thomas' every Tuesday between 9:30-10:30 am.
You can find us at the Charlestown Farmer's Market every Friday between 9:30am-1pm selling goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 14

This is the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10).  Summer Sunday Fun-day will meet at 9am for all children.  The WARM meal will be prepared this week.
During coffee hour on Sunday, there will be an informal discussion of the alternative Eucharistic rites that we have been using this summer.
St. Thomas' is distributing free food to families with school age children thanks to the SPLASH program sponsored by the Jonnycake Center of Westerly.  Food will be distributed on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30.  For more information, call the Jonnycake Center at 401-377-8069.
The Blood Drive at St. Thomas' will be  held on July 20.  The details are listed on the left column.
Come to the Charlestown Farmer's Market every Friday from 9:30-1:00 and see the items for sale for 1000Jobs Haiti.  Last Friday we sold over $100 worth of items.

COMING UP SUNDAY-JULY 7

This is the 7th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9).
Our Summer Sunday Fun-Day Program will meet at 9am.  The liturgy this Sunday will be an alternative Eucharistic rite.  The one used in July will be different than the one used in June.
Once again this summer, St.Thomas' is selling goods for 1000Jobs Haiti at the Charlestown Farmers Market.  The Farmer's Market is open Fridays from 9:30-1 on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit at 4150 Old Post Road.
We are excited to take part in a new program sponsored by the Jonnycake Center of Westerly.  This summer we will have bags of free food available for families with school age children.  Each family will receive a bag of packaged food and a bag of refrigerated food.  Come to the church between 9:30 and 10:30 am on Tuesdays to get your bags of food.  For more information, contact the Jonnycake Center at 377-8069.
The Rhode Island Blood Center will host a blood drive at St. Thomas' on Sat. July 20.  To make an appointment, visit their website at ribcdonor.org

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 30

This is the 6th Sunday after Pentecost- Proper 8.  We will continue our use of the alternative Eucharistic rite throughout the summer.  This Sunday begins our Summer Sunday Fun-day program!  It will meet at 9am for the next 6 Sundays and is open to all children.
The blood drive will be coming up in just 3 weeks.  If you would like to make an appointment to donate blood at the church on July 20th, visit this website: ribcdonor.org
The residents of Alton voted last Saturday to move forward with the proposal to establish a public water system in the Alton area.  Currently residents in Alton (including St. Thomas') rely on wells for their water.  The water district will move forward to see if a public system can be constructed.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 23

We had a wonderful celebration last Sunday at St. Thomas'.  At our coffee hour we welcomed a new Chariho graduate, two newlyweds and a parishioner with new knees.  It was a great day!
This Sunday is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7).  We will be continuing with our alternative Eucharistic rite.
This Saturday, June 22, there is an important vote for the Alton Water District.  All those living in Alton are encouraged to vote.  See the notice on the left column.
Next Sunday, June 30, is the first of our Summer Sunday Fun-day.  All children are invited to attend. It will meet from 9-9:30 am.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 16

This is the 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6).  We are continuing our use of alternative Eucharistic rites throughout the summer.
This is a busy Sunday at St. Thomas'.  It is Father's Day and it is the day we celebrate our high school and college graduates.  Both of these are non liturgical, but they are part of our family celebration.
Please note the postings on the left.  The Alton Water Distict will have an important meeting and vote this month.  The Blood Drive will be held on July 20.
Once again this summer we will be selling items that have been handmade in Haiti.  This effort is sponsored by a RI organization known as 1000Jobs Haiti (1000jobshaiti),  The items will be sold at the Charlestown Farmer's Market on Fridays from 9:30-1pm.  The Farmer's Market is held on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit at 4150 Old Post Road (Charlestown Farmers Market)

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 9

This is the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5).  There will be a Bishop's Committee meeting after church.
Throughout the month of June, we will continue using an alternative Eucharistic rite.  Last week was the first Sunday and it seems to have been well received.
On Monday, June 10, we will have a parish luncheon at the Richmond Country Club at 12 noon.  All are welcome to come.
On Sunday, June 16, we will have a special celebration at coffee hour to celebrate our graduates.  Speak to the vicar if you would like to have someone included in this celebration.
Check the tab at the top of the page to view the events coming up this summer.  We are looking forward to our Summer Sunday Fun-day that begins at the end of the month.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 2

