The Draft

Our Weekly E-Newsletter

November 5, 2026

View as Webpage

Bulletin for Sunday - November 8, 2026

Please bring your 2027 pledge card with you to church so it can be placed on the altar, be blessed, and your gift can become a blessing for St. Thomas' in 2027.

Dear People of St. Thomas', 

We are called to be a holy people. What image did that conjure for you as you read it? Was it one of public piety? Was it one of zealous evangelism? Was it one of strict adherence to a set of rules? Did it have to do with a physical posture toward the world or choice of language? Did it have to do with being set apart? Unless you picked the last one, you were on the wrong track. Holiness has always had to do with God setting a people apart, to be an example, a city on a hill. Everything else, from piety to evangelism, from adhering to a set of rules to a physical posture in the world to how we speak about each other and creation, all of that flows from the holiness of being set apart by God. As I like to say, the candlesticks on the altar are holy not because they are blessed, but because they are set apart for sacred use; I do not take them home during the week to use on my dining table.

Sometimes, though, we can take this “set apartness” to mean that we should be uninvolved in, or at least aloof from, worldly affairs. One way we know that this is not the case is the example Jesus left to us. We you read the Gospels, you always see Jesus right in the middle of people’s lives, often at a time when things are going poorly for that person. You see Jesus right in the middle of doctrinal and even political debates, often at a time when they are most contentious. As former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams put it, holiness is “going into the heart of where it’s most difficult for human beings to be human.” Jesus is rarely concerned with matters of public piety, even chastising some for being too focused on what they put into their bodies rather than on what comes out of their hearts and mouths. Instead of being dogmatic about the rules, Jesus narrowed them down to two. This freed him up, and consequently us, to spend our time and energy going into the heart of where it’s most difficult for human beings to be human.

As we each continue in our journey of discipleship, let us lean into holiness: being set apart to engage humanity in every place where humanity is struggling. Let us do this religiously and politically. Let us be unafraid, too. Jesus will teach us as we go and the Spirit will give us the words we must say if our hearts are open to receiving them. This is our calling, to be a holy people.

God bless you!

Faithfully,

Fr. Ryan+

PICTURE THIS...

Last week's Explorers Class learned about Jesus’ apostles & how he called Peter, Andrew, James and John, and told them they would be fishers of men. Then we played a fishing game quiz to test our knowledge.

Our All Souls' celebration began in the Curry Garden with a blessing of the columbarium and continued in the church with the Faure Requiem mass.

Congratulations to St. Thomas' camera operator Jackson Whitley, who was honored at Canterbury by being named most improved golfer on the Canterbury team at their recent athletic ceremony.

And in other golf news, (l-r) Fr. Ryan, Senior Warden Mike Labbee, Wade Hamby, and Tom Alison were the St. Thomas' foursome at this week's annual Canterbury Tee it Up golf tournament. St. Thomas' was also proud to sponsor a hole.

St. Thomas' Men's Club hosted a cleaning day at the church yesterday. The wonderful crew of volunteers is pictured here (missing from the picture is Frank Biafora and Ted Badger).

The Five Minute Connection

Want a simple way to help St. Thomas' be more welcoming?

Practice the “Five minute connection.” Use the first five minutes after the service to connect with someone you don’t know (or don’t know well). After that you can connect with your friends. Newcomers generally don’t stick around long, so be sure to go up and introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m ___. Have we met before?” or “Hi, I’m ___. I’ve seen you here, but I don’t know that we’ve ever had a chance to talk.” Then get to know them. Maybe ask, “What was a highlight of your week?” or invite them to join you for coffee hour or one of our many events here at St. Thomas'. Keep an eye out for the person or couple standing by themselves and go over and talk to them. In a world of isolation, let’s make our congregations places of connection where all feel welcomed.  

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Information

Kindness: The Heart of Generosity

When we think about stewardship, most of us naturally think about giving. Every year, we

are asked to consider what we can contribute financially to support ministries, outreach

and the future of our church. We think about pledges, our time and the talents we share.

