Worship Ministries News

The Day of Pentecost

The Great Fifty Days of Easter conclude with the Feast of Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsunday) this Sunday, May 24. Pentecost is a traditional time for Holy Baptism, and at the 10:00 service we will baptize the newest member of Christ’s Body.
 
Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the gathered disciples fifty days after Jesus’ Resurrection.  Common images for the Holy Spirit are wind and fire, reflected in the day’s liturgical color of red. If you can, wear something red this weekend to represent the fire of the Holy Spirit.
 
The account of the first Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 tells us that “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” When we say the Lord’s Prayer together at the 10:00 liturgy this Sunday, we’re hoping to hear it in a variety of tongues. A sheet with the most familiar European languages will be available at the church entrances, but the more different versions, the better!
 
Bishop’s Visitation
On Sunday, June 14 at 10:00, Bishop Singh will make his annual visitation to St. Thomas’. On that day, two infants will be baptized, and seven of our youth who have been preparing throughout the school year will be presented for Confirmation.
 
This is also an occasion for adults confirmed in another denomination to be received into the Episcopal Church, or for adults confirmed in the Episcopal Church to make a reaffirmation of their baptismal vows and receive laying-on of hands by the Bishop. Those who are interested in Reception or Reaffirmation are asked to speak with the Rector or to call the parish office by
June 1.
 
Altar Flowers
Several dates are available to donate altar flowers in the next few months. If you would like to see the available dates, call the parish office, or you can view it online via St. Thomas’ Connect.
 

• To sign up online simply click on the Altar Flower link at the top of this page or log in to STC and click on the Altar Flowers link on the homepage. After clicking on the link, you will see all the available dates for flower sponsorship.
• Select one by clicking “I’ll Take It”.
• You can pay online or mail a check to the Parish Office along with your dedication. The cost is $45.
• If you choose to pay online, follow the instructions at the top of the Altar Flower page and email your dedication to the parish office.

Thanks for sponsoring our beautiful flowers! 

Outreach Ministries News

This is a call for volunteers!  Many hands make light work.
 
Our 5K Trail Run and BBQ events are less than one month away, and we need your help!  We have a variety of fun volunteer opportunities to choose from for BBQ day (Friday, June 19) or on race day (Saturday, June 20).  
 
How to sign up?

• Sign up after Sunday, 10:00 worship service, down in the lower hall.
• Contact Dawn Schweitzer (dawn@rpa.net , 272-1064) for either event

Our success with these events depends on the energy and enthusiasm of our exceptional volunteers - that would be YOU!  C’mon and join in on the fun!
 
Also, there’s still time to become a Friend of the 5K or a corporate sponsor, or donate an extra gift card to be used as a race prize.      
 
All proceeds from the BBQ (June 19) go to Children’s Charity Outreach, and all 5K Trail Run (June 20) proceeds benefit Flower City Habitat for Humanity. 
 
 
Cleaning closets? Tossing things out of overstuffed drawers? 
Please consider donating your clothing and household textiles to benefit Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Our donation shed is located behind the Brighton Reformed Church on 805 Blossom Road, near Winton Road North.

Children's Ministries News

Summer Children's Chapel--Volunteers needed!
Pastor Katey needs adult volunteers to help out with Children's Chapel during the summer. If we get enough volunteers, you might only need to commit to one or two weeks total! There's no preparation or teaching involved; we just need at least two adults in the room at any given time to comply with Safe Church and to maintain order. We will be unable to offer Children's Chapel on any weeks that we do not have a sufficient adult presence. Contact Pastor Katey to help out at  childrenyouthmin@stthomasrochester.org.

Fellowship Ministries News

The Landmark Society of Western New York will be conducting its house and garden tour the weekend of June 6th and 7th, and St. Thomas’ has agreed to be the tour headquarters for this event. The tour is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with their registration tables in the lower hall. They are aware of our 10:00 Sunday service and have identified street parking opportunities for tour goers during that time. We’ve committed to having hosts for both days, and are looking for a few volunteers to help out with this community event. If interested please contact Laura Thomas at 244-9165 (lsthomas@rochester.rr.com) or Rob Ferris (music@stthomasrochester.org). We appreciate your  support in extending St. Thomas’ warm hospitality to our community neighbors for this event!
 
Young Adult Fellowship:
Are you between the ages of 20 and 39? Do you love St. Thomas', but wish there were more opportunities to connect with people in your own age group? Do you sometimes need some space to just relax and hang out? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, consider joining our new Young Adult Fellowship group! There's no commitment required, and everyone is welcome! It doesn't matter if you haven't been to worship in years or if you don't know very many people at St. Thomas' or if you're not involved in any other groups or ministries. Friends are welcome! Contact Pastor Katey at childrenyouthmin@stthomasrochester.org for more information.

Stewardship Commission News

                                      Budget Pledges Year to date: $157,768
                                     Actual Pledges Year to date: $147,205
                                      Thank you for your support!