This Week...

NEW Message from the Rev. Kathleen Bean

NEW Company B August - Mary Poppins Jr.

NEW Photos from Newcomers Gathering

NEW Recording of Thread that Runs Through

NEW Music Updates

NEW Wagon Days Reservations

NEW Upcoming Membership Events

Inquirer's Class

Grand Days of Summer

Prayer List

Inspired to Serve - Campaign Updates

Click video below for a heartfelt message from the

Rev. Kathleen Bean about coming changes to our landscape.

We have entered a new and joyful phase of the Inspired to Serve campaign!

• After several years of prayerful discernment and hard work, the Vestry has approved the next phase of our plan to:
• Care for our campus’s essential needs.
• Build a new and larger Parish Hall and Kitchen.
• Strengthen our long‑term sustainability.
• 
  
• Our campaign goal is $10 million, and by the grace of God and the generosity of our parishioners we already have $4.6 million in pledges toward that goal.

• This is a campaign of the heart—about:
• Welcoming others into a life in Christ and community with us.
• Opening our arms in an ever‑wider embrace of the Village around us.
• Creating spaces where ministries can flourish: Welcome Ministry, St. Thomas Playhouse, KCDC, AA, worship, music, pastoral care, and many gatherings each week.

Next steps

• Construction on the first phase is beginning now.
• You may see materials arriving and staging set, but we do not expect disruption to our regularly planned activities.
• We will share updates as the work progresses and invite your questions and prayers along the way.

Join us!

• Sunday, August 16 – 9:30 service & Coffee Hour
• We will mark the commencement of construction with a celebratory service.
• Together, we’ll give thanks for the ways God is inspiring and leading us.
• We hope the whole parish family will gather—and we encourage you to bring a friend.
• It’s a wonderful moment to renew our commitment to St. Thomas as a Village Church for all.

Thank you



• Thank you for your generosity, faith, and love for this community.

Company B August Begins Monday!

St. Thomas will be graced with the presence of over 100 children next week through Friday for Mary Poppins Jr. camp before moving to Sun Valley Community School for the second week of camp and performances!

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, August 4th at stthomasplayhouse.org

Performances:

Thursday, August 13th @ 2:00 p.m.

Friday, August 14th @ 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

All performances at Sun Valley Community School

Photos from Newcomers Gathering at the Home of Sara and Bill Davis!

Recording of Last Week's Conversation with Diana Horner, Rev. Kathleen Bean and Rabbi Educator Dana Henry

Click Image Below

Music Updates

Joel is a Music Festival musician this year! Please come support him at the following concerts: on August 4, he'll play on the Finale of the Elgar Enigma Variations. And on August 9, he'll play throughout the epic Brahms Requiem.

Info for August 4: https://www.svmusicfestival.org/event/childress-conducts-elgar/

Info for August 9: https://www.svmusicfestival.org/event/brahmss-a-german-requiem/

August 9 - Selected young actors from Playhouse's Mary Poppins Jr. will perform during the 9:30 a.m. service

August 23 - Louisa Waycott and Joel Bejot are teaming up for a concert benefitting the Capital Campaign on August 23, 5:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. This church has nurtured so many musical ventures throughout the years - from St. Thomas Playhouse, to the Sun Valley Music Festival, and many others. Louisa and Joel will share music that touches on all of that. Stay tuned for a special guest appearance!

Grab Your Seat for Wagon Days!  

Get the best seat in town for the Wagon Days Big Hitch Parade on Saturday, September 5th! Skip the crowds, settle in, and enjoy one of the Wood River Valley's favorite traditions from reserved seating at St. Thomas.

Seats are $20 each, and every ticket purchased helps support the St. Thomas Youth Group.

Reserve your seats today by calling the church office at 208-726-5349x101 or emailing stefanie@stthomassv.org.

Or pay online using this link!

