COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC.31

This is the 1st Sunday after Christmas.  Church school will not meet.  There will be a regular 9am service followed by coffee hour which will include lots of diverse Christmas cookies!
Our Christmas Eve service was lovely- thanks to all who brought poinsettias.  There are some photos on the Facebook page (see lower right column)/
This is the last Sunday to bring in socks for the residents at the WARM Center.
This has been an amazing, mission driven year at St. Thomas and 2018 will be just as exciting.  Stay tuned.  Better yet- join us every Sunday at 9am!

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 24

This Sunday is two things!  In the morning, at the 9am service, it is the 4th Sunday of Advent.  After worship, we will decorate the church, sing Christmas carols and eat Christmas cookies.  And at 5pm, we will celebrate Christmas Eve.  It will be a joyful service with great music.  Come and bring a friend!
We are still collecting socks for residents of the WARM Center.  Bring them on Christmas Eve.
One of our parishioners will participate in the Penguin Plunge on Jan. 1 at Misquamicut Beach. This is a fundraiser for the WARM Center.  Donations can be made at this link.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 17

This is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday.  Gaudete, which means "rejoice" in Latin.  The Scripture readings encourage the theme of rejoicing, for the day of the Lord is near.  The pink color symbolizes the joy of the day.
The WARM meal will be prepared this week.  The church school class will decorate cupcakes to deliver with the WARM meal.
The congregation filled up 2 big bags of gifts for some children in our community.  Thanks to all who donated.  Some photos are posted on our Facebook page (you can see them on the lower right side of this page).

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 10

This is the 2nd Sunday of Advent.  Church school will meet and there will be a vestry meeting after worship.  Our congregation is collecting socks for residents of the WARM Center and also collecting a few items for a local family. 
The Christmas Eve service will be held at 5pm on Dec. 24.  There is no Christmas Day service.  
For the month of December, we are challenging every member of the congregation to attend church at least 3 times this month.  We get ready for Christmas by hearing the words of Scripture, preparing our hearts for Christ and sharing in fellowship.  Join us at 9am every Sunday morning!

COMING UP SUNDAY- Dec. 3

This is the  1st Sunday of Advent.  Church school will meet.  To learn about the season of Advent, click on the tab at the top of the page.
During the month of November, our parish challenge was to collect 50 boxes of pasta for the WARM Center- we got 94! Check out the photo on our Facebook page (lower right column).
For the month of December, we are challenging every member of the congregation to attend church at least 3 times this month.  We get ready for Christmas by hearing the words of Scripture, preparing our hearts for Christ and sharing in fellowship.  Join us at 9am every Sunday morning!
Our congregation is collecting socks for those in need throughout the month of December.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 26

This is the Last Sunday after Pentecost, also known as Christ the King Sunday.  It celebrates Christ's kingship and rule over all creation.   Church school will meet this Sunday.
The new church year will start next Sunday, Dec. 3, with the beginning of Advent.  Our congregation will be collecting new socks for residents of the WARM Center in Westerly.  All sizes are needed.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 19

This is the 24th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28).  Church school will meet.  They are preparing notes and table favors to share with the WARM Center as part of their Thanksgiving dinner.
Last Sunday, St. Thomas celebrated the service of 11 veterans in our congregation.  It was a wonderful party.  Check out the photos on our Facebook page on the lower right column.
On Wednesday, Nov. 21, St. Thomas will host the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at 7pm which will include participants from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, First Baptist Church and St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, all of Hope Valley.  There will be Scripture readings and traditional Thanksgiving hymns.  A reception will follow.  The offering that night will be donated to Episcopal Relief and Development for their work in Puerto Rico.  See the right column for more information.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 12

This is the 23 Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27).  Church school will meet and they are working on a Thanksgiving project for the WARM Center. 
This Sunday  is our annual Veterans Day Celebration.  Our special guest will be Major Timothy Bourquin, chaplain to the RI National Guard. All are welcome.  If you are a veteran, bring a photo of you in your uniform.  The celebration begins at 10am- bur you are welcome to come for worship at 9am. 

