The Draft

Our Weekly E-Newsletter

January 8, 2026

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Bulletin for Sunday - January 11, 2026



Dear People of St. Thomas', 

We are now in the Octave (eight-day celebration period) of Epiphany. What a festive celebration of the Eucharist we had last Tuesday night! I hope you were able to join us but if you were not, know that it was a great party with the combined efforts of many of our Deanery churches. I'm grateful to the people of St. Vincent's for providing a wonderful feast afterwards. 

I reflected last night during our chapel Mass that there's a lot of weirdness about the Epiphany story that we kind of gloss over on account of how familiar we are with it. But just step outside of the familiarity for a moment and think about the situation. A young mother gives birth in a stable and sometime after that birth three richly dressed men show up bearing gifts of enormous worth but dubious use. The men look nothing like this young woman and her husband; they clearly are from different parts of the world, different socio-economic classes, different education levels, and even a different faith. The "otherness" of them is startling, and it should be. I think that's part of the point of the Epiphany story. Epiphany is about the revealing of God's love to the whole world, so it makes sense that people, the Wise Men, arrive who symbolically represent "others." 

During this Octave of the Epiphany, I encourage you to ponder how broad the love of God is compared to how narrow we tend to make it. Christ became incarnate at a specific place in a specific time among a specific people yes, and then almost immediately from that moment we see God moving in ways that surprise us, unexpectedly expanding our world view. As the hymn says, "In Christ there is no East and West, in him no South or North..." Thanks be to God for the star that arose over all the earth, for the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness that could not overcome it, and for the wisdom to follow it still. 

Faithfully,

Fr. Ryan+

Cathy Ball

Cathy is a native Floridian and has lived in St. Petersburg her entire life. She is a Boca Ciega High School alum – go Pirates! After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in economics, she sold mutual funds at Raymond James for 12 years. She has also worked as a registered property appraiser, office manager, substitute teacher, and a kindergarten teacher assistant. Her true passion is being around children where she has spent the last 12 years in both private and public schools. Currently, she works in the front office at Shore Acres Elementary School and as a bookkeeper for Deep Glow Technologies, Inc.

For 15+ years, Cathy was an active volunteer for the Junior League of St. Petersburg, an organization that helps women and children in our community. She received the Mailande Holland Barton Award for her commitment to volunteering within the League and the St. Petersburg community.

Cathy began attending St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in 2002. Her involvement with St. Thomas includes serving over nine years on the Pack-A-Snack committee, VBS volunteer, and two years as a rotational Sunday School teacher.

Cathy has been married to Brad Ball for 27 years and is the proud mother of 3 sons - Cameron, Bryson, and Jackson. 

Jay Hill

Jay Hill grew up on army bases, so his early church experience was services conducted by virtually every type of protestant except Episcopalian. When his father retired to Savannah, Georgia, he and his family primarily attended Presbyterian churches in Savannah.

Jay began attending St Thomas' about 10 years ago. Jay has served on the finance committee and was previously on the Vestry where he served as Treasurer.  

Jay is a practicing CPA and previously worked in financial services. He is also on the board of directors of the FICPA Suncoast chapter, and past president, vice-president, and secretary of the chapter.

Greg Prescott

It is a privilege to be nominated for the vestry at St. Thomas'. I am a lifelong Episcopalian, born and raised in St. Petersburg. Growing up, I was an active member at the Cathedral through high school and later at Holy Cross during college, serving in both parishes as an acolyte and choir member until graduating from Florida State University.

Since the inception of Benison Farm, I have been a dedicated volunteer, and after returning to St. Petersburg three years ago—following many years raising a family in Virginia—I’ve become even more involved with the farm and our parish choir.

Professionally, my career has been in corporate finance, spanning roles in both small businesses and large institutions, including the U.S. Postal Service. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and an MBA in Finance from George Mason University, along with several professional certifications. I currently serve in a finance role at Owens Corning in Tampa. I believe my experience in financial management and working with diverse teams would be an asset to the vestry.



Outside of church, you’ll find me enjoying British crime dramas, baseball, and college wrestling. Most recently, I’ve embraced a new and joyful role—grandfather to a beautiful baby girl, Avery.

Our annual meeting will follow the 10am service on Sunday, January 25 in the parish hall. But first, the Chili Cookoff is back and we need all cooks to enter the contest. If you are interested in having St. Thomas' hail you as the 2026 Chili Cook Winner, please call or email Russ to let him know you will be entering the contest. We want to make sure we have enough stations set up for all our cooks. The parish will supply the chili toppings and beverages.

Not interested in cooking chili? We need cornbread bakers as well! Yummmm.

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

Our Mission:

Making a difference for others, because God is making a difference for us.

Our Vision:

To create a safe, loving, and accepting place for all people to grow in their faith and spread love out into the beloved community.

