Thursday Notes - October 29, 2026 | | |
Friends,
This Sunday is All Saints' Day, and we begin a new three-week sermon series called Hope That Holds. Every one of us has loved someone we've lost, and every one of us will face loss again. The series asks three honest questions: where are they, how do we grieve, and who carries us? On Sunday we take up the first one. What does the Bible actually say about where our loved ones are now? Many of us have wondered about it quietly, and Scripture has more to say than you might expect. We'll hear John's vision in Revelation 7, the great multitude standing before the throne, and the promise that God will wipe every tear from their eyes. If you are carrying grief of any kind, this series is for you. If you know someone who is, Sunday would be a good day to invite them. Our Ofrenda in Gosnell Hall is still up, and Sunday is a fitting day to stand in front of it and remember.
Sunday is also the date we've asked you to return your Grounded in Hope pledge card. If you haven't yet, please bring it with you or submit it online at www.tom1604.org/online-giving. These cards help your Vestry build a ministry budget for 2027 on what we can realistically expect, and they let us plan with confidence instead of guessing. Thank you to everyone who has already responded. If you are a member and haven't yet prayed about your giving for next year, I invite you to do that this weekend.
I'm also delighted to introduce David Angell, who has joined our staff as Facilities Manager. David brings a vast amount of experience managing large retirement communities, and we are glad to have him caring for our campus. You'll have the chance to meet him on Sunday, and I hope you'll give him a great St. Thomas welcome.
Don't worry, George isn't going anywhere yet! We've brought David on early so that he and our Sexton, George Guerra, will have a few months of overlap. George retires in February, and when he does we will have a grand celebration in his honor. Until then, I hope you'll keep thanking him for all he does for us.
I hope to see you Sunday, and remember that you can always join us online if you can't be there in person.
In Christ,
Mike+
Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
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Meet Facilities Manager, David Angell
Hello, St. Thomas! I’m excited and honored to begin this new journey with you. My wife, our four children, and I recently relocated to Texas, and I look forward to becoming part of the San Antonio community.
Even in my first week at St. Thomas, I’ve felt so welcomed. I can’t express how much your kindness and warmth mean to me and my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve here and look forward to getting to know each of you. See you Sunday!
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Grounded in God
Your faithful giving helps our church grow in ministry, mission, and community. As we plan for 2027, your annual pledge plays a vital role in supporting the life and work of St. Thomas.
Pledge cards are due this Sunday, November 1st.
Please submit your pledge card online at www.tom1604.org/online-giving or drop it in the offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
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Holy Eucharist Rite I
8:00am
in person only
Holy Eucharist Rite II & Children's Church
10:00am
in person and live streamed on YouTube
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Prayers of Healing
The St. Thomas Healing Ministry is available on Sundays after Communion in the Chapel. If you are not able to attend church on Sundays and would like to receive prayers of healing, please contact the church office. If you are interested in joining our ministry, learning about healing, or in need of concentrated prayers contact the church office.
| | Children's Church - Sundays at 10:00am | | We invite your child to join our Children’s Church program Sunday Mornings. Children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to come up to the altar for the children’s sermon and then follow our Children’s Church Leader, to a classroom down the hallway in our education wing. After the exchange of the peace, children are ushered back to their seats. | | | |
St. Thomas Ofrenda
In honor of All Saints' and All Souls' Day, St. Thomas is displaying an Ofrenda in Gosnell Hall. An Ofrenda is an altar honoring loved ones who have passed. Please bring pictures (in frames), candles and other small items to display, to honor the saints that have gone before us. Items will remain on the Ofrenda until we honor them this Sunday, All Saints' Day.
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All Saints' Evensong
This Sunday, November 1st, 4:00pm
Join us for Solemn Evensong for the Feast of All Saints. You will be invited to light candles and place them on the altar in remembrance of loved ones.
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Upcoming Sermon Series
Hope That Holds: Comfort for the Grieving
November 1st–November 15th
What does Christian hope look like in the middle of grief? Scripture reminds us that grief is not a failure of faith and that we do not grieve without hope—because God meets us in our sorrow and gives us comfort that holds.
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Christ the King Sunday
Sunday, November 22nd
The St. Thomas Music Ministry invites you to participate in Christ the King Sunday. On November 22nd we will sing “Halleluia Chorus” from “Messiah” by G. F. Handel at the 10:00am service. All who would like to sing are welcome to join us at 9:00am for rehearsal and participate at the 10:00am service. If you would like music in advance, contact Music Minister, Ryan Becker at rbecker@tom1604.org.
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Thanksgiving Eve Worship & PieFest
Wednesday, November 25th, 7:00pm
St. Thomas invites you to an evening of worship and pie. Worship begins at 7:00pm. After worship all are welcome to the Parish Hall for a slice of pie. Please bring a pie to share.
| | | Discipleship Hour Sundays at 9:00am | | |
Teach Us to Number Our Days: A Deep Dive into Psalm 90
October 18th–November 1st
in the Parish Hall led by Fr. Mike
What can Psalm 90 teach us about living faithfully in the face of our mortality? We’ll explore Moses’ prayer as it moves from the eternity of God and the brevity of life to the weight of sin and, finally, the hope of restoration and lasting meaning.
Upcoming Class:
Christ the King: The Reign of God in Scripture and Tradition
November 15th–November 22nd
in the Parish Hall led by Fr. Mike
What does it mean to call Jesus King? We’ll explore the biblical vision of Christ’s reign and the story behind the Feast of Christ the King, discovering why this celebration still matters for how we understand Jesus and His kingdom today.
