The Draft

Our Weekly E-Newsletter

November 12, 2026

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Bulletin for Sunday - November 15, 2026

Dear People of St. Thomas', 

Yesterday, I had the…ergh hmm…privilege…of attending an all day certification course on zoom. Midway through the course we found ourselves in a conversation about justice. Someone brought up the idea that when we think about justice, we tend to think about what philosophers call “retributive” justice. This means that a person who does wrong should be punished proportionally to the crime which they perpetrated. Perhaps a more colloquial way to say it would be an eye for eye. However, this person continued, when the Bible talks about justice it usually does so in the mode of what philosophers call “restorative” justice. This type of justice focuses on restoring relationships and rebuilding harm done, rather than on punishing perpetrators. For example, we see this in Isaiah’s vision of justice following the Babylonian exile when he writes, “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12). Notice how there is nothing in there about going after Babylonians.

The more we talked, the more I was put in mind of another definition of justice that has settled deeply into my soul from St. Thomas Aquinas. He defines it this way, “justice is a disposition whereby a person, by a constant and perpetual will, renders what is right (or due) to each person." The reason I really like this definition is because of how it starts with an inward disposition, not an outward sign. Justice, as a concept, must be in your soul first, and then from that inward disposition you can begin to exhibit a constant and perpetual will for justice to be done. Since only God can say what is right for each person, justice must come from God and not from a person. So, the person who wishes to do justice (or is by their office in a position to effect justice) must first be in right relationship with God. And then (and only then) does justice begin to look like giving to each person what is due them. So, true justice cannot be imposed but must be willed. It cannot be commanded but must be freely (and one would think joyously) given. 

God bless you!

Faithfully,

Fr. Ryan+

PICTURE THIS...

Camera Operator Stuart Hine attended Happening 92 at DaySpring and Chorister Emma Kennedy served as staff on the renewal weekend. Stuart and Emma are pictured here with Stuart's family and Fr. Ryan, who attending the weekend closing.

Canterbury's production of Mean Girls Jr featured several St. Thomas' actors.

Canterbury celebrated Veterans Day at both the Hough and Knowlton campuses. Navy Cmdr. Brain K, Wehle was the guest speaker at both gatherings. The Hough 3rd and 4th grade students sang You are our Heros and Knowlton Middle School students performed Battle of Yorktown from Hamilton. It was a special day for all, especially our Veterans and their families.

Gina White's Explorers Sunday School class played Jesus Calms the Sea bingo last Sunday! Come see what will new and exciting things will be happening this week.

The Five Minute Connection

Want a simple way to help St. Thomas' be more welcoming?

Practice the “Five minute connection.” Use the first five minutes after the service to connect with someone you don’t know (or don’t know well). After that you can connect with your friends. Newcomers generally don’t stick around long, so be sure to go up and introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m ___. Have we met before?” or “Hi, I’m ___. I’ve seen you here, but I don’t know that we’ve ever had a chance to talk.” Then get to know them. Maybe ask, “What was a highlight of your week?” or invite them to join you for coffee hour or one of our many events here at St. Thomas'. Keep an eye out for the person or couple standing by themselves and go over and talk to them. In a world of isolation, let’s make our congregations places of connection where all feel welcomed.  

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Information

If you would like to know more about Stewardship or become involved with the Stewardship ministry at St. Thomas', please reach out to our committee chair, Joni James, joni.james@gmail.com or 727-410-3892.

Please turn in your 2027 Pledge Card as soon as possible so we can have the information for the 2027 budgeting process.

If you need a pledge card, please call the office: 727-896-9641.

2027 Campaign Update

St. Thomas family,

We have been so heartened and inspired by all who have taken part in this year’s Stewardship campaign, from sharing your experiences and love of St. Thomas' in-person and on our social media pages to participating in the pledge process to help ensure that we remain a growing, thriving congregation in service to the Lord. Every giving commitment makes a difference and contributes to our beautiful Chorus of Generosity! Thank you!

That said, we are not yet at our goal of more than $600,000 and we still hope more of you will submit your pledge card to help us plan for the new year. It is not too late to bring the card with you to church (it can be placed in the offertory or dropped in the office) or sent through the mail. Please continue to consider your gift to support God’s work through St. Thomas'.

Also, in coming days, be on the lookout for the annual Treasurer’s update in support of Stewardship efforts. It will enable everyone to understand more specifically how your gifts to St. Thomas' contribute to our worship and service as a community. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any specific questions. 

Thank you, always, for being a place where A Chorus of Generosity is not just heard, but felt.

May God keep you,

-Joni James, Stewardship Committee Chair 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...

S.T.A.R., November 13 & 14

Frozen Kids

Look for acolyte Blythe Mitchell in this production!

Giving Plate, November 15

Daystar Life

In keeping with this year’s stewardship theme at St. Thomas', we should ask ourselves what if a small act of generosity could become someone’s next step forward? A donation to Daystar Life can mean fresh food for the week, keeping the lights on, staying housed, or getting the documents needed for a new job. Sometimes, what feels small to one person can mean everything to another. That is the power of community. Every little bit can open the door to something bigger.

On Sunday, November 15, 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. 

Flowers for Christmas

Monday, Dec. 14 Order Deadline

Forms are also located on the Usher's table.

Friday, December 4

5:30 PM

We're excited to tell you about a marvelous program that is coming to St. Thomas' in December. The Saint John's Bible is the first Bible commissioned to be written and illuminated by hand since the invention of the printing press nearly 600 years ago. It took more than a decade to complete.

A copy of it was used in during the installation of the new Archibishop of Canterbury last spring.

