Lent at St. Thomas’ Parish

The season of Lent is a contemplative time inviting us to turn toward Christ. We do this through examination, study, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines that draw us nearer to God. As we approach this holy season, we are invited to consider taking on a new practice or participating in a study or activity to draw nearer to Christ. Here are some options here at our parish:

The Stations of the Cross:

Our set of the Stations of the Cross will be placed in our office windows facing Church St. alongside prayer and meditations. You are invited to walk the stations of the cross during the season of Lent.

The Way of Love in Lent:

Our Sunday morning study February 21 – March 14 will focus on the Episcopal Church’s curriculum which offers seven practices for a Jesus Centered Life. Our scripture for the Sunday services will include one designated lesson for each practice From Ash Wednesday through Easter. John Trumbo has written our Prayers of the People to include these practices for the Way of Love. 

Lenten Madness:

Forward Movement offers a fun and educational activity each Lent called Lenten Madness. Lenten Madness uses a bracket system like March Madness (basketball) to showcase different saints of the Church.

“The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the round of the Saintly Sixteen, eight make it to the round of the Elite Eight, four make it to the Faithful Four, two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch.” Get your bracket and learn more at: www.lentmadness.org

Worship with us!

Sunday mornings at 10:30 am on Zoom or Facebook.

All are Welcome
Online Collection Plate

An Evening with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 

Skip ahead to the program start at 30:30. Watch the video of young adults as they engaged with our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Friday, January 24th 2020.

Find out what’s happening at St. Thomas’ Parish

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On Saturday, January 20 from 11:00am until 2:00pm a delegation from St. Thomas’ Parish joined the resistance movement on the one year anniversary of the inauguration.  Our group marched behind our “The President said what?” faith palm banner currently on display at our construction site.

Thank you to parishioner Lynn Moluf for organizing the event.

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A Prayer for Our New Rector

This prayer was written by the Rev. Linda Kaufman, and we have been saying it together on Sundays.

Gracious God, thank you for calling us to St. Thomas’ Parish.

We ask you to guide us in this time as we look for a new rector.

Help us be faithful in this time of preparation and make us ready for a new leader.

Give wisdom to our wardens and vestry as they lead this holy work.

We ask you to help us find the right person, and that even now you would be preparing them for this new work.

We pray all this in the name of our Good Shepherd, Jesus.

Amen.

Community Input: Parish Vitality Assessment

One stage of the preparatory work the vestry is undertaking is a Parish Vitality Assessment, which uses a framework developed by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and in which members of the parish are invited to share their opinions on St. Thomas’ strengths, challenges, priorities and more. The more participation we get, the better! Please see The Phoenix, our e-newsletter, for information on signing up for a slot in a focus group, taking an online survey, and other ways you may take part.

Advent & Christmas at St. Thomas’

EDOW Transition Presentation

On Nov. 16, the Rev. Anna Olson, Canon for Faith, Leadership and Collaboration at the Diocese of Washington, visited St. Thomas’ to preach and to share an overview of the clergy leadership transition process as it is currently managed here. Click here to view the slides from her presentation.

Transition Update

The Rev. Linda Kaufman

We joyfully announce that the Rev. Linda Kaufman will serve as our primary supply clergy during our transition period. She will celebrate and preach at the majority of our worship services for the next several months and be available for pastoral care needs.

The wardens are grateful for Linda’s willingness to step up into this role and very much look forward to working with her.