Another important part of stewardship is kindness. Generosity isn’t only about how much

money we give. The way we treat people, the way we make others feel and whether we are

willing to actively share a little of ourselves to alleviate suDering among our neighbors

demonstrates generosity in its simplest and most personal form. A kind word, a phone call

to someone who is lonely, a dinner cooked for someone who is ill or simply a door held

open for a stranger all reflect God’s love for us that is at the heart of our faith.

When we make our annual financial pledge, we are helping our church continue its work.

Our contributions support worship, outreach, pastoral care and the many ways our church

serves people in need.

The spirit behind our giving matters, too. We can write a generous check and still overlook

someone who needs encouragement. We can volunteer for church activities and still

forget to be patient with those working alongside us. We can support outreach programs

and still fail to make a newcomer welcome.

Imagine what our church would feel like if every person made a conscious eDort to be a

little more kind. Imagine if every visitor felt genuinely welcomed, if no one had to sit alone,

if we made a point of checking on those who are struggling, and if we treated one another

with patience even when we didn’t agree.

Wouldn’t that be a wonderful reflection of Christ’s love?

Our financial gifts help make our ministries possible. But kindness is what helps people

experience those ministries in a meaningful way. The two go hand in hand.

Pam Hamby

If you would like to know more about Stewardship or become involved with the Stewardship ministry at St. Thomas', please reach out to our committee chair, Joni James, joni.james@gmail.com or 727-410-3892.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...

St. Thomas' Art Project - AGalban

Opening Reception

Friday, November 6

Calling all Veterans

This Sunday, November 8

On Sunday, November 8, we will honor all past and present members of St. Thomas' who served in one of the branches of the armed forces with a special ceremony and recognition. We think we have completed the list of all eligible veterans but are asking you to click the link below and let us know if there is a past/present member who needs to be added to the list. If you have any questions, please call Bill Barns, 757-6465146.

Giving Plate, November 15

Daystar Life

In keeping with this year’s stewardship theme at St. Thomas', we should ask ourselves what if a small act of generosity could become someone’s next step forward? A donation to Daystar Life can mean fresh food for the week, keeping the lights on, staying housed, or getting the documents needed for a new job. Sometimes, what feels small to one person can mean everything to another. That is the power of community. Every little bit can open the door to something bigger.

On Sunday, November 15, the St. Thomas' Giving Plate funds will be dedicated to Daystar Life. Please come prepared to give generously. Rest assured that every donation matters and is greatly appreciated. 

Friday, December 4

5:30 PM

We're excited to tell you about a marvelous program that is coming to St. Thomas' in December. The Saint John's Bible is the first Bible commissioned to be written and illuminated by hand since the invention of the printing press nearly 600 years ago. It took more than a decade to complete.

A copy of it was used in during the installation of the new Archibishop of Canterbury last spring.

Twenty reproduction pages from the Saint John's Bible will hang here in the nave. We'll also have a large volume of the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Those we plan to use in our worship during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Junior Warden Ted Badger recently constructed an impressive stand and table to hold the sacred text.

You can help us bring this magnificent work to St. Thomas'. Your gift, no matter how small -- $1, $20, $50, $100, $350 -- will help. Please designate any such donation to the St. Thomas' Art Project. 

The opening Art Project reception will be on Friday, December 4 at 5:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Come join us for light refreshments and to see this marvelous work.

Thank you for your investment in starting St. Thomas' 75th anniversary celebrations. If you have any questions, please find Gina White or Mary Jane Park.

Boar's Head Festvival & Banquet

January 16, 5:00 PM

Walking the Mourner's Path

Beginning in January 2027

An eight-week series for those learning to deal with the loss of a loved one.

Sunday, December 20

4:00 PM

FELLOWSHIP

Click on the Name to go to the Website Information

Keeping St. Thomas' Healthy

Men's Group and Women's Social Club

Virtual Happy Hour

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Click on the Name to go to the Website Information

AL-ANON

Benison Farm

Dominican Republic Mission Trip

F.A.S.T.

Honduras Mission Trip NEW

KAIROS

MA (Marijuana Anonymous)

Pack-a-Snack

S.T.A.R.