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY- NOV. 5

This is one of the seven great feast days in the Church calendar.  We will read aloud the names of loved ones who have died and we will sing wonderful hymns!
There is no church school this Sunday.  There will be a Vestry meeting following the worship service.
Next Sunday, Nov. 12, is our annual Veterans Day Celebration. Our special guest will be Major Timothy Bourquin, chaplain to the RI National Guard. All are welcome.  If you are a veteran, bring a photo of you in your uniform.
During the month of November, our parish challenge is to collect 50 boxes of pasta for the WARM Center as a way to reach out in love and service to our community. 

COMING UPI SUNDAY- OCT. 29

This is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25).  Church school will meet.
Last Sunday the congregation assembled Blessing Bags to be distributed to those in need.  Check out some photos on our Facebook page on the lower right side of this post.
All Saints Sunday will be celebrated on Nov. 5.  We will read aloud the names of loved ones who  have died. 
On Sunday, Nov. 12, we will have our annual Veterans Day Celebration.  Our special guest will be Major Timothy Bourquin, chaplain to the RI National Guard. All are welcome.  If you are a veteran, bring a photo of you in your uniform.

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT. 22

This is the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24).  Church school will meet.  During coffee hour fellowship this week, the congregation will work on Blessing Bags. What is a Blessing Bag? Have you ever seen a person in a parking lot who is asking for monetary assistance?  Now you can help out by handing that person a Blessing Bag.  It will have some snacks and personal care items, as well as a note about God's love.  If you have any extra samples or travel size toiletries that you don't need, we can use them for this project. 
All Saints Sunday will be celebrated on Nov. 5.  
Our annual Veterans Day celebration will be on Nov. 12.  Worship is at 9 am and the party begins at 10 am.  Bring a veteran with you!
See the notice (upper right column) about the upcoming Learn and Lead.  On Friday, Nov. 3, there will be a day filled with workshops.  Everyone is welcome to sign up for this free event!  Our Diocesan Convention will be held the next day, Nov. 4

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT. 15

This is the 19th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23).  The WARM meal will be prepared this Sunday. Church school will meet and this week the class will be making Blessing Bags.  What is a Blessing Bag? Have you ever seen a person in a parking lot who is asking for monetary assistance?  Now you can help out by handing that person a Blessing Bag.  It will have some snacks and personal care items, as well as a note about God's love.  If you have any extra samples or travel size toiletries that you don't need, we can use them for this project.  The church school class will be working on this throughout October and we will all stuff some bags and write a note  during coffee hour on Oct. 22.
Save these dates!  Nov. 5 we will celebrate All Saints Sunday and baptisms will be celebrated (contact the priest if you want more information.)  Nov. 12 is the annual Veterans Day Celebration.  All veterans and their families are welcome to join us.  

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT. 8

This is the 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22).  There is no church school since this is a holiday weekend.  There will be a vestry meeting after worship this week.
Last Sunday, there was a great turnout for the Blessing of the Animals-1 horse, 2 goats, 9 dogs and 17 humans.  Check out the pictures on our Facebook page (click the link on the lower right side of this page).
There are many events coming up in the weeks ahead.  For more information, click on the tab at the top of the page.

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT.1

This is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21).  There is no church school this week.  Following the worship service, there is coffee hour fellowship.
At 1:30 pm on Sunday, there will be a Blessing of the Animals service on the front lawn.  Bring your favorite pet (or stuffed animal).  There will be cider, snacks and biscuits following the service.
October is a busy month at St. Thomas!  Check the tab above for upcoming events.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT. 24

This is the 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20). Church school will meet.  After the service this week, the congregation will make some No-Sew Fleece Scarves that will be given to those who worship at Church Beyond the Walls in Providence.
The Fall Parish Luncheon will be held on Monday, Sept. 25 at the Richmond Country Club.  All are welcome!  Contact the priest if you want to attend. 
Next Sunday, on October 1 there will be a service of the Blessing of the Animals at 1:30.  Bring your pets and furry friends.  Bring a human friend, too!
There are lots of things coming up this Fall. Check the tab at the top of the page for more information.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT. 17

This is the 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19).  Church school will meet.  For the month of September, the church school class and the congregation are taking part in a project to make No-Sew Fleece Scarves that will be given to those who worship at Church Beyond the Walls in Providence.

Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, has asked all Episcopalians to be mindful of those who are suffering from hurricanes, floods and fires.  He asked that we pray, donate and act. In response to his  request,  our congregation acted. This week, along with St. Thomas, Greenville, RI, we sent off a stuffed envelope to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Houston.  It was filled with cards, pictures and checks.  There are copies of the pictures in the parish hall.  The checks totaled about $2000 that will be used for their flood relief in Houston neighborhoods.

Our summer outreach project has come to an end.  Our parishioners spent Fridays in the summer selling goods for  1000 Jobs Haiti  at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.   Thanks to everyone who helped staff the table this year.  We will send off a check to them for $1200! 

Save the date- On October 1 there will be a service of the Blessing of the Animals at 1:30.  Bring your pets and furry friends.  All are welcome!
There are lots new things coming up this Fall. Check the tab at the top of the page for more information.

COMING UP SUNDAY-SEPT.10

This is the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18).  This is a very busy Sunday at St. Thomas!  This is the first week of Church School!  The class will meet from 9am- 9:20.  The children will enter the worship service at the time of the Peace.  Children ages 4-11 are welcome to join the class. Contact the priest for more information.
After worship, the congregation will gather around the altar to take a photo to send to St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Houston.  We have been collecting money (along with St. Thomas, Greenville, RI) and we will send them a check for their relief work in the community along with some notes and photos.
During coffee hour this week, items from 1000 Jobs Haiti will be for sale.  This summer we sold over $900 worth of goods for them at the Farmer's Market.  Thanks to all the parishioners who staffed the table every Friday.
The Vestry will meet after church this Sunday.  

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT. 3

This is the 13th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17).  The worship service will be at 9am followed by coffee hour fellowship.  This Sunday and next, the congregation will take up a collection for St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Houston, TX
This is the last Friday that St. Thomas will staff a table for  1000 Jobs Haiti.  Come visit on Sept. 2 from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
Next Sunday, the items from 1000 Jobs Haiti will be for sale at the church during coffee hour. 
Sept. 10 will be the first Sunday for church school.  It is open to all children in grades preschool-5. Older children have opportunities to participate in worship while church school is in session.

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 27

This is the 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16).   After the worship service, there will be a presentation from the Chariho Youth Task Force.  This group of young people work to prevent alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse in our schools.  They have also taken on issues related to mental health and bullying.  This is an important topic for parents of children in middle and high school.  Come learn the facts about addiction in our community.  All are welcome.

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 20

This is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15).  Last Sunday there were 2 baptisms and a church full of joyful energy!  There are some photos posted on the Facebook page (See link on the lower right of this page).
There are only a few Fridays left at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  So far, the people of St. Thomas' have sold over $600 worth of goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  Come visit this Friday from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
The parish challenge for August is to do acts of Kindness.  On Sunday morning, parishioners share stories of kindness.  Have you had someone do an act of kindness for you?  Come to church Sunday morning and share the story!  Worship is at 9am followed by coffee  hour.

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 13

This is the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14). This week we will celebrate two baptisms at the 9am service.  All are welcome and there is plenty of parking.  There is now a designated parking area next to the parish hall.  A great place to park for those who want a shorter distance to the door.
The vestry will meet after the service this week.
For the month of August, our parish is challenging itself to do extra acts of kindness.  People will share their stories on Sunday. 
Every Friday our parishioners staff a table at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We sell goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We are there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 6