On January 5, 2026, a renovation of the Curry Garden bathrooms commenced. Create, LLC, the company that did the restoration to the administrative building, Parish Hall, Guild Room, Kitchen, and Canterbury School offices and classrooms will perform this work. The funding source to make this possible is from the Curry Garden Fund. We anticipate that the spaces will be out of commission for three to four weeks and will not only look spectacular but will be modernized once the project is completed. Stay tuned for periodic updates!

While these bathrooms are closed, there are three in the Baynard Office building and one in the Guild Room available for your use. Thank you.

Christmas Decorations

St. Thomas' Flower Guild decorated the sanctuary with Christmas embellishments and colors that will remind all of the yuletide season with the birth of our Jesus as the center for our celebrations. The decorations will enhance our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services as we worship together in the spirit of this season.

The Flower Guild is grateful for the gifts made, in memory of loved ones and in thanksgiving for those remembered, as your donations support our Christmas adornments and inspirations.

The Flower Guild would like to thank everyone who donated towards the poinsettias for Christmas. They add so much to our Christmas season. 

If you would like to take one or two of the poinsettias home they are located along the outside wall of the chapel. Help yourself.

Double Duty

A Rector's job is never complete until the rector fulfills that last item in their agreement, and other duties as assigned!

Pictured here is Fr. Ryan, carrying in a ladder from the pit for the electrician to be able to do last minute work on the organ, which was ill just prior to Christmas!

As with any good preacher, the question for this picture is: but will it preach?

Cup of Cheer!

Thanks to Mike a Gina White a Cup of Cheer was passed out to folks attending the 4:30 pm Christmas Eve service by member of the Explorers and Truthseekers Sunday School classes. This bit of holiday cheer brought smiles to many faces.

Epiphany 2026

We celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany this year with all the churches in the St. Pete Deanery invited to attend. Parts of the service were in both Spanish and English.

Stations of the Cross Workshop

Saturday, January 24

Please join members of the St. Thomas' Art Project for our 2026 congregational Stations of the Cross project. This year's creative activity will feature a print-making technique similar to linoleum cutting, in which a design is carved into a softer material. The raised, uncarved parts hold ink, which transfers to paper or fabric as a mirror image, creating bold, graphic prints. 

The works will be on exhibit in the church during Lent.

Please plan to join us in the Guild Room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. No experience is necessary; the workshop is open to anyone age 8 or older. There is a $20 suggested donation for cost of materials. If the fee would prevent you from attending, please contact co-chairs Gina White or Mary Jane Park privately.

Adult Bible Study

The Men's Bible Study will continue to meet at 7:30 AM on Wednesday mornings, with the Gospel of Matthew.

The Women's Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings at 9:30 AM, with the Gospel of Matthew.

Both Bible Study groups will follow the same track and Fr. Ryan will lead both groups. The study guide we will be using is: The Story of God Commentary: The Gospel of Matthew, by Rodney Reeves. Amazon sells it in both hardback and e-book formats, and you should choose whichever format is best for you. Click here to buy your book. As always, if the cost of the book will prevent you from joining, a whispered word to Fr. Ryan is all that is needed to make sure a book is made available for you, gratis!

"[The Bible] is shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim."

~Saint Augustine

Sojourners - Adult Formation

Sunday mornings

Beginning January 11, Fr. David will hold a three week class on The Message and Meaning of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Explorers (Grades K-5)

Sunday mornings

Explorers for grades K-5, is intended to introduce and explore Bible characters and stories to learn about God's love and plans for us. This semester we are working through the Old Testament. Classes are interactive, educational and fun! This group meets in the Founders Room.

Truthseekers (Grades 6-12)

Sunday mornings

Truthseekers for grades 6-12, is designed to engage and inspire, ensuring that spiritual growth is both fun and meaningful! We tackle provocative and challenging questions about our faith that students will inevitably face and sometimes struggle to address. This semester we are exploring Jesus' parables.

January - June 2026 Youth Group Events:

Wednesday evenings, 6:45-7:45 for all 6th to 12th grade student. We meet in the Youth Room.

Did you know: the best known Epiphany hymn was written by an Episcopalian. The Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr. wrote "We Three Kings" in 1857 while serving as a music teacher and deacon at General Theological Seminary. Later in life in 1872, Hopkins was ordained an Episcopal priest.

FELLOWSHIP

Men's Club

Friday, January 9

Is going bowing on Friday January 9th, at Sunrise lanes located at 6393 9th St N. St Petersburg. We plan to meet at 6:00pm. Bring a friend! Hope to see you there!

Women's Social Club

Third Sunday each Month

The next club meeting will be Sunday, January 18 at 12 noon following services at Bone Fish Grill, 5062 4th St North, St Petersburg.

