THE EPISTLE January 7, 2015
I have something in my files that I will usually run across every year right about now titled, "Spiritual New Year's Resolutions. You may have seen it, but if not, it's a list of ten resolutions that could help someone one get to a better spiritual place as the New Year unfolds. I am struck ever year when I look at it that one particular resolution will tend to jump out at me. I suspect it has a great deal to do with where I find myself at that particular moment or maybe it's something I feel particularly called to work on. This year I was drawn to #3 - I will be thankful for all the blessings in my life. I will spell out my days with a grammar of gratitude. So in an effort be faithful to resolution number 3 and in preparation for the year ahead I wanted to "spell out" some of the things I am grateful for. 1. A job/vocation that I enjoy (most days). I am constantly amazed at some of the things I get to participate in and call work. 2. An amazing staff that supports me in my work and will give it right back to me when I need it! It's important to have fun at work or at least feel like you're having fun. 3. A wife that supports and even enjoys being a part of my work. Quite frankly, she would probably make a better Priest than me (My Dad always tells me I married up). 4. A church family that has welcomed and cared for us as only a community of faith can. We look forward to the years ahead and becoming more and more a part of you. 5. The chance to regularly do things that remind me not to take myself too seriously (the Great Pumpkin, the Easter Bunny, the Derby Duck, Santa etc.) 6. The moments of grace that continually bless and remind me that God is very much at work in this parish, this city and the world. And finally, the gift of Mary Catherine Akamatsu as our new Associate (Thanks be God!) and the chance to share this ministry with someone who brings extraordinary gifts and talents that I know will bless St. Thomas. So may you take some time as the year begins to consider all that you have to be grateful for. I believe it might go a long way toward helping get the New Year started in a good, and more spiritual, way. Happy New Year! +Paul
Facebook Ratings
Readings for Sunday, January 11, the first Sunday after the Epiphany, The Baptism of Our Lord Year B RCL
Our Facebook page doesn't have a very good rating. Do you know why? It is a result of the PETA folks going on our page and voicing their opinions about Lobsterfest! We can change that with your help. Please go to our FB page and give us a high review/rating. Let's get our rating back!
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Your Pace or Mine -
Genesis!1:1)5 Psalm!29 Acts!19:1)7 Mark!1:4)11
fitness Saturday. This event will take place on the third Saturday of each month thereafter. The next event will be February 21. We will meet at 7:50 AM for an 8:00 start to run, walk or bike the Greenway for 50 minutes or until you are ready to stop. Then, we will meet in the parish hall for coffee, water and conversation at 9. Please contact Lisa Christiansen with questions, 256-990-0620.
Annual Parish Meeting
"GET A BUTT FOR THE BOWL"
Sunday, January 25, we will have only one service at 10:30. Our Annual Parish Meeting is set for that Sunday. Please join us as we have a lot of important information about our church to share. We'll have lunch together! (Breakfast has been cancelled that Sunday).
This event is an annual fundraiser that benefits First Stop, Inc., one of several local organizations that assists homeless citizens in our communities. First Stop is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that cares for homeless citizens that no other organization can, or will, help. Get a Butt for the Bowl sells whole Boston butts, whole Angus briskets and chicken halves smoked by our own St. Thomas BBQ Bandits. Please visit www.firststop.org/events to order. If you don't want to order online, please see John Marshall between services in Information Hall. There's a 10% discount on all orders placed by January 16. Pickup day is Saturday, January 31, from 10 AM to 3 PM at any of five county-wide locations...including St. Thomas, of course. If you have questions, please see John on Sunday.
Newcomers Class Elouisa Stokes will be holding a Newcomers' Class, The History of the Episcopal Church, this Sunday during the Christian Formation hour beginning at 9:30. Everyone (new and old!) is invited.
Abrahamic Prayers this week Venturing beyond the circle of Abrahamic faiths, Abrahamic Prayers will look at chapters 1-3 in Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text for millions in India and elsewhere this coming Thursday, January 8. Jerry Mebane, lifelong student of Shakespeare, and retired English chair at UAH, will facilitate the discussion. The interfaith worship service starts at 7 PM in the parlor.
