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A note from the Interim Rector
Grace and Peace to you beloved St. Thomas’,
This week in my prayers for you, several things came to mind. I am aware that we are in the midst of a divisive political election in our country. I know that it produces anxiety and unrest in our daily lives. I understand that we here at St. Thomas’ have additional stress on top of the national election that we intimately feel in our life together. We have ongoing construction (that is lasting longer than expected), and we are in a time of transition as we search for a new Rector. We can only hold so much. One of these issues by themselves would be enough, but when they are piled together it can become too much. Let us be gentle with one another and trust that we are all doing the best we can do at any given moment.
I am deeply grateful for the leadership of those who worked on the Children’s Sabbath. I am aware that some beloved in the pew viewed it as a political message. It was the hope to create awareness of justice issues. I deeply apologize for violating anyone's values. One of my personal held values is to do my best to make the church a safe space, and when someone feels violated, it ceases to be safe. I am sorry.
Know that you are loved, and I pray for you regularly. We seek to make disciples and to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Our role as Christians is to make room for everyone, and I want you to know that we are a diverse community that enables us to be dynamic and passionate. Let us discern together how we can prayerfully make a difference with the passion God gives to us as we follow Jesus. It is an honor to serve you, Amma Leslie+
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 Prayer for Daily Life
Pause In A Busy Life
God my Peace and Refreshment: in the hubbub and haste of life, where I feel breathless and spent, open your stillness before me, like a walled garden in which I may stroll or rest beneath shade-giving trees, breathing the fragrance of blossom, and sensing the greening of your spirit within me. Draw me into the sweet oasis of your love.
Simple Prayers for Complicated Lives by Jennifer Phillips
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 Attitude of Gratitude
I am thankful for our Finance Committee: Bill Blackmon, Croft Hangartner, Doug Lyon,
Jack Schroeder, Steven Skewes, Nick Tamburrini, Tom Tuke, and Caroline Yates. I am deeply grateful for the chair, Doug Lyon, who has served for many years in this role. I give thanks for his leadership. I also give thanks for our new Finance Chair, Nick Tamburrini, who has experience serving on the committee. For the many gifts that are in our parish, let us give thanks!
With a grateful heart, Amma Leslie+
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Stewardship Commission News
Please mark your calendars to attend the Second Annual Celebrate Stewardship Dinner on the evening of Saturday, November 12th in our newly refurbished facilities. Written invitations were mailed to all parish families this week. That is also Commitment Weekend, November 12th-13th, when we join together to gather in our pledges in completion of our Campaign. This will be a fitting milepost as we approach the wonderful Thanksgiving and blessed and holy Christmas seasons.
From Jon and Laura Arney
We have belonged to St. Thomas’ since 1993, over 20 years. This place is where we hear the word of God and continually learn to live in the world as taught by Jesus Christ. We get inspiration and support from clergy, staff and members. Clergy are accessible, the staff eager to help and the members are friendly. The atmosphere promotes inclusion and diversity which we value.
We pledge to the church for the work God does in the world. We also give to support this building for community worship and retreat from the pressures of modern life. It is a place of education and spiritual growth. It is a building that enables a strong and committed parish to find mutual support in pursuing God’s work. It is a place where others may come to explore faith, receive comfort and strength and know they are loved.
We have volunteered in A Meal and More at Christ Church downtown. Laura has participated at Martin Luther King Jr. School in the city for several years. Jon has taught Sunday school to the young children. Laura worked in the planning phase for handicap accessibility and hearing accommodation. She helps in the garden ministry. Together we usher for church worship. We are blessed by our membership at St. Thomas’.
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Children's Ministries News
Our next lunch for Families with Young Children is next Sunday, October 30. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes!
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 Worship Ministries
All are welcome in this place
Our worship space is designed to help everybody feel welcome.
Did you know that we have:
- A hearing loop (activate the T switch on your hearing aids).
- Large-print copies of the liturgy and hymnal in loose-leaf format (available at the Highland entrance).
- A spacious seating area for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility at the front of the nave, close to the floor-level Communion station.
- A “pray-ground” for our youngest members, equipped with scripture-themed puzzle blocks, picture books, crayons/coloring sheets and other stimulating activities.
- The “north porch” with handicap accessible restroom, diaper changing station, bottled water—a convenient retiring space for any who may need it.