If you have any questions, please contact Peggy Lewis at 305-720-1422 or Vickie Ryan at 727-390-9525. We welcome suggestions for other times/locations.

Virtual Happy Hour

Every Thursday

Please join us on Zoom

Thursdays

6:00 pm - 7:15 pm 

Meeting ID: 852 5738 4996

Password: 220612

HONDURAS GALA

February 28, 6:00 PM

Health for Honduras is back in our Parish Hall for their annual fundraising gala this year. Mark your calendar and please plan to attend this important event. Food and libations will be provided by Red Mesa Cantina. Your attendance helps buy needed medicines as well as staff a clinic with a dedicated doctor, nurse, phlebotomist, and dentist--serving 53 rural villages and towns with the closest hospital over three hours away.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Volunteer Food Coordinator Needed for Sandwich Sunday

This person would be responsible for purchasing the Sandwich Sunday once a month on the first Saturday of each month. You will be given a credit card for Gordon Food Services and resonsible for bringing the supplies on Saturday to the church for sandwich making the following day. This is a very low commitment time. If you are interested, please call or email Russ in the parish office. Thank you.

We also need an individual, once a month, who would be willing to deliver the sandwiches to Mirror Lake.

Isaiah's Place Ministry: Hot Meal Prep

Saturday, January 17

We need helpers on Saturday between 12:00pm- 3:00pm (you do not have to stay the entire time) to help with cooking, prepping and plating food. Please consider helping with this vital ministry.

Please contact Vickie Ryan if you'd like to be involved with this ministry: VickieRyan802@gmail.com or 727-390-9525.

Giving Plate - F.A.S.T

Sunday, January 18

The Giving Plate initiative at St. Thomas’ has been a remarkable success! Not only has it increased the awareness of various needs within our community, it has also enabled vital support to the missions of worthy charities in which our parishioners volunteer. These are key and essential mercy efforts that meet the immediate needs of folks here in Pinellas County thanks to your generosity.

As followers of Jesus, we are also called to do justice. One way to accomplish that goal is to support a ministry seeking to resolve the root cause of systemic problems. Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST) is such an opportunity. There are over 40 congregations representing an inter-faith, ecumenical demographic.

St. Thomas’ was received as a covenanted congregation into FAST in 2025, adding our voices to the chorus of many others in the area proposing solutions to problems facing the residents in Pinellas County – and that includes our fellow parishioners. For more than 20 years FAST has worked diligently speaking truth to power by partnering with elected officials to address concerns. Successes include commitments received from city council members and commissioners to increase affordable housing opportunities, and physical as well as emotional health. This year, research is underway on affordable housing, water / flooding, and a new area: youth concerns.

FAST is neither a political organization, nor does it subscribe to or promote a political agenda. This is a faith network and its essential efforts are funded annually through personal investments by Justice Network / Team members at the $200 or a ‘meaningful amount’ level (as determined by the individual). Corporate donations are accepted, although capped at $10,000. Dues are also solicited for member congregations providing advocacy through board membership and strategic initiatives.

January 18^th is Giving Plate Sunday with FAST as the recipient. Won’t you please prayerfully consider donating generously with a cash or check amount when the offering plate is passed on January 18^th to help fund St. Thomas’ annual contribution to FAST? 

For additional information, please visit: http://fast-pinellas.org or 

https://www.stthomasstpete.org/fast-faith-and-action-for-strength-together.html

or contact Adrienne Ruga 727.488.0356 / adrienneruga@yahoo.com or Bill Barns (757)646.5146 / wfbarns75@icloud.com.

Thank you for your kindness!

P.S. We are always happy to welcome additional Justice Network / Team members.

Isaiah's Place Ministry:

Sandwich Sunday

Sunday, February 1

Please join us at 9:00 am to make sandwiches for those in our community that need food. We will gather in the kitchen to prepare 200 turkey-cheese, and cheese sandwiches. This is an important outreach ministry and the sandwiches we make go in support those who are food deprived in our community.

Please email Russ Martin if you like to become involved with this outreach ministry: office@stthomasstpete.org

Pack-a-Snack

Our packing and delivery of food items for elementary children at North Shore has begun. Please see the schedule using the link below.

Questions about this ministry: contact program coordinator Amy Kelso, 727-430-8615 or askelso41@yahoo.com.

MA (Marijuana Anonymous)

Tuesdays, 5:00 PM

MA meets every Tuesday night at 5:00 pm in the Youth Room This group is for those struggling with marijuana or cannabis addiction. The group uses the basic 12 step program developed by AA. Members of MA collectively support each other as peers, sponsors, and friends. MA has a book called Life with Hope and a companion 12-Step workbook, along with other publications. We use the tools of the MA program to help free us of our addictive tendencies and physical dependence on the substance that has caused damage in our lives.