Twenty reproduction pages from the Saint John's Bible will hang here in the nave. We'll also have a large volume of the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Those we plan to use in our worship during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Junior Warden Ted Badger recently constructed an impressive stand and table to hold the sacred text.

You can help us bring this magnificent work to St. Thomas'. Your gift, no matter how small -- $1, $20, $50, $100, $350 -- will help. Please designate any such donation to the St. Thomas' Art Project. 

The opening Art Project reception will be on Friday, December 4 at 5:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Come join us for light refreshments and to see this marvelous work.

Thank you for your investment in starting St. Thomas' 75th anniversary celebrations. If you have any questions, please find Gina White or Mary Jane Park.

Baking Cookies for the Homeless for Christmas

December 23, 3:00 to 8:00 PM

Boar's Head Festvival & Banquet

January 16, 5:00 PM

Walking the Mourner's Path

Beginning in January 2027

An eight-week series for those learning to deal with the loss of a loved one.

Sunday, December 20

4:00 PM

FELLOWSHIP

Click on the Name to go to the Website Information

Keeping St. Thomas' Healthy

Men's Group and Women's Social Club

Virtual Happy Hour

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Click on the Name to go to the Website Information

AL-ANON

Benison Farm

Dominican Republic Mission Trip NEW

Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic Planning Meeting, Sunday November 29

 at 11:30 am in the Guild Room.

F.A.S.T.

Honduras Mission Trip

KAIROS

MA (Marijuana Anonymous)* NEW

*Meeting time change: Meetings now start at 5:00 pm

Pack-a-Snack

S.T.A.R.

Sojourners (Adult Formation)

--->Sunday School Volunteers Needed for 2026-2027<---

Wednesday Night Classes

Truthseekers (6th-12th Grades)

Explorers (K-5th Grades)

Nursery

Kids and Youth Events at St. Thomas' NEW

Calling Episcopal youth of Southwest Florida, ages 16–19! Applications are open for the Official Youth Presence (OYP) at the 2027 General Convention in Phoenix, July 3–8.

Selected youth will have a seat and voice in the House of Deputies, helping bring young people's perspectives to the leadership and decision-making of The Episcopal Church. Travel, lodging, and meals are covered!

Applications are due November 20, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/gcoyp2027_application

PASTORAL CARE

Parish Prayer List

Don't see your birthday or anniversary listed?

Please call the office so we can update our records.

All are welcome to join:

Curds and Brats were on the Bishop's Plate

Honoring a friendly bet with Bishop Matt Gunter (Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin), Bishop Doug donned a Milwaukee Brewers ballcap while eating cheese curds and brats. Also donating $1,000 to the Episcopal Relief & Development Fund from his discretionary fund.

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost - November 15

Acolytes (10am): Colin Burkhart (C); Blythe Mitchell (T1), Caroline Whitley (T2)

Audio Visual (10am): Tom Brouillet.

Greeter (8am): Pat Bernfeld.

Greeters (10am): Beth Finch, Cathy Zanbaka, Edy Nicolas.

Healing Minister (10am): Liz Stiles.

Lay Eucharistic Minister (10am): Michael Mahoney.

Lector (8am): Beverly Littlejohn.

Lectors (10am): Elise Whitley (OT), Liam Kennedy (NT).

Nursery: Haleigh McGrath, Tristen Patterson.

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

Prayers of the People (8am): Beverly Littlejohn.

Prayers of the People (10am): Peggy Lewis.

Ushers (10am): Tom Brady, Chris Finch.

Altar Guild: Pat and Dave Bernfeld, Diane Robinson.

Coffee Hosts: Ellen Burkhart, Viki Sheahan.

Collection Counter: Tom Shevlin.

Flower Guild: Sue Humphrey, Pam Holley.

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.

Samuel Seabury

Samuel Seabury, the first bishop of the Episcopal Church, was born in Groton, Connecticut on November 30, 1729. After ordination in England in 1753, he was assigned, as a missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, to Christ Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1757, he became rector of Grace Church, Jamaica, Long Island, and in 1766, rector of St. Peter’s, Westchester County. During the American Revolution, he remained loyal to the British crown and served as a chaplain in the British army. After the Revolution, a secret meeting of Connecticut clergy in Woodbury, held on March 25, 1783, named Seabury or the Rev. Jeremiah Leaming, whichever would be able or willing, to seek episcopal consecration in England. They extended the call first to Leaming, who declined; Seabury then accepted, and sailed for England. After a year of negotiation, Seabury found it impossible to obtain episcopal orders from the Church of England because, as an American citizen, he could not swear allegiance to the crown. He then turned to the Non-Juring bishops of the Episcopal Church in Scotland. On November 14, 1784, in Aberdeen, he was consecrated by the Bishop and the Bishop Coadjutor of Aberdeen and the Bishop of Ross and Caithness in the presence of many people. Upon his return home, Seabury was recognized as Bishop of Connecticut in Convocation on August 3, 1785, at Middletown. With Bishop William White, he was active in the organization of the Episcopal Church at the General Convention of 1789. Seabury kept his promise, made in a concordat with the Scottish bishops, to persuade the American Church to adopt the Scottish form for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. In 1790, Seabury became responsible for episcopal oversight of the churches in Rhode Island; and, at the General Convention of 1792, he participated in the first consecration of a bishop on American soil, that of John Claggett of Maryland. Seabury died on February 25, 1796, and is buried beneath St. James Church, New London.

[Feast Day: Nov. 14]

The Draft, our electronic newsletter is sent to you by noon every Thursday. Thank you!