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Dear People of St. Thomas’,
Sometimes, an innocent little question can send me down a rabbit hole of research that ends up being a gold mine. Such a thing happened to me this week when a parishioner asked what I'm sure they imagined to be a simple question about the season of Advent and how it got started. The earliest written evidence we have of keeping a holy season known as Advent is from the 4th century around the year 380.
We are naturally anticipatory creatures. It's survival instinct; if you can't anticipate danger, you could be killed. The instinct carries over into a lot of areas of our lives - we are always anticipating something. So, once the early church fixed the date of the Feast of the Incarnation (Christmas) as December 25, then we needed a season of devotion which anticipated it, very much like Lent already existed to anticipate Easter.
However, all of this was connected to a popular heretical theology called Priscillianism, which essentially was a form of dualistic gnosticism which taught, among other things, that the flesh was evil. And if the flesh was evil, then Jesus could not have been incarnated in human flesh because he was perfect God. To combat this heresy, the Church began to focus in the weeks leading up to (the relatively newly decided date of) Christmas on how Christ was incarnated in human flesh, and on how he will come again. Thus was developed the two-fold thrust of our modern Advent season: the Incarnation and the Second Coming. There's a lot more history to this that's fairly interesting but I'll spare you that. What I will say is that the earliest special devotion of Advent was that the people were forbidden from being absent from Church from about December 17 through the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. So, I guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other very soon!
God bless you!
Faithfully,
Fr. Ryan+
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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.
Hurricane Assistance: At the drop down, please choose either "Hurricane
Restoration" or "Discretionary Fund".
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Methods to donate are on the St. Thomas’ website and on the church’s Facebook page. If you prefer to write checks, please make them to the order of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. On the memo line, please designate "Hurricane Restoration" to help efforts at the church, or "Discretionary Fund" to help those affected by the storm.
Despite Helene's and Milton's devastation, we continue Growing Together in Love.
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The Altar Guild will be performing their semi-annual, pre-holiday cleaning of the church for an hour or two this Saturday, December 7 beginning at 9:00 am. Anyone who would like to join in the fun is welcome to come be a worker bee and help prepare for Christmastide.
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Men's Club: Thursday, December 12
We're thrilled to invite you to an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and delicious food at the Men's Club meeting tonight! Join us at the Grand Central Brewhouse, located at 2340 Central Avenue 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? Speaking of meals, you can check out the mouthwatering menu options from LaLa at this link: https://www.grandcentralbrew.com/food/#lala. Remember, you don’t have to leave the GCB to enjoy! So, come hungry and ready for some fun; we can't wait to see all your smiling faces! Hope to see you there! And remember, invite a friend to join you!
Any questions, call Ted Badger, 727-295-9669. JOIN US UPSTAIRS AT THE BREWHOUSE.
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Giving Plate Sunday: December 15
On Sunday, December 15, our Giving Plate collection will go to Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST) to fund St. Thomas’ membership in that organization as a covenanted congregation. FAST represents more than 2,000 individual members in Pinellas County and over 50 churches. This organization has a strong presence in the community and is focused on two principal areas of significant concern for the coming year: affordable housing and water quality.
You can learn more about FAST Pinellas by visiting the website, http://fast-pinellas.org. Also, take a look at St. Thomas’ website for additional information: https://www.stthomasstpete.org/fast-justice-ministry.html.
Please give prayerful consideration to this opportunity to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives in Pinellas County and give generously when the offering plate makes it way around on Sunday, December 15th. Thank you!
If you would like to know more about FAST and growing a justice ministry at St. Thomas’, please contact Bill Barns at 757.646.5146 / wfbarns75@icloud.com.
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Chorus Angelorum
Christmas Concert
Chorus Angelorum and Iona Consort will be performing their Christmas concert and all are invited! It will be a magical evening of music at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, 7:00 pm, December 17. This is free event (but your are encouraged to register), so bring your friends and family to this amazing Christmas Concert!