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Adult Education News
Advent Book Study
St Thomas’ will be journeying through Advent this year with a Bible study. We will use an Advent book study based on the Revised Common Lectionary, entitled God Is With Us. You will have two opportunities to participate:
- Wednesdays after chapel around 12:45 p.m.
- Sunday mornings at 9:10 a.m.
The cost of the book is $9.00. See next week's Parish Weekly for sign up and book ordering details. There are scholarships available; please contact me directly if you are in need. I would love anyone who wants to be involved to be able to do so. I look forward to “preparing the way” toward a holy season. Amma Leslie+
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Music Ministry News
This year’s Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative focuses on Breath for Singing: The Organ and the Human Voice. The opening event is a Hymn Festival at Third Presbyterian Church (corner of East Avenue and Meigs Street) on Wednesday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m. Two of our nation’s most gifted hymn leaders, James Bobb from St. Olaf College and Aaron David Miller from House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, MN, will be featured. A festival choir, including several singers from St. Thomas’, will be under the direction of With Heart and Voice host Peter Dubois; there will also be ample opportunity for participation by the congregation. The Hymn Festival is free and open to all. It promises to be an uplifting evening!
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Neighborhood News
You are invited to join our Brighton neighbors as we gather in unity and take a stand against racism. We will meet at the Brighton Central High School (2035 Monroe Avenue) on Thursday, October 27th at 6:15 p.m. to show that our town supports ALL of its citizens. The group will walk together to Twelve Corners Middle School. There will be brief first-hand accounts of racism and injustice. It is presented as a child and family friendly event, and is created in response to the recent distribution of hate speech flyers around the community.
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Outreach Ministries News
Help kids stay warm!
There’s a chill in the morning air and it’s time to think about some of Rochester’s kids who need the warmth of a jacket or coat. The parent liaison at School #9 reports she’s already seen several students arrive at school without outerwear of any kind and the need is growing as winter looms. Have your kids outgrown their coats? Check your closet and continue to celebrate the Children’s Sabbath by donating it this weekend in the box near the coat rack. All sizes of coats or jackets for boys and girls are needed! Don’t have kids but still want to help? New outerwear is welcome, too, or you can offer financial support and Paula Valeri will do the shopping for you. She will be glad to answer questions, too. You may contact her at pdvaleri@gmail.com or 585-748-7048
 Relief for Victims of Hurricane Matthew
You too can help! We have all seen the terrible images of the after-effects of Hurricane Matthew and we may have asked ourselves “What can I do to help?” One way is through Episcopal Relief and Development. One of ER&D’s many programs is disaster relief. Episcopal Relief Development is in contact with our partners in the hurricane’s path to best support responses and address needs as more information becomes available. Local churches and partners are assessing damage, confirming the safety of members and others in their communities and using available facilities and resources to respond to immediate concerns. Your contribution to the Hurricane Matthew Response Fund helps Episcopal Relief & Development support church and other local partners as they provide critical emergency assistance. Donations can be made online at http://www.episcopalrelief.org or by placing your donation in an envelope. There are some envelopes available at the Highland door. Any checks given to St. Thomas’ should have “ER&D” noted on the comment line, please. Donations to ER&D can be made at any time, though those earmarked for Hurricane Matthew relief should be made soon.
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Diocesan News
Join our Diocese in welcoming Our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry at our Convention in November! You will have several occasions to hear him. See the following opportunities:
- November 3, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.- Choral Evensong with the Presiding Bishop at
Christ Church, Pittsford
- November 4, 2016 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon - Exploring Evangelism with the Presiding Bishop at SUNY Geneseo
- November 4, 2016 Hobart & William Smith's Hobart Medal of Excellence Honors Bp. Michael at Hobart & William Smith Colleges
- November 5, 2016 - Convention Worship at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Bishop Curry Preaches at Hobart & William Smith Colleges (You must register as a guest if you are not a delegate.)
- November 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. - The Presiding Bishop at Sunday Morning Worship at St. Paul's, Rochester
- November 6, 2016 from 3 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - The Unholy Trinity: Poverty, Racism & Violence Keynote by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at Franklin High School
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Stewardship Statistics
Weekly Financial Report 10/16/16
Budget Pledges Year to date: $306,925
Actual Pledge Payments Year to date: $295,373
Thank you for your support!
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