THE EPISTLE:

May 14, 2026

Ascension Day Evensong

TONIGHT, May 14, 6 PM

The Great Fifty Days of Easter is ending, and we are celebrating Jesus' Ascension into heaven with a beautiful Service of Choral Evensong sung by the Choir of St. Thomas TONIGHT, Thursday, May 14, at 6:00 pm.



Come enjoy the music of English composers Richard Ayleward, William Crotch, Sir Joseph Barnby, and prolific American composer Robert J. Powell  as we commemorate this most holy feast depicted in our glorious east window! The service will also be live-streamed on the St. Thomas YouTube channel here.



Memorial Dedication

Saturday, May 16

Many of us remember last year's tragedy, at the intersection of Green Mountain Road and Bailey Cove Road, when Kal Fox, an 8th grade Mountain Gap student died when his bicycle was struck by a car. We have witnessed the outpouring of love and support on display at the temporary memorial set up at the intersection. 

At the last meeting, the Vestry approved the placement of a permanent memorial, with plans in place for its upkeep. The memorial is now installed and includes a bench, a stone marker, and a special Pagoda Bells display. The sound of bells have called Christians to prayer for centuries in churches around the world and are a fitting tribute for the memorial on St. Thomas grounds for Kal Fox, a budding student musician. 

 The local community, the Mountain Gap School community, and the St. Thomas Church community is invited to attend the dedication of the memorial THIS Saturday, May 16 at 4pm under the trees at the northwest corner of Green Mountain and Bailey Cove on St. Thomas property.



Scrapbook and Paper Crafter's Gathering this Saturday, May 16

Scrapbookers and paper crafters are invited to gather in the Parish Hall this Saturday, May 16 from 9 am to 3 pm, to work on your projects. Lunch will be provided, but you may bring a snack to share. If you have any questions, please phone Rebekah Callahan at 256-603-0219.  



Youth Sunday

May 17 at 10:30 am

We hope you have plans to join us this upcoming Sunday, May 17 for Youth Sunday! Come see our youth serving throughout the service. We will also be honoring our High School Seniors, so if you have a senior who will be in attendance, please contact Ethan Evans via email HERE.

This Sunday will also be the last Sunday for Youth Christian Formation for the 2025-2026 School Year. However, EYC will continue to meet each week throughout the summer at noon.



Adult Christian Formation: Clergy Forum!

This Sunday join us in the Parish Hall from 9:30 am to 10:15 am as Fr. Donavan and the clergy will lead a Clergy Forum. With the Consecration of the new Bishop of Alabama next month, there is certainly plenty of conversation to be had and questions to be asked! Expect at least one mention of the Shroud of Turin and the possibility of vacation location discussions in the mix! Don't miss our Clergy Forum in the Parish Hall this Sunday!

Children's Ministry Celebration

The St. Thomas Children's Ministry will be having their End of School Year celebration at 9:30 am in Hiers Hall this Sunday, May 17. The students will be recognized for their Sunday School attendance, and awards will be given to those with highest attendance. We'll have special treats and play Bible games to finish out our scheduled programming. We will return after Pentecost with our summer gatherings at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings.



Come learn about gospel music sung at 5 PM services!

Our organist, Sam Wright will be hosting the Madison County Gospel Singing Convention on May 23 from 10 am to around 3 pm with a potluck dinner around noon.

The convention is the culmination of a week-long singing school from Monday, May 18 to Friday, May 22 starting at 6 pm, and YOU are invited to participate. If you want to learn how to sing the shaped note music or more about the history of church music, this is a great opportunity. Both events are open to the public, so invite your friends. For information contact Sam Wright HERE or (256)520-9607.

World Mission Meeting Monday, May 18

If you are interested in learning about or helping with St. Thomas' global outreach mission in Honduras, make plans to attend the next meeting, on Monday, May 18 at 6 pm in the Conference Room.

Sprechen sie Deutsch? Parlez vous francais? Do you speak a language other than English?

As we recount the story of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-6, it is the tradition of the church to have the scripture read in multiple languages. We are looking for foreign language speakers to share their skill for Pentecost Sunday (May 24) at Ditto Landing. If you are able and willing to read aloud in a language other than English, please contact Donna Clark HERE by 5 pm Tuesday, May 19.

