Announcements

** Regular Weekly Worship Services at 8:00 am and 10:15 am 

9:15 am Discipleship 365 for All Ages 

Caroling at the Arbors of Valencia, December 14

We will gather and sing carols with the residents at The Arbors on December 14 at 12 noon.  The residents will be eating in the dining room on each floor while we sing 3 carols on each floor. We expect it to take about an hour. Please sign up on the bulletin board TODAY so Amy knows who will attend. Donations of store-bought Christmas cookies can be brought to church on Sunday.   

Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Worship Service, 

December 24 at 7 pm

Join us on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm for our Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Worship Service. This joyful, family-friendly celebration will help us welcome the birth of our Savior with Scripture, carols, and the warm glow of candlelight. Bring your loved ones and share in the beauty and hope of Christmas together!

Sunday, December 28, 9:30 am, Lessons and Carols Combined Worship 

Join us for a festive Combined Worship Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 28 at 9:30 am. Through Scripture and song, we’ll continue celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth in this beautiful Christmas-tide tradition. Invite friends and family to worship with us as we hear the story of salvation and lift our voices together in carols. All are welcome!

January 4 at 9:30 am, Epiphany Three Kings Tableau (Pageant) Combined Worship Service 

Join us on Sunday, January 4 at 9:30 am for our Three Kings Tableau Pageant as we celebrate the Epiphany. During the Combined Worship Service, our youth will help tell the story of the Magi through a simple, reverent tableau. It’s a wonderful way to mark the season and reflect on the light of Christ revealed to the world.  

Seats and Feets and Warm Clothing Drive

Many in our city go without even the most basic essentials we often take for granted. Shepherd’s Heart is in particular need of new socks and underwear for both men and women. For men, medium and extra-large are the most requested sizes, but all sizes are appreciated. This year we’re also collecting packaged women’s underwear in all sizes.

In addition, we’re accepting clean, gently used warm clothing: sweaters, pants, coats, gloves, and hats.

Please bring donations starting December 28 and place them in the bin at the back of the church. Kindly do not bring items before that date. The final day to donate is Sunday, February 1.  

Invitation to Join the St. Thomas Snow Removal Team

It’s that time again, and we will need help with sidewalk snow removal. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the parish hall. As a part of the St. Thomas Snow Removal Team, if it snows and accumulates more than an inch during your week, come to church as soon as you're able and shovel/salt the sidewalks and front steps. Thank you to everyone who has served and will serve our church family in this way. Your years of faithful service are much appreciated! Please see John Colaianne if you have questions.  

In Our Prayers we pray for...

THE DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER

December 14   Non-Parochial Clergy 

December 21 Licensed Clergy, Widows and Widowers of Clergy, Christian Associates of Southwestern PA, Hineni House, McDonald.

December 28 Diocesan Governance, Diocesan Council; Standing Committee;  Board of Trustees; Committee on Constitution and Canons. The Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh,  The Rt. Rev. Alex Cameron (Tamara),  The Rev. Canon Dr. William Henry (Dana),  Mrs. Sarah Kwolek (Mark),  Mrs. Christina Silva (Rodrigo),  Mrs. Stephanie Finn (Len),  Mrs. Jen Newhouse (Eric).

ACNA CYCLE OF PRAYER 

December 14 The Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes: for Bishop Mark Engel and his wife, Terri; and Bishop Allen Kannapell and his wife, Lisa.

December 21 The Anglican Province of the Indian Ocean: for The Most Rev. Gilbert Rateloson Rakotondravelo, Archbishop.

December 28 The Provincial Office and Deborah Tepley, Executive Director, and her husband, Luke.

January 4, 2026 The Provincial Office and Kate Harris, Director of Outreach and Development, and her husband, Joel; Tiffany Butler,  Director of Safeguarding and Canonical Affairs; Dan Hassler, Director of Administration and Operations, and his wife Desirée; and Sheryl Vittitoe, Director of  Finance, and her husband, Keith.

January 11 The College of Bishops Meeting,  January 12–16.

January 18 The Special Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy: for Bishop Derek Jones and his wife, Connie; The Right Rev.  Dr. Marshall MacClellan and his wife, Cristy; Bishop Jerome “Jay” Cayangyang and his  wife Linda; Bishop Mark Nordstrom and his wife, Christine; and Bishop Michael Williams and his wife, Becky.

January 25 The Anglican Province of Southeast Asia: for The Rt. Rev. Dr. Titus Chung, Primate, and his wife, Connie.

PRAY FOR THOSE ON OUR PARISH PRAYER LIST

Norma Snyder; Nancy Davidson; Bill Johnson; Joe Kosarik; Marissa Sharkey; Les and Gladys Carlyle; Jim Schantz Sr.; Linda DeRoner; Nancy Davis; Vickie; Lydia Slocum; Emma; Jeanette; Catherine; Alex and Family; Natalie; Mark Garrison; Kathy Burke; The Jay Family; Harleen; Sherry Cunich; Terry Herbert; Darla Totin; James Cooper; Darla; Janice; Jeremiah. 

PRAY FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY 

Chad D.; Mike B.; Mat B,; Ty W.; Stephen M.; Scott M.; Jesse W.; Chris R.; Heidi Jean; Richard; Omar; Todd; Brian; Sonja; Corey A.; Bene K.; Clifford M.; Jordan B.; Tristan Z.; Logan; Jackson S.; and Matthew D.;  Tristin;   Dakota; Caleb M.; Colton V.; Harley; Gabriel L.