New Adult Christian Formation Class All adults will have a new opportunity to learn more about our Lectionary Readings. Facilitated by Gus Davis, the class meets at 9:30 in Hiers Hall 9. Join us!
Kathleen's Korner! This Saturday, January 10, the EYC will be taking a field trip to Birmingham to the Civil Rights Museum in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. We will be taking a tour of the museum and also going to see the movie Selma, in which the story of MLK's March on Selma is highlighted. The cost of the trip is $5 per child, and $15 per adult. I am still looking for a male chaperone, parent or not, so if you are interested in coming, please contact me at
[email protected] or at the office 256.880-.0247 or cell 205.370.7055. I cannot wait for the youth to learn more about the history of Alabama in the Civil Rights Movement and really see how far we have come as a state to making all lives matter. The Senior High EYC will be welcoming some new bright and shining faces to the group this Sunday, named Jared and Anna Easterling! These two are going to be coming to EYC to help out and be part of our loving community. They were both very active in their youth groups growing up and are just as excited as I am to be helping out when they can! (I'm probably more excited, but I won't make assumptions...) They have two ADORABLE girls, Evy and Lynlee, and we are so excited to have them join us! If you are interested in helping out with Jr. High, please contact me via email or phone call!
[email protected] 256-880-0247 or 205-370-7055
This Week At St. Thomas Wednesday, January 7 EPISTLE published 9:30 AM Bible Study, Conference Room 11:00 AM Healing Service, Chapel 6:00 PM Holy Eucharist, Nave 6:00 PM Youth Confirmation Classes, Youth Room 6:30 PM Venture Scouts, Youth Room 7:00 PM Choir Practice, Choir Room Thursday, January 8 5:00 PM Centering Prayer, Parlor 6:00 PM Cub Pack 101, Hiers 9 7:00 PM Abrahamic Prayers, Parlor 7:00 PM Men's Spirituality Group, Youth Room Friday, January 9 8:30 AM First Stop Breakfast Saturday, January 10 9:30 AM EYC field trip to the Civil Rights Museum in Birmingham 10:00 AM DOK Meeting Sunday, January 11 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Nave 8:45 AM Breakfast, Atkins & Harwell families 9:00 AM Bell Choir Rehearsal 9:30 AM Christian Formation Classes Junior & Senior High School, Hudson Hall The Family of God, ages 3-10, Hiers Hall Rooms 4, 5, & 6 Centering Prayer, Hiers Hall Chapel Lectionary Studies, Hiers Hall 9 Adult Confirmation Classes, Conference Room Newcomers Class, Crossroads Room 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist, Nave - Joyful Noise Band Monday, January 12 6:00 PM Esau Society, Parish Hall 7:00 PM Boy Scouts, Hiers Hall 9 Tuesday, January 13 3:00 PM Mentoring Program, Parish Hall 6:15 PM EfM, Conference Room
WORSHIP TEAM FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015 Celebrant Preacher Assisting Clergy Vestry on Duty Altar Guild Flower Guild Breakfast
The Rev. Paul Pradat The Rev. David Stricker The Rev. Mary Catherine Akamatsu Randy Covell, Charlie Erwin Lisa Christiansen, Pat Bedenbaugh, Vicki Walker, Ulla Allison, Nancy Chandler Nell Fisher, Kelley Johns Bob Harwell, Tom Atkins
8:00 AM Service Eucharistic Ministers Lectors Acolytes Ushers Greeters
Mike Jones, John Marshall Harold Clayton, Nell Fisher Ethan Morris, Hayley Morris Brenda & Horton Smith Ray & Peggy Fambrough
10:30 AM Service Eucharistic Ministers Lectors Acolytes Ushers Greeters
Bob Harwell, Larry Hill Betsy Hill, Peigi Leach Lauren Richardson, Andrew Evans, Charlie Bell, Noah Jones David Plasterer, Jim Teasdale Shirley Kittle, Sally Upchurch, Susan Smith
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