Upcoming Membership Committee Events

August 22 - Parents' Night Out

Parents' Night Out is Back!  Let the St. Thomas Youth Group take care of the fun while you enjoy an evening off! Join us Saturday, August 22, from 4:00–7:00 PM for a Back-to-School Bash filled with a bounce house, keychain crafts, cookie decorating, pizza, and story time. Pajamas are encouraged, and kids are welcome to bring a favorite book to share. Suggested donation: $15 per child. Every donation helps support St. Thomas Youth Group service projects! Please RVSP by August 19th.


August 27 - Lecture at Community Library

As part of our observance of the 250th anniversary of the United States, join us for America's Sacred Argument: Christianity, Secularism, and the Republic at 250, presented by Dr. Sam Martin, Associate Professor and the Frank & Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs at the Frank Church Institute.

Thursday, August 27 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.

The Community Library

Reservations are required. Visit The Community Library website for details and registration.

August 29 - Summer Parish Gathering

Summer in the Wood River Valley is full of activity, making it all the more important to pause and spend time with one another. Join us for one of our favorite St. Thomas traditions as we gather at the beautiful home of David and Sherri Luhr for an evening of food, fellowship, laughter, and connection.

Whether you've been part of St. Thomas for decades or just started worshiping with us, this gathering is for you. It's a chance to catch up with old friends, meet new faces, share stories, and strengthen the relationships that make our parish such a caring and vibrant community. While we gather together each Sunday, sharing time around the table reminds us that church is more than a place we worship—it's a family that supports, encourages, and walks alongside one another through every season of life.

All are welcome, so come as you are, bring your appetite, and enjoy a relaxed summer evening with your St. Thomas family. We hope you'll join us—and please don't forget to RSVP so we can be sure there's plenty of food and seating for everyone!

Time: 4:30-7:30

RSVP HERE

Inquirer’s Class 2026 - FINAL SESSION

Join us for Adult Ed this summer as we explore 

the Christian faith and practice in The Episcopal Church

Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall

August 2: The Church in Action at St. Thomas: Welcome and Outreach 



St. Thomas aspires to be both a welcoming congregation and an outward facing one, taking the love of Christ to our neighbors here in the Wood River Valley and beyond. Come discuss the ways in which welcome and service are an essential part of our spiritual lives.

Future Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Coffee Hour is a wonderful way to share fellowship after worship, and we’re looking for volunteers to host on upcoming Sundays. Hosting is simple and help is always available. If you’re interested, the sign up sheet will be available during coffee hour this Sunday or contact the church office. Thank you for helping make this time of connection possible!

Prayer List

Amanda, Loring, Tara, Bob, Tyler, Patrick, Terry, Lisa, Evelyn, Mike, Cindy, Judy, Sam, Luella, Kris, Lois, Molly, Blake, Myrna, Mary, Sally,Reuben, Rachel, Jane Alexandra, Aimee, Gunner, Anne, Jane, Anne, Barbara, Marilyn, Susan, Sarah, Lynda, River Thomas, Hollie, Margaret, Philip, Mike, Barry, Lindy, Genevieve Mae, Arthur, Page, Bill, Jane, Kathryn, Michael, Karen, Horace, Vincent, Dana, David, Richard, Marty, Becca, Ashley, Robert, Gretchen, Fan, Teresa, Carole, Janie,Elizabeth, Melinda, Benjamin, Robin, Chuck, Bob, Carol, Susan, Jill, Steve, Cece, Judy, Sunday, Charlotta, Lisa, Winston, Elizabeth, Dave, Margie, Darren, Austin, Kirky, Claudia, Kenny, Judy, Maria, John, Bill,Judy, Caitie, Patty, Bennett, Lou, Kim, Antoinette, Suzan, Peter, Jane, Tim, Cris, Leslie, Jayne, John, Joe, Steven, Pete, Charlotte, Pat, Bob, Jennifer, John, Elise, Debbie, Chris, Mike, Gary, Sandie, Rebecca, Tod, Roman, Ann, Kaye, George, Kelly, Laurie, Susan, Betsy, Ray, Michelle, Teri, Amy, Betty, Dawn, Charli, Sully, Wells, Dave, Sharon, Jamison, Chuck, Melanie, Neil, Ben, Abby, Candy, Bruce, Marcy, and Helen.