Sojourners (Adult Formation) NEW

--->Sunday School Volunteers Needed for 2026-2027<---

Wednesday Night Classes

Truthseekers (6th-12th Grades)

Explorers (K-5th Grades)

Nursery

Kids and Youth Events at St. Thomas' NEW

Calling Episcopal youth of Southwest Florida, ages 16–19! Applications are open for the Official Youth Presence (OYP) at the 2027 General Convention in Phoenix, July 3–8.

Selected youth will have a seat and voice in the House of Deputies, helping bring young people's perspectives to the leadership and decision-making of The Episcopal Church. Travel, lodging, and meals are covered!

Applications are due November 20, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/gcoyp2027_application

PASTORAL CARE

Parish Prayer List

Don't see your birthday or anniversary listed?

Please call the office so we can update our records.

Four Episcopal Bishops elected on same day

Four Episcopal dioceses – Great Lakes, Kansas, New Hampshire and Tennessee – held bishop elections on Oct. 24 during their diocesan conventions.

These four dioceses are among the 19 currently undergoing leadership transitions.

From left: Great Lakes Bishop-elect Zachary “Zack” Nyein; Kansas Bishop-elect Whitney Rice; New Hampshire Bishop-elect Ed Cardoza; and Tennessee Bishop-elect Colin Ambrose

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost - November 8

Acolytes (10am): Garett Hine (C), Charlie von Alt (T1), Isaac Browne (T2).

Audio Visual (10am): Jackson Ball.

Greeter (10am): Linda Sordan.

Healing Minister (10am): Kay Mahoney.

Lay Eucharistic Minister (10am): Dudley Savage.

Lector (8am): Nancy Day.

Lectors (10am): Mary Ellen Shevlin (OT), Liz Stiles (NT).

Nursery: Haleigh McGrath, Tristen Patterson.

Oblation Bearers (10am): Tyson Martin, Russ Martin.

Prayers of the People (8am): Kanika Tomalin.

Prayers of the People (10am): Nancy Day.

Ushers (10am): Tom Shevlin.

Altar Guild: Joanna Ritch, Linda Sordan.

Coffee Hosts: Ellen Burkhart, Viki Sheahan.

Collection Counter: Diane Robinson.

Flower Guild: Caron Burgess, Laura Vrooman.

God has given us the ability to laugh for a reason. It may seem like a little thing, but laughter is vitally important in the battle against stress, anxiety, fear and worry.

Leo the Great

When Leo was born, around the year 400, the Western Roman Empire was almost in shambles. Weakened by barbarian invasions and by a totally inefficient economic and political system, the structure that had been carefully built by Augustus had become a chaos of internal warfare, subversion, and corruption. The social and political situation notwithstanding, Leo received a good education, and was ordained as a deacon, with the responsibility of looking after church possessions, managing the distribution of food, and generally administering the finances. He won considerable respect for his abilities, and a contemporary of his, Cassian, described him as “the ornament of the Roman Church and the divine ministry.” In 440, Leo was unanimously elected Pope, despite the fact that he was absent at the time on a mission in Gaul. His ability as a preacher shows clearly in the 96 sermons still extant, in which he expounds doctrine, encourages almsgiving, and refutes various heresies. In Gaul, Africa, and Spain, Leo’s strong hand was felt, as he issued orders to limit the powers of one over-presumptuous bishop, confirmed the rights of another bishop over his vicars, and selected candidates for holy orders. Leo’s letter to the Council of Chalcedon in 451 dealt so effectively with the doctrine of the human and divine natures of the One Person of Christ that the assembled bishops declared, “Peter has spoken by Leo,” and affirmed his definition as orthodox teaching. With similar strength of spirit and wisdom, Leo negotiated with Attila when the Huns were about to sack Rome. He persuaded them to withdraw from Italy and to accept an annual tribute. Three years later, Genseric led the Vandals against Rome. Again Leo negotiated. Unable to prevent pillaging by the barbarians, he did dissuade them from burning the city and slaughtering its inhabitants. He worked, thereafter, to repair the damage, to replace the holy vessels in the desecrated churches, and to restore the morale of the Roman people. Leo died in Rome in 461.

[Feast Day: Nov. 10]

The Draft, our electronic newsletter is sent to you by noon every Thursday. Thank you!