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The Weekly Draft
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
January 26, 2022
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Dear People of St. Thomas’,
I am very grateful to Mr. David Gould for his taking on new duties shepherding the acolytes here at St. Thomas’. Through his recruitment efforts and training we are already seeing great results in both new acolytes and new-found confidence among them. One of the acolyte duties that we’ve resumed recently is having the torchbearers lead the Offertory procession. This both honors and adorns the action, but also fulfills the utilitarian function of making sure it happens in a timely manner and at the correct time. Seeing this in action has made me smile and it has also got me thinking about the Offertory, the breadth of which perhaps most of us do not fully understand.
Some of us may think the Offertory is another word for the beautiful pieces of music we hear at this time, but no, those are the “Offertory Anthems.” Like the torchbearers leading the procession, this special music honors and adorns the action. Others may think the Offertory just refers to the collection of pledges and cash monies that fund the operation of the church. That is a part of it, but certainly not the whole. While still others may imagine the Offertory has to do only with the bread and wine being brought forth, and again, that is a part but not the whole. When we start analyzing it, the Offertory is a more important crux within the liturgy that we might initially realize, and a focal point of our devotional action.
Early 20th century British priest and monk, Dom Gregory Dix, wrote a critical analysis of the worship of the church that has had a lasting influence on the understanding of liturgy called “The Shape of the Liturgy.” The way he understands the Offertory is as the true self-offering of the whole Church. He writes: “The whole rite was a true corporate offering by the church in its hierarchical completeness of the church in its organic unity... The primitive layman's communion, no less than that of the bishop, is the consummation of [their] “liturgy” and the offering of the Christian sacrifice. The offertory, in the original view of the rite, is therefore something much more than a ceremonial action, the placing of bread and wine upon the altar by the clergy as an inevitable preparation for communion. It is as the later liturgies continued to call it—even when it had lost all outward signs of its previous meaning—the “rational worship” by free reasonable creatures of their Creator, a self-sacrificial act by which each Christian comes to [their] being as a member of Christ and the recalling before God of the self-sacrificial offering of Christ on Calvary. “There you are upon the table,” says Saint Augustine to the newly confirmed communicants at the Easter liturgy, “there you are in the chalice.”
So the next time you are inclined to think of the Offertory as just an utilitarian function, even if a nicely adorned one, (or a great opportunity to step out to the restroom), reflect on these words of Dix and St. Augustine, and know that the Offertory represents your offering, and that without it the Church is, at the least, the lesser, and at the greatest, incomplete to the point of being unable to function.
God bless you!
Faithfully,
Fr. Ryan+
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Coffee Pot Bayou Clean-up this Saturday!
The Coffeepot Watershed Alliance, founded by Walt Jaap, continues thanks to Bonnie Hargrett and other volunteers. Our next cleanup is this Saturday, January 28th 9 - noon. The meeting location is at the corner of Oak St NE & Coffee Pot Drive NE (behind the Masonic Home).
All supplies, snacks, and water will be provided. If you're looking for community service hours as a student, come on down. Questions? Ask Adrienne Ruga: 727-488-0356.
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Annual Meeting 2023 Announcement
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Chili Cookoff!
This Sunday - January 29, 2023
Following *ONE* Service at 10:00 a.m.
At this meeting we will be electing three persons to the Vestry Class of 2025.
We will also be hearing various reports from different ministries in our Parish, and it is a great opportunity to find out more about a ministry in which you might like to be involved.
For lunch, we will have our annual chili cook-off. We have multiple entries this year so it should be fun! and delicious!
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Music for The Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany January 29, 2023
Prelude The Bells of St. Thomas' "Fanfare in G" - Michael Ryan
"Ring a Joyful Song" Michael Helman
Entrance Hymn “Tell Out My Soul” –438 , WOODLANDS
Hymn of Praise "Glory to God"– S280
Psalm 15 - E. F. Rimbault
Gospel Acclamation “Alleluia With Verses” – WLP 847
Offertory Anthem “Teach Me, O Lord”- Thomas Attwood
Presentation Hymn "As Those of Old Their First Fruits Brought" –
705, vs. 3, FOREST GREEN
Sanctus “Sanctus” –S129
Fracture Anthem "Be Known to Us" - WLP 875
Communion Hymn "Bless the Lord My Soul" - WLP 825
Jacques Berthier, Taize Community
Processional Hymn "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” – 490
HOUSTON
Postlude "Postlude in G Major" - George Frederick Handel
About the Anthem
My attempt, as Director of Music is to include music from many worship traditions in our regular musical repertoire. But there are times when I think we stray from our Anglican musical traditions a bit too far. This week is not one of those times. The anthem, “Teach Me, O Lord” by Thomas Attwood, (1765-1838), is a staple in the Anglican musical diet and brings us back to our Anglican musical roots. Attwood was in the middle of the musical world of his day. Studying abroad, He was a favored student of Mozart in Vienna. Back in London and later in life, he became a close friend of Felix Mendelssohn. In 1796 he became organist of St Paul’s Cathedral and composer for the Chapel Royal. His career remained intertwined with various royals and their musical needs, as well as the Church and other secular endeavors. “Teach Me, O Lord” was composed in 1797. It is an anthem we sing often and is beloved by the choir. Our Chancel Choir will sing another of his well-known works during the Lenten season, “Turn Thy Face from My Sins” written in 1831.