This is the second Sunday after Pentecost.  It is beginning of what the church calls Ordinary Time.  Ordinary Time continues throughout the summer and fall and concludes with the beginning of Advent in December.  This time period is also known as the Green Season since green altar hangings are used on these Sundays.
This Sunday we will use an alternative Eucharistic rite found in the book entitled, Enriching our Worship I.  The use of this rite has been approved by the Episcopal Church and by our bishop.
There are 3 alternative rites in this book.  We will use a different one each in June, July an August.  The sermon this Sunday will discuss why there are alternative rites.
Our Summer Sunday Fun-day program will begin on June 30.  There is no church school in the summer and these 6 sessions on Sunday mornings will provide a time for younger children to engage in some learning and fun.
The last day of Tuesday Tutoring for this school year will be June 4.  Students will be treated to some special refreshments that day.  Thanks to all the dedicated tutors and students who made this new program a success.  Plans  are already underway for the fall program that will resume on September 24. 
Blood drive is scheduled for Saturday, July 20.  Sign up in the parish hall if you can donate blood.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 26

This is Trinity Sunday.  This feast, which always falls on the Sunday after Pentecost, celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity-the 3 persons of God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It is one of the seven principal feasts in the Episcopal Church calendar.  In some parishes, it is customary to recite The Creed of Saint Athanasius on this day (it is found on page 864 in the Book of Common Prayer.)  This creed is a rich exposition on the doctrine of the Trinity.
As we move into summer, there are many activities that we have planned in June and July.  Refer to the tab at the top of the page to learn about events in the coming weeks.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 19

This is the Feast of Pentecost.  It is the 50th day after Easter.  This feast commemorates the day that the Holy Spirit blew into Jerusalem after the resurrection and landed like tongues of fire on the disciples.  Many people wear red to church this day to symbolize the spirit.
We will celebrate 2 baptisms this day.  Following the service  the Paschal Candle will be extinguished.  It was lit on Easter morning and remained burning for the 50 days of the Easter season (it was only virtually burning when no one was in the building!) It is also the last week of church school for the season.
There is a Bishop's Committee meeting after church and the WARM meal will be prepared after church. 
Beginning next month we will explore some trial liturgies at our Sunday worship.  The bishop has given us permission to use some alternative eucharistic rites.  More details to follow.
A teenager in our parish is working on a new project called Summer Sunday Fun-day!  On six Sunday mornings, there will be special activities for children at 9am (church school does not meet in the summer.)  For the dates of these activities, go to the tab at the top of the page labelled In the Coming Weeks.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 12

This is the 7th Sunday of Easter.  Church school will meet.  It is also Mother's Day.  Although this is not an official day on the Episcopal Church calendar, we will recognize mothers and have some special music.
There were 25 people at the Ascension Day service on Thursday night.  Clergy and lay people from St. Elizabeth's (Hope Valley) and Church of the Holy Spirit (Charlestown), joined us for worship and hotdogs.  View the photos on the Facebook link on the right (you don't have to be a member of Facebook to see them).
Next Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost and we will celebrate a baptism.
Some exciting things are coming up!  On June 10 there will be a parish luncheon at the Richmond Country Club at 12 noon.  All are welcome.
Beginning next month we will explore some trial liturgies at our Sunday worship.  The bishop has given us permission to use some alternative eucharistic rites.  More details to follow.
A teenager in our parish is working on a new project called Summer Sunday Fun-day!  On eight Sunday mornings, there will be special activities for children at 9am (church school does not meet in the summer.)  Stay tuned for more information.

ASCENSION DAY- MAY 9

Ascension Day is Thursday, May 9.  Join us for a service at 6pm followed by a hotdog cookout. We will release environmentally safe red balloons. Children love this service. Our friends from St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Hope Valley and Church of the Holy Spirit in Charlestown will worship with us.  Bring a dish to share and some lawn chairs.

COMING UP SUNDAY-MAY 5

This is the 6th Sunday of Easter.  Church school will meet.
On Thursday, May 9, we will have a service at 6pm to celebrate Ascension Day.  Following the service we will have a hotdog cookout (bring a side dish to share).  As part of our liturgy, we will release red balloons (environmentally friendly ones) that will ascend into the sky.  All are welcome!  Kids especially enjoy this service.
The Feinstein Food Challenge has ended and we collected a total of 263 food items.  These donations were given to the food pantry at Wood River Health Services an to the WARM Center in Westerly.
Baptisms will be celebrated on May 19, the Feast of Pentecost.  Contact the vicar if you are interested in being baptized.