This Sunday is the Feast of the Transfiguration.  This white letter day in the Episcopal Church calendar takes precedent when it falls on a Sunday.  Out our worship service, the readings will recall the story of Jesus' on the mountaintop when his image is transfigured and he becomes radiant (Luke 9:28-36).
After worship this week, there will be a special craft session to paint Kindness Rocks.  These rocks display words or images of kindness, love and faith.  They are"hidden" in the community for others to find and be encouraged.  All are welcome.
Baptisms will be celebrated on Sunday, Aug. 13 at the 9am service.  If you  are interested in being baptized, contact the parish priest (under Contact Information).
Every Friday our parishioners staff a table at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We sell goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We are there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
During the month of July, we will be collecting personal care items for the Living Supplies Closet at Christ Church Westerly.  You can drop things off at the church any Sunday morning.
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 30

This is the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12).  Join us for worship at 9am in our air conditioned sanctuary followed by coffee hour in our air conditioned parish hall.
On Sunday, Aug. 6, we will have a Kindness Rocks rock painting session after church.  A great activity for all ages.  
Baptisms will be celebrated on Sunday, Aug. 13 at the 9am service.  If you  are interested in being baptized, contact the parish priest (under Contact Information).
Every Friday our parishioners staff a table at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We sell goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We are there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
During the month of July, we will be collecting personal care items for the Living Supplies Closet at Christ Church Westerly.  You can drop things off at the church any Sunday morning.
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 23

This is the 7th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11).   Come join us for worship in our air conditioned sanctuary and parish hall !After church this Sunday parishioners will work from 10-noon to work on some outside and property projects.  Wear work clothes to church and bring some clippers and work gloves.
Every Friday our parishioners staff a table at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We sell goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We are there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
During the month of July, we will be collecting personal care items for the Living Supplies Closet at Christ Church Westerly.  You can drop things off at the church any Sunday morning.
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 16

This is the 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10).  The WARM Center meal will be prepared this week.   Every week in the summer, our altar is adorned with beautiful garden and roadside flowers.  
Then after worship, we enjoy fellowship time in our air conditioned parish hall.  Come join us!
Every Friday our parishioners staff a table at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We sell goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We are there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
During the month of July, we will be collecting personal care items for the Living Supplies Closet at Christ Church Westerly.  You can drop things off at the church any Sunday morning.
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 9

This is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9).  The worship service is at 9am followed by coffee hour.
Come visit us every Friday at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We will be selling goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We will be there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
On Thursday, July 13, Bishop Knisely will be throwing out the first pitch at the Ocean State Waves baseball game in South Kingstown.  The tickets are $5 each at the door and the game begins at 6:30 pm.
During the month of July, we will be collecting personal care items for the Living Supplies Closet at Christ Church Westerly.  You can drop things off at the church any Sunday morning.
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 2

This is the 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8).  The worship service is at 9am followed by coffee hour.
Come visit us every Friday at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We will be selling goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  We will be there from 9:30-1 pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
On Thursday, July 13, Bishop Knisely will be throwing out the first pitch at the Ocean State Waves baseball game in South Kingstown.  The tickets are $5 each at the door and the game begins at 6:30 pm.
During the month of July, we will be collecting personal care items for the Living Supplies Closet at Christ Church Westerly.  You can drop things off at the church any Sunday morning. 
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 25

This is the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7).  The worship service is at 9am followed by coffee hour.
This Friday, June 23, marks the first Friday of the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  We will be selling goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti.  Come for a visit!  We will be there from 9:30-1pm on the grounds of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
For upcoming events, click on the tab, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 18

This is the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6).  We have now entered the Green Season of the church year (read more about this on the left column).
Worship is at 9am every Sunday in the summer followed by coffee hour and fellowship.
Last Saturday, St. Thomas' hosted a fabulous Pasta Dinner and Basket raffle.  We raised money for our church and also for our diocesan camp at ECC.  There are some fun pictures of the event posted on the church Facebook page (see lower right column).