The Organ Work Continues!
The work on the organ continues. Slow and painstaking work is taking place each day here in our sanctuary. This major renovation is primarily in the console and electrical systems of the organ and is required to keep the instrument functioning. It is also a prerequisite for any future improvements. We hope the work will be completed by the beginning of February.
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Mission Trip to Honduras 2023 | |
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St Thomas Mission Trip to Honduras, 5/13/23-5/20
Okay, you’ve been reading about this. Many of you have expressed interest. It is now time to take action. If you want to make this trip, of if you want to know more about it before deciding, please contact me, Rick Smith ([email protected], [email protected]), or Grace Smith in the church office, or Russ Martin.
Mission Trip Schedule
· Sunday, February 5, 5:00pm – Planning Session
· Wednesday, February 15, 7:00pm – Dr. Davila (Clinica Nueva) speaks at “Supper, Song, & Prayer”
· Sunday, March 5, 5:00pm – Planning Session 2
· Sunday, April 23, 5:00pm – Planning Session 3
· Wednesday, May 10, 7:00pm – Packing Night
· Friday, May 12 – Leaders depart (Rick, Grace, & Russ)
· Saturday, May 13 – Group departs
· Saturday, May 20 – Group Returns
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Please join us at the Health for Honduras Gala
February 11th at 6pm in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on the link Below.
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St. Thomas’ Church offers traditional formation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, lectionary-based classes for Grades 1-6), guild apprenticeship (this year, focusing on altar server training), and fun activities during the school year. The nursery is staffed at both Sunday services. | |
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Weekly children's lessons during the first part of the 10 a.m. service continue for kids in Grades 1 through 6. On Sunday, the class talked about the New Testament reading (1 Cor 1:10-18) in which Paul encouraged the church members to get along. They talked about the two most important commandments according to Jesus, to love God with our whole heart and to love others as ourselves. They also talked about several reasons why that was important. To illustrate the importance of working together, they built marshmallow towers! The tallest one that could support the highest marshmallow was the winner. They called a tie, as each tower was impressive!
Dinner table questions:
What were the two most important commandments according to Jesus?
Why is it important to get along and cooperate with others?
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First St. Thomas' fun event of 2023 | |
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The Tall Ships Festival is coming to St. Pete! We would like to invite St. Thomas' families and friends. The festival will have historical exhibits, live entertainment, food, beverages and best of all, we can board these amazing ships.
All are welcome. St. Thomas’ Church will cover the cost of kids’ tickets and those of chaperones. Parents are welcome to come or you may leave your kids/grandkids with us.
If you would like to come, please let me know:
- the kids' names and ages,
- if you would like to chaperone
- your contact information.
I will buy the first batch of tickets on February 5th, and will order more as long as tickets last.
We hope you will come!
Mtr. Anne
954-253-4414 (text or call)
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Tall Ships Festival
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Time: 1pm
What to bring: money for snacks, drinks, sunscreen and hats.
We will be able to walk on the Tall Ships, but children 6 or under will need to bring and wear their own life jackets.
Location: Downtown St. Pete: Port St. Pete – 250 8th Ave SE. In the Bayboro Harbor adjacent to Albert Whitted Airport and USF St Petersburg Campus.
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Please join the St. Thomas’ Art Project in creating origami doves.
In Christian tradition, doves represent the Holy Spirit, hope, and peace. With members of the Canterbury School of Florida community, we hope to create several thousand doves inscribed with individual prayers and meditations.
All you need is an 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 piece of paper. All birds are welcome!
The doves will be suspended in St. Thomas’ main worship space during Eastertide.
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Meditative Mandala Workshop
February 4, 10 a.m. - noon
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church Parish Hall
1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg FL 33704
The word mandala means “circle.” The mandala pattern is used across most religious traditions. It represents wholeness, holiness and all things encompassed by God.
Sponsored by St. Thomas' Art Project, participants will create their own mandalas using various materials that will be provided. No artistic experience needed. Cost of the workshop is $10 per person. To register, send email to [email protected].
