Pass It On

Birth
Posted: Dec 14, 2013 01:00 am

Childbirth, at least at one time, was both a life giving, and life threatening event, and the birth for which we wait is no different. It will both give us life and threaten the life that we have come to know, for by it we experience both our beginning and our end. We see in it both manger and cross. We know from it both salvation and judgment.

-Br. James Koester
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Waiting with Anticipation...Advent Preparation At St. Thomas

Advent has Begun

Time to take a deep breath. Thanksgiving Holiday is over and somehow we jumped right into the First Week of Advent.  For those of us who have been away this is a bit of a shock even though we knew it was coming! Time to focus, truly FOCUS.

We (as in the parish of St. Thomas) have much happening this Advent Season as we share in preparation, fellowship, and love.You will find offerings by many ministries at varying times with all ages and relations in mind.  Read on  for a listing of all the gatherings and services planned.

This Week

Advent & Christmas, Waiting in Joyful Hope - Silent Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. Each Saturday in Advent beginning Saturday, December 7th, we will come together early in the morning before the rest of your day begins to reflect on the readings of the week and participate in centering prayer. This year we will  follow a daily reflections devotional that can also be used throughout the week. This is a practice that was established last year during Advent and we look forward to our second year. Questions? contact Dee McMahon.

Swinging with the Savior - This Sunday, December 8th  Harmony will be joined by the Helios Swingtet for contemporary worship and an amazing Big Band sound. Traditional carols with original arrangements courtesy of our own Jay Shull.Join us for a wonderful morning of worship,fellowship, and joy.

Each week we will send off a sampling of the weeks events as we did in the Fall, featuring in more detail one of the items listed. Watch for special postings on Family Advent Devotions and Activities and all the events of Christmas.

Looking Ahead
Lessons and Carols - December 15th
Blue Christmas - December 18th

Pass It On

Preparation

Posted: Dec 03, 2013 01:00 am

Advent is a season of waiting, of anticipation, of preparation. We are waiting expectantly for the Lord and preparing ourselves to meet him when he comes. But how exactly do we prepare for the coming of the Lord? The answer suggested by the gospel might surprise us. John [the Baptist] says, “Repent!”

-Br. David Vryhof
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Pass It On

Light

Posted: Nov 19, 2013 01:00 am

The image of light, as we hear it in the Book of Revelation, is not about the sun or moon, nor is it about a candle or an artificial light. This is about the first light, preceding light, in which we have been created to glow. Receive the light.

-Br. Curtis Almquist
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Pass It On

A simple thought to start the day right....

Trust

Posted: Nov 05, 2013 01:00 am

Learning to relax in the water, to trust its buoyancy, to let go of our fear – all these are key to staying afloat in deep waters. In the same way, we could say that to have faith is to trust in God, to believe in God’s ability to sustain us, to hold us up, even in difficult circumstances. Faith helps us to relax and let go, to rest and find peace.

-Br. David Vryhof
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Pecan Orders due Tomorrow, 10/27

Reminder Sunday, October 27th is our deadline for turning in pre-order forms for pecans this year. Forms can be found in the church office. We are planning on putting the order in on Monday, October 28th.

Sunday Morning Ministries to visit Nursing Home Sunday 10/27

This is the week to wear your costumes!!

All are welcome to join Sunday Morning Ministries as they visit Shore Acres Nursing Home. This outing will take place during the regular class time. The Nursery will remain open as usual for ages infant to 5 years for those families that do not attend the outing. All other ages will be going on the outing and we ask that parents check in with our teachers to be sure that there is transportation for everyone.

Halloween Visit to Shore Acres Nursing Home

We ask that children dress in costume if possible. Keep in mind that we want to stay on the lighter side of the holiday so no dark,super scary or gory costumes please.

We will meet in the Parish Hall at 9:50 a.m. and return by the end of Service.

We will deliver the cookies made earlier in the month and meet and greet the residents.

Please contact Judi Sayles if you have any questions.