The Draft

Our Weekly E-Newsletter

October 30, 2025

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Bulletin for Sunday - November 2, 2025



Dear People of St. Thomas', 

A blessed All Hallowstide to you! We are entering a three-day period of holy observations, which, in a neat way, mirror the Great Three Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. All Hallowstide begins on October 31, Halloween. As you've noticed, there's a connection between those words. "Hallowed" meant holy, or blessed, and "e'en" was an abbreviation of "Even," which in turn is an abbreviation of "evening." So, Halloween is really, Hallowed Evening. The Christian calendar celebrates many holidays beginning on the evening before, hearkening back to Jewish tradition, and this one is no different. So, if Halloween is one of these vigil type celebrations, for what is it keeping Vigil? 

November 1 is All Saints' Day, one of the most important holy days on our calendar, on which we remember those who have gone before us whom the church names saints. Halloween became the vigil for the celebration, and because it Christianized the Celtic holiday of Samhain, its connection to death and the realm of the dead is even stronger. 

The third day in this triple celebration is November 2, All Souls' Day, on which we remember particularly those we love but see no longer, who worship still with us but on a different shore and in a greater light. Some have confused this remembrance with All Saints' Day, but properly speaking, All Souls' Day is when we should remember our blessed dead. 

Because Nov. 2 falls on a Sunday this year, we will celebrate in somewhat of a backwards order. Sunday will be our celebration of All Saints' Day, with Holy Baptism and lots of pomp and circumstance appropriate to the day. Then on Monday, November 3, we will have our Requiem Eucharist remembering our Blessed Dead. We will begin in the Memorial Garden at 7pm with a blessing of the Columbarium and Garden, and then proceed into church. This is a wonderful and pastoral service, and I hope you'll come. It's sort of like a funeral, but at which we remember many and not just one, and we are all gathered together in the community of the faithful, each with the names of different loved ones on our hearts. 

May your celebrations tomorrow night be festive and fun, and I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday and Monday.

God bless you!

Faithfully,

Fr. Ryan+

All Saints' is a major festival day of the Church. As such we will mark the day with baptisms, celebrations, incense, and a full complement of folks in the liturgical procession.

Also, remember...

Each year, our stewardship season invites us to reflect and consider what it means to be part of a community in service to Christ and to one another. St. Thomas’ depends on the generosity of its members to remain a place of worship, service, and support. The ministries that nurture our children, comfort the grieving, serve our neighbors, and amplify our worship all depend on the shared gifts of time, energy, and financial support that we offer together.

Of course, stewardship is not just about meeting the church’s needs. It is about our discipleship journey and spiritual alignment. Giving helps us loosen our grip on what we hold most tightly in this world and reminds us that all we have and are already belongs to God. Sacrificial giving reorients us toward gratitude and faith. It shapes our hearts, renews our priorities, and strengthens our faith community as a living expression of God’s love.

Each of us is only called to give according to our capacity and circumstance. No pledge or commitment of time is small; what matters is the spirit in which it is offered. When we give intentionally and sacrificially—of our time and resources—we are joining together in God’s work of renewal in each of our lives and in the life of this parish.

Thank you for considering how you might pledge this year. May our giving be both a collective act of faith and a sign of hope in what God is doing among us. Consecration Sunday is Nov. 9. Submitting your pledge by then will help us prepare St. Thomas' to continue to grow and do God's work in 2026.



Mike White, Stewardship Committee

Note:

Any pledge cards received prior to Sunday, November 9, will be placed on the altar on that Sunday and blessed with any that are turned in that day.

Over 100 Trunk or Treaters and their parents attended this year's Trunk or Treat and pizza night! See our web site for more pictures.

With over 50 guests attending, it was a spooky night of Ghost Stories and Haunted Organ Music.

Congratulations to Vestry Member Dr. Kanika Tomalin on being awarded the 2025 Liberty Bell by the St. Pete Bar Foundation. They recognized her meritorious work to advance justice and inspire civic responsibility.

