Saturday May 11, 2013 - 9 am to 1 pm

Limited plants available after May 12th services

Do you enjoy the beautiful gardens around St. Thomas’?  If so here is your chance to take a piece of St. Thomas’ home with you!

Perennials from St. Thomas’ lush gardens and plants donated by our garden enthusiast parishioners will be available for purchase. Seeds, annual flowers, vegetables and miscellaneous gardening supplies will round out the offerings!

Have a question about that plant you’re about to purchase? Trained horticulturists and experienced gardeners will help advise you on planting requirements.

Stop by to see what it’s all about and pick up some plants to add to your gardens at home. And please tell your gardening friends and family about this fun event!

All proceeds to benefit the St. Thomas’ outreach ministries.

As with many of our church events, we’re looking for volunteers to help with the Spring Garden Plant Sale fundraiser that’s scheduled for May 11th. Helpers of ALL ages are welcome to join in the following activities: Diggers, Potters, Pricers, Set Up, Runners & Cashiers.

There is much to do, but many hands make light work and, like the plant sale 3 years ago, we can have fun doing it! This event is a wonderful way of enjoying activity and fellowship with each other and our community, so please consider helping out, even if it’s only for an hour or two. The activities are spread out over a 2 week period, so even if you aren’t available the day of the sale, there still may be a task that will fit your schedule.

We’d like to have this be a multigenerational event. Wouldn’t it be great to have our youth involved? If you know of any of our young people who would be interested in working on this sale, please let us know.

The plant sale will be publicized as a Rochester community event, so please spread the word. Funds generated will benefit St. Thomas’ outreach ministries. If you can volunteer your time, please either see or contact Kathy Walczak (377-1064, mwalczak@sjfc.edu), Laura Arney (334-8548, LArney@rochester.rr.com), or Vicky Rupley (233-2546, vrupley@harrisseeds.com.)

Do you have a houseplant or two that you could lend to St. Thomas’ for two days during Holy Week? Each year on Maundy Thursday we commemorate Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane by turning our Chapel altar into an Altar of Repose. We need lots of non-blooming plants of all sizes to arrange around the altar. Please drop plants off outside the chapel door between 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 and 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28. They can be picked up any time after 10 a.m. on Saturday. Questions? Email the parish office at office@stthomasrochester.org.

Roja Singh with students

On Saturday, February 2nd, at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Singh will host and cook an Indian dinner at St. Thomas’ with the assistance of a number of our own parishioners. This dinner is to support the boarding school that she and Bishop Singh helped found in 2005 for girls in India who would not otherwise be educated or employed. The word ‘disadvantaged’ doesn’t even begin to describe the former living conditions of these children. Through individual contributions and fundraising dinners such as ours, a number of the girls in the community have graduated and been placed in nursing schools, teachers’ training schools or in liberal arts colleges. Please join us on the 2ndto enjoy delicious (not too spicy!!) Indian food, and to hear Dr. Singh tell the story of the school and their goal to help break the barriers that have enslaved these girls’ families for several generations.
Proceeds from the dinner will help support the school. Consider bringing a friend or two to this yummy and educational event! Ticket price is $15.00, children 12 and under are free. You may purchase tickets after each of our services this weekend. Or you can purchase them online by clicking here.

Click here to order now

Support our parish fellowship by volunteering to coordinate meals for Thursday Nights Together (TNT). TNT is a lenten series of dinners and short programs designed for families and ending with a short service. Parish Life recruits and supports various parish families and groups to provide the simple supper for five of the Thursdays in Lent. Needed are teams of people to sign-up for each week.The meal can be as simple as pizza and salad. Ann Tamburrini will be passing the sign-up sheet this weekend. Call Ann at 355-4547 with questions.Volunteer online now by selecting one of the following dates. Once you see the Click the 'Volunteer' button to sign up. Select a date to volunteer and get more information about what's needed:

Feb. 21
Feb. 28
March 7
March 14
March 21

Click here to see more opportunities to support St. Thomas' ministries."

At the 10:00 Eucharist on Sunday, February 3, our guest preacher will be the Rev. Marvin A. McMickle, PhD, President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. The author of 14 books, Dr. McMickle served as Professor of Homiletics at Ashland Theological Seminary from 1996 to 2011 and is widely regarded as one of the distinguished preachers of our time.

