This Week at St. Thomas
A New Way to Give Thanks: Share your Thanksgivings
As we begin this new year it is easy to think back on all we didn't like about 2020. But, I want us to think about what we are thankful for from 2020 and as we begin 2021. Share your brief thanksgivings with us and we will lift them up in prayer in our next Sunday service. They can be anonymous or include names. We often share needs that we have, this time let's share thanksgivings and celebrate God's goodness and mercy, even in the midst of trials. Send via email to admin@SaintThomasAnglican.org
~Fr. Ron
Lenten Devotionals
Lenten Devotionals, created by Trinity School for Ministry, are available on the table at the back of the church and in the bin on the front porch. Please take one home with you today!
Bishop's Visit, March 14, 2021
Please save the Date! Bishop Martyn Minns will visit on March 14. This is not only a day for Baptisms and Confirmations, but also Reaffirmations and Receptions. For adults who are not Anglicans but who would like to become official members of the denomination, this is your opportunity to be RECEIVED by our Bishop. For others who have previously been confirmed but wish to renew and reaffirm their commitment to Christ, REAFFIRMATION is appropriate and is also administered by the Bishop. Fr. Ron will talk with anyone interested in any of these steps in your spiritual walk. Just let him know or call the church office.
Tithing Stimulus Money
Several people have asked me about how to best tithe their stimulus funds. We are setting up a separate fund for stimulus money and over the next month the Vestry will determine what community needs can be served by these funds. We also welcome any suggestions for ways to use these funds to serve those in need. If you have a suggestion, please share it with a vestry member as soon as possible. There is a new fund titled “Stimulus Tithing” on the St. Thomas My Well giving platform. When giving, you can choose from the General Fund, Fundraising and Stimulus Tithing. ~Fr. Ron
Text to Give
Try the newest way to give! Text "StThomasChurch" to 40101 to make a donation to St. Thomas. You will receive a return text with a link to My Well to make your donation. Follow the simple directions and you are done! After the first time, it will take less than 30 seconds to donate through texting.
Church Front Porch Pick Up
There is a plastic bin on the front porch at church. The bin contains...
Bulletins (small and large size) / Devotionals (Jan-March)/ Pledge cards/Weekly Family Devotions for February and March.
Bulletins for the next Sunday will be in the bin no later than Thursday afternoon.
EVERY SUNDAY:
Sunday Adult Education, 9:15 am Sundays, In-person and Virtually
Adult Christian Education takes place at 9:15 am every Sunday in-person and on Google Meet.
The link, handouts and recordings are available through the St. Thomas Website.
Meeting Code: https://meet.google.com/dct-npex-nzt
Through Lent, Fr. Terry will lead a study of Genesis 1-12, the stories of creation and how they are fundamental to fully understanding who Jesus is and the significance of what he’s done. The link, handouts and recordings are available through the St. Thomas Website.
Youth Sunday School
Youth Sunday School will be offered online each Sunday at 9:15 am. The format for class, at least for the first 9 weeks or so, will be to read a parable together, discuss the meaning in simple, straightforward terms and then discuss and plan ways for the kids to put the meaning into action.
WEEKLY VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES
An informal time of prayer led by Donna Goss every Monday evening.
Fr. Ron or Fr Chris will lead a time of worship and study on our Lord's life and ministry and why Easter is the turning point of history.
This will be an in-person study which will follow all the safety guidelines. Others may join virtually through our website.
Join Fr. Ron on Wednesday afternoon for a look at the Book of Philippians.
Join us for a short Compline service every Thursday evening.
2021 Altar Flowers and Sanctuary Lamp
The calendar to sign up for the Altar Flowers and the Sanctuary Lamp is posted on the bulletin board at the back entrance of the church. (right above the offertory envelopes). 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 for the 2021 Flowers and Lamps
· 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 $23 and the lamp is $5. If you donate both, the cost is $26. If you need assistance with signing up, please call Carol on her cell phone, 412-720-3129.
Prayer Requests
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 .
There will be a new Prayer List starting on March 7. Please circle the names of those whom you wish to remain on our Prayer List. The current Prayer List is on the table at the back of the church.
In Our Prayers
THE ACNA CYCLE OF PRAYER
We pray for the Diocese of New England, Bishop Andrew Williams and his wife, Elena.
DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER
Pray for Holy Innocents, Leechburg, PA, A small neighborhood church known for its pre-school. Please pray for the safety of children and reduction of fear for families during this COVID season. The Rev. Colleen Klingensmith (Bill) and Anglicans for Life: Working to eradicate abortion and euthanasia through ministry, education, pastoral care, and advocacy. Dcn. Georgette Forney (Jim).
Names remain on the prayer list for 3 months. Names will be read during the Prayers of the People for 4 weeks. Please keep our prayer list current by removing names of those who no longer need intentional prayer.
PRAY FOR THOSE ON OUR PARISH PRAYER LIST
Judy Eves; Norm and Ruby Hayden; Pat Ruberto; Terry Rusnak; Marissa Sharkey; Jone Mader; Jean Kifer; Jennie Crawford; Lauren Saul; Rod and Mary; Marge Lytle and family; Paul Jay; Marti Pristas; Billy Egger; Timmy Saxman; Janis Alicandro; Shirley; Andy; Sarah; Bill; Diane Johnstone; Diana; Hannah; Lea; Gina and Dave; Joy; Mark; Jose; Cindy Gilch; Larry; Nancy; Ruby and Norm Hayden; Katie Klingensmith; Benedictine Sisters; The Klaja and Rey Families; Barbie; Caitlin; and Marilyn; Gaudio and Taylor Families; Melissa; and Marge Lytle and family; Fr. Chris; Tom Murray; and Tom Jay.
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.
Pastoral Needs
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
Fr .Ron and Fr. Chris are available for spiritual direction or pastoral counsel upon request. You may email them directly, Fr. Ron at: Rector@SaintThomasAnglican.org and Fr. Chris at FatherChill@gmail.com or leave a message on the church voicemail at 724-443-1963.
Pastoral Services
Please contact Melissa Schmitzer if you or somebody you know in the congregation is in need of Pastoral Services such as meals or rides.