Passing of a Parishioner

Dear Parishioners,

It is with great sadness but also in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection that I inform you that Anne Morgan, a longtime parishioner, entered into eternal life this morning. 

Anne served as an Altar Guild Member for many years. Her outgoing and welcoming personality will surely be missed.  

A service celebrating her life will be held at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in the near future.  We will notify everyone when we have the date and time.

 With hope in Christ,

John Suhar

 

An Invitation Parish Wide- Eformation is Waiting

Forming and Informing Faith World Wide

"E Formations is on Fire"

This post begins with an ENORMOUS thank you first to the Parish of St. Thomas and the wisdom of it's leadership (yes that would be Father John and the Vestry) for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of the E formation Conference held over this last week end at Virginal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.  Second to Lisa Kimball, John Roberto and all the brilliant and loving people who built the experience.

It is very excting to know that we are in the midst of a movement that though it seems fast paced and ever changing is at the same time very stationary, positioned at the very center of our mission and calling as Christians.  It is dead bang on; a bullseye.

Before I elaborate on that thought let me set the stage.  People are gathered by the hundreds. They come from many denomination, cultures and geographic locations. Their roles vary; clery, church staff,  lay leaders,  parishioners. All together as one and they have two main things in common - they are seekers and followers.

The place was on fire.  Human desire to move mountains with the touch of a finger or in this case strokes of a keyboard.  Some may say this is impersonal or even lazy I say its genious. Genious inspired by the Holy Spirit.  As we moved from place to place the energy grew.  Connecting with each other, sharing ideas, asking the hard questions.  It takes a great plan to cultivate spontiaity. Yes, that's right a plan-.I watched people with a few items in common and many differences in toe (some would say baggage) agree and dissagree, embrace and reject all for a greater cause. At the end of the expierence we all know this: The plan  has already been laid out for us in Scripture. the creativity and spontieity comes with the delivery and the delivery comes from us.  It should be timely and reach the broadest base possible, while at the same time peak interest and curiousity and challenge the all senses and intellect. God created thiswithin us - we have the tools and now the technology.

 The concern I hear the most and that I also owned myself for a while is what about the personal contact.  We are one in Christ- a community like no other. This is the' no person left behind' iniative of the present day church. It is not meant to isolate it is meant to include, to reach out.

 While the whole weekend was amazing; two experiences touched me deeply. I invite you to share them with me at Supper Song & Prayer, soon
as we continue grow as a Parish from the inside out.

Peace,

Elaine

Post VBS thoughts

VBS: New faces, New places, New Friends

Every year it takes us a few days to rest before we can reflect on our week together. A long walk on the beach this morning allowed some thoughts to crystalze in my mind.  As adults we sometimes forget what really makes a child tick.  I think VBS is our reminder of how simple life really is.  How simple, how beautiful and how precious. For weeks, months even we are busy preparing.  Some of these preparations are smooth some not so smooth but no matter.  All always ends well. 

 As we open the doors the first day children run in, joy and excitement overflowing.  The air is electric. No matter how tired we all get that electric feeling stays. The children work hard, play hard, for play is their work. We work hard to play and end up exhausted. What are we missing?

And they learn. Some of the learning is direct and some is unknowing.  We study the Bible through storytelling and play acting, sharing a snack with another or running, bouncing, taking turns and working things out; simply caring enough to try.

                               .                        Who is teaching and who is learning?

      

Watching the actions of these children

 reminds us what Jesus is about. They make it simple. Their hearts are open when they come to us. It is a beautiful thing. We use all the talent, skill. and resource we have to show them what it is to be human and to be loved by God.  It is our job to fill their hearts with love and we do. That is beautiful too. That is what Jesus is about: simple, beautiful. and

                                                              how preciousis that?

Yes, I am exhausted but I have learned and I have loved. There is no better feeling in the world.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all who gave of their time, talent, and love.  To those who prayed for our success.  And to each and every parent willing to share their family with us. Once again, St.Thomas has shared, cared and ROCKED  the love of God. How awesome is that?!

             Peace & Prayers, 

                Elaine

Weekly Events at St. Thomas

Hello Everyone,

Here’s your weekly reminder of all the programs, services and events at St. Thomas during the next several days.  Please take particular notice of all events in colored print.