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We warmly invite you to join us on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 pm for a heartwarming celebration of Christmas Lessons and Carols, an evening that promises to be a beautiful blend of community, reflection, and joy. Prior to this uplifting service, we will gather for Supper, Song, and Prayer at 6:00 pm, creating a perfect opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the festive occasion ahead. We encourage you to bring along a friend, as the spirit of St. Thomas' thrives on inclusivity and shared experiences. As we come together in this sacred space, look forward to the meaningful moments and enchanting melodies that will not only elevate your spirit but also deepen your connection to God.
Our Candlelit Christmas Lessons & Carols, based on the service by King's College, Cambridge, is a retelling of the beginning of time until the birth of Jesus. The music this year will be provided by the Choir of St. Thomas' and guests. There will be times for the congregation to join in the singing of carols. It is the perfect event to lead you into the week of Christmas.
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Blue Christmas: A Reflective Service for the Season & the Community
Sunday, December 22, 5 pm
As we approach the winter solstice, we realize that there are more hours of darkness than light. For some the entire Christmas season can be too long amidst the merriment of others, especially when all might not be right in our own world. Whether it’s the losses experienced from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the absence of loved ones, or the worries of everyday life, sad feelings can often be amplified during the holidays. At the other end of the spectrum, some may be simply overwhelmed with Christmas preparations and not have time to truly reflect on its meaning. Either way, the Blue Christmas service offers space for a time of quiet reflection, peaceful music, and beautiful liturgy that assures us of God’s enduring love and comfort. All are welcome, so please invite your friends and neighbors to join us.
A small Christmas tree will be dedicated at the Blue Christmas service. At December coffee hours and at the service, individuals are invited to write on a blue or white ribbon for someone or something that is on their hearts this Christmas.
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The one thing I love most about Advent is that there is a specific repertory of hymns that is only every sung during this season. Most of the voluntaries revolve around and are based on these tunes. While Schmücke dich is not specific to Advent, the text does speak so beautifully to the coming of brightness in our world of darkness... and isn't that plenty Advent-y? I love the Brahms version of it with the constantly moving inner voices, and think you will too.
"Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;
come into the daylight's splendour,
there with joy thy praises render."
"Sun, who all my life dost brighten,
Light, who dost my soul enlighten,
Joy, the sweetest heart e'er knoweth,
Fount, whence all my being floweth"
We were just notified yesterday that St. Thomas' music ministry was awarded a grant in the amount of $7,000 for the damaged sustained to our music resources from the hurricanes. The grant comes to us from AAM, Association of Anglican Musicians, an organization which cares for and upholds music programmes specifically in the Anglican tradition. This is an organization whose dues are paid for out of my continuing education budget line. We are so very lucky to be a recipient of this money, and I look forward to partnering with this organization in the future for larger events.
Jordan R. Markham
Organist and Choirmaster
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Music for Sunday
December 8, 2024
Voluntary: "Schmücke Dich, o liebe seele" Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Introit: Advent Wreath Prayers; Advent II by Malcolm Archer (b. 1952)
Hymn #65 Prepare the way, O Zion, Bereden väg för Herran
Canticle 16: The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus, Tone III.5
Sequence #66 Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Stuttgart
Offertory Anthem: "O Comfort, Now My People" by Thomas Pavlechko (
Communion #339 Deck thyself, my soul, Schmücke dich
Hymn #67 Comfort, comfort ye my people, Psalm 42
Voluntary: "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her" Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)
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Truthseekers
Class meets this Sunday
in Fr. Ryan's office
to continue Confirmation Class
at 9:00 am
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Happening 88:
December 13-15
Happening is a retreat weekend for High Schoolers led by other High Schoolers who have previously attended the program. The weekend seeks to introduce youth to a deeper relationship with God by showing them the love that the Episcopal Youth Community has for all, and how they can take the next steps in their relationship with God as they go through High School. Registration is $100.
