 St. Thomas Congregation to Support WNN in February
Now that the holiday rush is over, our shelves at the Wynnton Neighborhood Network (WNN) food pantry are practically empty. St. Thomas parishioners are taking their turn to help replenish the food supply in the month of February. You can drop donations in the food basket in the Narthex (the foyer outside the Nave). The following items are especially needed and will be greatly appreciated:
+ canned products, especially vegetables, fruit, meat, soup, and tomatoes
+ spaghetti sauce and dried pasta
+ macaroni and cheese
+ dry beans
+ cereal
+ oatmeal
+ peanut butter
+ jelly
+ diapers
+ toilet tissue
+ bath soap
+ laundry soap
+ tooth paste
+ tooth brushes
Monetary donations are welcome at any time of year. Please make out your check to Wynnton Neighborhood Network (WNN).
WNN is a multi-denominational ministry that operates a food bank and outreach center for those in need in the Wynnton Road area of Columbus. Each month, local congregations take turns supporting WNN with their donations. | | Submitted by Vicky Veteto. |
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 Infusion Program Wins Two Grants for Mission
(Several St. Thomas Teams Have Been a Part of Infusion: Fr. Hahn Serves as Their Spiritual Advisor)
The Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry (CVEM) has received two Episcopal Church Jubilee Ministries grants for its youth leadership program, Infusion. Both grants center around the service and leadership of teenagers involved in the program, and one of the grant proposals was written by Infusion teen Abby Brown, a high-school senior and member of St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church in Hamilton. For more information about Infusion, click here. To subscribe to the Diocese of Atlanta e-newsletter, click here. | | |
 Continuing Series: Adult Education Explores Callings
What does it mean to be called by God? 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. THIS SUNDAY, our topic will be "Called to Serve on the Margins", which will feature a panel discussion with parishioners whose work takes them to our society's margins. Panelists include Ms. Courtney Loving, who is finishing a Master's in community counseling, and Michelle Mullin, who works with the Homeless Resource Network.
Join us every Sunday morning in the Library. We begin at 9:30.
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 What Does It Do? Liturgy Notes
People who are new to our church often ask about parts of the Liturgy, What does that mean? A more helpful question is, What does it do? In that spirit, I want to offer occasional notes about parts of our Sunday liturgy.
The Gathering Rite: What does it do? Though our prayer book does not use the words "Entrance Rite", this gathering of the people precedes and underlies all we do: we can not worship as a community unless two or more of us have gathered together. Ecclesiastical means "those called together". Our Entrance Rite is intended to bring us from our scattered lives and bring our scattered minds into a common focus: the prelude music helps us meditate upon higher things; the welcome reminds us of our community life. As the opening hymn puts words to our common faith, the procession gives us a visible symbol of our coming together. Our opening acclamation: Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, calls us to remember words spoken at every baptism, and the opening collect calls us to open our hearts to the One before whom nothing is hidden. Our Hymns of Praise are among the most ancient hymns of the church; singing Glory to God or Lord Have Mercy links our voices to voices from around the world and through the centuries. Finally, our Collect of the day "collects" our personal prayers in common prayer. What does the Liturgy do? In our lonely and isolated world, it reminds us we are part of community, gathered around one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Come, gather with us this Sunday | | Submitted by Fr. Doug Hahn. |
 St. Thomas to Host VIP - Volunteers Needed!
Valley Interfaith Promise (VIP) needs volunteers to help with VIP from February 12th - 19th. If you are able to serve dinner, host, or spend the night, please contact Malinda Shamburger 706-761-5716 or mshamburger1@yahoo.com. We are also in need of someone who is able to transport the trailer at the end of our week to the next church. We thank you in advance for your willingness to volunteer! | | Submitted by Malinda Shamburger. |
 Next Baptism Date
The next Baptism date is Sunday, April 15. If you or your child is ready to receive the life-giving waters of Baptism, please contact the parish office. | |
 January Financial Report
Expected Income = $31,854.88 Budgeted Income = $30,284.32
Income Received = $40,307.07
Also, we would like to thank Bob Upchurch for a donation to the Memorials Fund in memory of his co-worker Steve Toms. | | Submitted by Financial Administration. |
 Annual Parish Meeting was Conducted on Sunday, January 29
Our parish community joined together to conduct an informative and productive parish meeting. We thank you for attending and for communicating your views. If you were unable to attend, or would like more information about the life of our parish, please visit our website at http://www.stthomascolumbus.org/2011annualparishreport.html, and click on the link titled "2011 Annual Parish Report". | |
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 Travis Wade to be Honored by American Cancer Society
Travis Wade is the 2012 honoree at the American Cancer Society's Crystal Ball, to be held on Saturday, March 10, at the Rivermill Event Centre from 6:30 pm to 12:00 am. As you may know, Travis was diagnosed with colon cancer last January, and following surgery and chemotherapy is now cancer free. If you would like to attend the ball or make a donation in honor of Travis or another friend or loved one who has been touched by cancer, you may call the American Cancer Society at 706-324-4573 or visit their website at www.acscrystalball.org. Travis is a true testament to the fact that cancer does not discriminate. Early detection and treatment are the keys to treating and stamping out this dreaded disease. Let's help Travis do just that through a donation or your attendance at the Crystal Ball. Thank you. | |
Submitted by Sherry Wade. |
 Ministry Fair Offers Rich Opportunities in Education and Diocesan Fellowship
Also on Saturday, March 10, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta is hosting its annual Ministry Fair. St. Thomas always brings a sizable contingent of participants, including staff, Vestry, and interested parishioners.
This annual gathering features educational workshops on a variety of topics, including Christian Education, Outreach, Vestry Leadership, and Pastoral Care. This year, one of the workshops will be led by youth and adults from our own INFUSION program. The day consists of a keynote address, and the opportunity to attend 3 of over 40 workshops. This year's guest speaker and topic will be Dr. Stephen Smith of the Center for Disease Control: Knocking Out Malaria - Timing is Everything. The Ministry Fair will take place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. For more information or to register online, go to http://www.episcopalatlanta.org/. | |
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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
St. Thomas to Support WNN in February
Infusion Program Wins Two Grants!
Adult Education Series Continues
Liturgy Notes:
What Does It Do?
St. Thomas to Host VIP Next Baptism Date
January Financial Report Annual Parish Report Now Posted Online
American Cancer Society to Honor Travis Wade
Episcopal Ministry Fair on March 10, 2012
Help Us Update our Directory! |
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