The Draft

Our Weekly E-Newsletter

February 26, 2026

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Bulletin for Sunday - March 1, 2026



Dear People of St. Thomas', 

The first full week of Lent is almost come and gone, and thus far in church we have heard more than a bit about temptation, confession, and repentance. Grave subjects, to be sure, but Lent is a serious time. If you ask around, you’ll probably find two distinct groups of people: those who like Lent and really get into it, and those who find it a grim period of drudgery that is best moved through as quickly and with as little attention as possible. Both of these groups are half right, and what they get right is what the other group wants to ignore.

There are two halves of a Lenten journey; the first half can be characterized by confession, and the second half can be characterized by repentance. Confession necessarily involves backward looking self-reflection. It is about calling to mind that which has separated you from God and telling God about it and perhaps a trusted confidant, like a priest. The telling is the important part of it because as your breath brings the words you speak to life, the words make real the grievous actions done. They put them in the room, on the table, to be discussed. The group that finds Lent a grim period of drudgery does not like this part and often does not participate. They’d rather move quickly to Easter and the joy and hope that it brings, but how can they understand that joy and hope if they have not spent time in self-reflection? It becomes a joy without cause, a hope absent foundation, and so then a whisper into the wind.

Repentance, on the other hand, necessarily involves forward looking clear-sightedness. It is a turning around and a going in the opposite direction. It is a turning away from sin and a turning back toward God. It is, at the core, a hopeful action. The group that finds Lent to be really meaningful and intentional often gets the confessional aspect right, but minimizes the leaving behind of that sin in repentance and turning toward their future. Confession is meant to be a time limited event. Repentance is the on-going action that brings new life. Confession is the means, repentance the end. Confession without repentance is just self-flagellation and, at its worst, masochistic. The reason we go through this is not to wallow in it, but to arrive at the joy and the hope Easter brings.

My invitation to you this Lent then is, no matter which camp you fall into, that you spare a thought for the other camp, and hold both together. It’s true that you cannot get to the Resurrection without going through the Passion, but neither should we forget that the Resurrection is where we’re headed. Confession and Repentance, both, are how we get there. 

God bless you!

Faithfully,

Fr. Ryan+

LENT 2026 AT ST THOMAS'

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...

A big thank you to Ted Badger, Tom Alison, and Colin Burkhart for cleaning out the rest of the items in the POD, placed there when renovations began due to Helene.

St. Thomas' current members hosted a luncheon for prospective members this past Saturday. A total of sixteen ladies enjoyed an informational lunch meeting at which the Flower Guild's guidelines and expectations were outlined and discussed. The opportunity to serve St. Thomas' using nature, design and creativity, is offered to all that are interested in joining our guild. Careful mentoring, support and practice will lead to each new member having opportunities to create arrangements for the Glory of God and for congregational inspiration.  

The group gave special recognition to Marilyn Lanctot for her 18 years of service to our Flower Guild. She is retiring from this committee but may arrange with our guild for special occasions. Our St. Thomas' has been blessed with Marilyn's many talents and her beautiful, inspirational arrangements. She has mentored many of our current and past Flower Guild members. We wish Marilyn and Ed more opportunities to relax and enjoy their special family. Marilyn, we will miss you and your artistic gifts presented to St. Thomas' through your beautiful arrangements and teaching moments.

Please contact Pam Holley, the Flower Guild's Chair, for additional information for potential membership: (call or text) 727.481.4990, or (email) pmholley66@gmail.com

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Black Bags for Lent

Black bags will be available on the Welcome Table beginning February 22. Please take one home and bring back at the end of Lent with items you no longer want or need. All bags will be donated to Mercy Keepers.

“A mindful, methodical approach to the Lenten Season…with the goal of freeing up physical space while cleansing the spirit too! Place one clothing item in the bag each day of Lent. Ending with 40 items to donate to Mercy Keepers when you return your bag to church!”

Isaiah's Place Ministry:

Sandwich Sunday

Sunday, March 1

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

Isaiah's Place Ministry: Hot Meal Prep

Saturday, March 7

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.

Giving Plate:

Sunday, March 15

Pack-a-Snack

Pack-a-Snack is a St. Thomas' Outreach Ministry that provides a bag of nonperishable snacks, milk and juice to those students at North Shore Elementary School who have been identified as unhoused and/or “needy” by the school’s administration. The description here of unhoused or needy is a direct quote from my contact at North Shore after the summer break.