COMING UP THIS WEEK- APRIL 28

This is the 5th Sunday of Easter.  Church school will meet. This is the last Sunday of our collection for the Feinstein Foundation food count (see column to the left).  So far we have collected 213 items!
Last Sunday, St Thomas' participated in the 21st annual bowl-a-thon for the WARM center in Westerly.  Our team, The Tom Katz, did very well and included the high bowler of the day.  Check out some photos on our Facebook page via the link on the right (you don't have to be a member of Facebook to view them).
May 9 is Ascension Day.  We will have a service at 6pm followed by a potluck cookout.  Sign up at the church to bring a dish to share.
May 19 is the Feast of Pentecost and we will celebrate baptisms that day.  Speak to the vicar if you are interested.

COMING UP THIS WEEK- APRIL 21

This is the 4th Sunday of Easter.  Church school will meet.  There will be a Bishop's Committee meeting following the service.
This Sunday, April 21, is the annual WARM bowl-a-thon.  Our church team, the Tom Katz, will participate.  If you would like to make a donation to sponsor the team, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/warmshelter/warm-center-21st-annual-bowl-a-thon
Last Sunday Bishop Knisely and his wife made a visit to St. Thomas'.  There was good liturgy and warm fellowship.  To view some photos from this event, you can click on the Facebook link on the right of this page (you don't have to be a member of Facebook to view the pictures).
Next Sunday, April 28,  we will celebrate the sacrament of Baptism at the 9am service.  If you are interested in being baptized, contact the vicar.

COMING UP THIS WEEK- APRIL 14

This is the 3rd Sunday of Easter.  We will welcome the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely to St. Thomas' at our 9 am service.  This will be his first visit to Alton.  There will be a special coffee hour after the service for fellowship and dialogue.  There will be no church school this week.
The WARM meal will be prepared this Sunday.
St. Thomas' has a bowling team participating in the WARM bowl-a-thon on April 21.  If you would like to make a donation to sponsor the Tom Katz, you can do it online by following this link http://www.firstgiving.com/warmshelter/warm-center-21st-annual-bowl-a-thon

COMING UP THIS WEEK- APRIL 7

This is the 2nd Sunday of Easter.  Church school will meet.
We had a wonderful Holy Week and fabulous Easter Sunday service.  The church was packed, the choir was glorious and the children found all 120 eggs that were hidden. Thanks to all who cleaned the church and brought flowers for our Easter service There are photos posted on our Facebook page. You can view them by clicking the link on the right- you don't have to be a member of Facebook to view them.
April will be a busy month.  Bishop Knisely will visit us on April 14 at 9 am.  On April 21, our bowling team, the Tom Katz, will take part in the WARM Shelter Bowl-a-thon.  Sponsors are needed. The Bishop's Committee will also meet that day after church.
Our Episcopal Charities campaign is underway.  You can make a pledge or give a donation at church.
April is the 2nd month of the Feinstein Food Challenge (read the column on the left).  We hope to collect over 300 canned food items by the end of the month.

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN

Easter service at 9 am followed by an Easter egg hunt

HOLY WEEK

The week between Palm Sunday and Easter is Holy Week.  During this week we remember the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem, shared a last meal with his friends, was crucified and then on Easter we celebrate the great feast of the Resurrection.  For more details about these services, click on the Holy Week tab at the top of this page.

The services at St. Thomas' this week are as follows:

MAUNDY THURSDAY- 7:00pm liturgy including foot washing.

GOOD FRIDAY- 7:00 pm liturgy

EASTER SUNDAY- 9am service with choir, followed by an Easter Egg hunt for the children. 

On  Saturday, we will have a church clean-up at 10am.  We will polish and dust and rake and get ready for our Easter celebration.  Please come- even in you have 1 hour to spare, it will be a big help.

COMING UP PALM SUNDAY- MAR. 24

This week is Palm Sunday.  We will begin our 9am liturgy outside with the blessing of the palms and a procession around the church.  There will be no church school.  The choir will meet at 8:15.
This year we are using palms purchased from Eco-Palms.  They were harvested from a place and in a way that is environmentally sustainable.  For more information, visit this website www.cinram.umn.edu/ecopalms.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week at St. Thomas' and at churches around the world.  For an explanation of the services during Holy Week, click on the tab at the top of this page. 
There will be services at St. Thomas' on Thursday and Friday evening this week.  We will not have an Easter Vigil this year on Easter Eve.  Our Holy Week schedule is listed below.

