 Attitude of Gratitude
I am deeply grateful for our staff here at St. Thomas'! This summer each one has taken time away to be with family, to rest and be renewed. I've missed being together and the collaboration that happens when we have regular weekly check-ins. As I take a week away from you, I’m thankful that I can do so with ease of mind that you all will be cared for and all will be well. Let us give thanks for Andrea, Kathleen, Rob, Christa+, Shannon and Anna. Amma Leslie+
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 Prayer for Daily Life
A Dashboard Prayer
With care, I take control of this car,
knowing its power to assist my life,
and to endanger me and others.
I give you thanks for the hands which made it,
for the natural resources of your creation that fuel it,
and for the privilege to travel so freely
in a world where many must walk.
May I never forget the costs of this convenience,
or my responsibility for its use.
May I travel safely this day in your care.
Simple Prayers for Complicated Lives by Jennifer Phillips
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Youth Ministries News
Save the Date:
Youth group kickoff is Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Christa & John's house! Bring a game to play!
Contact Mother Christa if you are interested in attending.
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Children's Ministries News
Children’s Chapel begins September 25
It’s that time again- back to school very soon! This means it is the beginning of our new program year at St. Thomas’. This year we will offer Children’s Chapel for children in grades PreK-5. This is a different model from last year, and we hope that it will be great for the young ones of the congregation. Children will start with their families in the church, and then will be led downstairs to the Children’s Chapel where they will hear a story, pray, do a craft together, and share a simple snack. Children will return upstairs for the Children’s Chancel Talk and to pass the Peace. The first day of Children’s Chapel will be Sunday, September 25.
Children who are crawling to age three are welcome to continue to use the children’s space at the front of the church. Being up front gives children the best view of what is happening in the service!
This year we are hoping to have monthly lunches after church for all the families with young children. Contact Mother Christa for a schedule of these dates.
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 Worship Ministries
Save the Date:
Our Fall acolyte training will be on Sunday, September 18 from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the church.
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Campus Improvements News
At the parish Town Hall meeting last Sunday, questions were asked regarding if the Sacristy and Great Hall windows are part of the windows replacement project. Only the 1956 portion of the church building (offices, conference room, choir room, and lounge) and the kitchen windows are part of the project. When the capital improvement projects were prioritized last year, it was determined that the Great Hall and Sacristy windows were in good shape.
Thank you, Vicky Rupley, on behalf of the Capital Improvements Steering Committee
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Outreach Ministries News
The Fund for Alfie
Donations to The Fund for Alfie are still needed. Alfie, (son of Thomas Paasewe and grandson of Louise Sherman, St. Thomas’ parishioners) needs to come to Golisano Children’s Hospital from Sierra Leone for diagnostic testing and treatment. The cost of travel, testing and initial treatments for 11-year-old Alfie will total more than $16,000. We are grateful that one-third of the required amount has been raised. To raise the rest, we need your help!
Timing of our fundraising effort is critical. The U.S. Consulate requires that all necessary funds be raised before Alfie’s family can apply for the visas they will need to travel to Rochester. Without the full amount, Alfie’s journey to the U.S. and hope for treatment cannot begin.
If you can help, please make a check payable to “St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church” and indicate “Alfie Fund” on the memo line. All donors will remain anonymous unless they specifically request that Alfie’s family be notified.
Bob Valeri would be happy to provide more information about Alfie, his condition and the hope offered by a trip to Rochester (764-7677 or rfvaleri@gmail.com).
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Adult Education News
Book Study – Order your book soon!
We will be reading our Presiding Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry's, book, Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus as our next book study.
There will be two offerings: Sunday 9am to 9:45am and Wednesday at 12:45pm to 1:30pm.
The schedules will be as follows:
- Sunday, September 25 and Wednesday, September 28: chapters 1-3
- Sunday, October 2 and Wednesday, October 5:
chapters 4-6
- Sunday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 12:
chapters 7-9
- Sunday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 19:
chapters 10-11
- Sunday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 26:
chapters 12-13
If you would like to join one of these groups and/or if you would like the church office to order you a book, please either click here or contact Kathleen in the parish office as soon as possible. If we order a larger number of books together, we can save on shipping.
I hope you can join me! Blessings, Amma Leslie+
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Stewardship Commission News
Save the date for the 2nd Annual Celebrate Stewardship Dinner on Saturday, October 8th from 5 to 7pm.
We'll have a ball enjoying our newly renovated spaces. Look for Invitations that will be coming in the mail as well as the Parish Weekly. All are welcome to join in the fun!
Weekly Financial Report 8/21/16
Budget Pledges Year to date: $248,462
Actual Pledge Payments Year to date: $249,990
Thank you for your support!
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Riding your bike to church lately? 
Running and Prayer
