Fall Worship Hours Begin on September 20
8:00 am and 10:15 am
9:15 am Adult Discipleship Returns
September 11-27, Carol out of the office
September 13, 9:30 am Combined Worship Service and Brunch
September 20, 8:00 am and 10:15 am Worship Hours Change
September 20, 9:15 am, Adult Discipleship Begins
September 20, 10:15 am Children’s Church Begins
September 20, 12:30 pm, Blessing of Bikes
October 4, 1 pm, Blessing of the Animals
October 7, 7pm, A Service of Healing Prayer
October 11, Finance Team Meeting
October 16-17, St. T/Anglican Diocese/Isaiah 40 Healing Prayer Training
October 20, 3 pm, Prayer Group Meeting at The Arbors Valencia
October 23, 6 pm, Family Fall/Halloween Bonfire
October 28, 6:30, Halloween Parade at The Arbors of Valencia
October 25, Pastor Appreciation Sunday
Join us for Kickoff Sunday as we celebrate the beginning of an exciting new season at St. Thomas! We'll gather for a combined worship service at 9:30 am followed immediately by a delicious brunch and fellowship. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect after the summer, welcome new friends, and discover all that God has planned for the months ahead. You'll be introduced to our new Adult Discipleship opportunities, celebrate the launch of our new Children's Church ministry, and learn about upcoming fellowship events, service and mission opportunities, and exciting new plans for our church. Whether you've been worshiping with us for years or are just getting to know St. Thomas, Kickoff Sunday is the perfect time to get connected, grow in faith, build new relationships, and find your place in the life and ministry of our church. We hope you'll make plans to join us for this joyful day of worship, fellowship, and new beginnings!
A Message from Bishop Alex Cameron:
“When we spend time in the presence of the Lord, we are not left unchanged. To know the presence of God, to experience his presence, is to be made different.”
Last week, we invited you to a Prayer Ministry Training hosted by St. Thomas Gibsonia, sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, and led by Isaiah Forty. Curious who the training is for? What you might get out of it? Watch as Bishop Alex underlines the importance of prayer in our lives and the life of our churches, encourages us to learn to pray for others, and explains more about the training event on October 16-17 in Gibsonia.
Not for you? Don’t worry, Isaiah Forty will be back on February 18-20, 2027, to lead their Becoming Whole Conference for us in Ambridge. This is an introductory conference, suitable for Christians of all backgrounds, on discovering our wholeness in Jesus Christ.
Learn more and register for both events on the Diocese website.
Shepherd’s Heart has recently opened a food pantry to serve people experiencing homelessness in their community, and they need our help! We are collecting non-perishable food items such as soup, canned vegetables, pasta, cereal, and other pantry staples. They are also in great need of socks, especially larger sizes, which are often the first to be taken. As the weather gets colder, extra-large socks can even be worn in layers to help keep feet warm. Let’s fill the shelves and warm the soles of our neighbors in need! Place items in the tote in the back of the church. We will be collecting until September 27. Thank you for your generosity!
Have you ever wished you could open the Bible with greater confidence? Have you ever wondered how to move beyond simply reading the words to truly understanding them, allowing God's Word to shape your life and deepen your relationship with Christ? This fall, join us as we journey through Paul's letter to the Philippians. Together, we'll learn a simple, practical approach to studying Scripture—discovering what the text says, what it teaches about God, how it transforms our hearts, and how it calls us to faithful living. Whether you've been reading the Bible for decades or are just beginning, this class is designed to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. Rather than simply collecting information or sharing opinions, we'll learn how to read Scripture carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully so that God's Word can take deeper root in our lives. Philippians is a letter overflowing with joy, humility, courage, and hope. As we study it together, you'll gain practical tools for reading any book of the Bible with greater confidence and discover how God's Word continues to form His people today. Bring your Bible, your questions, and a desire to grow. We'd love to learn alongside you. See the series here.
The next St. Thomas/Arbors Valencia prayer group meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 15 from 3-4 pm. If you are interested in participating, please sign up on the bulletin board in the parish hall. The Prayer Group Meetings have gone very well and the residents have been excited to have Fr. Ron, Fr. Jay and Amy lead the group! If you have questions or would like to see the bulletin, please speak with Amy Baier.
The Ladies’ Bible Study will meet at 1 pm this Thursday, September 17 and the study of Genesis will continue. All ladies are welcome to attend and invite a friend. This group is open to the community! Please see Karen DeSanto with any questions.
Join us for our annual Blessing of the Bikes! Motorcycles, mountain bikes, bicycles, and even tricycles are all welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, come enjoy a time of fellowship with fellow riders and receive a special blessing for safe travels. We’ll gather in the parking lot following the late service on September 20 AT 12:30 PM. Invite your friends and bring your ride!
Join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals on October 4 at 1 pm. This is a reminder of the goodness of God’s creation and the special place our pets hold in our lives. Bring your dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, or any beloved pet to receive a blessing. If your animal friend is unable to attend, feel free to bring a photo or even a favorite toy as a symbol. Please make sure pets are leashed, crated, or otherwise secured for everyone’s safety. All are welcome—invite friends and neighbors to share in this wonderful service.
