 Stewardship Appeal
Two weeks ago our parishioners received a letter from the Vestry explaining the potential shortfall in our upcoming 2012 budget. The Vestry will work diligently between now and January 29 so they can present a balanced budget to the parish at the Parish Meeting. This work will include seeking other funds, and, as necessary, paring back program expenses. As part of this process, the Vestry is asking pledging members to consider increasing their giving to include a 13th month contribution, and asking those who do not pledge to consider a small commitment to the financial support of our mission and ministry.
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 Sunday Preview: Worship
"Follow me and I will make you fish for people" (Mark 1:17)
This invitation from Jesus is the heart of Sunday's Gospel: he calls us - like fishermen - to gather members into the life of our community. I hope you see this gathering as one of your glad responsibilities as a member of St. Thomas. Invite a friend or neighbor to worship, to dinner, to choir - to "taste and see that the Lord is good."
Yet, I never hear this invitation without thinking of John Singleton Copley's early American painting, Watson and the Shark (pictured above). Jesus invites us - like the sailors in the picture - put our combined efforts into pulling our neighbors out of the fear, despair, and hopelessness which threatens to wash over any of us at any time. I am grateful for the many safety nets of care, food, prayer, comfort, and encouragement cast by the members of St Thomas every day in our many walks of life. For those drowning in the cares and dangers of this world, and for the work of all who give their time and energy to save them...hear our prayer, O Lord! | |
Submitted by Fr. Hahn.
Sunday Preview: Music
The choir will sing a setting of "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" by English composer Richard Shephard. Debbie Anderson, soprano, and Gary Wortley, flute, will offer a duet on words from Psalm 18, "The Lord is my Rock and Fortress" by Camille Saint-Saens.
Submitted by Rick McKnight, Choirmaster and Organist. |
 Children's Choir News
The Children's Choir will sing on Sunday, January 29, during the offertory. They will be singing, "He Has Made Me Glad". Email or text Erin Redden at
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 Episcokids' News
Submitted by Erin Redden, Director of Children's Christian Education (Episcokids).
We would like to thank Tiffany Bonaker, longtime Episcokid Sunday School teacher, for teaching our young ones for so many years. She has decided it is time to step down so she can continue to pursue her degree in Special Education. She will be missed in the classrooms but we know that she is only a call away to help substitute and plan special events.
Mitchi Wade has agreed to take Ms. Bonaker's place in the classroom. She is teamed with Lori Kent, and they will be cooking up special treats and experiments in the Solid Rock Cafe. Dawn Farrow and Patti Landreau continue to teach in the Parable Pavilion. We are very blessed to have such dedicated teachers at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
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 Continuing Series: Adult Education Explores Callings
What does it mean to be called by God? One of the accents of Epiphany is Jesus' call of the disciples. The Old Testament readings of the coming weeks introduce us to individuals like Samuel, Jonah, Isaiah, and the
Aramian General Naham , whose lives are shaped by God's call. Our own prayer book suggests we are all called to service. Join us over the next several Sundays as we explore God's calling. Some of the classes will involve outside guests, some will introduce us to parishioners we may get to know better. Hopefully we will all learn about our own calls to service. Join us Sunday mornings in the library. We begin at 9:30. | | |
 Opportunities for Episcopal Youth
St. Thomas offers our young people a wide range of opportunities to grow in their faith. Whether in worship participation, parish fun and educational events, or through Episcopal community events such as the Thompson-Pound Art Project or the Infusion Program (pictured), we engage our young people in their faith.
I want to let you know about two upcoming opportunities we want to make available to our young people.
- Kids4Peace - This three-week summer camp brings together about 20 middle school students from Georgia, Jerusalem, and Palestine --Christians, Jews, and Muslims--to learn about other cultures and practice the ways of peace. We have sent a young person for the last two years, and would like to send one this year. The camp takes place in Camp Mikell in North Georgia, and in Atlanta. Applicants must be in grades 7 and 8 next year. Applications are due by January 31. For more information, see http://www.kids4peaceusa.org/Kids4Peace_USA/Welcome.html.
