Disciple Bible Studies
These in-depth 32-34
weeks of bible studies began with Becoming Disciples five years
ago. Each year another class was added for those wishing to
enroll. Into the Word, Into the World; Remember Who You Are;
and Under the Tree of Life have been completed, each with an
average attendance of 8-10 participants. Courses are repeated
each year to allow a sequential path of study for all interested
parishioners. Next year St. Thomas’ will move into Disciple,
Second Generation studies.
Vestry
Annual
meetings at St. Thomas’ traditionally are held on the last
Sunday in November or the first Sunday in December. Reports
covering the past years are shared, and nominated parishioners
stand for vestry election. Prior to the annual meeting,
eligible parishioners who have been nominated submit a standard
parish form with the signatures of the proposed nominee and of
his or her two nominators . Each nominee submits a paragraph
containing information about himself or herself, with reasons he
or she feels called to serve as a vestry person. Each year
three persons are chosen by parish vote to begin a three year
term in January, replacing the three members who are rotating
off vestry after their three years’ service.
Vacation Bible School
For one week each June,
Vacation Bible School is held from 9 a.m. to noon. During this
time, using an overall theme to connect stories, songs, and
activities, children of both the parish and the community are
invited to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
Because of the excellent leadership of the Director of
Children’s Ministries, attendance and excitement about the
program continue to grow each year.
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Mid-Week Lenten Program
The Lenten season at
St. Thomas’ is designed to aid parishioners in their spiritual
walk from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Wednesday Eucharists are
held at noon, and during Holy Week there are Eucharists at noon
Monday through Fridays. Wednesday nights begin with evening
prayer, followed by a light meal, then a time of study.
Previously there were studies on topics such as the Saints,
Spiritual Gifts, and Learning about God through a Study of the
Brahms Requiem. This year’s focus was a study of In the Name
of Jesus by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Provisions are made to include
all ages in some type of Lenten experience on Wednesday nights
during Lent.