Join us for our Bonfire on Friday, October 23, at 6:00 pm at the pavilion! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move the fun indoors. Fellowship will provide hotdogs, marshmallows, and pumpkins for decorating. Carve a pumpkin, roast some hotdogs and marshmallows, or simply enjoy time together around the fire. Feel free to bring some snacks or desserts to share! All are welcome—so please invite your friends and neighbors to join in this fun community event of food, fellowship, and fall fun!
Join us for our Bonfire on Friday, October 23, at 6:00 pm at the pavilion! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move the fun indoors. Fellowship will provide hotdogs, marshmallows, and pumpkins for decorating. Carve a pumpkin, roast some hotdogs and marshmallows, or simply enjoy time together around the fire. Feel free to bring some snacks or desserts to share! All are welcome—so please invite your friends and neighbors to join in this fun community event of food, fellowship, and fall fun!
We are seeking a Worship Leader who can help lead our congregation in faithful, vibrant, and grounded worship—honoring our Anglican heritage while thoughtfully incorporating new music. This is a healthy and welcoming parish, ready for someone who can strengthen our core repertoire and gently expand it over time. Learn more details
2026 Price for flowers: $25.00
The calendar to sign up for the Altar Flowers and the Sanctuary Lamp is posted on the bulletin board in the parish hall. In order to be sure the flowers are ordered, please do all of the following at least 3 weeks before your scheduled week. If it is less than 3 weeks in advance, please call Carol because bulletins are often done 2-3 weeks early.
• Sign up on the 2026 Flower and Lamp calendar found on the bulletin board or online through the weekly email
• Complete the order form-found next to the calendar on the bulletin board or in the email and return it with your payment.
• Pay for the flowers using the envelope in your offertory envelopes or a blank envelope with “flowers” written on the outside or on your check
The cost of the flowers is $25.00 and the lamp is $5. If you donate both, the cost is $28.00. If you need assistance with signing up, please call Carol on her cell phone, 412-720-3129.
If you have a specific need or concern for which you would like to have someone pray, please email: PrayerRequests@SaintThomasAnglican.org We will be happy to share your confidential request with our Prayer Warrior Team . PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS EMAIL FOR ANYTHING BUT PRAYER REQUESTS.
THE DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER
9/6 St. Elizabeth's Anglican Mission (Bridgeville) and The Rev. Paul Sutcliffe (Kathy).
9/13 St. John's Anglican Church (Franklin, TN) and The Rev. Michael McGhee (Megan) and The Rev. Dr. Tom Russell (Anne).
9/20 St. Luke's Anglican Church (Georgetown) and The Rev. Suzanne Perkins
9/27 St. Martin's Anglican Church (Monroeville) and The Rev. Kua Apple (Kymbra)
10/4 St. Mary's Anglican Church (Charleroi) The Rev. Michael Brigode (Kimberley
ACNA CYCLE OF PRAYER
9/6 The Diocese of Cascadia: for Bishop Jake Worley and his wife, Kelly; and Bishop Kevin Allen and his wife, Stefanie.
9/13 The Anglican Diocese of the Living Word: for Bishop Julian Dobbs and his wife, Brenda; and Bishop Marc Steele and his wife, Korleen.
9/20 The Anglican Province of Rwanda: for The Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda, Archbishop, and his wife, Chantal.
9/27 The Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, President Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East and Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, and his wife, Rafa.
10/4 The Church of Confessing Anglicans, the Confessing Anglican Diocese in New Zealand, and The Rt. Rev. Jay Behan, Bishop, and his wife, Jaimee.
PRAY FOR THOSE ON OUR PARISH PRAYER LIST
Norma Snyder; Nancy Davidson; Bill Johnson; Doris Simich; Eileen Born; Joe Kosarik; Bishop Hathaway; Les and Gladys Carlyle; Linda DeRoner; Claudia Dortenzo; Marissa Sharkey; Cora; Dave Alchier; Faith; Pete Pugliese; Patty Garrison; Karen Jenkins; Betty Lou Karch; Melissa Myers; Bob; Lacy; Scott; Wade Murcko; Chad; Betty Alchier; Shannon Marshall; Jett; Nancy Davis; Scott George; Patti Flagg; Diana Yuhanjak; Sally Woods; Karen; John Colaianne; Kevin Pocquette; Elizabeth; Taylor Nasen; ACNA Leadership; Gail Bridges; Andrea; ACNA Leadership.
PRAY FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Chad D.; Mike B.; Ty W.; Stephen M.; Heidi Jean; Richard; Omar; Todd; Brian; Sonja; Corey A.; Clifford M.; Jordan B.; Tristan Z.; Logan; Matthew D.; Tristin; Dakota; Caleb M.; Raymond P.; Colton V.; Harley; Gabriel L; Aidan S.; Logan M.; Craig M.
Home Visits or Communion
For those hospitalized or unable to attend church, home visits or Communion can be arranged easily by contacting the church office at: 724-443-1963 or emailing: Admin@SaintThomasAnglican.org. Communion typically is taken to nursing homes and the homebound on the first Sunday of each month.
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral/Spiritual counseling is available upon request. You may leave a message on the church voicemail, 724-443-1963 or call Fr. Jay, 412-977-7751, and arrangements will be made.
Pastoral Services
Please contact Kathy Burke if you or somebody you know in the congregation is in need of Pastoral Services such as prayer, meals or rides.
Fr. Jay’s Office Hours
Fr. Jay will be in the office on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm. You may pop in to see him, but giving him a little notice would be helpful for his planning purposes.