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 11

This is Trinity Sunday! It is one of the 7 principal feasts in the Episcopal Church calendar.  It is the day when the church celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The Creed of Saint Athanasius, which is found in the Book of Common Prayer (page 864), is a statement of faith which focuses on the importance of the Trinity.
There will be a vestry meeting after church this Sunday.
This summer, St. Thomas will again be selling goods for 1000 Jobs Haiti at the Charlestown Farmer's Market.  The Farmer's Market meets every Friday from 9:30-1pm, beginning June 23.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 4

This is the Feast of Pentecost!!!  It is customary to wear something red to church on this Sunday.
Preparation for our Pasta Dinner Fundraiser is in full gear.  It will be held on Saturday,June 10 at the Carolina Firehouse.  Suggested donation is $12 for adults and $5 for children over 5 years old. Tickets can be purchased at the door.  Or call 741-9568 to reserve a ticket.  The money raised from this event will be used to support our church and to support the summer camp programs at the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 28

This is the 7th Sunday of Easter.   As it is Memorial Day weekend, we will read aloud the names of deceased loved ones who have served in the military.  There will be a coffee hour following the liturgy.
On Ascension Day, about 50 people from St. Thomas' and St. Elizabeth's for a celebration.  The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, presided at the Eucharist.  There are some fun photos posted on the Facebook page (see lower right column of this page).
On Saturday, June 10, St. Thomas' will have a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser.  This will be to raise money for our parish and for campers at ECC.  There will be a basket raffle as part of the evening.  Contact the church for more information.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 21

This is the 6th Sunday of Easter.  There will be coffee hour following the service, and then we are off to the Tomaquaq Museum for a guided tour at 11am.  This event is part of St. Thomas' May Challenge to be Reconciled to our Neighbors.  See the tab at the top of the page for more information. If you would like to join our tour, you can message the church using the Facebook messenger.
Next Thursday, May 25 is Ascension Day.   There we will be a service at 6pm and we are excited to welcome Bishop Knisely to the service.  Read the details on the top left column.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 14

This is the 5th Sunday of Easter and it it Mother's Day!  There will be flowers for all the mothers in church on Sunday.
This is the last week of Church School.  We are grateful to have a dedicated group of teachers for our program.  And we are thankful for the students as well!
The WARM meal will be prepared this Sunday.
During the month of May, our parish challenge is to be reconciled to our neighbors. Parishioners are encouraged to reach out to someone who is different from them.  And to read a book or visit a museum about a different culture.  To that purpose- St. Thomas will have a guided tour of the Tomaquag Museum next Sunday, May 21.  Sign up at the church if you want to attend.

COMING UP SUNDAY- APRIL 30

This is the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Easter is 50 days long!!).  Church school will meet.
After church, there will be a showing of the movie, Stories in Stone.  This is a documentary about the Narragansett stone masons who built many of the walls in southern New England.  The movie will be shown from 10:15-11:15 and all are welcome.
On Sunday, May 21, our congregation will take a visit to the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter for a guided tour.  If you would like to join us, contact the priest.

COMING UP SUNDAY- APRIL 23

This is the 2nd Sunday of Easter.  Church school will meet and the church school class will take part in a special project. They will plant some flowers for parishioners who could use some cheery color in their yards.
Easter Sunday was a spectacular day at St. Thomas.  View some photos on the right column by linking to the Facebook page.
On April 30 there will be a viewing of the movie, Stories in Stone, which is about the members of the Narragansett Tribe who built the stone walls all across Rhode Island.

COMING UP-HOLY WEEK

This week is Holy Week (read the tab at the top of the page for more information). The Maundy Thursday service will be Thursday night, April 13 at 7pm.  The Good Friday service will be on April 14 at 7pm.  On Holy Saturday, April 15,  there is a church clean up.  Bring some rags or a rake and there is plenty to do to get ready for our Easter service.  The Easter Sunday service is at 9.am.  There will be coffee hour fellowship an Easter Egg hunt for the children following the service.  All are welcome.  Be an evangelist and bring a friend!

COMING UP-PALM SUNDAY- APRIL 9

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week (see the tab above),  The service this Sunday will begin outside in the Meditation garden  with the procession of palms and the liturgy for Palm Sunday. There is no church school next Sunday.  There will be coffee hour following the service.
St. Thomas' will have Holy Week services on Maundy Thursday at 7 pm, Good Friday at 7 pm.  The church clean-up is scheduled for the morning of April 15.  The Easter Sunday service is at 9am, followed by and Easter egg hunt for the children and coffee hour.