Palm Sunday- Blessing of the palms and Eucharist celebration at 9 am
Maundy Thursday- Liturgy at 7 pm (includes washing of the feet)
Good Friday- Liturgy at 7 pm 
Holy Saturday- Church clean-up at 10am.  Bring donations of Easter lilies and other plants 
Easter Sunday- Liturgy at 9 am.  The choir will sing and there will be an Easter Egg hunt for the children following the service.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 17

This is the 5th Sunday in Lent.  The choir will rehearse at 8:15.  Church school will meet.  We hosted a fabulous dinner last Saturday with parishioners from St. Thomas', St; Elizabeth's and Church of the Holy Spirit.  Check out some photos by clicking the Facebook link on the right.
Palm Sunday is next Sunday (March 24).  This year we will be using palms purchased from Eco-Palms.  They were harvested from a place and in a way that is environmentally sustainable.  For more information about, visit this website www.cinram.umn.edu/ecopalms.
To learn more about the upcoming holidays in the Christian Church, click on the tab at the top of the page-What is Holy Week?
The services for Holy Week can be found under the tab- In the Coming Weeks.  For more information, you can contact the church.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 10

This is the 4th Sunday in Lent (read the column to the right to learn more about this day).  Church school will meet and the choir will rehearse at 8:15.  Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night!
There will be a Bishop's Committee after church.
For a full listing of upcoming events, click on the tab at the top of this page.
This Saturday night. March 9, St. Thomas' is hosting a potluck dinner.  Parishioners from St. Elizabeth's Church in Hope Valley and Church of the Holy Spirit in Charlestown will join us. 
Help wanted!! The Tuesday Tutoring program is thriving and we have decided to continue the program into the 2013-14 school year. But we need to find some new sources of funding. The program costs about $6000 to run for the school year- with most of that being paid as compensation to the tutors. If anyone has an idea about places that might be interested in funding this program (wholly or partially), please contact the vicar.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 3

This is the 3rd Sunday in Lent.  Church school will meet.  Choir rehearsal will begin at 8:15am.  After church we will continue our discussion of the book, Unabashedly Episcopalian.  We will talk about chapters 8-11.  All are welcome to join in, even if you have not read the book.
To learn about events that are coming up in the near future, click the tab at the top of this page.
March and April are the months that we participate in the Feinstein $1million Food Challenge.  Last year we collected a total  of 313 food items in those months and we hope to exceed that this year.  Read the column to the left for more information.
Can you help us?  The Tuesday Tutoring program is thriving and we have decided to continue the program into the 2013-14 school year.  But we need to find some new sources of funding.  The program costs about $6000 to run for the school year- with most of that being paid as compensation to the tutors.  If anyone has an idea about places that might be interested in funding this program  (wholly or partially), please contact the vicar.

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 24

This is the 2nd Sunday in Lent.   Last week was another snowy Sunday in Rhode Island and we had an intimate crowd of 6 people.
Church school will meet this Sunday.  After church we will have a discussion about the book, Unabashedly Episcopalian, chapters 1-7.  Even if  you have not read the book, you are welcome to sit in on the discussion.  We will talk about chpaters 8-11 on March 3.
Choir rehearsal for Easter begins this week.  Please arrive by 8:20 for rehearsal.
Click on the tab at the top of the page for upcoming events at St. Thomas'.

COMING UP SUNDAY-Feb. 17

This is the 1st Sunday in Lent.  Church school will not meet because it is school vacation week.  The WARM meal will be prepared.   There are mite boxes available at the church for those who would like to use them as part of their Lenten discipline.  To learn about the season of Lent, click on the tab at the top of this page.
Next Sunday we begin our 2 part discussion of the book, Unabashedly Episcopalian.  Chapters 1-7 will be discussed on 24 February and chapters 8-11 on 3 March.  Contact the vicar if you would like a copy of the book.

ASH WEDNESDAY- FEB. 13

Ash Wednesday is February 13.  This marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the church calendar.  To learn about Ash Wednesday and Lent, click the  "Lent" tab at the top of this page.
There will be a service at St. Thomas' at 7 pm with the impostion of ashes and Holy Eucharist.  The Church of the Holy Spirit in Charlestown will have a service at 12 noon.
And...... you can check out photos of the church after the Blizzard.  Go to the Facebook link on the right of this page (you don't have to be a member of Facebook to view the photos).  The church was without power for 2 days.  Thanks to all who shoveled and checked in on the building!!!

