The Draft

Our Weekly E-Newsletter

April 30, 2026

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Bulletin for Sunday - May 3, 2026

Fr. Ryan is away this week attending a CREDO conference in Richmond, VA. Active Episcopal clergy get invited to attend CREDO about once every ten years. CREDO began in the mid 1990s when The Church Pension Fund’s (CPF) Wellness Initiatives Advisory Committee—a group charged with exploring wellness options for plan participants—recommended a program to give active clergy a chance to pause their busy, demanding lives and focus on health and well-being through a wellness conference focusing on spiritual, physical, financial, vocational, and mental health.

AN INVITATION TO DINE IN COMMUNITY

Supper, Song & Prayer

Wednesdays, 6:00 pm

Supper, Song and Prayer, our mid-week potluck dinners are back. All are invited and we hope to see you there. You only need to bring something to share; a salad, side dish, main dish, desert, or beverage of your choosing. This is a great family activity and a fantastic way to get to know others in our St. Thomas' community. As always, please invite a friend or neighbor to come with you. At the conclusion of our meal we celebrate the end of the day with Compline and a glorious hymn.

May 6 - bring your favorite Mexican dish to share.

ART PROJECT: OPENING RECEPTION

Lisa Hinkley's "Wings on the Bay"

Friday, May 8

Opening Reception, 5:30 pm

Come join us on Friday, May 8th between 5:30p to 7:30p for the opening reception of Lisa Hinkley Art's stunning exhibit, Wings on the Bay, at St Thomas' Episcopal Church! Step into the vibrant, salt-aired world of the Florida coast. Capturing the unique spirit of the Tampa Bay shoreline, this show celebrates the rhythm of life along the water. Can't wait to see you there!

PICTURE THIS...

Two of our very talented Staff Choristers, Jake Medlin and Sean Porter, appeared in Eckerd College's recent production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Jake, who wrote the music, sang, and played guitar for the production, appeared in the role of Feste. Sean appeared in the hilarious role as Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Both Jake and Sean will be leaving St. Thomas' next month. They will continue their Junior/Senior years at Circle in the Square Theater School in New York City. We have been blessed with their musical talents for the past couple of years and wish them well.

FEAST OF THE ASCENSION

Deanery Event

Thursday, May 14

7:00 pm

Please make plans to come out for this Deanery event which we will celebrate at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 3747 34th Street South (33711).

If you are interested in carpooling from the church, please contact the church office no later than noon on Tuesday, May 12.

BASEBALL IS BACK

Faith & Family Night

Friday, May 15

Let the office know if you are interested in attending.

Baseball with the Bishop

Friday, August 28

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Isaiah's Place Ministry:

Hot Meal Prep

Saturday, May 2

We need helpers on Saturday between 11:30am- 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.

Isaiah's Place Ministry:

Sandwich Sunday

Sunday, May 3

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

Giving Plate:

Sunday, May 17

KAIROS Prison Ministry

"When did we see you in prison and minister unto you?. . . As you did to the least of these you did unto me."

KAIROS is celebrating 50 years of transforming lives. KAIROS Inside is a 3 1/2 day weekend where a team of trained leaders go into a prison to plant biblical seeds with prayers that the Holy Spirit will work in the lives of those who are incarcerated. Our most direct connection is twice yearly at Sumter Correctional Institution.

For more information, please talk to Dudley Savage.

F.A.S.T.

Monday, May 18

Joshua Assembly

You’re invited to attend the Faith and Action for Strength Together (F.A.S.T.)  Joshua Assembly on Monday, May 18^th at 7 p.m. at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 13255 118^th St. Largo, FL 33770. We will meet in the St. Thomas’ parking lot at 6:15 and carpool there for anyone desiring a ride. This is an opportunity to hear directly from members of this interfaith coalition of justice seekers explain why this ministry is personal. It is an excellent chance to get to know members of other congregations better, while examining our own call to ‘do justice.’ Similarly, this event also encourages the participation in investment drive. There will be a chance to celebrate one another and the organization’s accomplishments for the year as well. Won’t you consider spending some time at this event with your fellow St. Thomas’ justice ministry network members and others committed to this work here in Pinellas County. We guarantee it will be energizing!

For additional info or questions, please contact: Adrienne Ruga / adrienneruga@yahoo.com / 727.488.0356 or Bill Barns / wfbarns75@icloud.com / 757.646.5146

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.

AL-ANON

Saturdays, 7:00 PM

Starting May 16

A new ALANON group meeting will be starting on Saturday at 7:00 pm, May 16 in the Youth Room. We welcome this outreach ministry to St. Thomas'. Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives.

The Awakening

Did you miss the concert on Sunday, April 19, or perhaps you were here and would like to listen again?

Here is a link to the YouTube recording:

Sojourners - Adult Formation

Sunday mornings

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.

Weekday Adult Bible Study

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

March 18 (No Bible Study), March 25 -Chapter 15, April 1 (No Bible Study), April 8 - Chapter 16

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

March 19 (No Bible Study), March 26 -Chapter 15, April 2 (No Bible Study), April 9 - Chapter 16

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

Calling All Parents and Grandparents: Is there a child in your home or community who would benefit from getting out into nature, building community, encountering God, and learning about themselves? Camp Kanuga has been a trusted and transformative summer camp program for 95 years, with Episcopal roots, accredited by the ACA, and open to rising 2nd- through 10th-graders. Located in Hendersonville, NC and operating between June 4th and August 3rd, it’s a place where kids gather and experience belonging, grow in their faith, and have a lot of fun. The Camp Kanuga team would love to hear from you and talk more about how it may be a good fit for your family. Visit CampKanuga.org to connect and learn more.