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Camps for Christmas
Our festive Camp for Christmas program is back, and merrier than ever!
Registration for our 2025 DaySpring Summer Camp is officially open, and we have a summer full of delights awaiting your camper! If you dash to register by December 13, you'll unwrap not just a registration discount but also a twinkling Christmas box that's ready to nestle under your tree! Use Early2025 at check out and you will receive $30 off along with your camper gift.
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Adult Learning Opportunities | |
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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.
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Men's Bible Study
Meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am in the church.
The Men's Bible Study is studying the Old Testament book Exodus and using the "Story of God" commentary by Christopher J. H. Wright. You should acquire this commentary in whatever format best suits you.
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LARGE PRINT editions of the Forward Day by Day are now available in the back o the church at the usher's station.
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Our Next Sandwich Sunday: January 5
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.
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Mercy Keepers
Thank you for your many contributions of food, clothing and household items!
Please consider Mercy Keepers when you purchase your imperishable food with your
BOGO options at your favorite grocery store.
If you have slightly used clothing and household items,
so many would appreciate those items as well.
Please place your donated items in the back of the sanctuary,
in the baskets near the baptismal font.
Thank you! We know that there is so much need for many of you
and also for numerous in our community.
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Pack-a-Snack
Please be advised, this ministry is currently on hold until St. Thomas' has the ability to provide this vital service to North Shore Elementary.
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"And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God's diverse gifts."
~1 Peter 4:10~
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Your 2025 Pledge Packet, including your commitment letter, was mailed to you on, Friday, November 15.
If you did not receive a packet, please email Joe Master, joem@stthomasstpete.org and let him know. Several were returned by the Post Office because many of you have temporary addresses, and they were not forwarded by the Post Office.
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Please join us on Thursdays from
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Meeting ID: 969 2031 5905
Password: 06182020
Connect through Zoom:
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News from the Diocese of Southwest Florida
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Diocesan Visioning Day
Saturday, January 4, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This event will be an in-person gathering at DaySpring with an available option to participate virtually via live stream. During this gathering, I will provide important updates regarding the vision, mission, and goals for the diocese. You don’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to participate in the work of dreaming about our future together. This gathering will be open to everyone in the diocese (not just clergy and lay delegates). Registration information for this event will be available on November 1.
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News from the Episcopal Church
and the Anglican Communion
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Who will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury?
There are several leading contenders to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Among them are (left to right): Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, who is the most senior bishop in the Church of England; Sarah Mulally, the Bishop of London and the third most senior bishop in the Church of England; Guli Francis-Dehqani, Iranian born Bishop of Chelmsford; Helen Ann-Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle; Rachel Treweek, the Bishop of Gloucester and considered an extremely popular choice; and Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester. The Crown Nominations Commission must select a successor, which will be taken to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, who will then submit it to the King.
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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.
Names stay on the prayer list for three weeks unless otherwise requested.
