COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 5

This is the 2nd Sunday after Christmas and the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany- also known as 3 Kings Day.  We will celebrate during the worship service and during coffee hour.
This is the last Sunday that we will collect new socks and underwear for the WARM Center.
The annual parish meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan. 26 after the 9 am service.
Looking ahead- the Souper Bowl of Caring will be held on Feb. 2 which is Super Bowl Sunday.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 29

This is the 1st Sunday after Christmas.  There will be no church school this week.  The Christmas season continues for 12 days until Epiphany or 3 Kings Day. 
Thanks to everyone who helped to make our Christmas Eve service so beautiful.  The flowers and music made it extra special.  There are photos on the church Facebook page that you can view on the lower right side of this page.
The annual parish meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan. 26 after the 9 am worship service.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 22

This is the 4th Sunday of Advent.  Church school will meet.
there will be a special presentation on a piece of artwork called the Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Merode Altarpiece.  Reflecting on pieces of religious art is another way we are drawn into prayer and listening as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
We are also collecting new socks and underwear for residents of the WARM Center.  Bring them to church any time before the end of December.
As part of our Advent observance, we have a Way of Love Christmas tree in our sanctuary.  We will decorate it with ornaments that reflect our Way of Love practices.
The Christmas Eve Service will be at 5pm and will include some special music.  Our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, has posted a Christmas message.  You can view it here.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC.15

This is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Rose Sunday or Gaudete Sunday (read about it on the Advent tab at the top of this page).  Church school will meet and the WARM Center meal will be prepared. 
On Sunday, Dec. 22, there will be a special presentation on a piece of artwork called the Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Merode Altarpiece.  Reflecting on pieces of religious art is another way we are drawn into prayer and listening as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
We are also collecting new socks and underwear for residents of the WARM Center.  Bring them to church any time before the end of December.
As part of our Advent observance, we have a Way of Love Christmas tree in our sanctuary.  We will decorate it with ornaments that reflect our Way of Love practices.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 8

This is the 2nd Sunday of Advent.  Church school will meet and there will be a vestry meeting after the service. This is the week that the wrapped gifts are due back at church for anyone who took a gift tag last month.  We are also collecting new socks and underwear for residents of the WARM Center.  Bring them to church any time before the end of December.
As part of our Advent observance, we have a Way of Love Christmas tree in our sanctuary.  We will decorate it with ornaments that reflect our Way of Love practices.

COMING UP SUNDAY- DEC. 1

This is the First Sunday of Advent.  There is no church school this week.  To learn more about the season of Advent, click on the tab at the top of this page.  At St. Thomas' we observe Advent using blue altar hangings and vestments.
This year the focus of Advent will be on the Way of Love (see post in left column).  Follow along using the Way of Love Advent calendar that you can find here.
The Christmas tree in the church sanctuary will be adorned with ornaments that show how our parishioners follow the Way of Love.  Join us each week and share in the adventure!

THANKSGIVING ECUMENICAL SEVICE

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at First Baptist Church in Hope Valley for a Thanksgiving service at 6:30 pm.  This yearly event brings together St. Thomas' Church as well as three churches in Hope Valley- First Baptist, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal and St. Joseph's Roman Catholic.  It is a time for words of praise, singing and fellowship.

COMING UP SUNDAY-NOV. 24

This is the Last Sunday after Pentecost (which means that Advent begins on Dec. 1- see the tab above to learn all about Advent).  Church School will meet.  
This Saturday, Nov. 23, Episcopal Charities will host a Thanks Giving Evensong at 4pm at St. Luke's in East Greenwich.  Bishop Knisely will officiate and the choirs from St. Luke's will sing. 
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, there will be a Thanksgiving Ecumenical service at 1st Baptist Church in Hope Valley beginning at 6:30 pm.  All are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV.17

This is the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost.  Church school will meet. There will be a vestry meeting after worship and the monthly meal for the WARM Center will also be prepared this week.  

Last Sunday there was a wonderful Veterans Day Celebration that included veterans from WW2 and active duty military personnel. Check out some photos from the Facebook page in the lower right side of this page. 

The annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6:30 at 1st Baptist Church in Hope Valley.  All are welcome

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV. 10

This is the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27). Church school will meet.  This Sunday is the annual Veterans Day Celebration!  St. Thomas has many veterans and several active duty parishioners.  This is the day we honor them. Worship is at 9 am followed by the reception at 10 am.
All are welcome!
The Episcopal Diocese of RI will hold its annual Convention this weekend, Nov. 8-9 at St, Luke's Church in East Greenwich.  At this meeting, there are elections for committees, a presentation of the next year's budget and the Bishop's address.  More details can be found on the diocesan website.