FELLOWSHIP

Women's Social Club

Third Sunday of the Month:

May 17

The next club meeting will be Sunday, May 17 at 12 noon.

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.

Parents Night Out

Saturday, May 30

Hey parents, need a break from your kids for a date night, some alone time, or just to get away. Parents Night Out is just for you. drop off your child/ren in the Parish Hall from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and treat yourself to some kid-free time.

Virtual Happy Hour

Every Thursday

Please join us on Zoom

Thursdays

6:00 pm - 7:15 pm 

Meeting ID: 852 5738 4996

Password: 220612

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.

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.

NEWS FROM THE FARM

Work Day

May 2

Workday at Benison Farm. Would you be able to devote a couple of hours to loading brush for disposition on Saturday morning, May 2nd, between 9 and 11 a.m.? We have some remaining brush piles that need to be loaded into trucks and taken to the dump. We would sincerely appreciate any assistance you might contribute that day. Please remember to bring a pair of work gloves and a water bottle. Thank you!

Morning Prayer

May 21, 8:00 am

Join us as we commune in nature at Benison Farm on Thursday, May 21 at 8:00 am. All are welcome to attend.

DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS

EPISCOPAL CHURCHWIDE NEWS

Sarah and Leo

An historic moment as the First Female Archbishop of Canterbury meets with the First North American Pope.

PASTORAL CARE

Parish Prayer List:

Healing: (Ongoing)

Geoff B., Carol W., Larry S., Connie W., Laura V., Nancy D., Rene C., Susan H., Louise C., Marilyn L., Ricardo R., Marty G., Sue M., Bob M., Jim R., Sam G., Robin T., Lore A., Sally W., Carrie J.

First Communicants: (May 10)

Luke C., James C., Thalia B., Jack L.

Baptismal Candidates: (July 12)

Monica S., Sophia S.

Missionaries to Honduras: (July 12-18)

Alden H., Russ M., Kim C., Suzanne Z., Aaron P., Gretchen B., Diana H., Frank R., Andrea R., Liz K,, Fran M., Amanda C., Blake C., Jerry A., Katie A., Brittany B., Elena C., Dawn C., and Mark H. 

Expecting: (August)

Nick T. and Leah B.

Weddings: (Oct. 24)

Colin B. and Hannah W.

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 prayer list, contact Fr. David Gould in the church office: 727-896-9641, ext. 102 or davidg@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.

Don't see your birthday or anniversary listed?

Please call the office so we can update our records.

Usher

An usher  plays a vital role in church hospitality, ensuring a welcoming environment and facilitating smooth worship services. Historically, the role of ushers can be traced back to the Old Testament, where doorkeepers were responsible for guarding sacred spaces. This tradition continues today, as ushers serve as spiritual ambassadors for the church, embodying the welcoming spirit of the community. If you are interested in this ministry, serving once a month, please reach out to Tom Shevlin: 727- 525-1271  or tshevlin4090@gmail.com,

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 3

Acolytes (10am): Caroline Whitley, Coin Burkhart, Blythe Mitchell.

Audio Visual (10am): Blake Biafora, Stuart Hine.

Greeters (8am): Jacob and Evy Rodrigues.

Greeters (10am): Russ Martin.

Healing Minister (10am): Liz Stiles.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (10am): Tom Shevlin, Yamilet Roman.

Lector (8am): Mike Bice.

Lectors (10am): George Burkhart, Peter Barlow.

Nursery Staff: Joan Groendal-Patterson, Haliegh McGrath.

Oblation Bearers (10am): Vickie Ryan, Adrienne Ruga.

Prayers of the People (8am): Mike Bice.

Prayers of the People (10am): Beth Gould.

Ushers (10am): George Burkhart, Bill Thomas.

Altar Guild: Laura Labbee, Jean Irwin.

Coffee Host: Liz Stiles, Peggy Lewis.

Collection Counter: Diane Robinson.

Flower Guild: Caron Burgess, Larua 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.

Athanasius of Alexandria

Athanasius was born around 295 in Alexandria and was ordained as a deacon in 319. He quickly attracted attention by his opposition to the presbyter Arius, whose teaching that the Second Person of the Trinity was a creature was gaining widespread acceptance. Alexander, the Bishop of Alexandria, took Athanasius as his secretary and adviser to the first Ecumenical Council, at Nicaea in 325, which dealt with the Arian conflict. Athanasius was successful in winning approval for the phrase in the Nicene Creed which has ever since been recognized as expressing unequivocally the full divinity of the Son: “of one Being with the Father” (homoousios). When Alexander died in 328, Athanasius became bishop. He fearlessly defended Nicene Christology against emperors, magistrates, bishops, and theologians. Five times he was sent into exile. He often seemed to stand alone for the orthodox faith. “Athanasius contra mundum” (Athanasius against the world) became a by-word. Yet, by the time of his last exile, his popularity among the citizens of Alexandria was so great that the emperor had to recall him to avoid insurrection in the city. Athanasius wrote extensively, including biblical interpretation, theological exposition, sermons, and letters. His treatise, On the Incarnation of the Word of God, is a still widely read theological classic, and his work The Life of Antony became profoundly influential in the spread of the early monastic movement. In On the Incarnation, he writes, “The Savior of us all, the Word of God, in his great love took to himself a body and moved as Man among men, meeting their senses, so to speak, halfway. He became himself an object for the senses, so that those who were seeking God in sensible things might apprehend the Father through the works which he, the Word of God, did in the body. Human and human-minded as people were, therefore, to whichever side they looked in the sensible world, they found themselves taught the truth.” Athanasius died in Alexandria in the year 373, after devoting his f inal years to preaching, writing, and giving spiritual direction.

[Feast Day: May 2]

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 by noon every Thursday. Thank you!