THE EPISTLE:

August 22, 2024

THIS WEEK

Everybody's Pub Theology

TONIGHT, August 22

Sit down with Deacon Jeannie TONIGHT,

Thursday, August 22, from 6-7:30pm, at PaPPo's Pizzeria, at 7540 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, for great fellowship, good food, tasty drinks, and hearty discussion!

Email Jeannie jrann228@gmail.com and let her know if you plan to join.

St. Thomas Children's Sunday School 2024-2025

Starting August 25, 9:30am-10:15am

Led by Laura Beth Bestor Hiers Hall

Room 6

Second through sixth graders will gather to explore their faith and express it through different art media. We will discuss the Church seasons, Bible stories, and topics unique to Episcopalians.

Led by Diane Hutson, Suzanne Mohler, & Friends Hiers Hall Room 1

Babies, toddlers, and their parents are invited to join us as we gather for a short Bible lesson and hands-on activities about our Bible stories. If your little one(s) are still getting used to the church, this new class is for you. Come help our little ones build their community!

Led by Renee’ Redfield Hiers Hall Room 4

Children ages pre-K through 1st grade will use their creativity and imagination in a Montessori approach to learn about Bible stories, worship life, and rituals and symbols of our faith.

Sign-up to be a helper with a children's Sunday school class once a month by clicking here. Email our Children's Ministry coordinator, Laura Beth, with questions at children@stthomashuntsville.org.

St. Thomas Youth Sunday School 2024-2025

Starting August 25, 9:30am-10:15am

Led by Jane Allgood, Grace Casey, and

Kathie Clayton - Hiers Hall Conference Room 2

Through artistic expression, community service, as well as reflection on scripture and the Book of Common Prayer, 7th -12th grade girls explore the ways being grounded in grace provides strength and courage to tackle the challenges of becoming a confident young woman in today’s world.

Led by Mike Bestor, David Hattaway, Brett Byford, John Conover, John Falco, and

Dan Morrison - Youth Room

The middle and high school young men’s group will explore the lectionary through discussion-based ministry to encourage a deeper understanding of the Bible’s teachings. This class will provide a space to belong, believe, and become better men, while sharing experiences and learning how the Bible is visible to us in everyday life.

Adult Christian Formation begins this Sunday with Fr. Donavan in the Parish Hall 9:30am-10:15am

How the Bible Became THE BIBLE: Canon and Controversy

Fr. Donavan Cain

Aug. 25 – Sept.15

Parish Hall

The history of the Bible is as complicated as any book in the world. The different parts that make up the Bible were written over thousands of years in several ancient languages and have been argued over and translated constantly by church and council down through the centuries to the present. In recent times, “New” Biblical writings and “gospels," such as “The Gospel of Judas,” have been discovered, published, and publicized, raising questions about the accepted Canon of the Christian New Testament. This class will take a look at how Christians today can open the Holy Bible and better understand its history in the Church through the centuries.

Pray the Rosary

TOMORROW,

Friday, August 23

12:05pm in the Nave

The St. Thomas Rosary Prayer Group is now gathering every other Friday in the church at 12:05pm to pray the Rosary. Each prayer session lasts around half an hour and includes the reading of each scripture passage for the five decades of either the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. If you’ve never prayed the Rosary, we always have Rosary beads available, as well as written directions to help you fully participate in this meaningful, scriptural, and contemplative prayer practice. If you would like to join us, the Rosary will be prayed again at St. Thomas Friday, August 23, at 12:05pm.

St. Thomas Blood Drive

THIS Sunday, August 25

7:30am - 1:30pm

So many people are in need and St. Thomas is always willing to help. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Link to sign-up online: CLICK HERE

All donors will receive a $20 e-gift card.

Annual BBQ Bandits, St. Jude's Children Hospital Benefit

The BBQ Bandits are firing up the smoker to support St Jude's Children's Hospital. This year’s event is Labor Day Weekend (Aug 31-Sept 1). The website is available for online orders HERE and there will also be a link on the church website. Please email us at stthomasbbq@gmail.com to get included if you are not already on our distribution list!