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 10

This is the Last Sunday after Epiphany.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb.13.  For infomation about our Ash Wednesday service, click on the tab at the top of the page titled, "In the Coming Weeks."
Church school will meet and there will be a Bishop's Committee meeting after church. 
Last week we collected $44 in our soup pot for Souper Bowl Sunday.  That money has been given to the food pantry at Wood River Health Services.

COMING UP SUNDAY-FEB. 3

This is the 4th Sunday after Epiphany and it will be a busy day! It is Souper Bowl Sunday (see column to the right) and it is Boy Scout Sunday.    The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding on February 8, 1910, based on the program started by Lord Baden Powell in England on August 1, 1907. Scout Sunday was added to the Scout celebration in the middle 1940’s. Scout Sunday is always the Sunday preceding February 8^th. The Scout Sunday tradition was started to make people in houses of worship aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out their "Duty to God" pledged each week. The Scout Law says that a "Scout is Reverent" and the Scouts of all ages promise to do their "Duty to God". These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith.
At the annual parish meeting last Sunday we elected Bishop's Committee members and a new officer.  We established goals for 2013.  If you would like a copy of the annual parish report, you can email the vicar.
The months of February and March will be filled with many activities at St. Thomas'.  Click on the tab at the top of this page to learn more.

  

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 27

This is the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany and we will celebrate a baptism at our 9am service.  Church school will meet.
This Sunday we will have our annual parish meeting following the worship service.  There will also be a potluck brunch.
The parish bowling outing was a big success- there were 20 people who attended.  To view some photos, click on the Facebook link on the right of this page (you don't have to be a member of Facebook to view them)
Next Sunday is Boy Scout Sunday and the Souper Bowl of Caring (read more about it on the right column).
The month of February will be very busy at St. Thomas'.  Click on the In Coming Weeks tab at the top of this page and join us on Sunday mornings for "teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer." Book of Acts 2:42

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 20

This is the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.  Sunday school will meet this week and the WARM meal will be prepared this Sunday.
After church, there will be a parish bowling outing at Alley Katz in Westerly.  We especially encourage the young people at St. Thomas' to join us, but everyone is welcome to come.
The Annual Parish meeting will be held on January 27.  There will be a potluck brunch right after church before we begin our meeting.
Boy Scout Sunday is February 3.  We invite all cub scouts and boy scouts to join us for worship and a special reception following the service.  Wear you uniform!
February 3 is also  the Souper Bowl of Caring.  This event is in its 24^th year!  Since 1990, young people around the country have been asking members of churches, schools and communities to donate $1 on Super Bowl Sunday to help those who cannot afford a bowl of soup.  This is a nationally sponsored movement, yet each church chooses a local agency to receive their dollars.  Last year, over 10,000 churches and agencies collected over $9.9 million on Super Bowl Sunday.  The money that we collect will go to the Nutritious Nook food pantry located at Wood River Health Services. To learn more, go to  www.souperbowl.org

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 13

This is the 1st Sunday after Epiphany and it is the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus.  This is one of the   4 feast days in the Episcopal Church that is especially appropriate for baptism.   Due to a scheduling conflict, we will be celebrating baptisms at St. Thomas' on Jan. 27 this year.
There is an important Bishop's Committee meeting on Jan. 13 to finalize the 2013 budget and parish goals.  Church school will meet.
Looking ahead, the next few weeks will be very busy.  In January there is parish bowling, and the annual meeting.  In February, we will recognize Boy Scout Sunday and  Souper Bowl Sunday. Check out the mini calendar on the tab at the top of this page.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 6

January 6 is the Feast of Epiphany.  The word Epiphany means manifestation and this holiday commemorates the day that the 3 magi visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.  The Epiphany season will last for 5 weeks this year until Lent begins on February 13.

Church school will meet this week.

January is a busy month.  The Bishop's Committee will meet on Jan. 13 and the parish bowling event is on Jan. 20.  The annual parish meeting is on Jan. 27.

And looking ahead- February 3 is Boy Scout Sunday and it is also Souper Bowl Sunday.  Details will be forthcoming.