COMING UP- THE WEEK OF APR. 3

Last Sunday St. Thomas' welcomed Bishop Knisely who presided at the 9am service.  There were 3 people confirmed and 2 people received into the Episcopal Church that morning.  The service was followed by a wonderful reception.  Check out the photos on the Facebook link in the lower right side of this page.
This Saturday, Apr. 8, St. Thomas will provide free coffee and baked goods to the fishing community at the Meadow Brook Pond fishing area.  This is part of the April challenge at St. Thomas' to be better evangelists.

COMING UP SUNDAY- APR. 2

This is the 5th Sunday in Lent. This Sunday, we will have 3 people confirmed and 2 people received into the Church when The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely visits at the 9 am service.  He will preside and preach.  Following the service, there will be a special coffee hour reception to honor the confirmands and the Bishop.
On Saturday, April 8,  the members of St. Thomas will supply free coffee and baked goods to the fishing community gathered at the Meadow Brook Pond Parking Area for the Opening Day of fishing.  We will have a table there from 7-8:30 am.  Stop by and say hello!!
Palm Sunday is April 9.  The schedule for Holy Week can be found by clicking on the tab, In the Coming Weeks.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 26

This is the 4th Sunday in Lent, also known as Refreshment Sunday.  Read about it in the column on the right.  There will be Simnel Cake served at coffee hour.  Church School will meet and the Confirmation Class will meet after worship.
This Saturday, March 25, there will be a gathering at the church from 10-11am for prayer and spiritual discussion.  All are welcome.
On Sun., April 2, The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely will preside and preach at the 9am service.  There will be 3 people confirmed and 3 people received into the Episcopal Church.
The schedule for Holy Week can be found by clicking on the link, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 19

This is the 3rd Sunday in Lent.  Church School will meet.  The WARM meal will be prepared by the Confirmation class after church.
The sermon this week is a continuation of the Confirmation series.  The topic for Sunday will be "The Catechism of the Church."
A parish luncheon will be held on Monday, Mar. 20 at the Richmond Country Club at 12 noon.  All are invited and everyone pays for his/her own lunch.  There will be a St. Patrick's Day theme!
For other events, check out the tab, "In the Coming Weeks," located at the top of the page.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 12

This is the 2nd Sunday in Lent.  Church School will meet and there will be a Vestry meeting after the service this week.
The sermon this week is a continuation of the Confirmation series and the topic will be: Sacraments and Sacramental Rites.
As a way of fulfilling the 2017 parish goals, St. Thomas has set up a monthly challenge.  The challenge for February was to collect 100 cans of tuna for RICAN.  The goal was passed with 150 cans coming in!  There are photos posted on the church's Facebook page- there is a link to it on the lower right side of this page.
As part of the March goal, parishioners are encouraged to Keep a Holy Lent by engaging in prayer, study, worship and acts of compassion.
For a complete list of activities, click on the tab at the top of the page, "In the Coming Weeks."

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 26

This is the Last Sunday after Epiphany.  Lent begins on Wednesday, March 1 with Ash Wednesday services (see below).  This is the last Sunday for the word "Alleluia" until Easter and we will put the alleluias away after the worship service this week.
Our guest preacher this Sunday will be Mr. Ed Beaudreau. Ed is a postulant for Holy Orders in this diocese.  He is a history teacher at Cumberland High School and he is also a seminarian at Nashota House in Wisconsin.
After church this week, there will be a discussion of the book, Gospel Memories, by Jake Owensby. Bishop Owensby is the Bishop of Western Louisiana.  We will meet from 10:15-10:45. to Even if you have not read the book, you are welcome to come and join in the discussion.
St. Thomas has challenged itself to collect 100 cans of tuna during the month of February to donate to RICAN.  So far there are over 60 cans in the box.  Let's see if we can make it!
Ash Wednesday is March 1.  St. Thomas and St. Elizabeth's in Hope Valley will converge for two services.  There will be a 10am service at St. Thomas and a 7pm service at St. Elizabeth's.