COMING UP SUNDAY- NOV.3

This Sunday is All Saints Sunday.  It is the Sunday after All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and it is one of the major feast days in our church calendar.  Church school will not meet this week. During the worship service, we will read aloud the names of our loved ones who have died.
Next Sunday is our Veterans Day Celebration.  All veterans and active duty military personnel are welcome to join us. Worship is at 9 am and the reception starts at 10am.
This week our Tuesday Tutoring program received a generous grant from the Chelsea Groton Bank Foundation. Check out the photo on our Facebook page (see lower right column).

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT. 27

This is the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25). Church school will meet and this Sunday they will do a special art project- they will make stepping stones for the church yard.  This is part of our focus on creation care and making the church property a Heavenly Habitat.  It will be led by members of the Chariho Youth Task Force.
At coffee hour this Sunday, there will be a guest speaker from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Center who will speak about recycling.  Bring your questions about garbage!
On Sun., Nov. 10, we will have our annual Veterans Day celebration.  All veterans, active duty personnel and their families are welcome!  Worship is at 9am followed by a reception at 10am

COMING UP SUNDAY-OCT. 20

This is the 19th Sunday after Pentecost.  Church school will meet and the WARM meal will be prepared after the worship service.
This week we welcome Mr. Jay Candon who will speak to our congregation about Education for Ministry (EfM). This is an adult education program for adults who want to learn more about faith as a way of enabling their own ministry.  There will be two classes starting in our area in January 2020.
On Oct. 27, the church school class will enjoy a special activity as we partner again with the Chariho Youth Task Force.  They will make stepping stones for our church yard.  It is part of our focus this year to make the church property a Heavenly Habitat.

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT. 13

This is the 18th Sunday after Pentecost.  Church school will not meet this week because it is a holiday weekend.  There will be a vestry meeting after worship.
On Oct. 20, there will be a guest speaker who will talk about Education for Ministry (EfM).  There will be 2 classes starting in our region early next year and it is a great opportunity to learn more about faith and ministry.  On Oct. 27, there will be a presentation from RI Resource Recovery who will teach us about recycling.
Save the date- On Sun., Nov. 10, we will have our annual Veterans Day celebration.  All veterans, active duty personnel and their families are welcome!  Worship is at 9am followed by a reception at 10am.

COMING UP SUNDAY- OCT. 6

This is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22).  Church school will meet. Last Sunday we celebrated the Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi who was a lover of all creation and all animals.  Check out the Facebook photos from our event and from our church yard as we tend to a garden that encourages pollinators and birds (see lower right of this page).
On Oct. 20, we will have a guest speaker who will talk about Education for Ministry (EfM).  This is a course for lay people that includes topics such as the Bible, theology and church history.  There are a couple of new groups that will be start in our region beginning in January.
Tuesday Tutoring begins this Tuesday, Oct. 8.  See the tab at the top of the page for more information.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT. 29

This is the 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21).  Church school will meet.  Their lesson for this week will be about St. Francis.  Later on Sunday, at 2pm, we will have a Blessing of the Animals in the church parking lot.  All animals welcome!!

October will be a busy month at St. Thomas' as we continue our focus on Creation Care and we learn about Education for Ministry- EfM.  Click on the "In the Coming Weeks" tab to learn about all of the upcoming events. 

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT.22

This is the 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20). Church school will meet.  The topic for this year is "Stories about Biblical heroes and saints."  
On Sunday, Sept. 29, there will be a Blessing of the Animals service at 2pm in the church parking lot.  Bring your small pet or your favorite large pet.  Refreshments to follow.
On Sunday, Oct. 20, there will be a presentation about Education for Ministry- EfM.  Next January a class will be starting in our region.  EfM classes meet once a week and are designed for lay people who want some theological education.
Check out the tab at the top of the page titled, In the Coming Weeks, to learn about all the events at St. Thomas'.

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT. 15

This is the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20).   Church school begins this Sunday.  There is one class for students in grades K-8.  The theme for this year is "Stories about Biblical heroes and saints." Class meets from 9-9:30 on most Sunday mornings.
Our annual Blessing of the Animals service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2pm.  Animals of all types and sizes are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY-SEPT. 8

This is the 13th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18).  There will be a vestry meeting after church this week. 

