The Draft

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February 6, 2025

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Bulletin for Sunday - February 9, 2025

Dear People of St. Thomas',

I hope you took a moment last Sunday to take in the nascent beauty of our new Curry Garden. It's magnificent and I can't thank the team who worked on it enough, with special thanks going to Athena Mihaelaras of Perry's Nursery and Nancy Day who chaired the committee. One of the questions I imagine some might be asking is with all that we have to do and build back post-Hurricane Helene, why was a beautification project done first? There's three answers to that question: two lesser answers and one greater answer. The two lesser answers are about timing and finances. The timing piece is this garden project was actually in play before the storm - the storm just did a lot of the cleaning out work for us. The financial piece is this was paid for by the Curry Garden Fund, a robust and separate endowed fund of the parish which can only be spent on the Garden. Hurricane restoration funds or insurance proceeds were not used on the garden project.

The greater answer has to do with the theological concept of beauty. We are created by God as creatures who appreciate and are interested in beauty, which in turn points us back to our Creator. Anglican bishop and scholar N.T. Wright writes a lot about this concept. In one place he says, "Some of the earliest signs of homo sapiens are the remarkable works of cave art which indicate much more than a functional interest in the world." Human life is about so much more than meeting the biological imperatives. In beauty, Wright asserts, we hear an echo of God's voice. He says, "The world is full of beauty, but the beauty is incomplete. Our puzzlement about what beauty is, what it means, and what (if anything) it is there for is the inevitable result of looking at one part of a larger whole. Beauty, in other words, is another echo of a voice–a voice which (from the evidence before us) might be saying one of several things, but which, were we to hear it in all its fullness, would make sense of what we presently see and hear and know and love and call ‘beautiful.’”

Art, such as what we hang on our church walls but especially (in this case) such as how we grow the Curry Garden, both responds to the beauty of creation and points us back to it. Christian art rises above sentimentality and points to hope. In the case of planting a beautiful garden next to our Columbarium we are calling attention to the beautiful Christian hope of the Resurrection. We are inviting our parishioners and guests to pause a moment, to sit a spell, and ponder the garden, its beauty which reflects God's creation, and the hope that we all have through our Christian faith that death does not get the last word, a hope that is especially symbolized in the natural regenerative cycle of a garden. But, like a garden, it is a hope that must be tended and nourished. And why should we do that?

N.T. Wright again, "Just at the point where we might be ready to give in and admit that it was all a delusion, all in the mind, all explicable in term of our instincts and genetic makeup, we turn the corner, glimpse the distant hills, spell the new-mown hay, hear the song of a bird… and declare… that it is real, it is outside us, it isn’t just imagination. Heaven and earth are full of glory, a glory which stubbornly refuses to be reduced to terms of the senses of the humans who perceive it.”

I hope to see you at tomorrow's Art Show Opening. Perhaps we can enjoy a moment together by the Garden. God bless you!

Faithfully,

Fr. Ryan+

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.

Men's Club: Tonight, Feb. 2

We're thrilled to invite you to an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and delicious food at the Men's Club meeting next Thursday! Join us at The Hanger Restaurant and Flight Lounge, located at 540 1st Street South in St. Petersburg, at 6:00 pm. It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind, share stories, and connect with fellow members—after all, who doesn’t love a good laugh and a great meal? Hope to see you there! And remember, invite a friend to join you!

Any questions, call Ted Badger, 727-295-9669 or George Burkhart, 727-692-6950.

