Final Rally for VBS

After months of planning we're in our final week of preparation for Vacation Bible School.  When you look at where we came from and where we are now it shows the  determination and faith of this Parish very clearly.

I'm happy to tell you that we have 25 adult volunteers and 10 youth volunteers confirmed for the week. We have 30 participates ages rising 3 to 5th grade.This number may seem low but keep in mind all the changes we've made and that we are piloting a brand new concept.  This actually affords us the time to give every detail proper attention.

We do have some room left for children to join us if you are thinking last moment that it would be an event not to miss.  And looking at all the plans, you would be right! Just give a call to the church office and we'll get you set up. 896 - 9641.

This week we're finalizing all of the menus for our dinners each night. We are asking for your help with side dishes. Here is our menu for the week, please take a look and see what you might be able to do. Each person would be providing 25 servings.

Menus
Monday - PDQ chicken (donated), Potato Salad, Relish Tray, Watermelon.

Tuesday - Mac and Cheese, Toss Salad,  Relish Tray, Assorted Fruit

Wednesday - Hot Dogs, Cole Slaw,  Relish Tray, Assorted Fruit

Thursday - Olive Garden Spaghetti (donated), Meatballs, Toss Salad w/ mozzarella, Relish tray, Watermelon

 Friday - Taco Bar Dinner, ground beef (seasoned), lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, salsa.

We Look forward to hearing from you!

Pass It On

Gift

This life is a gift – not to be earned, but received – the gift of living in union with God.

-Br. David Vryhof
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Making the Most of Summer - What's your Plan?

It is no secret that most of us look forward to the 'lazy days' of summer. Schools of all types are ending, vacations are being planned, we're ready for that well deserved break.

We have learned how to make the most of the summer months in order to rest and renew for the months ahead.   But what are we thinking about spiritually? How does God fit into our summer plan?

Pentecost is upon us. We celebrate the 'going forth' of our faith.  The rush of the Holy Spirit which transforms the disciples, excites the notion that we too have an opportunity to meet those around us where ever they are and invite them to be a part of the God-experience.  We have many new faces at St. Thomas so we can start with the person in the pew right next to us. We can even challenge ourselves to find a community in need much like our youth will do on their summer mission trip.

Right here at home VBS will be happening. There really are so many possiblities.

This Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost - open our hearts to each other and to whatever God calls us to do. We will celebrate the family we have become as the church, St. Thomas.  We will welcome new members in baptism.  Our children will sing as we join in worship and we will all gather after service and feast on a delicious Pancake Brunch.
    -  It seems the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of summer - much like a family reunion. I think you might have the beginings of a plan!

Pancake Brunch

hosted by the Young Families of St. Thomas

following the 10:00 a.m. Service in the Parish Hall

Menu: Pancakes & French Toast with Topping Bar
          Bacon or Sausage
          Juice and Coffee
Cost: Adults $6, Youth ages 4-12, $3, children 3& under eat free

Welcome II Psalms in Harmony Service this Sunday

II Psalms shares original contemporary music this Sunday 

This week Harmony music director, Jay Shull is joined by Harley Smith and Sergio Rivera to share their  original  music in our 10:00 a.m. Harmony Service.These are faces very familar to us sharing the beginnings of a new journey; their band named II Psalms.

They have formed the band II Psalms to share 'a different kind of praise music'. Their hope is to write music that deals more with the things we do in real life: struggles of faith - issues of social justice. 

Possibly these are themes that speak to people about what's real for them day to day as Christians.

 Their sound and style can be described as new grass, folk or even acoustic rock or alternative country.

  "Our sound comes from mostly secular music like Dave Matthews, Mumford and Sons, Civil Wars. John Butler and others"

This Sunday affords the opportunity to come out and worship in a new way. Supporting the efforts of Jay and his fellow band members you are able to  share in contemporary worship and a new energy within the parish of St. Thomas. Welcome II Psalms!

BIG day for Sunday School, trip to Shore Acres Nursing Facility

We invite you to take part in our last trip to Shore Acres Nursing Facility for this year.  Tomorrow, Sunday, May 18th we will meet in the Parish Hall/ Guild room area at 9:45. Russ and Judi Sayles will be escorting the group over to the Nursing Home for a visit and we'll deliver our cookies to our friends there. The group will return before the end of the 10:00 a.m. Service. Nursery and Children's Chapel will be open and running as usually. Families with children of that age may also join us at the Nursing home if they wish.

This will be our final day of Sunday School as we break for summer.We sincerely thank all of our teachers for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.  We have a great summer season in store and we invite you to join us for all the fellowship and fun =

Celebrate the Family of St Thomas 
Penecost Sunday, June 8th
10:00 a.m. Service
Pancake Brunch to follow in the Parish Hall

Children's singing practice each Wednesday, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

VBS 2014 Splash Into God's Word
June 16-20, 2014
5:15 - 8:00 p.m.
with Early Bedtime option for 3's &4's
Ages 3 - 5th grade
Finalizing registrations now

Stand by for the announcement of new summertime programming on Wednesday nights beginning with a planning meeting June 11th and program to follow VBS begining June 24th.  Look forward to messy,fun activities in praise and worship.

Pass It On

Redemption

Redemption is reclaiming a memory. It is remembering what clearly was not good, not right, and yet acknowledging, where we can, that what was our breaking may actually have become our making.

-Br. Curtis Almquist
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

VBS Registrations Due May 15th

VBS is moving right along...

We are approaching one month out from our VBS program for 2014 

SPLASH INTO GOD'S WORD which will be held JUNE 16-20, 2014 from 5:15 to 8:00 p.m.

Our dinner menus are coming together nicely with delicious kid friendly menus and plenty of great adult options.  Thank you to Dorine Houston for all of her hard work.  If you'd like to take part in preparing and/or serving any of the nights, please look for the sign up sheets in the Portico and Parish Hall.

The time is here to begin ordering supplies, t -shirts and gather donations for our workshops. We want to be sure we are fully ready for all of our families to arrive. For this reason we have set the DEADLINE of MAY 15th for registrations to be in the office. You may drop them by the office, mail them in or attach them to email. Please use  tidings@tampabay.rr.com if you choose the email option.The registration form can be found on our website. 

Calling all youth volunteers. Now is the time to sign on to work during decorating week and the week of VBS. This is a great way to start on community service hours for scholarship opportunities.

 If you have any questions at all, please contact Elaine Patrick at 896-9641 or stthomas_christianed@tampabay.rr.com.