Last Sunday we blessed students and teachers and school employees and backpacks!  The Chariho school year is off to a good start! Church school will begin next Sunday, Sept. 15.  The theme for this year will be, "Stories about Biblical heroes and saints."

Our annual Blessing of the Animals service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2pm.  Animals of all types and sizes are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY- SEPT.1

This is the 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17).  This Sunday we will again have a Blessing of the Backpacks for those who could not be here last week.
As summer comes to an end, our fall schedule will pick up.  There will be a vestry meeting next week.  
Church school will begin on Sept. 15 for all students in grades K to 8. 
Additional events can be found by clicking on the top tab "In the coming weeks."  New things keep getting added, so check back often.

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 25

This is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16).  The Washington County Fair had another great year.  The Rhode to Health vehicle that our church sponsored with the Chariho Youth Task Force was a big success!  There were 2601 people who stopped at the table and 328 people went through the Hidden in Plain Sight exhibit.
This year we will have a Blessing of the Backpacks at St. Thomas' on two Sundays!  Bring your backpack on Aug. 25 or Sept. 1. 
Church school will begin on Sept. 15 for all students in grades K to 8.

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 18

This is the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15).  Join us for worship at 9 am in our air conditioned church!
It is a big weekend in southwest RI, because it is time for the Washington County Fair.  In conjunction with the Chariho Youth Task Force and URI, St. Thomas' is sponsoring a mobile health unit that will be at the fair. It will have one room with information about substance abuse prevention and education.  The other room will deal with health issues.  Be sure to visit it while  you are at the fair.  And include a stop at St. Elizabeth's food booth!

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 11

This is the 9th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14). Worship is at 9am in our air conditioned church.
Last Saturday an enthusiastic group gathered at the church to prepare a Heavenly Habitat for native birds and pollinators. We ripped out invasive plant species and planted a variety of perennials that we got from Clark Farms and Broadview Gardens.  Many thanks to the volunteers from the Chariho Youth Task Force and 4Ever Amigos 4H club.  Now we will just wait for the winged visitors to arrive!

COMING UP SUNDAY- AUG. 4

This is the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13). 
This Saturday, August 3, we will begin our Heavenly Habitat project.  We will work to make our church yard more friendly and welcoming to pollinators and native bird species.  Join us if you can.  Details in the right column. Bring work gloves and a plant to plant if you can help out!
The Washington County Fair will be held Aug. 14-18.  In conjunction with the Chariho Youth Task Force and URI, we are sponsoring a mobile health unit that will be at the fair. It will have one room with information about substance abuse prevention and education.  The other room will deal with health issues.  Be sure to visit it while  you are at the fair.  And include a stop at St. Elizabeth's food booth!

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 28

This is the 7th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12).  Join us for worship in our air-conditioned sanctuary!.  The temperature is perfect!
Last Saturday we celebrated a wedding and the church was full of love!  Check out the photos on the Facebook link on the lower right of this page.
On Saturday, August 3, we will begin our Heavenly Habitat project.  We will work to make our church yard more friendly and welcoming to pollinators and native bird species.  Join us if you can.  Detail in the right column.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 21

This is the 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11).  Our church is air conditioned and our altar is adorned with garden flowers.  It is a perfect place to spend a Sunday morning!
On Saturday, August 3, St. Thomas will welcome members of the 4Ever Amigos 4H Club and ambassadors from the Chariho Youth Taskforce as the help us with our project called Heavenly Haven.   Our congregation is committed to caring for creation, and we will work to make our church property a better place for native bird species and pollinators.  Read the post on the right.  If you want more information, contact the priest.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 14

This is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10). The air conditioning in our sanctuary makes it a cool, joyful place to be on a Sunday morning!  The WARM meal will be prepared this Sunday and served on Monday evening.
For those who are interested, we will read a book together and discuss it later in the summer.  The book by Father Richard Rohr- a noted Franciscan priest and author.  The book is titled, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.  You can get a copy on your own or sign up at church and we will order one for you.  All are welcome to join in.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JULY 7

This is the 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9).   Our sanctuary is air conditioned, our altar is adorned with garden flowers and it is the perfect place for summer worship!

