Parish Weekly August 28, 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,

Next week, school is back in session, which tells us summer is coming to a close.

Yet our liturgical season continues in the green growing season. I don't know about

you, but I have enjoyed harvesting the tomatoes in our garden at home. I love the

smell of tomato plants, I think because it takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of all the gardens my parents tended.

Reflecting on our green growing summer, it has been exciting to see new folks visiting and returning Sunday after Sunday. I hope those of us who have been here for a while take time to meet the new people and invite them to hospitality hour or even to lunch. On Sunday, October 4, we will welcome new members to St. Thomas', which is a

brief introduction of new members at the end of the liturgy. Please email Amy Holowczenko at communications@stthomasrochester.org if you wish to be officially introduced no later than Wednesday, September 9.

In the spirit of our liturgical green growing season, throughout September our liturgy

will draw from a supplemental liturgical resource called "Season of Creation," which provides different ways to incorporate a creation focus within worship. Instead

of using The Lord's Prayer, we will use this version of it:

Holy One, our only Home,

hallowed be your name.

May your day dawn,

your will be done,
here as in heaven.

Feed us today,

and forgive us as we forgive each other.
Do not forsake us at the test,

but deliver us from evil.

For the glory, the power,

and the mercy are yours,

now and for ever.
Amen.

Other things you may notice that focus on Creation are the Confession, the Proper Preface, Fraction, Post-Communion Prayer, and Dismissal. I ask that you come with

an open heart, expecting to be enriched within the change of words, and surprised by the ways the Spirit continues to speak to us through beauty and diversity of liturgy.

Praying with you,

Amma Leslie+

Mark Your Calendars

EFM Classes Begin, Wednesday, September 2, Lounge, 9:00 am
Program Year Kickoff with Worship on the Lawn and Parish Picnic, Sunday, September 13, 10:00 am, Lawn and Lower Hall
Women of St. Thomas' Meeting, Thursday, September 17, 11:30 am, Lounge
Sunday School Classes Begin, Sunday, September 20, 10:00 am, Lower Hall Classrooms
Youth Group Meetings Begin, Sunday, September 20, 11:15 am, Youth Room

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 30 and Sunday, September 6, with questions for reflection, and Saints to Know highlights Phoebe, a first-century Christian deacon and notable woman

in the church of Cenchreae, widely revered as the first recorded woman deacon in early Christian history and the trusted emissary who carried Paul's letter to the Romans. 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

Sunday School and Youth Group Registration Open

Registration for Sunday School and Youth Group for the 2026-2027 program year is now open! Register by using the link provided below. Please direct any questions or concerns to Rev. Lydia at lydia@stthomasrochester.org.

Click to Register for Sunday School or Youth Group

Worship Ministry

Altar Flowers

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, 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

Community Engagement

Dresses of Hope: A Heartfelt Mission

St. Thomas' Dress a Girl Ministry is giving hope

to young girls around the world. This ministry transforms simple fabric kits into beautiful dresses, each one lovingly crafted for girls who are often overlooked and undervalued.

On Sunday, November 29, the 42 garments will

be blessed before they embark on their journey

to Ghana. The volunteers are confident the number

of dresses will grow in the weeks leading up to this special day. This initiative is clearly more than just sewing dresses; it is about stitching together a community that believes in the power of kindness,

the importance of giving a voice to those who need

it most, and creating a brighter future, one dress at

a time. Contact Karen Savino at ksredbug@gmail.com for more details about the program.

Final Chance to Donate to the Annual School Supply Drive

Time is running out to support local students at School #8 before the new school year begins. Sunday, August 30, marks the final day to drop off new, essential materials

for the annual School Supply Drive. Community contributions ensure that local children step into their classrooms prepared, confident, and equipped for academic success.

Attitude of Gratitude

The third-grade faculty and admini-

stration at School #8 extend their heartfelt thanks to St. Thomas' community for the overwhelming

initial response to our recent school supply drive. Because of your immense generosity, every student will step

into their classroom equipped with

the essential tools, confidence, and reassurance they need to achieve academic success this year.

Our community extends its utmost appreciation to Ron Andrews for photographing the recent Mistretta baptism ceremony. Through his lens, Ron did far more than document the event; he captured the profound spirit, joy, and grace

of this sacred milestone. Thank you, Ron, for generously offering your time and exceptional talent. Your photographs will serve as a lasting visual reminder of our shared faith and celebration.

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

In Case You Missed It

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

Choose from black or white, and unisex sizes small to 2X, which features the "Loving, Liberating,

Life-Giving" design on the front and a list of local churches on the back. Show your spirit by ordering online below and making payment through the Diocese's website donation page. Orders can only be picked

up at the Diocese's Office. Please direct any inquiries to Sarah at sarah@episcopalrochester.org.

Click to Purchase Diocesan T-Shirts

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