Parish Weekly May 8, 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

Eastertide Celebrations

Easter celebrations get lived out in a variety of ways. Creation has its own rhythm

and beauty with colorful blooms. Rochester's spring always takes my breath away.

At. St. Thomas', the joy of Easter comes in a variety of ways. This weekend, we will celebrate Easter liturgy in a couple of unique ways.

On Saturday, May 9, at 10 am, we will celebrate the Easter resurrection as we remember the life of a long-term member, Susan Jones.

On Sunday, May 10, we will celebrate new life in the sacrament of baptism. We will baptize two children, Patrick and Margaret, who are part of a new family to the parish. We will join their parents, Michael and Kelly Daly, and big sister, Claire, in affirming our love and support to raise them in the life of Christ. There's nothing like the joy of baptism to feel the joy of Easter.

Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Faithfully,

Amma Leslie+

Mark Your Calendars

Women of St. Thomas', Thursday, May 21, 11:30 am, Lounge
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, Parish Office closed
Community Workshop: Advocating for More Housing Options, Wednesday, May 27, 4:30-8:30 pm, Great Hall

Click to View All Upcoming Events Listed in the Parish Calendar

Click to View the Prayers for Public Policy and Witness

Worship Ministry

Altar Flowers

If you appreciate the beauty of altar flowers,

have an occasion to give thanks for, wish to celebrate a special event, or want to honor
a loved one, consider sponsoring flowers for our weekly worship services. There are many available dates in the coming months for you to make a donation.

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

Attitude of Gratitude

Thank you to Maggie Detty, Riley Flaum, Beth Kecskemety, Brent Kecskemety,

Chris Thomas, Sue Chazan, and Lisa Hand for vacuuming screens and washing windows last Sunday. Your efforts and work made a difference! Many hands made

the work possible.

The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) sincerely appreciates St. Thomas ' recent donation in support of their most urgent needs. These funds will help deliver critical, life-saving services to vulnerable residents of the Holy Land, empowering AFEDJ's affiliate institutions to continue providing essential programs, support, and foster positive change and resilience.

If you have thanksgivings to share, please email Amy Holowczenko, Communication
& Reception, at communications@stthomasrochester.org.

Children and Youth Ministry

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

This week in Sunday School,

we will read John 14:15-21. In

this passage, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples in his physical absence. Our lesson this week will focus

on the ways that God is with us

in all the various things we do and the places we go. We might not always see God, but because of Jesus’ promise, we know that the Spirit will not leave us alone.

Youth Group

Last Sunday, the Youth Group made five lasagnas to go to local families facing food insecurity. We spent time in conversation about the covenant and the ways we share love

and uphold the dignity of others, decorated cards for the families, and most importantly,

got messy making lasagnas!

Our last Youth Group meeting of the program year will be Sunday, May 17. If you

would like more information about the Youth Group, please contact Rev. Lydia at lydia@stthomasrochester.org or Paula Gitlin at paula@stthomasrochester.org.

Click to Register for Youth and Children's Programs

Children and Youth Ministries Survey

As we prepare for our next program year at St. Thomas’, we are hoping to hear the

needs of the families in our parish. If you are a parent of a child(ren) in our parish,

please fill out the survey below. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Questions, concerns, or further thoughts may be directed to The Rev. Lydia Arnts

at lydia@stthomasrochester.org.

Click to View the Children and Youth Ministry Survey

Fellowship Ministry

Women of St. Thomas’ May Meeting

Deacon Andrea Stridiron will share her memories of her 50 years at our parish at this month's gathering of the Women of St. Thomas' on Thursday, May 21, at 11:30 am in the Lounge.

The program will begin at 11:30 am, followed by lunch. Each attendee should bring a sandwich, salad, or soup for themselves. Beverages, chips, and dessert will be provided. For more information, contact Linda Coleman at 585.313.3164.

Community Engagement

The Art of Caring

Join Crossroads of Caring on Monday, June 15, at Artisan Works for an inspiring evening dedicated to the artful work of compassion, to support those who bring comfort, presence, and hope in times of illness and uncertainty.

Tickets include admission to a private gallery space and dinner catered by Madeline’s. Doors open at 5:30 pm; dinner and program from 6:00 to 7:30 pm; and gallery access until 8:00 pm.

Click to Purchase Art of Caring Tickets

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. May and June donation needs for the Brighton Food Cupboard include rice and unscented soap.

Drop off your donations in the collection boxes located at each church entrance. Thanks for caring and sharing in the love!

Property Commission

Gardening Gathering

Save the date for a bit of gardening on our beautiful grounds on Sunday, May 31, after the service. No planting knowledge needed. Shovels and gloves will be provided. For more information, contact Lisa Hand at lisahand711@gmail.com.

Diocesan News

Sharing the Good News

This year's Bishop’s Appeal funds will support the creation of a customizable campaign kit—including social media, welcome, and advertising—to invite

the wider community into our parishes. Donations will be accepted throughout 2026, with campaign work beginning mid-year.

4 Easy Ways to Give

Online: Use the link below
Text ‘Joy’ to 73256
Mail a check, payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester (note Bishop’s Appeal in memo), to 3825 E Henrietta Rd, Ste 100, Henrietta, NY 14467
Bill Pay: Contact your bank to schedule a monthly donation through a bill pay service