For those who are interested, we will read a book together and discuss it later in the summer.  The book by Father Richard Rohr- a noted Franciscan priest and author.  The book is titled, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.  You can get a copy on your own or sign up at church and we will order one for you.  All are welcome to join in.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 30

This is the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8).  Join us at 9 am in our air conditioned sanctuary. Coffee hour and fellowship will follow the worship service.
For those who are interested, we will read a book together and discuss it later in the summer.  The book by Father Richard Rohr- a noted Franciscan priest and author.  The book is titled, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.  You can get a copy on your own or sign up at church and we will order one for you.  All are welcome to join in.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 23

This is the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7).  This is the beginning of the green season in the church year (see the post on the right).
Last week the ceiling inside the sanctuary was repaired and the entire sanctuary was repainted.  It is bright and white and looks great. Many thanks to the Church Insurance Company who helped us out after a rainstorm last year caused roof shingles to fall off and a leak to occur inside the building.
Our shoe collection for Soles4Souls ended last week.  We collected exactly 100 pairs of shoes.  Thanks to Brighton Collectibles at Mohegan Sun who is shipping them to the collection center for free.

COMING UP SUNDAY-JUNE 16

This is the 1st Sunday after Pentecost, also known as Trinity Sunday.  It is the day that the church celebrates the unity of God in the persons of the Trinity- Father, Son, Holy Spirit, also called the Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.   This Sunday is also Father's Day!  Although it is not a church holiday, it is a day for showing love- and we are good at that at St. Thomas'.
This week, the inside sanctuary is being repainted.  If it is not done by Sunday, we will have our worship service in the parish hall.  Coffee hour will follow the service.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 9

This Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost. In the Scriptural Book of Acts, this on the 50th day after Easter, the followers of Jesus were gathered in Jerusalem and the Holy Spirit was poured on them in the form of wind and fire.  Many people wear something red to church on this day to celebrate the gift of the Spirit. 
Last Sunday we welcomed Bishop Knisely to St. Thomas. There were 2 baptisms, 2 confirmations and 1 person was received into the Episcopal Church.  The church was packed and there was a great party to celebrate.  Some photos can be found on our Facebook (see lower right column of this page).
This Sunday there will be a Vestry meeting following the service.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JUNE 2

This is the 7th Sunday after Easter.  This week our guests will be The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Diocese of RI, and his wife, Karen. The Bishop will preach and  preside over the liturgy which will include 1 baptism, 2 confirmations and 1 reception into the Episcopal Church.  Following the service, there will be a special coffee hour to celebrate our new members and to welcome the Bishop and his wife.  If you want to be baptized or confirmed-contact the priest.
The shoe drive is coming to an end (see post on right side of page).  We have already collected 50 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls.  Bring them to church this Sunday. 

COMING UP SUNDAY- May 26

This is the 6th Sunday of Easter.  During the liturgy we will remember those who have died serving our country on this Memorial Day Weekend. Coffee hour will follow the service.
Last Sunday, 7 people from St. Thomas visited the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag.  There was a spirit filled liturgy, a guided tour of the Camp and  lunch!   Check out the photos on our Facebook page on the lower right side of this page.
Our shoe drive is underway- see the flyer to the right.  As of now we have 41 pairs of shoes.  We are hoping to make it to 100 by next month.
Ascension Day is Thursday, May 30.   We will have a service at 6pm, followed by a hotdog, potluck dinner. All are welcome.  The church will supply the hotdogs and buns, you bring a dish to share.  You will be on your way home by 7:30.

COMING UP SUNDAY-MAY 19

This is the 5th Sunday of Easter.  Following the 9 am worship service this week, there will be a field trip to the Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) in Pascoag,  We will attend the 11am worship service at ECC, followed by an open house.  Anyone who is interested can join us.  We will leave St. Thomas' at 9:50.  If you would like to go on this trip, contact the priest for more details.
The shoe drive is  underway and the box is overflowing (see the post on the right side of this page for details).  We will be accepting gently used shoes until June 2.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 12

This is the 4th Sunday of Easter and it is Mother's Day!  Although not an official day in the church calendar, Mother's Day is about all about love- and so are we!
Church school has ended for the year, but the church school class is helping with a project this month in which gently used shoes are being donated to Soles4Souls. This keeps shoes out of the landfill and they are sent to those who need shoes.
On Sunday, May 19, there is an open house at the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag.  After St. Thomas' worship service at 9am, a group will leave Alton and travel to ECC for the 11 am worship service. All are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAY 5

This is the 3rd Sunday of Easter.   It is the last day that church school will meet. But the church school and congregation have started a project that will keep them busy!  As part of the parish goals to care for creation and share the love of God with others, we are collecting gently used shoes that will be donated to Souls4Soles.  The box for shoes will be at the church until June 2.
There will be a parish luncheon on Monday, May 6.  All are invited!  Each person pays for her/his own lunch and it is a great time of fellowship.
On Sunday, May 19, St. Thomas' will have a regular worship service at 9 am, but after church, we will have a field trip to the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag for their open house and worship service at 11 am.