          

ORDINATION FOR REVEREND JANET TUNNELL

Join the St. Thomas Family for the

Ordination of the Reverend Janet Tunnell

at St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Saturday, June 29, 2013

at 4 o’clock p.m. A reception

immediately follows in the Parish Hall.

Nursery available at 3:45 p.m.

Sign up sheets to bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre will be

on the Portico and in the Parish Hall.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP

The Youth Mission Trip departs for Vero Beach

Sunday, August 4^th

returns Friday, August 9^th

 

The cost per Youth for this years' Mission Trip will be

$300 per Youth.  We have families that need sponsors

so if you are interested in supporting a Youth for this

 years’ Mission Trip please indicate so on the

NOTE section of your check that says “Mission Trip.”  

Any amount helps. Thank you! 

Tuesday, June 25th

 

Wednesday, June 26th

Men’s Bible Study is at 7 a.m. in the Guild Room.

The Holy Eucharist is at 12 noon. in the Chapel.

Supper, Song & Prayer is in the Parish Hall beginning at 6 p.m.   Everyone is welcome!

Godly Play is at 6:30 p.m. in the Library.  Godly Play is for Pre-K thru 5^th

grade children.  We will explore “Paul’s Discovery”.

Youth Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

 

Thursday, June 27th

Women of the Word is at 9 a.m. in the Guild Room.

Chancel Choir is at 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room.

Friday, June 28th

Holy Folders is at 10a.m. in the Founders’ Room.

AA Meeting is at 10 a.m. in the Guild Room.

Saturday, June 29th

Silent Saturday is at 7 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Harmony Band Rehearsal is at 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

Ordination Rehearsal is at 2:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary for all participants except musicians.

Ordination of The Reverend Janet Tunnell is at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

 

 The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, June 30th

Sunday Services are at 8 and 10 a.m. Traditional in the Sanctuary,

10 a.m. Harmony in the Parish Hall and 6 p.m. in the Chapel. 

Youth Group will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Youth Room.  Come and be a part of this great group!

Nursery available from 9:45 a.m. in the Nursery.

Children’s Chapel begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Nursery coordinating with each service.  Children will return to the service at the Offertory time.

Sunday School is at 9:50 a.m. in the Guild Room.

 

Monday, July 1st

AA is at 12 noon in the Guild Room.

Yoga is at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

 

See you at many—or all—of these events.

Blessings,

Pam Holley

Parish Secretary

Ordination for The Reverend Janet Tunnell

By the Grace of God

The Right Reverend Dabney T. Smith

Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

 

Will Ordain to the Sacred Order of Priests

 

Janet Arlene Tunnell

 

In Christ’s One Holy Catholic Church

Saturday, the twenty-ninth day of June

in the year of our Lord 2013

at four o’clock in the afternoon

 

Saint Thomas Episcopal Church

1200 Snell Isle Boulevard North East

Saint Petersburg, Florida

 

Your prayers and presence are requested

 

 

Reception following

in the Parish Hall

 

 

Weekly Events at St. Thomas

Hello Everyone,

Here’s your weekly reminder of all the programs, services and events at St. Thomas during the next several days.  Please take particular notice of all events in colored print.

VBS

Monday, June 17 thru Friday, June 21^st

with Special Program Sunday, June 23^rd

          

ORDINATION FOR REVEREND JANET TUNNELL

Join the St. Thomas Family for the

Ordination of the Reverend Janet Tunnell

at St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Saturday, June 29, 2013

at 4 o’clock p.m. A reception

immediately follows in the Parish Hall.

Sign up sheets to bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre will be

on the Portico and in the Parish Hall.

 

Tuesday, June 18th

VBS is at 9 a.m. beginning in the Sanctuary.

Vestry Meeting is at 7 p.m. in the Founders’ Room.

Wednesday, June 19th

Men’s Bible Study is at 7 a.m. in the Guild Room.

VBS is at 9 a.m. beginning in the Sanctuary.

The Holy Eucharist is at 12 noon. in the Chapel.

Supper, Song & Prayer is in the Parish Hall beginning at 6 p.m.   Everyone is welcome!

Godly Play is at 6:30 p.m. in the Library.  Godly Play is for Pre-K thru 5^th grade children.

We will explore “Paul’s Discovery”.

Youth Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

 

Thursday, June 20th

VBS is at 9 a.m. beginning in the Sanctuary.

Holy Folders is at 12:45 p.m. in the Founders’ Room.