This week's offertory anthem was composed by the great Moses Hogan (1957-2003). Hogan is likely the most important arranger of spirituals since H.T. Burleigh, and during his lifetime, published 88 arrangements for voice. Hogan studied piano at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Julliard School and would go on to win several international competitions. In 1980 he formed the New World Ensemble, in 1993, the Moses Hogan Chorale, and in 1997 the Moses Hogan Singers.  In high school, I can't think of a single year when we did perform at least one of his works, some years performing multiple. As a small-town Pennsylvania school, it may have seemed out of place, and it's true that the spiritual came from the black enslaved population and speaks directly of their struggles and beliefs, it is impossible for anyone of any color to perform and listen to these pieces and not hear the raw emotion they hold. Our anthem this week is not a traditional spiritual with a lineage dating back 300 years, but rather a new song set in the way of the traditional. For Hogan, the writing is simple and subdued, sounding like a hymn, which perfectly reflects the text of the prayer.  

Jordan R. Markham

Organist and Choirmaster

Music for Sunday

February 9, 2025

Voluntary: "Deep River" 

Hymn #381 Thy strong word did cleave the darkness Ton-y-Botel

Psalm: 138 Confitebor tibi S.S.Wesley (1810-1876)

Sequence Hymn #WLP 758 Lord, you have come down to the lakeshore Pescador

Offertory Anthem: "Hear My Prayer" by Moses Hogan (1957-2003)

Communion Hymn #664 My Shepherd will supply my need Resignation

Hymn #537 Christ for the world we sing! Moscow

Voluntary: "Prelude and Fugue in D minor" by J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Lights, Camera, Action!

Congratulations to all our confirmands (L-R): Jace Viera, Courtney Bermudez, Steve Griffith, Jennifer Griffith, Sue Humphrey, Stuart Hine, Taylor Biafora, Daniel Nicolas, Blake Biafora, Dominic Nicolas, and Lindsey Nickel.

Ministry Opportunities

We Need Your Help! Saturday, February 15

Exciting News - Isaiah's Place Ministry is Moving to St. Thomas'

On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, Isaiah's Place makes food for those who need food. They had been preparing meals at Allendale UMC but their kitchen is undergoing renovations.

We need helpers between 11:am-3:00pm (you do not have to stay the entire time) to help with prepping and plating food. Please consider helping with this vital ministry.

Our Sunday Sandwich program on the first of every month will continue and is a part of Isaiah's Place ministry to those needing food in our community.

"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" (Matthew 25: 37-40)

Youth Ministry

Truthseekers

Class meets this Sunday

in the Guild Room

at 9:00 am

New Beginnings #76

Feb 28 - March 2

New Beginnings is a retreat weekend for Youth in the Diocese of Southwest Florida at Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center. This retreat weekend is focused on Middle School participants but staffed by High School youth and adults from our Diocese. The goal of New Beginnings is to help youth recognize and grow in their relationships with God, each other, family, and friends. On the retreat weekend, youth can expect to hear short talks, sing songs, play games, see skits, and participate in small group discussions.

Happening #89

April 4-6



Adult Learning Opportunities

Women of the Word

Meets on Thursday morning at 9:30 am in the church.

This year WOW is studying the book of beginnings, Genesis. This is the story of God’s purpose and plan for His creation, and it sets the stage for the entire Bible. Our guide will be A Journey through Genesis, edited by Marek P. Zabriskie and published by Forward Movement (2023).

Please contact Joan Barns if you have questions,

757-567-5488, or email joanmbarns@gmail.com.

Men's Bible Study

The Men's Bible Study is completing their study of Exodus and will be starting a study of Ecclesiastes on February 19. It's a great time to join! The group meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am in the church. On Wednesday, February 12, the group will be meeting at Trip's Diner for breakfast.

LARGE PRINT editions of the Forward Day by Day are now available in the back o the church at the usher's station.

News from the Farm

Outreach

Pack-a-Snack

Thanks to all for your help with Pack-a-Snack at 

St. Thomas' Episcopal Church

Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of February 9th:

Delivery: Mary Jane Cartier, Thursday, 02/13/2025

Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of February 16th:

Staging: Linda and Mike Davis

Packing: Stephanie McLaughlin, Lori Cottle and Canterbury School of Florida, Wednesday, 02/19/2025

Delivery: Amy Kelso, Thursday, 02/20/2025

Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of February 23rd:

Purchasing: Amy Kelso

Delivery: Diane Robinson Thursday 2/27/2024



If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, please contact:

Amy Kelso, 727-430-8615 or askelso41@yahoo.com.