COMING UP SUNDAY- APR. 28

This is the 2nd Sunday of Easter (the Easter season lasts for 50 days!).  Our Easter morning service was glorious and the church was packed. Check out the photos on our Facebook link at the lower right side of this page.
Church school will meet this Sunday and there will be a vestry meeting after the worship service.
The sermon this Sunday is the 3rd in a pre-confirmation series titled, Jesus was an Episcopalian- and you can be one, too.  Come learn about the history, liturgy and tenets of the Episcopal faith.  On June 2, Bishop Knisely will visit St. Thomas' and will confirm and receive anyone who wants to become an official Episcopalian.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Please join us this week as the follow the path that Jesus followed in his final days.  Our Holy Week schedule is posted on the right and an explanation of all of the services of Holy Week can be found in a tab at  the top of this page.
The Easter Sunday service begins at 9am and will be followed by coffee hour and an Easter egg hunt for the children.  There is plenty of parking on the street.
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, has shared an Easter message which can be found here.

COMING UP SUNDAY- APR. 14

This Sunday is Palm Sunday.  The worship service will begin outside at 9 am by the wooden cross in the back of the church and there will be a procession into the building.  Church school will not meet this week.  The WARM meal will be prepared after worship.
The schedule for Holy Week is posted on the right.  Detailed explanations of these services can be found on the top of the page under the Holy Week tab.

COMING UP SUNDAY-APR. 7

This is the 5th Sunday in Lent.  Church school will meet as the class continues to focus on Creation Care.  This Sunday after worship, we will show the latest Way of Love video during coffee hour.
Holy Week begins on April 14 with Palm Sunday.  To learn about Holy Week, visit the tab at the top of this page.  The schedule for Holy Week services is posted on the right.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 31

This is the 4th Sunday in Lent. This Sunday is also known as Rose Sunday or mid-Lent Sunday.  It is has been marked by a lightening of Lenten discipline.  In some churches, rose colored vestments are used. During coffee hour this week, Simnel Cake will be served. This is a special fruitcake served in Great Britain to celebrate this day.
On Saturday, April 13, our congregation will serve coffee and baked goods to the fishing community in honor of the first day of fishing season.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 24

This is the 3rd Sunday in Lent.  Church school will meet. 
During coffee hour this Sunday, there will be a guest speaker who will speak about her son's struggle with opioid addiction. The Strong Arms Support Group (see above tab) meets at St. Thomas' twice a month works to help families who have children that are dealing with addiction or who have died as a result of drug use.  Our congregation is learning about opioid and marijuana use as Rhode Island deals with these issues.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 17

This is the 2nd Sunday in Lent.  The church school class will meet and the Confirmation class will prepare the meal for the WARM Center.  The sermon this Sunday will focus on the Episcopal Church as part of the preparation for confirmation.  The series is called, Jesus was an Episcopalian and you can be one, too., that is based on a book by that name written by the Rev. Carl Yaw.
During coffee hour this week, there will be a short presentation about opioids and marijuana in our community.  And during coffee hour next Sunday, Mar. 24, there will be a special presentation by a member of the Strong Arms Support Group (see tab at top of page) who will tell the story of her son who struggled with addiction.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 10

This is the 1st Sunday in Lent.  To learn more about the season of Lent, click on the tab at the top of the page.  Church school will meet this week and there will be a vestry meeting after worship.   The month of March is filled with many activities and projects at St. Thomas.  Look at the page titled, In the coming weeks for all of the details.
This Sunday marks the beginning of a project that at St. Thomas about the power of love.  We are going to use hearts to remind ourselves that we are loved by God and that we can share that love with everyone we meet.  Come to church and pick up a heart to remind you of that power.

COMING UP SUNDAY- MAR. 3

This  is the Last Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet. The Gospel reading for this Sunday always includes the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus.  It is the last Sunday that we will say the word Alleluia until Easter.
During coffee hour this week, we will show the short video that is part of a series titled, Traveling the Way of Love.  If you can't be there on Sunday, you can watch it here.
Ash Wednesday is March 6.  There will be a service at 12 noon at St. Thomas' and at 7 pm at St. Elizabeth's in Hope Valley.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the In Coming Weeks page.

