Greetings from St. Thomas

I hope your summer has been spirit-filled and that you have found time and practices to rest and nourish your body, mind, and soul. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at church this Sunday. I am deeply grateful for the time I have had over the last month to rest, relax, and restore my soul. In addition to many slow mornings and long naps, I have spent my time reading books, puttering in the garden, cooking, and spending time with my son and daughter-in-law who have been visiting from Malta. I have also had an opportunity to rest in the heart of God’s love, reconnect with my deep calling and the things that bring me great joy. My sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who has stepped up to lead the congregation while I was away. I would like to especially recognize our wonderful wardens, Karmen Carter and Angela Pleasants, Burns Davison who managed all the building and grounds issues, the rest of the Vestry: Georgina Lucas, Judy Swinnerton, Morgan Harrower, as well as Tyler Gonzales, Francie Mayer, Geoff Wodell and The Rev. Tori Moir.

On Sunday July 16^th, there will be an opportunity for conversation and Q&A with myself and the vestry. This will give us an opportunity to check in as well as preview upcoming fall programming and opportunities.

Peace,

Terri+

Drumming Circle Update

The drum circle at St. Thomas has moved to the 2nd Wed of the month at 2pm.

The next circle will gather on Wednesday, July 12th. Weather permitting, we’ll meet in the court yard.

Why join a drum circle?

• Drumming breaks down barriers and unites people.

• Each participant can express him/herself non-verbally

• The drums rhythm gets us out of our heads and allows us to experience life.

• We can release our thoughts without words.

• It is relaxing and yet stimulates our body systems in healthy ways.

• Some people have lowered their blood pressure through drumming.

• Most participants report that they sleep better after being in a drum circle.

• It teaches us to listen to one another.

• IT’S FUN!!!

You do not need any prior experience, knowledge of music or a drum to participate. Come and discover how the drumming all fits together without instruction. Mary will bring drums and other rhythm instruments for you to play. Please bring a drum if you have one.

Let Me Introduce You Conscious Eldering

A New and Different Way to Think About Aging

Photo by Steven Bundy "Cathedral Ridge, Conscious Eldering" 2020, https://www.centerforconsciouseldering.com/

A number of you have heard me talk about the conference I attended on Conscious Eldering and I am surprised and pleased at the positive responses I have received in sharing this information. I also intend to present more information at a coffee hour in late summer or early fall. And if there is enough interest, I would love to create a group that would read and work through the book Conscious Living …Conscious Aging written by Ron Pevny. He is the person who organized and led the conference I attended.

But in this article let me site what I believe to be the key elements of Conscious Eldering. These thoughts and ideas are taken from the Conscious Eldering website… https://www.centerforconsciouseldering.com/

The following are what I consider the key elements of Conscious Eldering:

Elder is a role that is consciously chosen and requires preparation at all levels—physical, psychological and most importantly, spiritual.
The following are the core beliefs of The Center for Conscious Eldering:
The senior years are a unique stage of life with associated psychological and spiritual tasks that provide prime opportunity for inner growth and deep fulfillment…
… the elder third of life can be a time of passionate engagement and service in our communities.
Engagement and service at this stage is most powerful and satisfying if it is grounded in “being” rather than “doing.”
Elderhood is the result of choices that are consciously made—for some earlier in life, some later—to do the inner work that supports the wholeness that is the hallmark of true elders.

I know I have just scratched the surface what Conscious Eldering is. We will go deeper during my coffee hour presentation. We will also talk about other opportunities for learning about and engaging in all of this.

A date has not yet been set, but I am looking at late August thru mid-September. There will be an announcement in the newsletter and during the service. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact me either at church or by email… [email protected].

Peace and blessings…Kathi.

Colorado Black Arts Festival This Weekend!

The Colorado Black Arts Festival strives to develop, promote and celebrate African arts and culture in Colorado.

Colorado Black Arts Festival proudly presents its 36th annual celebration of African American art and culture. A Colorado experience like no other takes place July 8, 9, and 10, 2022 in historic Denver City Park West. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Festival Hours:

Friday, July 8 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 9 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 10. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

St Thomas Directory Update

Please help us update our directory of members and verify that we have accurate information!

Below is the fillable form (email back to [email protected]) or you can fill out a physical form and to drop into the offering plate during service.

Click the form below to download the fillable version!

None of This Would Be Possible Without Your Financial Support!

Thank You!

We Make Church Together

Many Hands Make Light Work

How can you help?

What gifts do you have to offer?

Office Hours

Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 - 3:00