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1948, Dr. Marvin A. McMickle is a 1970 graduate of Aurora University in Illinois with a B.A. in Philosophy. His alma mater also awarded him the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1990. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1973 and did two additional years of graduate study at Columbia University in New York. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey in 1983 and was awarded the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2012. He was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1998. He was also awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters by Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, OH in 2010.

He was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1973 at Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City where he served on the pastoral staff from 1972-1976. He served as the pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church of Montclair, New Jersey from 1976-1986. During those years Dr. McMickle served on the adjunct faculty at Fordham University, Princeton Theological Seminary, New Brunswick Theological Seminary and New York Theological Seminary. He also taught biblical studies courses inside of Ossining Correctional Center (Sing Sing) in Ossining, New York between 1982-1984.

Dr. McMickle served as the Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio from 1987-2011. During that time he led the church in establishing a ministry for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. This ministry was the first of its kind in the entire country. The church also offered ministries in the areas of job training, a hunger center, three AA units, a credit union with over $2 million in assets and a tithing program in which the congregation tithes out to the community 10% of its annual income every year. During his service at Antioch 14 men and women were licensed or ordained into Christian ministry.

In May of 2011 he was elected to be the 12th president of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY.

Before arriving in Rochester he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH. Dr. McMickle was also the Professor of Homiletics at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio from 1996 to 2011. Upon retiring from Ashland Theological Seminary, the faculty named him Professor Emeritus. He is the author of 14 books. He has also authored dozens of articles that regularly appear in professional journals and magazines. His writings also appear in Feasting on the Word and Preaching God’s Transforming Justice; two recent preaching commentaries He is a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. In the winter semester of 2009 he served as a Visiting Professor of Preaching at Yale University Divinity School.

Dr. McMickle has been married to Peggy Lorraine Noble since 1975 and they have one son, Aaron who resides with his wife in New York City. Dr. and Mrs. McMickle welcomed their first grandchild, Aaliyah Ramos McMickle born in March, 2012.

The price is $8 per quart, with proceeds going to J2A activities, including the Appalachian mission trip this summer.

Place your order online by clicking here or after services the weekend of January 19/20 or January 26/27.

Orders can be picked up the weekend of February 2/3.

The job requires the ability to use a snow blower (we will train) and willingness to faithfully monitor and clear walkways as needed every morning by 7:30 a.m. and again before our 5 p.m. Saturday service through March. Candidates for the position need not be parishioners of St. Thomas’. This would be a great job for someone who lives near the church!

Pay rate for this position is $15 per hour, with a guaranteed minimum number of hours. For more information, contact Bud Gernow at 500-5670.

It is a Smuggler’s/Bootlegger’s Night, with a side dish of Historic Brewing.

We have once again reached out in the US to breweries that do not distribute in New York, and found ways to get some of their more interesting brews in front of you.

Where else in Rochester can you hoist some really great and unique brews and help those in need in our community?

One special aspect of this evening – one of our regular attendees, John Kellas, submitted a Wall Street Journal article about George Washington as a home brewer, including his original recipe. We gave the recipe to Fairport Brewing’s Tom Bullinger, and he agreed to make a replica version, and then a second batch with more “modern” ingredients. We will be the first to try both versions!

We will also be doing a fun raffle for some beer, and besides the normal $25 entrance fee we will be accepting cans of food which will be donated to the Brighton Food Cupboard. For each can of food donated you will receive a raffle ticket, and we will be running raffles throughout the night with (big surprise) some really good beer as the prize.

This is a great way to make a positive impact in our community, and have a relaxing evening tasting some truly unique (and in this case tough to find) beer.

Hope to see you on Friday May 18th! Please click here to register.

As a special extra for that night, we will have Fairport Brewing and St Thomas own Tom Bullinger presenting a replica of George Washington's original beer recipe (turns out George was a home brewer), as published last fall in the Wall Street Journal.

Please register by clicking here and let us know if you are able to come St Thomas' many worthy Outreach organizations, and sip some great beer in support of your fellow person!

