Children Sunday School Visits Ronald McDonald House

The Children's Sunday School had a field trip to the Ronald McDonald's House and learned about their remarkable mission providing a"home-away-from-home" for families with children receiving medical treatment in Tampa Bay area hospitals.  They have an extensive volunteer network and rely on contributions from the community for 2/3 of their operating budget. 

Here are some photos from the outing...please visit the St. Thomas Facebook page for more photos.

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posted by m white

Outreach Painting Project

On Saturday, September 24, twenty-one people gathered to paint 2 classrooms and a nursery at Happy Workers Children's Center.  The folllowing people were present Richard Davis, Rene Clark, Pete & Toni Calabrese, Ted Steinwender, Wade & Mack Hamby, Cris & Liz Stiles, Bill McMahon, Burrell Woods, Gloria Ellinwood, Steve & Emily McMullen, Canterbury students - Maria Rodriguez, Caroline Richstein, Virginia Wallace and Sophie Fulllerton, and Derek Cooper of Omega Psi Phi and two of his Fraternity brothers.  Fun mixed with work made the day successful and joyful.  There was even time for muffins and coffee in the morning and pizzas and sodas for lunch.

Submitted by Rene Clark

Boxes for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

                                                              Photo by Louise Yardumian

On 3/10, 10 organized ladies gathered in the Guild Room to pack boxes to be sent to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who are associated with St. Thomas' .  The generosity of the congregation allowed us to gather all sorts of needed goodies from shampoo to Oreos. Eight boxes, two for each soldier, packed with love and appreciation, will be shipped immediately. Two additional boxes will be shipped to an about-to-be deployed soldier when we learn his address.
Carolyn Nelson's guest room is now free for guests.

Submitted by Jill McGrath

Outreach Opportunity

Neighborly Senior Services- Meals on Wheels (MOW)

Is seeking a few good folks to assist with delivering Meals on Wednesdays. The route is 7-02, I currently do this run on Thursdays with a team of people. At present, we deliver to 12 people in the Veridian Apartments and one individual on Roser Park Blvd. I depart the house at 10:30, and am back home between 11:30 & 11:45. It requires two people to do the job. Each client receives a hot and cold packaged meal. On some days, there is an additional special weekend lunch.
A good way to get this done is to consider a Saint Thomas Team that would cover Wednesdays. If you need more details or are interested, you should call the MOW coordinator at the Sun Shine Center, Ruthe Hargray 893-7136.
Submitted by Walter C. Jaap

Did you miss out on the Resurrection House Angel Tree? Can you help us help a family in need?

Jack Day and your Outreach Committee encourage you to make Christmas a bit brighter for two families of children “adopted” by the Juvenile Services Program. There are 6 children ranging in age from 1-7 years old. Jack has offered to coordinate getting gifts to these children and you can contact him at JDay@jud6.org or at his home phone 823-3735. Gifts can be wrapped or unwrapped with the name attached. They must be in Santa Jack’s hands by Dec. 15th. Here is the information you will need: Family #1 =
1) Ke’Myia (Female) Age 1 – clothing size 24 mos; shoe size 5 infants (loves musical toys)
2) Samuel (Male) Age 4 – clothing size 7; shoe size 13 (loves trucks and Super Heroes)
3) Yakenna (Female) Age 7 – clothing size 16 – shoe size 5 (loves Hannah Montana)
Family #2 =
1) Jhade (Female) Age 7 – Clothing 10½, shoe Size 1 (loves to read, write, and draw)
2) Amyah (Female) Age 4 – Clothing 5/6; Shoe 10 or 11 (very girlie – loves Princess ‘stuff’)
3) Joziah (Male) Age 3 – Clothing Size 5/6; Shoe 11 (loves Super Heroes)

Thank you so much for sharing God’s Love and opening your hearts to those in need.
Submitted by Toni Calabrese

From the Outreach Committee

FOOD FOR FAMILIES

The response to St. Thomas’ new Outreach ministry FOOD FOR FAMILIES has been impressive in the first few weeks since its introduction. Hundreds and hundreds of food items have been collected and the goal set by the Outreach Committee of 1000 items per month certainly seems achievable. The Outreach Committee has pledged to keep in close touch with food bank operators so that St. Thomas members can be regularly informed about which food items are most needed. Please know that food items like rice and beans, pasta, pizza and baby food are always appropriate and remember to bring your items to any of our five weekend services as part of our offering of thanksgiving to God.

From the Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee met on Tuesday evening and acknowledged the donations of $500 to help Resurrection House with roof repairs and $500 to assist the St. Petersburg Free Clinic in purchase of Diabetic Test Strips. These monies came from funds generated by last April's Golf Tournament. Bill Thomas is investigating the involvement of the Committee in this year's Tournament on April 14th.

Marla Hicks reported that 246 items have been collected in August for Food for Families for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic Food Bank but stressed that we need to bring in more food to achieve the 1000 item challenge set by the committee. We all appreciate her willingness to deliver these goods to the Free Clinic and Bill Thomas has offered to help with this project. Hardy Bryan continues to provide publicity for Pam to insert into Tidings and St. Thomas Scoop.

All members are actively involved in projects to better the community in the name of St. Thomas' parishioners. If you have suggestions or questions, please see one of the members of the committee or stop by our table at the Ministry Fair on September 26th.
submitted by Toni Calabrese