Prayer list: Dona, Geoff, Sharon Joanne, Barbara, Carrie, Yvonne, Jo, Terry, Julia, John, Russ, Kevin, Freddy, Nancy, Rosalie, Anje, Joyce, Linda, Betty, Rick, and all adversely affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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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. | |
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Happy Birthday blessings this month go out to: Kitty Epler (Dec 4), Mike Evanoff (Dec 5), Louise Chapin (Dec 6), Laurie Lowe (Dec 8), Tinsley Moorefield (Dec 8), Linda Davis (Dec 12), Frederick Fleming (Dec 15), George Burkhart (Dec 16), Graham Stineman (Dec 18), Anne Long (Dec 19), Mary Jane Cartier (Dec 20), Morea Hallas (Dec 21), Carol Suhar (Dec 22), Bennett Forrester (Dec 22), Pippa Forrester (Dec 22), Liz Stiles (Dec 24), Joanna Ritch (Dec 25), Shelby Jung (Dec 26), Susan Gibson (Dec 28), Pam Holley (Dec 28), Marina Davidson (Dec 29), Tracy Kelso (Dec 29), Daniel Nicolas (Dec 29), Norma Wood (Dec 29), Jane Gillett (Dec 30), Worth Blackwell (Dec 31), Colleen Laughlin (Dec 31)
Happy Anniversary blessings this month go out to: Scott and Lisa Johni (Dec 4), Bill and Trish Thomas (Dec 9), Worth and Betsy Blackwell (Dec 13), Pete and Toni Calabrese (Dec 26), Duane and Katrina Kaufhold (Dec 28), Justin and Jess Purcell (Dec 31)
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The Second Sunday of Advent
Acolytes: Joni James, Daniel Nicolas, Dominic Nicolas
Altar Guild: Susan McMullen, Jean Irwin
Camera Operator/Digital Commentary: Joy Howerton / Russ Martin
Coffee Host: Charlotte Higgins
Flower Guild: Pam Holley, Elizabeth Walters Alison, Sue Humphrey
Greeters: Valerie Hendry
Healing: Kay Mahoney
Lay Eucharistic Minister (10am): Dudley Savage
Lector (8 am): Beverly Littlejohn
Lectors (10 am): Joe DiOrio, Liz Stiles
Nursery: Angel Bickert, Joan Groendal-Patterson
Oblations: Steven and Susan McMullen
Prayers of the People (8 am) - Beverly Littlejohn
Prayers of the People (10 am) - Mary Ellen Shevlin
Ushers: Tom Shevlin, Bill Hendry
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Nicholas
Very little is known about the life of Nicholas, except that he suffered torture and imprisonment during the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian. It is probable that he was one of the bishops attending the Council of Nicaea in 325. According to popular tradition, he famously lost his temper at the council and punched the heretic Arius, but this story dates to more than 1,000 years after his death and is almost certainly apocryphal. He was honored as a saint in Constantinople in the sixth century by the Emperor Justinian. His veneration also became immensely popular in the West after the supposed removal of his body to Bari, Italy, in the late eleventh century. In England, almost 400 churches were dedicated to him. Nicholas is famed as the traditional patron of seafarers and sailors, and, more especially, of children. Many of the accounts of Nicholas’ life recount his habit of secret gift-giving to those in need, a tradition that many Christians have felt inspired to continue in his honor. As a bearer of gifts to children, his name was brought to America by the Dutch colonists in New York, from whom he is popularly known as Santa Claus.
[Feast Day: December 6]
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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. | |
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Pastoral Emergency:
Please call
The Rev. Martha Goodwill
727-639-2123
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Thursday, December 5 (Clement of Alexandria)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer-Church Chancel
9:30 am - Women of the Word-Church Chancel
6:00 pm - Zoom Happy Hour
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal-Church Chancel
7:00 pm - Diocesan Convention (via Zoom)
Friday, December 6 (Nicholas)
Saturday, December 7 (Ambrose)
9:00 am - Church Cleaning
Sunday, December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent
7:45 am - Nursery -Canterbury Courtyard
8:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (spoken)
9:00 am - Confirmation Class-Fr. Ryan's office
10:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (choral)
Monday, December 9 (Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer-Church Chancel
7:00 pm - Chorus Angelorum Rehearsal-Church Chancel
Tuesday, December 10
9:00 am - Morning Prayer-Church Chancel
7:00 pm - Stewardship Committee Annual Dinner
Wednesday, December 11
7:30 am - Men's Bible Study-Church Chancel
9:00 am - Morning Prayer-Church Chancel
5:15 pm - Holy Eucharist, Rite I
6:00 pm - Supper, Song, and Prayer-Guild Room
6:45 pm - Compline-Canterbury Courtyard
Thursday, December 12 (James Frances de Chantal)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer-Church Chancel
9:30 am - Women of the Word-Church Chancel
6:00 pm - Men's Club-Grand Central Brewhouse
6:00 pm - Zoom Happy Hour
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal-Church Chancel
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