Mary served as the chair of St. Thomas' Altar Guild for the last 15+ years. She came to the church early and stayed late; she washed silver and linen until her hands were sore; she trained dozens of eager altar guild members (and several priests) in the art of making God's table beautiful. Mary's work has helped us to worship faithfully and well. We taste the fruit of her ministry each time we gather at the altar. For many of us, I know, her wry voice and her straight back seemed as much a part of our holy gatherings as chalice, patten, and altar cloth.

Mary's funeral will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 12th. A reception will follow in the Great Hall. May her soul, with the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

We have just received the good news that Claire Wimbush is out of surgery for burns she suffered last week. According to the doctors she is resting comfortably with her mother at her side.

The hospital has given us instructions that overrule initially Claire's warm invitation for visitors. Visitation will be strictly limited over the immediate period after the surgery to those requiring access for the benefit of Claire - basically her immediate family. This is because infection is the overwhelming concern. There will be a point at which this will transition to a new stage in which we will be invited to visit for brief (5-minute) periods to help her through the monotony of waiting on a body to heal when the mind is already ready for discharge. We'll pass the word via this channel when we reach that stage.

The same concern for infection also means that this is not the stage for flowers or food. I urge folks to wait on such gestures until we receive word from the hospital that they will be more edifying than risky.If you would like to help by providing a meal after Claire returns home, contact our Watchcare coordinator, Sue Scanlon.

What are most welcome at this time are your prayers, for Claire of course, but also for Willa, who is missing her boss a great deal.

God's peace,
Craig

Fellowship Ministry
The Fellowship Ministry organizes:
· Weekly coffee hours after the 10:00 AM service,
· Fall Parish picnic with Mass-on-the Grass,
· Clean-up lunches in the Fall and Spring,
· Advent Roast Beef Dinner,
· Christmas Eve Dinner,
· Refreshments for the January Parish meeting,
· Maundy Thursday Agape supper.
· Special receptions for the Bishop's visit, Choral Evensong, and for funerals.

“Many hands make light work.” All are encouraged to help. Meetings are held as needed. Contact: Ellie Nace and Lois Giess

Saturday Women's Fellowship
The Saturday Women's Fellowship is a group for women of all ages that share an interest in spiritual growth, mutual support and bringing a Christian perspective to our lives, often using spiritual literature or concerns of the day for our conversations. The Fellowship meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 in members' homes. New members are always welcome.

The Women of St Thomas
The Women of St. Thomas is a new group that meets to share one common thread – a love of our Church and the mission of our faith community. Membership consists of mothers, wives, singles, caregivers, professionals and retired individuals. The membership meets each month and though informative and fun programming fosters social interaction, networking, mission, and outreach ministry. Contact: Lisa Overacker

The Women's Fellowship (or Wonderful Women and Wine)
This Women's Fellowship Steering Committee organizes several gatherings for women (over 21) each year that feature special wine and hors d'oeuvres tastings. All women are welcome to attend and to bring family and friends on a scheduled Saturday evening at 6:00 in the Lower Hall. Funds raised support St. Thomas outreach projects. Contact: Shirley Gray

Men's Fellowship
The Men's Fellowship is a quarterly, informal gathering of men (over 21) for beer tasting and camaraderie. All are welcome and encouraged to bring family and friends. Funds raised support St. Thomas mission outreach. Contact: Larry Davis III

Saturday Breakfast Group
The Breakfast Group meets for “special, substantial breakfasts” on the second Saturday of the month at 8:30 AM in the Lower Hall. Looking for great conversations? All are welcome and asked to bring an appetite, a sense of humor, and an optional dish to pass. Contact: Andrea Stridiron

Third Club
Third Club is a fellowship and social group of 40-50 members that has been meeting for over fifty years. Many members are now retired and new members are always welcome. The club meets four times a year, often lunch time, at various locations that accommodate the large membership. Events include special programs with speakers, a Lenten supper, a June steak roast, an October pig roast and a Christmas Party. Plan to join us at the next event. Contact: Laura and Larry Davis

Saturday Breakfast Group
The Breakfast Group meets for “special, substantial breakfasts” on the second Saturday of the month at 8:30 AM in the Lower Hall. Looking for great conversations? All are welcome and asked to bring an appetite, a sense of humor, and an optional dish to pass. Contact: Andrea Stridiron

Young Parent's Fellowship
The young Parent's Fellowship provides an opportunity to meet with other parents of young children in a social setting to deepen friendships away from their children and provides new members a welcoming setting to become acquainted with other parents. Dinners are held at members’ homes at convenient times throughout the year. Contact: Richard and Carolyn Yates

Thursday Nights Together (TNT)
TNT is co-sponsored by Adult Education for five of the Thursdays in Lent. Parish Life organizes various parish families and groups to provide the simple supper for the evening and Adult Education organizes the programs. Contact: Lois Giess

Hopes for 2012
The plan is to continue the activities of all the existing groups and to explore new opportunities for our parish family to be engaged with each other.

