THE EPISTLE:

September 11, 2025

Newcomers Meet and Mingle

THIS Sunday, September 14

Welcome St. Thomas Newcomers and Visitors!

After the 10:30 service on Sunday, September 14, we will host a drop-in social in the Parish Hall for all newcomers and visitors. Stop in for a snack or a light lunch, a cup of coffee and a treat, or just to mingle with your fellow parishioners. We will also provide kid-friendly food and supervised activities for school-aged children. Members of the St. Thomas Invite, Welcome, and Connect Committee will be on hand to help answer your questions. We hope to see you there!

Mom's Night Clothing Swap

TONIGHT, Thursday, September 11

6:30 PM in the Parish Hall

This month our mom's group is hosting a clothing swap. Bring any clothing, accessories, shoes, purses, jewelry, or other wearable items that you haven't worn in a while and trade them for something new to you. It's like thrifting but FREE!

This is a ladies only event so that we can swap and trade and try on outfits. All sizes and styles are welcome! Bring a friend!

Be sure to have all clothes available on hangers — we have room and racks for that! Organize belts, accessories, jewelry, and shoes. We will also accept children's clothes to swap, so empty out those closets! Be sure to BYOB or a snack to share.

Shop the Stash! Sunday, September 14

The Moms Group is inviting all women of the congregation to "shop" on Sunday morning between services, from what was contributed to their Thursday night clothing swap. 

Visit the empty classroom just before the youth room in Hudson Hall, and take what you like.

FINAL SUNDAY TO SIGN UP for this year's Adult Confirmation Class, beginning Sunday, Sept. 21

Adults who are interested in Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, as well as any St. Thomas parishioner wishing to Reaffirm their faith, are invited to sign up NOW for classes beginning next Sunday, September 21! 

This year, Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation will be offered on Sunday, October 26, during Bishop Glenda Curry's visit to St. Thomas. Fr. Donavan & Mtr. Katie will offer an Adult Confirmation class with a light luncheon each Sunday, beginning September 21, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist. The class will run from September 21–October 19 this year.

To get on the list this year, SIGN UP IN INFORMATION HALL THIS SUNDAY or send an email to Kathie in the church office by clicking HERE! And if you have questions about confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation, email Fr. Donavan HERE or Mtr. Katie HERE, or simply catch them this Sunday before or after the church services.

Creation Care Project

Planting Trees and Shrubs on Greenway

St Thomas has an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Eric Obermann Linear Forest along Aldridge Creek Greenway. We have been invited by Stuart Obermann to raise funds to plant trees and shrubbery on City land at the back of St Thomas Church. They will provide much needed natural habitat, be a way to replace a few of the many lost trees in Huntsville, and provide much needed shade for members of our community who exercise along the Greenway.

This project will be done with the Friends of Trees Organization, the Eric Obermann Foundation, and the City of Huntsville Green Team. The goal is to raise funds for about 20 trees. A good sized sapling costs around $250 and The Friends of Trees with the Eric Obermann Foundation have offered to match up to $3000 of what we raise!

The planting will be done by the City of Huntsville Green Team who will choose and purchase the trees and then come and plant them.

How to Donate

To make a donation to this important project make checks payable to St Thomas and with “Creation Care-Trees” in the memo line, or place cash in an envelope marked “Creation Care-Trees”. To donate via Realm CLICK HERE or use the QR code below.

Contact Belinda Greenaway HERE Or Brett Byford HERE with questions.

“Trees give us hope and the courage to persevere even in the harshest of conditions.” Eric Obermann Foundation

Final Sunday Class on How FAITH gives Hope & Balance THIS SUNDAY in the Parish Hall!

This Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall, Sunday Adult Christian Formation continues with the FINAL CLASS in a series of classes led by Fr. Donavan! We are discussing the ways in which our Christian faith and the church can bring us the hope, balance, and rhythm of life we desperately need today, in our best times, as well as during times of worry, anxiety, fear, and struggle in our life.

In his sermon on Rally Day this year, Fr. Donavan said, "The church is, above all else, a hospital and a health care facility for the care of our souls." With that proclamation in mind, this Adult Formation Class is meant to be the kick-off to an entire season of Christian Education offerings at St. Thomas focused on how our faith as Christians is meant to be medicine that heals our spiritual wounds, gives us strength to face the struggles of life, and keeps us spiritually resolved and focused. Whether you come to the 8:00 a.m. Eucharist or to the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist, please plan to either come early or stay late for a great breakfast and this important discussion on putting Christian faith to work in our busy lives!

Sisters in Faith

Wednesday, September 17

5:30 PM in the Parish Hall

Sisters in Faith will meet on Wednesday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. for social time and 6:00 p.m. for fun. If you feel inclined, please bring a dish or a beverage to share. Your hosts, Wyn and Julie, are still narrowing down the entertainment options, so just come ready to relax and enjoy the women of this group. We’d love to know if you’re planning to come, so please reply to to Wyn Christian HERE and Julie Williams HERE. We’ll see you Wednesday!

SILVER SAINTS Matinee Movie:

The Boys in the Boat

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1 PM

Due to multiple requests for this special film, we have moved forward for September’s Silver Saints Matinee Movie, the strong, inspirational movie; The Boys in the Boat. The film stars Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, and Peter Guinness, and is directed by George Clooney. It is about the University of Washington rowing team with their depression-riddled beginnings which represented the USA for the 1936 Summer Olympic Games. Excellent individual and team stories. Come join us in the St. Thomas Parish Hall at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September, 2025.

