A note from the Wardens

Dear St. Thomas’ Parish,
When the virus first hit and everything shut down, it did not seem too awful. Surely, everything would be back to normal in a few weeks.  Months later, the routine of our lives remains disrupted.  Work, school, worship, even grocery shopping, have all changed.
 
We are grateful for the technology that allows us to live virtually, but we all miss the comfort and support of worshiping together at our beloved second home.
 
The Vestry has been discerning how we can re-open our building for Sunday worship while following the guidance we have received from the Diocese and the City of Rochester. Sue Henry and Sue Chazan, a subcommittee of the Vestry, is working on formulating a plan that ensures that when we are able to gather again for worship, it will be safe though different. The plan will be given to the Vestry to finalize and implement after it is approved by the Diocesan Task Force. Given the guidance we have received, and assuming that conditions in our region do not regress, we now anticipate coming together again in some fashion shortly after Labor Day.
 
We ask for your patience and prayers as we plan for the day when St. Thomas’ family will again be able to meet in a safe place of love and spiritual renewal.
 
Faithfully,
Harry Merryman, Sr. Warden, and Laura Thomas, Jr. Warden

 Formation Opportunities

Wednesday Scripture Ponderings - Enhancing our Sunday morning scripture experience through looking at the psalm and Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.
On Wednesday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. we will gather via Zoom to look more closely at the psalms and New Testament readings. Paul’s challenges with the development of a unified church in the midst of cultural and theological differences might be timely for us to explore through our own spiritual insights and growth. We will use a combination of meditation and thoughtful reflection with some sharing of Christian mindfulness practices to help us on our spiritual journey. Come join us! If you did not participate in Lectio Divina in May please register for the next sessions by clicking here. For a copy of the readings, click here. For questions contact: revkrista18@gmail.com  

EfM (Education for Ministry) – St. Thomas’ EfM group is open for new participants for the 2020-2021 year.
EfM is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small group study and practice. Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 1,000 participants in discovering and nurturing their call to Christian service. The curriculum comes from Sewanee University of the South, an Episcopal institution. It is an opportunity to learn and grow in faith as you think theologically about everyday life. If you are curious about this program, please contact Marlene Allen, co-mentor with Amma Leslie, at mallen84.ma@gmail.com.


Vacation Bible School: Save the Dates: August 17-21.- Compassion for Others, Ourselves and the World.
As you may know, VBS will look a little different this year. We are going VIRTUAL.The theme is compassion for our self, others, and the world. This at-home/virtual VBS is geared toward K-5th graders, plus activities specifically designed for preschool-age children. For questions, please contact Deacon Andrea at 442-8236. 

At Home Worship Resources:
Noonday Prayer on Facebook live with Amma Leslie: Monday - Thursday
Facebook Instructions: To participate you will need an account (it's free!). To find the video of Noonday Prayer at St. Thomas', you must "Like" St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Rochester NY. Click on "Notifications" (it's the little bell icon). You should see the link to the video near the top of that list. Click on it and go directly to the video.
 
Daily Devotional (Forward Day by Day): click here for link
 
Prayer for Wearing Masks
“We bless you and we praise you. Lord Christ, for commanding us to love one another. Let this mask be a sign of your love, and let my behavior be filled with love for my neighbor. Amen”
 
St. Thomas' cares: Create a safe environment for yourself and those whom you love and live. If you find yourself having difficulty with navigating your feelings or handling your behavior, please stop, breathe, go for a walk/run and reach out for support. Cease from drug or alcohol use completely. Please know that you are not alone! There are professionals available to help you and support you.
 
The following are important numbers for you to have easy access to:
New York State Mental Health provider hotline: 844-863-9314.
Rochester AA support: 585-232-6720.
Rochester Domestic Violence hotline: 585-222-SAFE.
National Child Abuse hotline: 800-342-3720.
National Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255.
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ youth (13-14)): 1-866-488-7386.
 
Note: For prayer requests see the link on our website at stthomasrochester.org.
 
The Monroe County Department of Health recommends the following:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Practice physical distancing and stay home when sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your cough or sneeze using a tissue or your sleeve.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.

Helpful Links
Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Monroe County Department of Health: monroecounty.gov/health-coronavirus
Episcopal Relief & Development, faith-based response to epidemics: bit.ly/2VMcNuu

Handy online forms:

• Order a nametag
• Update STC Profile Information
• Diocesan E-Newsletter sign-up