Please use this QR code to order your BBQ! or visit our website HERE

UPCOMING

Season of Creation"

Book Study: Earth Gospel

by Sam Hamilton-Poore

Interested in praying for out natural world?

For four weeks during September, which is the church's "Season of Creation", Belinda Greenaway will be offering a prayerful gathering around Sam Hamilton-Poore's book, Earth Gospel. We will meet in the parlor Sunday afternoons from 3:30pm-4:30pm, beginning September 8th. You will need a copy of the book. Contact Belinda for more information at belinda223@gmail.com.

2024 Lobsterfest Season is Here!

The 2024 Lobsterfest season kicked off in June, with David Hattaway and Tom Perry chaired as co-Kings. This year's Lobsterfest offers a variety of opportunities for everyone, featuring both Drive Through and Eat-in options.

Several committees play a crucial role in making Lobsterfest a success. If you're interested in leading one of these committees, please contact David Hattaway at (256) 337-0973 or hattaway.david@gmail.com, or Tom Perry at (256) 348-4313 or perrytbne@aol.com. You can also reach out to any member of the steering committee. There's a book in the Information Hall that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the committee chairs, and past chairs are available to provide guidance.

The committees include BBQ, Lobster Alley, Lobster Rolls, Parish Dinner, Kitchen (Preparation and Serving), Bake Sales, Soup & Savories, Concessions, Meal Distribution, Music Tent, Children's Activities, Artisans/Crafters, Event Set-Up, Parish Hall Clean-up, T-Shirts, Decorations, and Parking.

ONGOING

The Bailey Cove

Farmer's Market only TWO More Weekends

Please come out this weekend, support our local farmers, and get a taste of all our Farmer's Market at St. Thomas has to offer! If you'd like to help, we still need volunteers for set up and take down throughout out the season! You can volunteer to help by signing up on the poster on the bulletin board in Information Hall. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to support and help our Bailey Cove Farmers Market!! Start making your Farmers Market grocery list now!

Daughters of the King

Diaper Drive

It is time for DoK’s End of Summer Diaper Drive! Your gracious contributions go to DHR in Athens, AL, where adults in the care of the state usually have to wait “as is” because there are not enough diapers to take care of the number of people needing them. When I asked the Huntsville DHR if they needed help, the reply was that they had plenty of everything except maybe a “box of birthday cards”. Please look for the “Diaper Drive” container in Information Hall. Diapers of all sizes- adult and children- are needed.

The family of St. Thomas has been extremely generous in response to Manna House’s plea for clothes for their clients. In fact, you could say that they have been overwhelmed, but in a positive way! With your help, I would like to continue this ministry as the need is so great. This is an excellent opportunity to clean out a closet or find a good home for clothes that no longer fit. Therefore, the Manna House container will remain in Information Hall for clothes, socks, underwear, and shoes.

"Come As You Are"

5pm Holy Eucharist

This Sunday, and every Sunday, we have our "Come As You Are" Holy Eucharist. Our parishioners find the 5pm "Come As You Are" Holy Eucharist meets their needs or schedules better than our morning worship. The Holy Eucharist features joyful hymns from the Alleluia III hymnal, gospel music chosen by Sam Wright, and casual mini-sermons preached from the floor. On the first Sunday of the month at our monthly supper, many of the congregation stay to enjoy each others company and conversation after the service. A sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex each week before the 5pm service in preparation for the first Sunday meal. We hope those attending will take turns providing one of the two entrees; one of three different sides; or one of two desserts. Come and join us on the first Sunday of the month for two of the things St. Thomas enjoys most - food and fellowship. On the remaining Sundays join us again for what we do best - worship! Contact Carolyn Seaman at carolyn.seasman1127@gmail.com or Rebekah Callahan at Rebekah-Callahan@comcast.net for more information.