Save the Date - May 20

Sisters in Faith Plant Swap

Join the Sisters in Faith from 5:30 pm to 7 pm in the Youth Room on Wednesday, May 20 for food, fun and friendship!

Those that are enjoying this beautiful time of year by digging, planting, or watering are encouraged to bring 4-6 samples of your favorite plants to share. If you are not a gardener, come for the fellowship. For questions contact this month's hostess, Robin Kastanakis, at 256-479-9031.



Pentecost at Ditto Landing!

Eucharist and Parish Picnic

Sunday, May 24 at 10 AM

Pentecost Sunday is a great way to kick off summer and to gather the entire parish family together for worship and a community picnic! This will be our ONE MORNING SERVICE at 10 am on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. Like last year, we'll be at the Kingston Pavilion at Ditto Landing. The special music this year will be Shaped Note Gospel and Sacred Harp music, much of which will be learned at the preceding week's singing school.

St. Thomas is providing fried chicken, cole slaw, rolls and desserts. We need your help with sides, so stop by Information Hall to sign-up to bring a dish to share.

The church van will shuttle those who would like a ride from the St. Thomas parking lot. Be sure you are there by 9:30 am to leave for Ditto Landing. To reserve a seat, please call the church office at 256.880.0247 no later than 5 pm on May 21.

If you can't make this morning service time, we will also celebrate Pentecost Sunday at the church at our "Come As You Are" Holy Eucharist at 5pm.

First Stop Breakfast Team Needs Casserole Makers

When the First Friday Team started working with breakfast for First Stop, approximately 40 people were served. The number of hungry in our community is increasing. This month, our First Friday team served 120 people.

Volunteers are needed to make casseroles in advance! You can keep track of your expenses for reimbursement. Please contact Patty Moy at 256-655-2756 for this month's casserole recipe! Prayerfully consider joining us in this important outreach!



Notes from the Front Office

Lost & Found

Please check the rack by the front office to see if one of the following items belong to your family. Any of these items that are unclaimed by June 1 will be donated.

Children's Size

• Purple Puffer Jacket
• Brown Zip-Up Hoodie
• Purple Fleece Jacket

Adult Size

• Mint Green Zip-Up Hoodie
• Berry Zip-Up Jacket
• Light Blue Hoodie
• Teal Hoodie
• White Hoodie
• Grey/Red Hooded Jacket

Epistle Deadline

Please don't forget that the deadline to guarantee that your article will be in Thursday's Epistle is Tuesday by 3pm. Email communications@stthomashuntsville.org with your information.



UPCOMING

Coming Soon

Silver Saints- May 21

We would like to share with you an excellent portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II by Helen Mirren offering a close replica of the Queen following Princess Diana’s unfortunate and untimely death and how the Royal Family responded. Please join us on May 21 to watch “The Queen” for a very entertaining afternoon.



As always, the Silver Saints Movie Matinee offers fun and fellowship with our parishioners and visitors much like going to a theater, but free. We offer snacks and beverages, and we will even pick you up and return you home if you wish. We offer comfortable seating and a time-out break half- way through the movie. Please bring your friends and ask people from our neighborhood. Call Jack or Becky Stokes at 256-468-2743, or the church office at 256-880-0247. Please call 24 hours ahead if you will need a ride. Please come join us and be happy.

Special Session: May 30-June 5

Volunteers Needed

Have you heard about Special Session? This weeklong camp for people of all abilities began at St. Thomas in 1998 and is now a beloved part of Camp McDowell’s summer program.

This year’s session runs May 30–June 5 for staff and June 1–5 for campers. This will be the 29th summer! Special Session offers a joyful, Spirit-filled environment where campers are fully welcomed, supported, and free to enjoy all the fun of camp. Over the years, it has become a meaningful reunion for many, while continuing to welcome new friends each summer.

Get involved

We are in need of nurses and counselors and always especially male counselors. Ages 15 can serve as counselors-in-training and 16+ as counselors. Visit the Special Session webpage HERE to find out more.

Next St. Thomas Book Club

Monday, June 8

Our book for June 8 is The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. It is supposed to be lighter than our last several books.