 

Friday, June 21st

VBS is at 9 a.m. beginning in the Sanctuary.

AA Meeting is at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.

Saturday, June 22nd

Silent Saturday is at 7 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Harmony Band Rehearsal is at 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

 

 The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 23rd

Sunday Services are at 8 and 10 a.m. Traditional in the Sanctuary,

10 a.m. Harmony in the Parish Hall and 6 p.m. in the Chapel.

Youth Group will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Youth Room.  Come and be a part of this great group!

Nursery available from 9:45 a.m. in the Nursery.

Children’s Chapel begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Nursery coordinating with each service.  Children will return to the service at the Offertory time.

Sunday School is at 9:50 a.m. in the Guild Room.

Monday, June 24th

AA is at 12 noon in the Guild Room.

Yoga is at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

 

See you at many—or all—of these events.

 

Blessings,

Pam Holley

Parish Secretary

Silent Saturday and Sandwich Sunday

Silent Saturday, June 14th

Silent Saturday is cancelled this Saturday. 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER SANDWICH  SUNDAY, JUNE 16TH 

Meet in the Parish Hall

prior to and immediately following

the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Eucharist.

 

Weekly Events at St. Thomas

Hello Everyone,

Here’s your weekly reminder of all the programs, services and events at St. Thomas during the next several days.  Please take particular notice of all events in colored print.

VBS

Monday, June 17 thru Friday, June 21^st

with Special Program Sunday, June 23^rd

Program Training Dates:

Tonight, June 11^th 6:30 p.m.

in the Guild Room

 COLLECTABLE ITEMS NEEDED FOR VBS

 Cowboy Hats, Old Jeans and Bandanas

 Western Blankets, Canteens. Barrels,

 Saddles, Ropes, Barn Items, Cast Iron

Cookware, Burlap, Coffee Cans, Scrap Wood

for Signs, Rocking Horses, Barn Animals,

Horse Shoes,  Wagon Wheels, Lanterns, 

Wooden Posts, Old Draperies, Bar Stools

 ORDINATION FOR REVEREND JANET TUNNELL

Join the St. Thomas Family for the

Ordination of the Reverend Janet Tunnell

at St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Saturday, June 29, 2013

at 4 o’clock p.m. A reception

immediately follows in the Parish Hall.

Sign up sheets to bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre will be

on the Portico and in the Parish Hall.

 

SANDWICH  SUNDAY, JUNE 16TH

    Meet in the Parish Hall

prior to and immediately following

the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Eucharist.

Tuesday, June 11^th

Decorating for VBS is at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

VBS Training is at 6:30 p.m. in the Guild Room.

Wednesday, June 12th

Men’s Bible Study is at 7 a.m. in the Guild Room.

Decorating for VBS is at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

The Holy Eucharist is at 12 noon. in the Chapel.

Supper, Song & Prayer is in the Parish Hall beginning at 6 p.m.  Jon Owens will be our speaker.  Please support Jon with your prayers.  Everyone is welcome!

Godly Play is at 6:30 p.m. in the Library.  Godly Play is for Pre-K thru 5^th

grade children.  We will explore “Paul’s Discovery”.

Youth Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

 

Thursday, June 13th

Women of the Word is at 9 a.m. in the Founders’ Room.

Decorating for VBS is at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

 

Friday, June 14th

Holy Folders is at 10 a.m. in the Founders’ Room.

AA Meeting is at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.

Decorating for VBS is at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

Saturday, June 15th

Silent Saturday is at 7 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Decorating for VBS is at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

Harmony Band Rehearsal is at 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

 

Sandwich Sunday, The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 16th

Sunday Services are at 8 and 10 a.m. Traditional in the Sanctuary,

10 a.m. Harmony in the Parish Hall and 6 p.m. in the Chapel. 

Youth Group will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Youth Room.  Come and be a part of this great group!

Nursery available from 9:45 a.m. in the Nursery.

Children’s Chapel begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Nursery coordinating with each service.  Children will return to the service at the Offertory time.

Sunday School is at 9:50 a.m. in the Guild Room.

Sandwich Sunday is immediately after the services in the Parish Hall.

Monday, June 17th

VBS is at 9 a.m. until 12 noon beginning in the Sanctuary.

AA is at 12 noon in the Guild Room.

Yoga is at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

 

See you at many—or all—of these events.

 

Blessings,

Pam Holley

Parish Secretary