NEWS FROM THE FARM

MLK Jr Day of Service

Monday, January 19

8:30 am - 11:00 am

DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS

EPISCOPAL CHURCHWIDE NEWS

Chalking Doorways

If you see the initials “C + M + B” marked in chalk above the door of a church or home, it could refer to Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the biblical “three wise men,” who visited the baby Jesus. Or “C + M + B” could be read as a shorthand for the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “Christ bless this house.” The full inscription includes the numerals of the current year, so for 2026, that will be “20 + C + M + B + 26.” “Chalk is used in this tradition because it is an ordinary substance of the earth, ‘dust’ put to holy use,” according to The Table. “It reminds us that we are of the dust of the ground, the most ordinary of substances, and yet are fashioned as holy beings for holy purposes.” Pictured is Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, “chalking the door” after worship services on the Sunday closest to Epiphany as part of its annual celebration of the feast day. 

PASTORAL CARE

Parish Prayer List:

Geoff, Carol, Chris, Beverly, Larry, Connie, Laura, Mary, David, Nancy, Rene, Suzette, Sue, Trish, Michael, Angie, Susan, Louise, Estelle, Marilyn, Luis, Olivia, Liz, Tom.  



The list of names in the Prayers of the People will be published in the bulletin every week and in this section of The Draft. To add someone to the long-term prayer list, contact Russ Martin in the church office: 727-896-9641 or office@stthomasstpete.org.

Prayer request can be for healing, medical issues, expectant mothers, travel, personal needs, or a variety of situations. Names stay on the prayer list for three weeks unless otherwise requested.

 First Sunday after the Epiphany, January 11:

Acolytes (10am): Joni James, Colin Burkhart, Garrett Hine. 

Audio Visual (10am): Graham Stineman, Jackson Whitley.     

Greeters (10am): Cathy Zanbaka, Edy Nicolas.

Healing Minister (10am): Kay Mahoney.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (10am): Dudley Savage, Yamilet Roman. 

Lector (8am): Beverly Littlejohn.

Lectors (10am): Joe DiOrio, Mary Mellstrom.   

Nursery Staff: Joan Groendal-Patterson.

Oblation Bearers (10am):

Prayers of the People (8am): Beverly Littlejohn.

Prayers of the People (10am): Mary Ellen Shevlin.

Usher (10am): Tom Shevlin, Bill Hendry. 

Altar Guild: Dave and Pat Bernfeld.  

Coffee Host: Liz Stiles, Peggy Lewis. 

Collection Counter: Pam Holley.

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.

Hilary of Poitiers

Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, was a prolific writer on scripture and doctrine, an orator, and a poet to whom some of the earliest Latin hymns have been attributed. Augustine called him “the illustrious doctor of the churches.” Jerome considered him “the trumpet of the Latins against the Arians.” Hilary was born in Poitiers, in Gaul, about 315, into a pagan family of wealth and power. In his writings, he describes the stages of the spiritual journey that led him to the Christian faith. He was baptized when he was about thirty. In 350, Hilary was made Bishop of Poitiers. Although he demurred, he was finally persuaded by popular acclamation. He proved to be a bishop of skill and courage. His orthodoxy was shown when, in 355, the Emperor Constantius ordered all bishops to sign a condemnation of Athanasius, under pain of exile. Hilary wrote to Constantius, pleading for peace and unity. His plea accomplished nothing, and, when he dissociated himself from three Arian bishops in the West, Constantius ordered Julian (later surnamed the Apostate) to exile him to Phrygia. There he remained for three years without complaining, writing biblical commentaries and his principal work, On the Trinity. Hilary was then invited by a party of “semi-Arians,” who hoped for his support, to a Council at Seleucia in Asia, largely attended by Arians. With remarkable courage, in the midst of a hostile gathering, Hilary defended the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene doctrine of the Trinity. He wrote again to Constantius, offering to debate Saturninus, the Western bishop largely responsible for his exile. The Arians feared the results of such an encounter and persuaded Constantius to simply return Hilary to Poitiers. In 360, Hilary was welcomed back to his see with great demonstrations of joy and affection. He continued his battle against Arianism, but he never neglected the needs of his people. While fierce in controversy with heretical bishops, he was always a loving and compassionate pastor to the people of his diocese. He died in Poitiers in 367. Among his disciples was Martin, later Bishop of Tours, whom Hilary encouraged in his endeavors to promote the monastic life. The hymn “Hail this day’s joyful return” (The Hymnal 1982, #223; #224) is attributed to Hilary.

[Feast Day: January 13]

Is there something you would like published in our weekly e-newsletter? For consideration, please email your submission to office@stthomasstpete.org no later than end of business on Tuesday.

The Draft is sent out at noon every Thursday. Thank you!