We look forward to your joining us at 10 a.m. in the Parlor of St. Thomas on these dates. Please come even if you haven't read the book. Lunch is an option afterwards.

Wizard Camp VBS

July 13-17, 9 AM-12 PM

Registration Now Open!

Wizard Camp VBS is coming to St. Thomas from July 13-17, 9 am to 12 pm! Free early bird registration for rising pre-K through 5th graders is open now through June 14. On June 15, registration will be $25/child. There are limited nursery slots available for the week; nursery is free for parishioners and $25/week for non-parishioners. Use this VBS Registration link to sign-up. Feel free to invite extended family and friends to join us!

As always, adult and youth volunteers are needed for this exciting week at St. Thomas. Please consider helping out with this important ministry (part of a day is fine) and indicate your interest(s) by either filling out our online volunteer form here or emailing our Children's Ministry coordinator, Ms. Laura Beth, here.

Youth and rising 6th graders are invited to attend the VBS Takeover of EYC on Sunday, May 31 following the 10:30 am service. We'll be planning how our youth helpers will be helping with VBS this year. Let Ms. Laura Beth know if you (or your family members) are planning attend for lunch planning purposes. If you can't make the meeting but have interest in helping out, let Ms. Laura Beth know.

Help serve in our community on Saturdays mornings!

Great to job to our volunteers for all their work on our Habitat for Humanity house for Katrina! We start every Saturday at 8 am and work until 2 pm. Lunch is served at 11 am. The address is 206 Lake Drive; it is near Alabama A&M University off Meridian Street. Habitat for Humanity is a great way to work, play, and serve with our brothers and sisters in Christ. For more information, Call Elouisa Stokes at 256-604-8669.

Bailey Cove Farmers' Market Season is HERE for the summer!

Come be a part of this wonderful outreach as a shopper or a volunteer! Volunteers are needed to man the St. Thomas Information Tent from 8 am to noon. For questions or to volunteer, email Tracy Ganem by clicking HERE, or call her at 256-479-3925!

Weekly Worship

Sunday

8 am- Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:30 am- Holy Eucharist Rite II with Children's Moment & Children's Chapel

5 pm- Come As You Are Holy Eucharist

Monday

8 pm - 8:15 pm- Compline (Book of Common Prayer, page 127) with Rev. Jeannie on St. Timothy's Episcopal Church Athens, AL Facebook page

Thursday

7 am- Morning Prayer, St. Anne's Chapel in Hiers Hall

Friday

12:05 pm-every other week(May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26)- Pray the Rosary, Nave



Adult Ministry

Weekly Bible Studies

Wednesdays

9:30 am- Fr. Donavan- The Gospel of John

5:30 pm- Mtr. Katie- Lectionary

Fridays

10:47 am- Fr. Donavan- The Letter to the Hebrews

Children's & Youth Ministries

Weekly Offerings & Upcoming Events

Sundays

9:30am-10:15am- Sunday School

• Godly Play (Pre-K through 1st grade, Hiers 4)
• Storymakers (2nd-3rd grade, Hiers 6)
• Thou Art (4th-6th grade, Hiers 2)

10:30am- Children's Moment & Children's Chapel during Holy Eucharist

Nursery available on Sunday mornings from 7:45am until noon.

Upcoming

• May 17- End of Sunday School Year Celebration
• May 31- VBS Takeover of EYC for rising 6th graders & up (12 pm)
• July 13-17- Vacation Bible School (9am-12pm)

Contact our Children's Ministry Coordinator, Laura Beth Bestor, HERE for more information.

Do you have questions about the Bible? Have you wondered about what everything in the Book of Common Prayer means? Come to Youth Sunday School to try and answer those questions and more! 7-12th graders meet during formation time in the Youth Room at 9:30am every Sunday to talk about Covenants in the Bible!

7-12th Graders! Weekly EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) continues! EYC meets Sunday afternoons from noon-2 pm.

Got Questions? Contact our Youth Minister, Ethan Evans, HERE for more information.

Inaugural Thou Art Class Reunion

Phone: 256.880.0247

Email: StThomas@stthomashuntsville.org