This description really hit me hard. Even though I was obviously aware of the needs of food insecure children, hearing this description further solidified my resolve to keep this ministry going. It’s bad enough to think of all our food insecure neighbors but just imagining a child leaving school on a Friday with uncertainty about food and even housing over the weekend is heartbreaking.

Currently we are supporting 40 children at North Shore Elementary, along with Riviera Methodist who has capped their support at 30 children. There is always a waiting list, too, but this ministry costs about $500 a month to support the 40 children we have. Unlike many of our other Outreach ministries, Pack-a-Snack can only accept monetary donations. We have a small army involved in tracking just in time Inventory (due to space considerations), shopping for the items at Sam’s club, and staging, packing and delivering to the school. We very much appreciate everyone’s help but we need to keep the funds flowing to be able to continue this ministry past the 2026 school year.

St Thomas Pack a Snack ministry relies solely on your contributions throughout the year, including our dedicated Sundays for the loose cash plate offerings which is March 15th. Your generous donations will make a real difference in children’s lives.

Thank you!

Amy Kelso

HONDURAS

MISSION TRIP 2026

MAY 9-16

How can I help? Here's what we need...

Full Scholarships - $1200

Half Scholarships - $600

Quarter Scholarships - $300

Materials: (deliver to St. Thomas office)

·        Wash clothes for kits (500)

·        Bar soap for kits (500)

·        Toothbrushes for kits (500)

·        Travel Kleenex for kits (500)

·        Combs (500)

·        Regulation Soccer Balls (Deflated), (8-10)

·        Frisbees (8-10)

·        Coloring pages

·        Crayons

·        Large plastic tubs for packing and shipping supplies (10)

·        Alcohol Swabs

·        Gloves

·        Band-Aids for health kits

·        Travel sized sewing kits for health kits (500)

·        Hair scrunchies (1500)

·        Beads

·        Glow-sticks

·        Fuji Instamax Camera film (500)

·        School supplies

·        Toys for Hospital Kids, estimate 50 kids (oriental Trading Co)

·        Markers (28) 

"Whom shall I send? Here I am Lord, send me!"

Next Team Meeting: This Sunday, 3/15 at 5:00 pm in the Guild Room

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.

Immigration & Refuge Information

Several weeks ago, Fr. Ryan asked us to consider our relationship with refugees. There are many good organizations providing material support (shelter, food, clothing, medical attention, etc.) to refugees in man y parts of the world. For those wanting to find out more information and/or donate, here are some suggestions (click on each organization to go to their web information):

Episcopal Migration, Refugees and Immigration

International Rescue Committee

Doctors without Borders

World Food Program

Amnesty International

Heffer Project

F.A.S.T.

Faith and Action for Strength Together

One of the significant recent achievements through the FAST’s justice work is the establishment of a county-wide resource for mental health, substance use, and addiction services. Please see the note below concerning the Care About Me (CAM) initiative. As has often been said at FAST gatherings of the faithful: “Who did this? We did!” Please share this accomplishment with those interested or with someone who may require the service. Thank you!

Chorus Angelorum

March 4, Wednesday

Please make plans to join us for Corus Angelorum's presentation of Winter Baroque featuring Iona Consort. All are welcome.

If you would like to know more about Stewardship or become involved with the Stewardship ministry at St. Thomas', please reach out to our 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.

Sojourners - Adult Formation

Sunday mornings

Resuming on April 12, 19, and 26, OUTLINE OF FAITH (Part 2).

The mystery book has been revealed. From Sunday, March 1 through March 22, walk through Lent with Fr. Ryan and Fr. David using this book for introspection.

For...

March 1 - Read Chapters 1-6

March 8 - Read Chapters 7-12

March 15 - Read Chapters 13-18

March 22 - Read Chapters 19 - 23

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.

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

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

Happening

April 10-12

Happening is a weekend retreat designed just for high schoolers (grades 9–12), who want to grow closer to God and explore what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.

Led by youth who have already taken part, with the support of clergy and adult mentors, the weekend helps high schoolers from all denominations grow in their faith through meaningful talks, spirited singing, small-group conversations, worship, games, and a few surprises along the way. Adults, called “Magi,” are also invited to journey alongside one another as they share in this powerful experience. Over the course of two days, Happening offers a space where faith is renewed, community is built, and Christ’s love is encountered—so that teens return home ready to live it out in their daily lives.

FELLOWSHIP

Virtual Happy Hour

Every Thursday

Please join us on Zoom

Thursdays

6:00 pm - 7:15 pm 

Meeting ID: 852 5738 4996

Password: 220612

Men's Club

First Thursday of the Month

The Men's club usually meets the first Thursday of the month.