As always. the Silver Saints Movie Matinee offers fun and fellowship with our parishioners and visitors. We offer free snacks and beverages, and we will even pick you up and return you home if you wish. We offer comfortable seating and a time-out break half way through the movie. Please bring your friends and ask people from our neighborhood. Call Jack or Becky Stokes at 256-468-2743, or the church office at 256-880-0247. Please call 24 hours ahead if you will need a ride. Please come join us.

UPCOMING

Special Sunday Morning Discussion

September 21 at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall

during Christian Formation

St. Thomas, along with Church of the Nativity, is sponsoring a project to build beds for children who have no bed of their own and sleep on the floor. The project is called “Sleep In Heavenly Peace”, and the plan is to build approximately 50 beds on Sunday afternoon, October 19. We are asking our parishioners to volunteer three hours that Sunday afternoon to meet with members of both parishes to cut lumber, drill holes, hammer nails, sand and stain wood, and basically create all of the components of twin and bunk beds. All tools and materials are provided, along with instruction and supervision from members of the organization. There is something for everyone, regardless of skill level. The beds will be assembled at the child’s home at a future date, and parishioners are invited to be part of the assembly process as well. No carpentry skills are required, just a willingness to help children in need. 

A presentation will be made during Christian Formation Sunday, September 21 where the project will be explained in detail, all questions answered, and one of the finished products available to inspect. Sign ups will open and continue until the build date. This is open to families ages 13 and up, and offers an opportunity to work with fellow parishioners to make a lasting impact in our community. 

Please join us September 21, and mark your calendars for October 19 to join others in a fun and rewarding project.

PSALM, PRAISES, AND PRAYERS

AVÉ Concert

Sunday, September 21 at 3PM

Alabama Vocal Ensemble is making a comeback with their first post-pandemic concert! Our vocal ensemble, directed by Kathy Heim, will be performing music by old masters such as Palestrina, and Monteverdi, and Vaughan Williams, and present day composers including David Hurd, Eric Whitaker, and Ola Gjeilo. The concert is Sunday afternoon, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. here at St. Thomas. Admission is free and open to the public. Please come and join us!

Eco-Spirituality Retreat Hosted by William Thiele,

Saturday, October 4th, 
9 AM–1 PM

Join us for this experiential retreat with William Thiele, PhD. We will practice Mary Oliver’s poem "When I am Among the Trees" in real time and learn truths of contemplative living from the nature beings all around us after an experience of entering the inner sanctuary through centering prayer. Practices include periods of guided walking meditation in nature and sacred circle sharing of what we experience. Bring a sack lunch and walking shoes for the Aldridge Creek Greenway.  

There is no fee to register but we ask for a suggested donation of $25. Checks should be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church with Eco-spirituality in the memo line. They can be dropped off in the church office or mailed to PO Box 14509, Huntsville, AL 35815. REGISTER HERE.

This experiential retreat is open to all from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 4, with check-in at 8:30 a.m. There is no registration fee but we ask for a suggested donation of $25. Rain date is Saturday, October 11. CLICK HERE for more information.

LOBSTERFEST 2025!

Artisan Fair at Lobsterfest

Are You an Artist?

Showcase your talents with

St. Thomas Creates at Lobsterfest

We are seeking hand made items created by our members for our brand new “St. Thomas Creates” tent at Lobsterfest. Examples include stitching, knitting, painting, photography, woodworking, or stained glass. 

All proceeds go directly to Lobsterfest. 

Questions - please contact Donna Clark donnadfclark@gmail.com or

Maggie Hall Maggie.carter.hall@gmail.com

All proceeds go to Local Outreach and the Honduras Medical Mission. Support the cause by donating below. You can also CLICK HERE.

Registration for the Lobsterfest 5k is OPEN! CLICK HERE to register NOW!

ONGOING

Treble Choir Rehearsals Continue through Fall!

The Treble Choir sings approximately once a month at the 10:30 a.m. worship service and our special services this year will include Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve. All children in 2nd-8th Grades are invited to join! Bring a friend!

The Treble Choir schedule is available HERE and is posted on the bulletin board leading to Hiers Hall, the choir bulletin board in Hudson Hall, and the St. Thomas Website. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Please email Miss Kathy at music@stthomashuntsville.org for details!

Join the St. Thomas Adult Choir

You don't have to be a kid to sing! The St. Thomas adult choir is returning after the summer and welcoming new members. Click HERE to see and hear the St. Thomas choir practicing their anthem for this Sunday.

Children's Sunday School continues this Sunday at 9:30am-10:15am! Join us in Hiers Hall as we gear up for a year of faith, love, and fun! 

Godly Play class for Pre-K through 1st graders is led by Renee' Redfield in Hiers 4. 

Storymakers for 2nd and 3rd graders is by Nichole Hargrove in Hiers 6. 

Thou Art class for 4th through 6th graders led by Laura Beth Bestor in Hiers.  

Our nursery is open from 7:45 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sundays for those younger than Pre-K. We have our Play'n'Worship curriculum available for those in the nursery to enjoy on Sunday mornings. Contact our Children's Ministry Coordinator via email at children@stthomashuntsville.org.

Do you have questions about the Bible? Have you wondered about what everything in the Book of Common Prayer means? Come to Youth Sunday School to try and answer those questions and more! 7-12th graders meet during formation time in the Youth Room at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday to talk about Covenants in the Bible!

7-12th Graders! Weekly EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) has RETURNED. EYC meets Sunday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Got Questions? Contact our Youth Minister, Ethan Evans, HERE for more information.

Phone: 256.880.0247

Email: StThomas@stthomashuntsville.org