Parish Weekly August 14, 2026

Mission: St. Thomas' Episcopal Church is a welcoming spiritual community dedicated to following the teachings of Christ Jesus. We grow through learning, celebrate joyful worship, and serve our neighbors.

Vision: We open hearts and minds to create community in Christ.

Rector's Notes

Dear St. Thomas’ Beloved,

Our liturgical calendar remains in the green growing season. What does that mean

for the church office? It means we are preparing the program year, touching base

with ministry leaders and making sure that we are ready to kick off another year,

not only with ministries, formation opportunities, Sunday school, but also that our building is ready.

In July, we had a couple of asbestos abatement projects and quotes for masonry work, as well as onboarding new staff. In August, the damaged tree will be removed, along with much-needed preventative and cleanup work in the front contemplative area of

our parking lot, and the parking lot itself will be resealed and lined. We appreciate your ongoing patience as we get our building ready and in the best shape to create a safe space for everyone.

St. Thomas' continues to be a place for all. We had a great opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant last weekend when baby Josiah was baptized. It was a true intergenerational worship experience with the children leading with music and prayers. Let us be grateful that we have opportunities to learn and grow from and with each other. We are truly better together.

See you Sunday!

Faithfully,

Amma Leslie+

PS. Keep watch for our church mascot, Thomas, our resident bunny.

Mark Your Calendars

Summer Choir, Sunday, August 16, 9:00 am, Choir Room
Back Parking Lot Closure & Tree Removal, Tuesday, August 25-Wednesday, August 26 (please park in the loop and on the streets)
Program Year Kickoff and Parish Picnic, Sunday, September 13, 10:00 am, Lawn and Lower Hall

Note: The Parish Weekly newsletter will be emailed every other week throughout the summer.

Click to View All Upcoming Events Listed in the Parish Calendar

Click to View the Prayers for Public Policy and Witness

Children's & Youth Ministries

This week's Family Commentary provides a brief interpretation of the Gospel

readings for Sunday, August 16 and Sunday, August 23, with questions for

reflection, and Saints to Know highlights Florence of Nightingale, an English social reformer, statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. Both resources are intended to guide family discussion with children/youth of all ages. Consider spending some

time together each week as a family, reading and reflecting on upcoming scripture

and leaders of our faith.

Direct any questions to Rev. Lydia at lydia@stthomasrochester.org.

Click to View this Week's Family Commentary

Click to View this Week's Saints to Know

Diocesan News

Subscribe to Connections

The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester's newsletter, Connections, is a great way to find out about events and the latest news directly from the diocese. To sign up, go to the bottom of any Diocesan website page, enter your email address, and then select the sign-up button.

Click to Subscribe to Diocese Newsletter

New Diocesan T-Shirt

Available in black or white

and unisex sizes from small

to 2XL, each cotton shirt

proudly displays the "Loving, Liberating, Life-Giving" design on the front and celebrates

our local churches on the

back. Order shirts online using the link below, and complete your payment easily through

the order form or the Diocese's website donation page.

Orders can only be picked

up at the Episcopal Diocese

of Rochester's Office, at 3825 East Henrietta Road, as no mailing or delivery services are currently available. Please direct any inquiries to Sarah at sarah@episcopalrochester.org.

Click to Purchase Diocesan T-Shirts

Worship Ministry

Altar Flowers

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, or give thanks for, or wish to honor a loved one, consider sponsoring altar flowers for one of the weekly worship services.

Altar flower sponsors have the option

to have St. Thomas' Watchcare ministry deliver them to a parishioner who is homebound or in need of some floral

cheer, or to take them home after the service. Many sign-up dates are still available to donate.

Signing up is easy and fast! Call the Parish Office at 585.442.3544 or click the link below. For more details, contact Vicky Rupley at vrupley@gmail.com or 585.233.2546.

Click to Sign Up for Altar Flowers

Social Justice

Vote Faithfully Networking Calls

On the first Thursday of each month through November, the Episcopal Church's Public Policy and Witness team will host a series of “Vote Faithfully” calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values. Hosts will share resources and ideas to help congregations promote voting and civic participation while remaining nonpartisan (avoiding support for specific political parties, candidates, or platforms).

Click to Register for Vote Faithfully Networking Calls

Community Engagement

Brighton Food Cupboard Requests

The Brighton Food Cupboard is a program

of Jewish Family Service of Rochester

in partnership with the Brighton Central

School District and Foodlink. August

donation needs for the Brighton Food Cupboard (BFC) include granola bars and toilet paper. Look for healthier granola bars and fruit bars in regular-size boxes and toilet paper in bulk packages

St. Thomas' donations of essential community items help keep their pantry shelves stocked and reassure the community that they do not have to face food insecurity alone. Donations may be dropped off in the collection boxes located at each church entrance. Thanks for caring and sharing in the love!

Attitude of Gratitude

We thank Katie Austin and her son Simon Kapusta for their beautiful cello music this past Sunday, along with the stirring Panis angelicus vocal duet by Michael Brown and John Kapusta. Earlier this summer, we also enjoyed special music by Linda Blair (flute) and Charlie Zettek (piano). We are grateful for all our gifted parishioners who share their time and musical talents to enrich our worship experience.

If you have thanksgivings to share, please email Amy Holowczenko, Communications

& Reception, at communications@stthomasrochester.org.

Stewardship

Keep Your Gifts Up To Date

Your ongoing financial support is vital for sustaining

St. Thomas' community and programs throughout the

year. Please consider maintaining your support during

the summer months to keep our community thriving.

Pledges may be made online or by mail. The St. Thomas’ Connect (STC) site offers a convenient way to manage your gifts anytime and from anywhere for a seamless and user-friendly online giving experience. STC is accessible using

a desktop computer, a laptop, the link provided below, or by scanning this QR code

with a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Click to Make an Online Donation