Our Next Sandwich Sunday: March 2

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 the sandwiches. This is an important outreach ministry and the sandwiches we make go in support of Isaiah's Place food ministry.

Honduras Mission Trip 2025



Calling anyone who may be interested in going on the 2025 Mission Trip to Honduras. Our trip this year will be May 10-17 and the team will be comprised of folks from both St. Thomas' and All Saints' Episcopal Church (Tarpon Springs). Our first team meeting will be Sunday, Febrauary 16 at 5:00 pm. You do not need a medical background to be a part of this ministry! We will have applications and other materials available for you that evening. If you have any questions, please call or email Russ Martin, 904-728-5485, office@stthomasstpete.org.

FFIM Gala: Feb. 22

News from the Diocese of Southwest Florida

Water and the Word Conference

February 21-22



Registration is now open for the 2025 Water and the Word conference. New speakers, engaging workshops, meaningful worship, and plenty of time for prayer and fellowship. You'll hear from Bishop Doug Scharf, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, Dr. Elisabeth “Lisa” Kimball, and many more who will help guide us as we explore the theme: Fully Alive in Christ. Centered around Ephesians Chapter 4, this two-day event will deepen your understanding of how to grow and mature in your Christian faith and help you discover your leadership path, re-imagine how your church can serve its community, and magnify your mission at the intersection of faith and family. We’re also delighted to welcome back Liturgical Folk, who will once again enhance our worship experience with their beautiful music. In addition, this year we’ve expanded our offerings to include youth-centered experiences and special retreat activities for deeper spiritual connection.

Service for Bishop Dabney Smith: March 9

News from the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion

Pastoral Care

Healing prayer is offered at the 10:00 am Sunday service. After communion you are invited to come to the back of the Cathedral and receive a confidential healing prayer from a trained parishioner. Prayer ministers share the heart of Jesus' love and care, and are guided by the Holy Spirit to listen, love, and pray into your prayer requests for physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs. Intercessory prayers for others can also be given. If you have any questions about the healing prayer ministry or feel called to serve, please call Joan Barns, 757-567-5488 or email joanmbarns@gmail.com.

Barbara Clementine Harris

Barbara C. Harris, the first woman to be ordained a bishop in the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. She was elected as a suffragan, or assistant, bishop in September 1988. On Feb. 11, 1989, Harris was consecrated as a bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Her rise to bishop broke centuries of precedent for tens of millions of Christians in the Anglican Communion, which has members in more than 165 countries becoming not only the first woman bishop but the first African American bishop. Standing at only about 5 feet, she was "a giant in a tiny package," said Gene Robinson, a friend and colleague. "She did more to convince girls and women that they could do anything they set their mind to, she affected the lives of so many people she never met." She was active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, traveling to register black voters in Mississippi and taking part in the march from Selma, Ala. to Montgomery, Ala. in 1965. Harris was known as a gifted storyteller who spoke out against racism, sexism and homophobia during her time in the church. "God has no favorites," she said in a 2009 sermon, the Massachusetts diocese recounted. "So to you, gay man, lesbian woman; you, bisexual person; you, transgender man or woman; you, straight person; all of us, the baptized: Let us honor the sacrament of our baptism and our baptismal covenant, the only covenant we need to remain faithful." Harris served for 13 years as the suffragan bishop in Massachusetts until she retired in 2002. From 2003 to 2007, she was an assisting bishop in the Diocese of Washington in Washington, D.C. She continued to volunteer and preach in Boston after retirement, and made time to co-author a 2018 memoir, Hallelujah, Anyhow! Harris died March 13, 202o at the age of 89.

[Feast Day: February 11]

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.