Save the Date

• 8/24/2025 - Welcome back reception for Rev. Terri (wear a St. Thomas t-shirt if you have one)

In This Issue

• News from the Pews: New life stages
• Profile: Parish Administrator
• The New Zealand Prayer Book - Lord's Prayer
• Coffee Hour: All teams contribute
• Office space available

Church Life

This new feature is a way for the congregation to stay connected and know what is going on in one another's lives. Send prayer requests or submissions about anything going on in your life (new job, vacation, kids accomplishments, hobbies, etc.) to srwarden@saintthomasdenver.org

New Life Stages

If you see Bernard Rowlett with his chest puffed out, it's because he's so proud of his grandson, Malachi. Malachi is 15 months and is now walking.

Congratulations to Liz Sunderland on her retirement from teaching.

Profile: Parish Administrator

Francie Mayer, Our Treasured Parish Administrator

Written by Georgina Lucas

Unless you have the occasion to come into the church offices on Tuesdays or Thursdays, many of you may not know Francie Mayer, our very able parish administrator. Francie has been at St. Thomas for 3 ½ years. We believe her presence in the life of St. Thomas was divinely led. Francie had moved from Kansas City to the Park Hill area to be closer to her adult children and grandchildren. Prior to moving to Denver, Francie had been Director of Finance and Human Resources at a nonprofit organization. When she arrived in Denver, she was seeking a part time job with a nonprofit or church. She sent out letters to various organizations and churches. Our ever-ready Rector responded immediately since she was seeking a parish administrator with strong financial skills. They had coffee at Honey Hill and as they say, “the rest is history.” When asked what she likes best about her job, she says it’s working with the energetic and dedicated volunteers who support making St. Thomas the special church it is.

In her spare time, Francie is drawn to creative endeavors bringing her back to her first major in college, art. She loves her pottery class and opportunities for sewing, crocheting and knitting with friends. She and her friends are also part of walking group that often stops for breakfast at City Park Golf Course, which she says has the best views in the area. No argument there.

Francie is generally in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-3:00 pm. If in the area, stop by and say hi. She can be reached by email or by phone as well at office@saintthomasdenver.org or at 303-388-4395.

The New Zealand Prayer Book - Lord's Prayer

A Beautiful Prayer

A Lord's Prayer without gender or role bias

Written by Splinter Wrenn

"Eternal Spirit, earth-maker, pain bearer, life giver..." is the opening of a an alternate version of the Lord’s Prayer from A New Zealand Prayer Book, (p181) that is the official prayer book of The Church of the Province of New Zealand, part of the worldwide Anglican (Episcopal) communion.

This is my favorite version of the Lord’s Prayer. It has replaced the traditional version that, as a “cradle” Episcopalian, for much of my life was my go-to mantra whenever things were scary or tough in my life.

The reason I love it so much is that it is closest to my vision, experience, values and beliefs about the Divine Mystery that is God. The prayer, to me feels connected strongly with the spiritual practices of Native American cultures in North America that value and respect all of creation as an infinitely connected whole system in balance, not a hierarchical system centered exclusively around humans.

It is not too surprising that this prayer book was a collaborative effort that was created in partnership between the New Zealand Church and the indigenous Maori culture. The NZ Prayer Book has all the liturgical structure, prayers and sacramental practices that are a foundation of Anglicanism around the world. It also contains a huge number of prayers and interpretations with Maori roots. The book is written in both languages often in parallel passages.

Consider this a teaser if you are looking for alternative language and spirituality. There is a lot more in prayers and spiritual thought expressed in beautiful prose.

Lord's Prayer

New Zealand Prayer Book

Eternal Spirit,

Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,

Source of all that is and that shall be,

Father and Mother of us all,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom

sustain our hope and come on earth.



With the bread we need for today, feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.

In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

From trial too great to endure, spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,

now and forever. Amen.

Welcome Back Reception

If you have a St. Thomas shirt (see below) please wear it on Sunday

We will welcome Rev. Terri back from her sabbatical on Sunday, August 24, 2025, with a special lunch following the service. If you wish to contribute salad fixins use Sign Up Genius HERE

Please wear any St. Thomas t-shirts or paraphernalia you may have. We look forward to hearing from Terri about her travels.

Sunday Coffee Hour

There will be a special reception following the service with donations from all teams welcome. If you wish to contribute salad fixins use Sign Up Genius HERE

Office / Studio Space Available

St. Thomas has one office available to lease. If you know of anyone who is looking for affordable office or studio space, please ask them to call us.

Faith Communities Against

White Christian Nationalism

Newsletter Editor: Angela Pleasants

St. Thomas Office Hours

Tuesday, 10:00 - 3:00

Send submissions to srwarden@saintthomasdenver.org