COMING UP SUNDAY-FEB. 19

This is the 7th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will not meet because of school vacation week.
After church this week, there will be a discussion of the book, Gospel Memories, by Jake Owensby. Bishop Owensby is the Bishop of Western Louisiana.  We will meet from 10:15-10:45 to discuss parts 1 and 2 of the book.  Next Sunday we will discuss parts 3-5.  Even if you have not read the book, you are welcome to come and join in the discussion.
St. Thomas has challenged itself to collect 100 cans of tuna during the month of February to donate to RICAN.  So far there are 20 cans in the box.  Let's see if we can make it!
Ash Wednesday is March 1.  St. Thomas and St. Elizabeth's in Hope Valley will converge for two services.  There will be a 10am service at St. Thomas and a 7pm service at St. Elizabeth's.

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 12

This is the 6th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet and there will be a vestry meeting after church.
Last Sunday combined the celebration of 2 events.  It was the Souper Bowl of Caring and Boy Scout Sunday.  There are photos posted on our Facebook page (see the link on the  lower right column).  We collected $111 in our soup pots which will be sent to RICAN as they support those who are hungry in our community.
St. Thomas is collecting tuna in the month of February.  Our goal is to have 100 cans by the end of the month!  Stay tuned for updates.

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 5

This is the 5th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet.  It is a busy Sunday because it is Boy Scout Sunday (see left column) and it is the Souper Bowl of Caring (see right column).
At the annual parish meeting, St. Thomas adopted a new budget and some new goals for 2017. They can be found under the tab at the top of the page.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 29

This is the 4th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will  meet.  This is the Sunday of our Annual Parish meeting.  It will take part after the worship service.  Bring a dish to share for our potluck brunch.
Next Sunday, Feb. 5,  is Boy Scout Sunday and it is the Souper Bowl of Caring (see the column on the right).
Confirmation class is underway.  Anyone interested in being baptized or confirmed or received into the Episcopal church can contact the parish office.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 22

This is the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet.  This Sunday marks the beginning of the Confirmation program.  The program will include 4 sermons and 4 after-church discussions. The schedule can be found under the tab, In the Coming Weeks.  Bishop Knisely will be here on Apr.2 for confirmation.  Anyone wishing to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church- and anyone who just wants a refresher course- is welcome to attend.
The Annual Parish meeting will be held on Jan. 29 after church.  There will be a potluck brunch during the meeting.  Bring a dish to share.
February 5 will be a busy day!  It is Boy Scout Sunday and the Souper Bowl of Caring.  See the post on the right for more details.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 15

This is the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet and there will be a vestry meeting after worship.
Confirmation classes will begin next week.  Anyone wishing to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church is welcome to take part in these classes.
The Annual parish meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 10-11am.  This is also the same date as Souper Bowl of Caring- look at the column on the right for more information.
Boy Scout Sunday is February 5. All Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are welcome to join us for worship followed by a special coffee hour reception.

NO CHURCH SERVICE ON JAN. 8

No church this Sunday due to the weather and a parking ban in Richmond.

If you want something to do at 9am tomorrow, you can read the Morning Prayer worship service from your Prayer Book (page 75).  You can also find it at this link.  

http://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html

Also, you can listen to a 35 minute presentation given by The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers.  Canon Spellers is the Evangelism officer for the Episcopal Church.  This presentation was given at an evangelism workshop in November.   Go to the link and drop down to the Livestream video frame that says Church

http://www.evangelismmatters.org/

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 8

This is the 1st Sunday after Epiphany, also celebrated as the Baptism of Jesus.  There are no baptisms scheduled for this Sunday, but as part of the liturgy, the congregation will renew its baptismal vows.
After church, the Vestry will meet to brainstorm parish goals for 2017.  Everyone is welcome to join this conversation.  Or speak to a vestry member if you have an idea.
The Annual Parish meeting will be on January 29.  For a list of all upcoming events, click on the tab at the top of this page.