For more information, please contact George Burkhart, 727-692-6950 or Ted Badger, 727-295-9669.

Women's Social Club

Third Sunday of the Month

The next club meeting will be March, Februay 15 at 12 noon following services.

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.

NEWS FROM THE FARM

DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS

Compline with the Bishop

Join Bishop Doug Scharf every Sunday during Lent at 8:00 p.m. for The Office of Compline. The service will take place on Zoom and is linked below. Compline is a peaceful service of nighttime prayer to end the Lord’s Day in stillness and hope. Let’s walk this Holy season together.

EPISCOPAL CHURCHWIDE NEWS

Diocese of Pittsburgh chosen to host 83rd General Convention in 2030

“The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is greatly honored to be selected as the host for the 83rd General Convention of The Episcopal Church in 2030,” Bishop Ketlen Solak said in a written statement to Episcopal News Service. “This choice is especially significant for us since we are one of the reorganized dioceses that has emerged from past difficulties as a stronger, healthier diocese. We are excited to welcome with open hearts and open arms so many Episcopalians, and we look forward to sharing our diverse local culture and our deep love of God.”

PASTORAL CARE

Parish Prayer List:

Geoff B., Carol W., Chris C., Larry S., Connie W., Laura V., Nancy D., Rene C., Suzette C., Susan H., Louise C., Estelle C., Marilyn L., James G., Ricardo R., Pat M.

Traveling: Joan and Bill

Expecting: Nick and Leah (August)

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.

Don't see your birthday or anniversary listed?

Please call the office so we can update our records.

Second Sunday in Lent: March 1

Acolytes (10am): Charlie von Alt, Dominic Nicolas, Daniel Nicolas.

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

Greeters (8am): Jacob and Evy Rodriguez.

Greeters (10am): Diane Robinson, Russ Martin. 

Healing Minister (10am): Liz Stiles.

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

Lector (8am): Mike Bice.

Lectors (10am): Michael Mahoney, George Burkhart.

Nursery Staff: Joan Groendal-Patterson, Haleigh McGrath.

Oblation Bearer (10am): Vickie Ryan.

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

Prayers of the People (10am): Mary Mellstrom.

Shofar: Jonathan Mitchell

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

Altar Guild: Laura Labbee, Diane Robinson.  

Coffee Host: Liz Stiles, Peggy Lewis.

Collection Counter: Diane Robinson.

Flower Guild: Pam Holley, Laura 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.

John and Charles Wesley

John was the fifteenth, and Charles the eighteenth, child of Samuel Wesley, Rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his wife, Susannah. John was born on June 17, 1703, and Charles on December 18, 1707. Of the nineteen Wesley siblings, only ten lived to maturity. Under their mother’s tutelage, all of them were schooled each day in six-hour sessions, always begun and concluded with the singing of psalms. Their theological writings and sermons are still widely appreciated, but it is through their hymns—especially those of Charles, who wrote over six thousand of them—that their religious experience, and their Christian faith and life, continue to touch the hearts of many. Both Wesleys were educated at Christ Church, Oxford, John later being elected a fellow of Lincoln College, where they gathered a few friends to join a “Holy Club” in strict adherence to the worship and discipline of the Prayer Book, and were thus given the name “Methodists.” John was ordained in 1728 and Charles in 1735. Both were profoundly attached to the doctrine and worship of the Church of England, although they were deeply moved by and critical of the church’s neglect of the poor. Their affection for the Church of England remained despite abusive opposition to their cause and methods. The two brothers went together to Georgia in 1735, John as a missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, and Charles as secretary to James Oglethorpe, the Governor. The mission was a disaster, and both brothers returned to England, dejected and disappointed. Shortly after their return home, however, they each experienced an inner conversion. On May 21, 1738—Pentecost— Charles “felt the Spirit of God striving with his spirit ‘till by degrees He chased away the darkness of unbelief.” Three days later, at a meeting on May 24 in Aldersgate Street in London with a group of Moravians, during a reading of Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, John recorded, “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” So the revival was born. The two brothers placed a strong emphasis on preaching, and appointed lay people, both men and women, as preachers and evangelists to work together with the clergy in proclaiming the gospel. The formal separation of the Methodists from the Church of England occurred only after the deaths of the two brothers in London— Charles on March 29, 1788, and John on March 2, 1791. In recent decades there has been increased cooperation and growth in agreement between Anglicans and Methodists, and growing appreciation for our common heritage.

[Feast Day: March 3]

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!