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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 January 22nd:
Purchasing: Ann Leavine, Laura Vrooman
Staging: Marilyn Smith, Linda Davis
Packing: Music Ministry Team, 01/25/2023
Delivery: Nancy Day, Thursday, 01/26/2023
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of January 29th:
Delivery: Bill Thomas, Thursday, 02/02/2023
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of February 5th:
Purchasing: Ann Leavine, Laura Vrooman
Staging: Marilyn Smith
Packing: Men's Bible Study, 02/08/2023
Delivery: Lee Coryell, Thursday, 02/09/2023
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St. Thomas' Sandwich Sunday ministry is back between the 8 and 10AM services in the parish hall. We will begin by making 200 sandwiches once a month for Isaiah's Place, Inc., a local non-profit that ministers to the hungry and homeless in downtown St. Petersburg. For more information, call or text Mtr. Anne at 954-253-4414.
Next sandwich-making event: February 5
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Would you like to help us reach out to parishioners who can't come to church? Eucharistic Visitors visit parishioners in their homes, hospitals, rehab centers, and assisted living facilities. They visit, listen to, offer to pray with and give communion to fellow parishioners. Eucharistic Ministers serve as chalice bearers during worship services. Text or call Mtr. Anne at 954-253-4414 if you're curious. | |
We're here for you! If you live alone or need rides or have to go into the hospital, please let the church know so we can pray for you, visit you, bring you communion, and/or arrange for rides or meals. Call Grace Smith in the mornings at 727-896-9641 and call Mtr. Anne anytime at 954-253-4414.
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Healing prayers are offered during Holy Communion at the 8AM and 10AM services. After you take communion, you are invited to receive a healing prayer from a parishioner or clergy person in the back of the church. If you would like to join the team, contact Russ Ball at 727-667-5471. | |
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Women's Bible Study will continue studying the Gospel of Mark from the perspective that they are learning from THE CASE FOR CHRIST. They meet each Thursday at 9:30 AM in the Founders' Room. | |
Men's Bible Study are finishing their study of Paul's Letter to the Romans and will soon be picking up Genesis. They meet each Wednesday at 7:30 AM in the Founders' Room. | |
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Did you know...
...that recent sermons are posted on St. Thomas' website?
Click the button below. You will need Adobe Reader to read the pdf files.
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Men's Club Meeting
The February meeting will be held in the Parish Hall at 6:00pm, on Thursday February 2nd.
Come out and celebrate Groundhog Day.
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SAVE THE DATE
February 21, 2023 from 5:30-7:00
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
This family favorite annual event is brought to you by the Men's Club this year. There will be pancakes with toppings and bacon. Bring your appetites!
If your family would like to help serve or prepare for the dinner in other ways, please let us know.
George Burkhart, Men's Club, 727-692-6950
Mtr. Anne Hartley 954-253-4414
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Celebrations
Happy Birthday Blessings this week go out to: Tom Alison, Don Higgins, Dav Mosby, Kelly Hallas, Lisa Johni, and Stuart Hine.
Happy Anniversary blessings this week go out to: Ryan and Elise Whitley.
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The Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany
Lay Minister Schedule
Acolytes: David Gould, Colin Burkhart, Caroline Whitley, Jace Viera
Altar Guild: Linda Sordan, Jean Irwin
Camera Operator 10am: Russ Martin
Coffee Host 10am: Rene Clark
Flower Guild: Teri Coryell
Healing 10am: Nancy Day
Lector 8am: No 8am service
Lectors 10am: Liz Stiles, Nancy Day
Musicians: Chancel Choir, Bells of St. Thomas'
Oblations: Ellen and George Burkhart
Prayers of the People 10am: Grace Smith
Ushers 10am: Leslie Ritch, Enrique Woodroffe
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Parish Calendar
Friday, January 27
Saturday, January 28
9:00 am - Coffeepot Clean Up
Sunday, January 29- The Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany
8:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Spoken
10:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sung
Sanctuary, Chancel Choir, Bells
11:30 am - Annual Meeting and Chili Cook off
Monday, January 30
9:00 am - Morning Prayer
9:30 am - Staff Meeting
Tuesday, January 31
9:00 am- Morning Prayer
Wednesday, February 1
7:30 am - Men's Bible Study
9:00 am- Morning Prayer
5:15 pm - Chapel Eucharist
6:00 pm -Supper Song and Prayer
6:30 pm - Handbell Rehearsal
6:45 pm - Compline
7:00 pm - Adult Education
Thursday, February 2
9:30 am - Women of the Word
6:00 pm - Pub Virtual Happy Hour - On Zoom (See article above)
6:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
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