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 24

This is the 7th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church School will meet. 
Ash Wednesday is March 6.  There will be a service at St.Thomas at 12 noon and at St. Elizabeth's in Hope Valley at 7pm.  Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent.  During Lent, St. Thomas will focus on the Way of Love.  We will focus on our own path of discipleship as we continue to go out into the world and share our blessings.  Stay tuned for more details! 
The Confirmation program has started!  If you are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, speak to the priest for more information.    This year, the Confirmation program is titled, Jesus Was An Episcopalian (and you can be one, too).  It is based on the book by that title written by The Rev. Chris Yaw.

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 17

This is the 6th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will not meet because of the holiday weekend.  The WARM Center meal will be prepared after worship.
This Sunday will be the first of four sermons that are part of the Confirmation preparation program.  This year, the Confirmation program is titled, Jesus Was An Episcopalian (and you can be one, too).  It is based on the book by that title written by The Rev. Chris Yaw.
Confirmation will be held on Sunday, June 2 at the 9 am service when Bishop Knisely comes to St. Thomas' for his biennial visit.  If you wish to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal church on that date, contact the priest.

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 10

This is the 5th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet and there will be a Vestry meeting following the service. 
Last Sunday, for the Souper Bowl of Caring, we collected $105  and 10 cans of coffee to donate to Church Beyond the Walls. Thanks to everyone for their generosity!
At the Annual Meeting last month, St.Thomas' came up with 3 goals for 2019: Develop a Creation Care ministry at our church, Encourage parishioners in their ministries and in leadership roles at church, Continue to support the community and be the living presence of God's love.  The vestry will work on ideas and projects to help the church fulfill these goals.  All suggestions are welcome!

COMING UP SUNDAY- FEB. 3

This is the 4th Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet.  This is the week for the  Souper Bowl of Caring!!!  In 2018, Americans spent $15 billion on food and entertainment related to the Super Bowl.  As a way to show our support for those in need,  parishioners at St. Thomas' will be asked to put $1 in a soup pot which we will donate to Church Beyond the Walls- a worship and outreach ministry held at Burnside Park in Providence. 
Last Sunday was our annual parish meeting!  We reviewed our accomplishments and goals for 2018 and we voted on a new budget and set new goals for 2019 (see tab at top of page).  We will continue to do God's work and share God's love in our community.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 27

This is the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany.  Church School will meet.  Our Annual Parish meeting will be held after the service and will include a potluck brunch.  Bring a dish to share- all are welcome.  Come hear about the great things we did in 2018 and choose to be a part of our ministries in 2019.
The Souper Bowl of Caring will be held on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3.  In 2018, Americans spent $15 billion on food and entertainment related to the Super Bowl.  On this Sunday, parishioners at St. Thomas' will be asked to put $1 in a soup pot which we will donate which will be donated to a local outreach agency.  

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 20

This is the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.  Church school will meet.  The Church is now back to the green season during this season after Epiphany.  This will last until Ash Wednesday on March 6.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Jan. 27, following the worship service.  There will be a potluck brunch and all are welcome.  Come hear about the great things we did in 2018 and choose to be a part of our ministries in 2019.
The Souper Bowl of Caring will be held on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3.  In 2018, Americans spent $15 billion on food and entertainment related to the Super Bowl.  On this Sunday, parishioners at St. Thomas' will be asked to put $1 in a soup pot which we will donate to Church Beyond the Walls. 

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN.13

This is the 1st Sunday after Epiphany, also known the day to celebrate the Baptism of Jesus.  The baptism story is another epiphany moment in the life of Jesus.  The word epiphany means manifestation and these stories tell us how the true identify of Jesus was revealed to his community.
Church school will meet this week and there will be a vestry meeting following the service.
The annual parish meeting will be held on Jan. 27.
During the season of Epiphany, some parishioners are participating in the Good Book Club which is reading through Paul's letter to the Romans.  This is open to everyone!  For more information, see the post on the right column.

COMING UP SUNDAY- JAN. 6

This is the Feast of Epiphany.  It marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas.  The word Epiphany means manifestation and during this season (which lasts until Lent), the Scripture readings remind us of the many ways in which Jesus was manifested to the world. 
There is no church school this week.  There will be a 3 Kings Party during coffee hour to celebrate the three magi who came to visit baby Jesus in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1-12).  All are welcome!
The annual parish meeting will be held on Jan. 27.