Submitted by Lois Giess

All proceeds from the concert will benefit St. Thomas' outreach ministries such as Cameron Community Ministries, Rochester City Schools Tutoring program, and many more.

Tickets will be on sale beginning November 26th following all church services, as well as through the St. Thomas' website and the church office, and at the door.  The suggested donation per ticket is $15 and $10 for children under 18.

'Share the Joy' with your family and friends at this most joyous of occasions!

One of the most popular annual events at St. Thomas’ is the Advent Dinner. This year’s celebration will be on Saturday, December 10, with fellowship hour at 6:00 and candlelight dinner at 7:30. Caroling around the tables will follow. This is a great opportunity to get to know other parishioners in a convivial setting.

As always, the main course will be standing rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding. The cost is $15.00 per person. Those attending are also asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre, vegetable, starch casserole, salad or dessert to serve ten. Wine and other beverages are provided.

For the last couple of years, the dinner has reached capacity, so you are encouraged to make your reservations early. Registrations will be take until December 7. This year for the first time, you may register and pay online by clicking here, or you may sign up at coffee hour, or call the church office at 442-3554.

St. Thomas' Outreach Ministries need your delectable donations and/or time. A simple donation of your favorite Thanksgiving baked goods, hostess gifts or an hour of your time, is all we ask.

Yes, fall is in the air! It is time for the St. T’s scarecrows and pumpkins to leave the attic and announce the arrival of our annual fall Bake Sale. This year’s event will be held in the lower hall on November 19 after the 5:00 service with a wine and cheese reception, and following the November 20 services with festive coffee hours. In addition to traditional baked goods, we hope to have fresh Thanksgiving floral centerpieces, handmade hostess gifts, candies, jams, jelly and preserves! Look for sign-up sheets outside the chapel and in the lower hall and check the Parish Weekly for information on how you can contribute to this “Fun” Raiser to benefit St. Thomas’ Outreach Ministries.

Based on the success of last year’s sale, we’ll once again be taking orders for nicely decorated wreaths and Poinsettias in a variety of colors following all services during the first three weekends in November. Your items will be available for pick-up at St. Thomas on the weekend of December 3 & 4. We’d like to increase the exposure of this sale, so please let your friends, family and neighbors know about it, and note that this annual sale benefits St. T’s Outreach Ministries. What could be easier? Not only will you save the time you usually spend at your local garden center but you will also be making a contribution to a worthy cause!

Questions? Contact Vicky Rupley at 233-2546 or vrupley@harrisseeds.com
or Janet Morse at 342-1876 or ljmthm@aol.com.

The event is a “Bootleg” night.All the brands we will be sampling areunavailableinRochester,NY.

Please hold the date:

Friday, November 18th
7:00PM
St ThomasEpiscopal Church – Lower Hall
Cost - $25

You can register online by clicking on the link below.

This is event # 20 in a continuing series, and promises to be an excellent evening with a wide diversity of beers.

Hope to see you all there !

It is with sadness that I report that our beloved Delora Atkins now rests. She died at about 7:15 this evening. Delora passed peacefully in the company of her immediate family at Strong Memorial Hospital.

In the last week I've been awed by the outpouring of love for this special woman who touched our lives in so many ways. We've been richly blessed to have in our midst a godly woman who inspires us to be all God yearns for us to be.

We'll gather in the Lower Hall on Friday, October 21st, at 7:30 PM for a vigil in which all are invited to share a word, a song, a memory, or simply some food and drink in honor of Delora.The dress is casual; simply bring something to share.

Delora's funeral will be at 11:00 AM the next morning on Saturday, October 22nd.A reception will follow in the Great Hall.

May her soul, with the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

God's peace,
Craig

  Please note: This is an audio recording of Lois, along with her picture, not a video.