Children’s Sunday School
Ages 3 - 5th grade, in Room 112
Each Sunday, children will journey through the Old Testament. Using Bible stories, prayer, activities, and conversation, kids will grow in faith, experience God’s love, and learn what it means to follow Jesus.
Discipleship for Moms
in Room 111 led by Paige Martin
This fall we’re walking through Abide by Jen Wilkin, a study of John’s letters and the call to remain in Christ’s love. As we gather around Scripture, prayer, and conversation, we’ll encourage one another and make room to listen for God’s presence during everyday life.
Youth Group Series: Faith in Action & Justice
October 18th – November 15th
6th - 12th grade, in Room 109
Faith is more than what we believe—it shapes how we treat others and respond to the world around us. Together, we’ll wrestle with what it means to seek justice, practice mercy, love our neighbors, and have the courage to speak up when something isn’t right.
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Bible Study with Fr. Mike
Thursdays at 9:30am via Zoom
Contact the church office for Zoom link.
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GriefShare: Grief Support Group
Wednesdays at 10:00am, in the Parlor
GriefShare is a caring, faith-based support group designed to help you navigate the journey of grief. Come find comfort, hope, and healing among others who understand.
| | Access to the Parlor: Participants may enter through the courtyard gate near the flagpole or Church Office building—please buzz in for entry. | |
Children's Music Program & Choir
Cherubs
Wednesdays | 5:00–6:00 PM
Ages: Kindergarten–1st Grade
Junior Choristers
Wednesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM
Ages: 2nd Grade–5th Grade
Senior Choristers
Sundays | Following 10:00am worship–12:00 PM
Ages: 6th Grade–12th Grade
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Week at a Glance
Morning Prayer on YouTube - Mondays - Saturdays
Men's Bible Study - Tuesdays, 7:00am, in Room 111
Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal - Tuesdays, 6:00pm, in the Choir Room
GriefShare - Wednesdays, 10:00am, in the Parlor
Eucharist Rite II - Wednesdays, 12:00pm, Chapel of the Cross
Children's Music Program - Wednesdays, 4:30pm -6:00pm, in the Choir Room
Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm, in the Choir Room
Bible Study with Fr. Mike on Zoom - Thursdays, 9:30am
Contact the church office for Zoom link.
Middle & High School Choir Rehearsal - Sundays, 11:15am in the Choir Room
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Family Night Out
Thursday, November 5th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Big’z Burger Joint - 2303 N Loop 1604 W.
Join us at Big’z Burger Joint for food, fun, and fellowship. Big’z Burger Joint offers gourmet burgers, fries, shakes, with outdoor dining. Bring your whole family!
Save the Date: Thursday, November 5th
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Interested in one of our Lunch Fellowship Groups? Have questions about the group?
Would you like a weekly email reminder about lunch?
Join our private email list! Email the church office to be added.
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Veterans Day Breakfast
Sunday, November 8th
9:00am in the Parish Hall
Let us gather to honor our veterans.
No Discipleship Hour November 8th.
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Sewing Group
Saturday, November 14th - 9:00am-3:00pm
in the Parish Hall
Bring your favorite craft—quilting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, or anything you enjoy—and connect with new friends in a relaxed, come-and-go setting. All are welcome!
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Youth Group Sunday Hangout:
Friendsgiving
Sunday, November 15th
4:00pm - 6:00pm in the Youth Room
6th - 12th grade
What’s better than good food and good friends?
Come celebrate Friendsgiving with us for an afternoon of food, laughter, and time together.
Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and come ready to celebrate.
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Men's Meat Burning
Thursday, November 19th at 6:30pm
Host: Victor Llana
25 Inwood AutumnSan Antonio, TX 78248
Bring your choice of meat (to grill) and $6.00 for the host (to help with the cost of sides). All adult men are welcome!
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Grocery Guys & Gals
for Santa Fe Episcopal Church
Friday, October 30th
8:30am meet at
Santa Fe Episcopal Church
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Volunteer Reading Tutors Needed
Harmony Hills Elementary School is looking for 6 volunteers to tutor first-grade students in reading. Sessions are approximately 30 minutes and begin at 10:40am or 12:40pm on any school day. Interested in volunteering? Contact the church office. Thank you for sharing your time and love of reading!
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Haven for Hope
Monday, November 9th
Meet at St. Thomas at 2:30pm or 3:30pm
to carpool to Haven for Hope
Join the Community Outreach Ministry at Haven for Hope as we serve dinner to people in need. After volunteering, stay and connect with volunteers as we gather for dinner.
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Volunteer Opportunity: San Antonio Food Bank
Thursday, November 12th, 8:50am - 11:30am
5200 Enrique Barrera Pkwy
St. Thomas is seeking volunteers, ages 8 and up to volunteer at the San Antonio Food Bank. (Ages 8-15 must be accompanied by a parent). Help us support the San Antonio community by sorting and packing food to be distributed to those in need. If you are interested in volunteering, please email the church office at stthomaschurch@tom1604.org. In your email include names of each volunteer and age. Volunteers will be contacted to confirm and to provide registration instructions. RSVP by November 8th.
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United Thank Offering
The United Thank Offering is a ministry of the Episcopal Church that provides a way for men, women, and children to give daily thanks to God. Through UTO, individuals are invited to embrace and deepen a personal daily spiritual discipline of gratitude. UTO encourages people to notice the good things that happen each day, give thanks to God for those blessings and make an offering for each blessing using a UTO Blue Box. UTO distributes what is collected to support innovative mission and ministry throughout The Episcopal Church. You can pick up your Blue Box in Gosnell Hall.
| | ST. Thomas Episcopal School | | Little Pumpkins, Big Smiles! | | | | |