- Youth Theological Initiative is an opportunity for 50 young people (current 10th and 11th graders) to spend four weeks in July on the Emory University Campus, exploring faith with bright scholars, looking at the issues of the world, and joining a variety of outreach projects in the Atlanta area. Applications are now being accepted. For more information, see http://www.yti.emory.edu/.
Pray for, give thanks for, and support our young people in their faith. Thank you.
Submitted by Fr. Hahn. | | |
 Integrity to meet on January 20
The next Integrity meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday, January 20, in All Saints' Hall.
We need everyone to attend this important meeting, since we will be discussing the play "Next Fall", and will hear a presentation from BJ Landon about what is going to be expected of us to make this venture worthy of
producing. Afterwards, we will go to a restaurant of everyone's choice, at around 7:00 or so. We invite your suggestions in selecting the restaurant.
It is very important that all Integrity members attend this meeting to decide
if we would like to pursue the play. It will be produced for members of the church and community for one night, possibly two, depending on what we decide to do. This is one of the ways that we are trying to raise funds for our coffers as a group. These funds are used for various things throughout the year as activities for the group (food, wine, etc.). Please attend if you can! Thank you!
Submitted by David Kirkland and Todd Griffin. | |
 St. Thomas Readers to meet on January 26
The St. Thomas Readers Book Group will meet at 5:30 on Thursday, January 26, at the home of Pat McMahon, 4322 Deanery Court in the Castlewood neighborhood. The book under discussion is Jan Karon's In the Company of Others. A story of family secrets, this latest installment in the Father Tim Kavanagh series (grittier than the Mitford Series books by the same author) is filled with characters who are both sympathetic and flawed. Along with the enchantment of Ireland itself, they bring heart to this novel of forgiveness and reconciliation. Of all the novels that she has penned, Jan Karon calls In the Company of Others her personal favorite. Come join the St. Thomas Readers for a discussion of this engrossing story.
In the Company of Others is available online, through local bookstores, and at the public library. There is also a copy of the novel on CD available through the Columbus Public Library. All are welcome, but please inform Sonya Boyd if you plan to attend the discussion or if you have questions: 706-563-6161 or janjulau@aol.com.
Submitted by Sonya Boyd. | |
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 Annual Parish Meeting to be held on January 29
St. Thomas Episcopal Church's 2012 parish meeting will be conducted on Sunday, January 29. If you are the chairperson or organizer of one of our committees, ministries, or programs, please submit a summary of your group's mission and activities throughout the year. These submissions may be e-mailed to office@stthomascolumbus.org, and the deadline is Friday, January 20. In anticipation of the parish meeting, these summaries will be compiled to inform parishioners of our common work as a parish. Thank you for your continued service. | |
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 Pastoral Care Committee to meet on January 31
The Pastoral Care Committee will meet at St. Thomas Church at 5:00 pm in the Library on Tuesday, January 31. This committee is responsible for ministering to the sick, hospitalized, and homebound. If you would like more information, you are invited to attend the upcoming meeting. | |
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 Help Us Update our Parish Directory
We are continuously updating our parish directory, and we invite you to submit any contact information that has recently changed. You may access our password-protected parish directory from our website, http://www.stthomascolumbus.org/parishdirectory.html, using the password "stec". Please review your own contact information in the current directory, and contact the office to make any necessary corrections ( office@stthomascolumbus.org). Thank you! | |
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In This Issue
Stewardship Appeal
Sunday Preview: Worship and Music Children's Choir News Episcokids' News Continuing Series: Adult Education Explores Callings Opportunities for Youth
Integrity Meeting
St. Thomas Readers' Book Discussion
Annual Parish Meeting to be held on January 29
Pastoral Care Committee Meeting
Updating our Parish Directory |
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