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Parish Weekly October 23, 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.
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2027 Pledge Campaign Ingathering, Sunday, October 25
October is stewardship season, an opportunity for our congregation to bring together our gifts and resources and contribute to a bigger movement of love in the community. (See below for more details on pledging.) Over the last month, we have had the great honor of hearing Stewardship Moments from our parishioners Susan Chazan, Riley Flaum, Norm Marshall, and Kearie Baumgartner. I encourage you to watch their Stewardship Moments on St. Thomas' YouTube page.
With a goal of $380,000, the resources will help sustain and grow our parish and the partnerships we form in the community. Every dollar counts, and no gift is ever too small.
If you have already turned in a 2027 pledge card, thank you! If you have not received
a pledge card, extras are available in the entryway rack card holders. If you are unable
to make a financial commitment or pledging is not your practice, I invite you to prayerfully consider joining me in the work we are doing together!
Please plan to attend St. Thomas' Ingathering Parish Luncheon after worship this Sunday! There will be something for everyone, especially pie! Parishioners are invited
to share their favorite sweet treats by making or buying a pie or dessert. Whether it is
a classic fruit pie, a rich chocolate tart, or your own signature family recipe, all flavors, including regular and gluten-free options, are welcome. Share your culinary talents or favorite local bakery find by signing up in person during Hospitality Hour or by contacting Anne Bauer at aobauer1@gmail.com or Susan Hughes at shughes805@gmail.com.
We look forward to gathering together and sharing a meal!
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All Saints' Day Worship Service and Jarvis Concert, Sunday, November 1, 10:00 am, Church (see details below)
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SMSJ Empty Bowls 2026 Fundraiser, Friday, November 6, 6:00 pm, St. Mark's and St. John's Episcopal Church (see details below)
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Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run, Saturday, November 7, 8:30 am (see details below)
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Beyond the Headlines, Sunday, November 8, 11:30 am, Great Hall
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Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, Parish Office Closed
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The third quarter of 2026 was an active and productive time at St. Thomas’, with continued investments in our property, strong community engagement, and several opportunities to gather in fellowship.
Property Improvements
Several important projects were completed to maintain and improve our parish campus
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- The parking lot was sealed.
- Trees were removed from the Prayer Garden.
- Masonry work was completed at the front entrance.
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Community Engagement and Fellowship
The parish continued to strengthen its connections with both our members and the broader Rochester community.
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- The school supply drive for School No. 8 was a tremendous success.
- Vestry members, ministry leaders, and clergy gathered for a potluck supper.
- The Parish Picnic and program-year kickoff were held on September 13, 2026.
- Rochester Rapid Response Ally Training was held, with strong participation from parishioners and community members.
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Jarvis Concert
The annual Jarvis Concert will take place during All Saints' Day worship on Sunday, November 1, with movements from Mozart's Missa solemnis (K. 337), performed by our adult choir, vocal soloists, violins, cello, and organ. The special music that morning is supported, in part, by the William and Margaret Jarvis Memorial Choir Fund, which was established in 2001 and continues to receive donations in its support of classical choral activities at St. Thomas'. Invite your family and friends to join us for this annual celebration!
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All Saints' Day Dedications
St. Thomas' will celebrate the Feast of All Saints' Day on Sunday, November 1, by remembering our loved ones who have died.
Please submit the name(s) of family members online using the link below, or by calling the Parish Office at 585.442.3544 by noon on Monday, October 26.
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2027 Online Pledge Now Open
Contribute your gifts and resources and help sustain and grow our parish and community partnerships. To date, St. Thomas' has collected $128,466 in pledges, one-third of the way to our goal of $390,000.
If your pledge card hasn't arrived in the mail, you can now pledge and pay online by using the links below. We appreciate your continued support!
During the first week of November 2026, parishioners will receive their 2027 pledge statements in the mail. The 2026 annual comprehensive giving statements will follow
in an additional mailing scheduled for mid-January 2027. Direct questions and concerns
to Jaime Berthold, Finance and Office Manager, at finance@stthomasrochester.org
or 585.442.3544, extension 102.
| | On Saturday, October 24, delegates and clergy from St. Thomas' will join the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester for our 95th Annual Convention. This year's delegates are Sue Chazan, Brian Kruschwitz, and Janet Sowden, as well as our clergy. During the diocesan convention, we will pray together, learn from one another, and conduct business to elect leadership. Please keep us in your prayers. | | |
Beyond the Headlines: How Current Laws & Policies Affect Transgender
& Nonbinary People and Those Who Support Them
Sunday, November 8, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Great Hall
Led by: Dr. Emma Forbes-Jones
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Children & Youth Ministries | |
The Greatest Commandment
This week in Sunday School, the children
will read Matthew 22:34-46. Once again, the Pharisees are attempting to trick Jesus into speaking against the rules about cleanliness, food, offerings to God, and more in the Torah. Jesus, however, knows what they are up to,
and repeats the law back to them directly. He assures the Pharisees that he not only believes in following the law, but also encourages his followers to do as well. Jesus' point is that following the rules cannot get in the way of loving God or loving our neighbors. This response silences the Pharisees because they realize Jesus is right and has also called them out on their hypocrisy. This lesson continues the idea that God loves us deeply, and it is our job to show love to others as well. We can share love while being God’s helpers here on earth. Please direct any questions to Rev. Lydia at lydia@stthomasrochester.org.