Kanika said, "I can think of no more important work in this critical time than the compassionate advancement of human rights and our insistent advocacy for the just delivery of the laws that are designed to protect them."

Adult Bible Study

Our Men's and Women's Bible study groups will be kicking off a new series on the Gospel of Matthew and you are invited to join!

The Men's Bible Study will continue to meet at 7:30 AM on Wednesday mornings, with the Gospel of Matthew study beginning on Wednesday, November 12.

The Women's Bible Study will reconstitute on Thursday mornings at 9:30 AM, with the Gospel of Matthew study beginning on Thursday, November 13.

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!

Participants should come to the first meeting of their Bible Study having read Chapter 1 of the commentary book, which covers Matthew 1: 1-17 (pp. 39-50 in the text). Reading the introduction is suggested, but if you're limited on time, just read the chapter. 

"[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 morning

Fr. Ryan concludes his four-week class based on a study of the Psalms this Sunday.

Fr. David will begin a four-week study on Philippians beginning on Sunday, November 9.

Please plan on joining in at 9:05-9:50 in the Parish Hall for this engaging learning.

Sunday, November 9

3-5 pm

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Isaiah's Place Ministry: Hot Meal Prep

Saturday, November 1

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.

Isaiah's Place Ministry:

Sandwich Sunday

Sunday, November 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 200 turkey, ham, 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 Angie Ford it you like to become involved with this outreach ministry: angiefordsemail@yahoo.com 

Giving Plate - Daystar Life Center

Sunday, November 16th 

Did you know that 12.8% of Pinellas County residents are food insecure and at risk of going hungry if an emergency arises? With the current economic climate and the impact of the government shutdown, this percentage is certain to rise. Our county is fortunate that Daystar Life has a consistent history of feeding those in need. Last year alone, 30,500 people benefitted from the Daystar Life healthy food pantry. In addition to food assistance, many other services are available to help individuals and families move from crisis to stability.

On Sunday, November 16, the St. Thomas Giving Plate funds will be dedicated to Daystar Life. Please come prepared to give generously. Rest assured that every donation matters and is greatly appreciated. 

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.

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.

Evensong

This Sunday, November 2- 4:00pm



Please come enjoy an afternoon of choral evensong presented by Chorus Angelorum under the direction of Rick Smith with Jordan Markham on the organ. Please invite a friend or neighbor.

Men's Club

November 6, 6:00pm

The Men's Club will meet at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 6 for libation, snacks and fun in the parish hall. Please bring a friend and join in the fun.

Art Project Presents Florida Wax

November 7, 5:30 pm - Opening Reception

Please make plans to attend next month's opening reception, featuring the beautiful work of the Florida Chapter of International Encaustic Artists, Florida Wax! Come see the myriad ways wax can be transformed into amazing works of art when placed in the hands of these talented artists!!

Opening Florida Wax reception: Friday, 11/7/25 from 5:30p to 7:30p

Bring a friend, invite a neighbor!

NEWS FROM THE FARM

 DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS

Women's Spirituality Day

Oct 31-Nov 1

Join women from across the Diocese for a day of reflection, renewal, and community at DaySpring Conference Center in Parrish! Friday, Oct. 31 (4:30 p.m.) – Saturday, Nov. 1 (3:00 p.m.) DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St E, Parrish, FL.

We’re thrilled to welcome The Rt. Rev. Doug Scharf as our guest speaker! Guided by Luke 8:13 and other passages, we’ll explore themes of leadership, sacrifice, and our spiritual journey—and what it truly means to surrender all to Jesus. Flexible participation options are available—join us for the full retreat or for just part of the time that fits your schedule.



Link to register: https://onrealm.org/Episcopa.../PublicRegistrations/Event...

(email wmartucci@episcopalswfl.org for help with registration if needed.)

EPISCOPAL CHURCH NEWS

Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica: Cat 5

With 175 mile per hour winds, Melissa slammed into Jamaica and then went on to hit Cuba. There are three Anglican churches in Jamaica: St. James's-Montego Bay, St. Margaret-Kingston, and St. Margaret's-Liguanea and Holy Trinity Cathedral-Cuba. Damage is still being assessed. If you are interested in helping, please visit Episcopal Relief and Development: episcopalrelief.org.