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Youth Group
Last Sunday, the Youth Room was transformed into a vibrant art studio as the Youth Group brought our “Encircle with Love” theme to life on canvas. These beautiful, heartfelt masterpieces will soon grace our walls, filling the shared space with color, warmth, and inspiration. Be sure to check out the incredible artwork created by Michaela B., David B., Olive G., Richard Y., and Rev. Lydia.
| The next meeting will be Sunday, November 1, 11:15 am -12:30 pm. All are welcome! Please direct any questions or concerns to Rev. Lydia at lydia@stthomasrochester.org or Paula Gitlin at paula@stthomasrochester.org. | |
SMSJ Empty Bowls 2026 Fundraiser
The annual SMSJ Empty Bowls event will be held
on Friday, November 6, at St. Mark's and St. John's Episcopal Church on Culver Road. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit St. Mark’s and St. John’s Food Shelf Ministry and E.D.E.N Gardens. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online by scanning the QR code (on the flyer) or clicking the link below.
Contact Rev. Maria Hartz-Clienburg at mhartz@stmarksandstjohns.org about soup donations, raffle prize donations, or volunteering time for the event, and for more details.
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Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run
The Youth Group will be participating in this year’s Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run on Saturday, November 7. Please consider joining the team or supporting them by donating using the QR codes on the flyer. All donations will benefit St. Mark’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church and House of Mercy feeding ministries.
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Heartfelt thanks to everyone who elevated the worship experience at last weekend’s Jazz Worship service. We were honored to feature Trio East—the acclaimed Eastman School of Music faculty group formed in 2001 by parishioner Clay Jenkins, Jeff Campbell, and Rich Thompson. Their exceptional talents beautifully commemorated John Coltrane's 100th birthday and filled our sanctuary with the spiritual depth of his legendary music. A special thanks to Rhonda Wright, St. Thomas' Music Director and Organist, for organizing this memorable event, and to Deacon Andrea Stridiron for her soulful singing with the trio during the prelude.
| Thank you to everyone who attended the Safe Space Ally Training after last Sunday's service. It was a meaningful time to learn how we can become better allies and truly encircle our LGBTQIA+ siblings with love. We extend a special thank you to Scott Fearing for sharing his time and expertise as our presenter. | Thank you to everyone who pledged to our shared mission! I am incredibly grateful to our Stewardship Committee chair, Susan Hughes, and her dedicated team, as well as the Parish Connections Ministry, for organizing such a wonderful and festive ingathering luncheon. A special thank you also goes to everyone who is bringing a pie to share! | |
If you have thanksgivings to share, please email Amy Holowczenko, Communications
& Reception, at communications@stthomasrochester.org.
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A Delicious Fundraiser
On Wednesday, October 28, from 11:00 am
to 9:30 pm, Adelita's Mexican Cocina & Tequila
in Pittsford Plaza will be donating 15% of its entire day's proceeds to Family Promise of Greater Rochester. Formerly known as RAIHN, the shelter assists families at risk of or experiencing home-lessness to achieve sustainable independence
by providing person-centered, holistic services
in collaboration with the greater community.
The fundraiser includes lunch, dinner, and takeout orders. Stop by and enjoy a great meal that will help Rochester's families in housing crises.
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Get Ready
for Sunday
Read the Revised Common Lectionary
for the Twenty-second Sunday
After Pentecost
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Parish Weekly Deadline
The deadline for submitting articles for
the Parish Weekly is Tuesday at 9:00 am. Unless noted, the newsletter is published
on Fridays at 10:00 am. Please send
articles directly to Amy Holowczenko at communications@stthomasrochester.org.
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Sunday Live Stream Service at 10:00 am is available on St. Thomas' YouTube channel—St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Rochester, NY. The live stream can
be viewed any time after 10:00 am throughout the week.
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Brighton Food Cupboard
(585) 271-5355
Centers for Disease Control
cdc.gov
Episcopal Relief
& Development
(faith-based response
to epidemics)
bit.ly/2VMcNuu
Interpersonal
Violence Hotline
(for physical and mental related to interpersonal violence and trauma)
(585) 275-HEAL
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Monroe County Department of Health
monroecounty.gov/health-coronavirus
National Child
Abuse Hotline
(800) 342-3720
National Suicide Prevention
988
New York State Mental
Health Provider Hotline
(844) 863-9314
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NYS Office of
Addiction Services https://oasas.ny.gov/
Rochester AA Support
(585) 232-6720
Willow Domestic
Violence Center
(585) 222-SAFE
The Trevor Project
(for LGBTQ youth, 13-14)
1 (866) 488-7386
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St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church of Rochester, New York, is proud
to stand with the Greater Rochester Black Agenda Group and its declaration that “Racism is a Public Health Crisis." As a community
of faith and followers of Jesus Christ, we believe that every person
is continually made in the image of God beautifully and wonderfully.
We are committed to doing the hard work of love. We are dedicated
to the practice of growing and learning how to know and love our neighbors as we seek to create community. We hold the hope that
love does win through forgiveness, kindness, and transformation.
We desire to be a people who work for the equity of all. We work to acknowledge our complicity
and part in racism, and we are committed to working together to tackle injustice in our lives, in our church, in our community, and in the world.
| | Copyright ©2026 St. Thomas' Church of Rochester, NY. All rights reserved. |
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