PASTORAL CARE

Parish Prayer List:

Geoff, Sharon Joanne, Barbara, Yvonne, Jo, John, Rosalie, Rick, Carol, Chris, Beverly, Pam, Larry, Connie, David, Laura, Mary, Ann, David, Nancy, Don, Linda, Evy, Carrie, James, Rene, Bill, Angie, Kevin, Suzette, Sally, Sue Trish, Jamie, Deanna, Marilyn, Gabe, Martha..



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.

All Saint's Sunday, November 2

Acolytes (10am): Luke Evanoff (C1), Charlie von Alt (T1), Logan Evanoff, Daniel Nicolas (C2), Dominic Nicolas (Banner), Caroline Whitley (Boat)

Audio Visual (10am): Taylor Biafora, Blake Biafora.

Cantor: Peter Barlow.

Greeter (10am): Diane Robinson.

Healing Minister (10am): Liz Stiles.

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

Lay Reader (8am): Mike Bice.

Lay Readers (10am): Michael Mahoney, George Burkhart.

Nursery Staff: Angel Bickert, Joan

Oblation Bearers (10am): Brad and Cathy Ball.

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

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

Verger (10am): Russ Martin

Altar Guild: Laura Labbee, Nancy Day.

Coffee Host: Vickie Ryan.

Collection Counter: Diane Robinson.

Flower Guild: Teri Andrés Coryell.

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.

Adeline Blanchard Tyler and her Companions

Adeline Blanchard Tyler (1805-1875) was the first Episcopal deaconess. Along with Caroline (Carrie) Elizabeth Guild (1827-1880), Eveline Black (1825-1875), and Catherine Minard (1837-1917), she was admitted to the office of deaconess on the 4th of November 1856. Accepting the threefold charge to be “servants of the Lord Jesus; servants to the sick and poor and needy, of every class, for Jesus’ sake; and servants to one another,” they provided nursing care, religious and practical education, material support, and advocacy at the newly established St. Andrew’s Infirmary in Baltimore. They cared for men, women, and children, Black and white, from near and far, and would become known as the United Deaconesses of Maryland. Previously, Adeline had been a member of Boston’s Trinity Church, where she was among the founders of Trinity Hall, a Sunday School for poor children; the Episcopal City Mission; and St. Stephen’s Chapel. After joining the Church of the Advent in 1846 (where she would later sponsor Carrie Guild for baptism), Adeline continued in her works of Christian charity, becoming Matron of the Parish School, which the rector described as “a place of instruction for children of the Parish especially those who are poor and uncared for. We have about 50 children…10 are the children of colored Parishioners.” In 1856, the Rev. Horace Stringfellow, rector of St. Andrew’s Church in Baltimore, invited Adeline to head his new infirmary, the fulfillment of his vision to emulate the nursing Sisterhoods and Deaconess hospitals he had seen in England and France. Adeline and Carrie arrived in Baltimore from Boston that September. They joined Eveline Black and Catherine Minard, who had been working with Stringfellow since 1855 at St. Andrew’s Church, but did not become deaconesses until Bishop Whittingham formally assumed “Pastoral Supervision and Visitorial care of your Sisterhood and of the Infirmary and Schools” on November 4, 1856. Soon the four original Deaconesses were joined by two associates, identified as Miss Hickey and Miss Martin. The report of the Infirmary’s first year notes 53 patients admitted, 88 out-door patients, 756 visits made, 93 children in the Charity School, 500 garments and 85 pairs of shoes distributed, 5 patients baptized, 4 confirmed, 8 admitted to their “first reception of the Holy Communion.” During and after the Civil War, Adeline and her companions provided nursing care to the wounded on both sides of the conflict. At the Camden Street Hospital in Baltimore and the military hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania, and, somewhat later at the Naval Hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, often as many as one thousand wounded soldiers were under her care. She died on January 9, 1875.

[Feast Day: November 4]

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!