Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. We pray for the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples. We pray for those who have asked for our prayers, especially:
Gene, Sue, Adam, Doug, Hunter, Judy, Karim, Markus, Palmer Family, Patty, Rachel, Alice Elizabeth, Antonia, Fred, The Herbert Family, Hildegard, John, Pat, Paula, Seana.
1)Monetary donations and Shoprite gift cards using the food pantry’s website: https://www.opencupboardfoodpantry.org/how-to-donate/
2)Donate on this page by clicking on the button below and your donation will be forwarded to the Open Cupboard.
FALL CLEAN-UP DAY This Saturday, December 6th bring your rakes, leaf blower, gloves, and energy !!! We will be here at St. Thomas 10am till dark cleaning up our beautiful gardens.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Ecclesiastes 4:9
Mark your calendar and enjoy this day with fellow parishioners 😊.
ADOPT A FAMILY CHRISTMAS GIFTS Please remember to return your wrapped Family Promise Adopt-a-Family Christmas gift(s) with a tag to St. Thomas by Sunday, Dec 7th (or make arrangements with Jenn Fisher so that the gift can be delivered to Family Promise during the week of Dec. 8th). Thank you!
REV. CANON LINDA MOELLER (1950-2025) We have been blessed over the years to have had the opportunity to have Rev. Canon Linda Moeller as our supply priest. The vestry will be making a memorial gift to the Deacon Scholarship Fund of NJ Diocese of the Episcopal Church. If you are interested in making a donation, you may place a check in the collection basket between now and Sunday, December 7th.
Be sure to put on the memo of your check “Donation for Deacon Scholarship” or “Memorial Gift - Rev. Canon Linda Moeller” so the funds can be properly directed. May Linda and all departed rest in peace and rise in glory!
FELLOWSHIP: THE CHRISTMAS STAR SHOW
Join us for a starry night at The Raritan Valley Planetarium in Branchburg, Saturday, December 20th, 7 pm for ‘The Christmas Star’ show. Dinner (optional) before the show will be planned with those attending. Please RSVP by Friday, December 12th to Donna Kapples. Carpooling can be arranged. Please buy tickets ($11) in advance:
https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS! Envelopes for Christmas Flower donations ARE available in the church vestibule. Be sure to include your dedication (memorial, gratitude, etc.). Please return your Christmas Flower Donation envelope by December 14th.
While on the subject of Christmas, please mark your calendars to help out with the GREENING OF THE CHURCH, which will take place after our service December 21. Many hands will make this joyful process go quickly!
SUNDAY, DEC. 14TH - JOIN US FOR AN EXTRA FESTIVE COFFEE HOUR HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES following our 10 AM service. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year - to relax and breathe on a horse drawn carriage ride along the back roads near St. Thomas. A carriage ride provides a sense of tranquility and connection with one's surroundings, allowing passengers to appreciate the journey rather than rushing to their destination. This immersive experience also fosters a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals and their roles in our history and our lives. What a VERY SPECIAL treat for St. Thomas!!! No sign up required! Many thanks to Bonnie Terry, a friend of Joan Milne who is so generously offering her time and that of two of her stunning stallions. Hope to see you there!
CRAFTING WITH A PURPOSE Some parishioners learned how to weave a sleeping mat out of plastic bags. These mats have been made by an interfaith group who distribute them to the homeless in Trenton. It may take a long while as plastic bags are needed and we would like to ask your continued help. There is a container in the hall to collect plastic bags (newspaper and grocery store produce bags).
BEING EPISCOPALIAN CLASS ** Coming in 2026 Do you want to learn more about what it means to be an Episcopalian? Do you have questions and curiosity about our branch of the Jesus movement? All are invited to join Fr. Kyle for a four-week class called Being Episcopalian. At this class, we will have discussion about what it means to be a part of The Episcopal Church. All sessions, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in length, will take place at Calvary beginning Saturday, January 3 at 9:30 a.m. Note: While this class is open to all, it is required of those who would like to be confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church. Please sign up using the sign-up sheet in the gallery.
THE BISHOP IS COMING! Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 1st. The Rt. Rev. Sally French, our 13th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, will be celebrating the Eucharist with us on this date and laying hands on candidates prepared to receive the sacramental rite of Confirmation. She will be visiting our church as well as our affiliated church, Calvary, on this date so stay tuned for our service time.
FAMILY PROMISE Items can be placed in the white hamper at the front entrance near the coat closet:
· Supply Closet needs: Tissues, 13-gallon garbage bags, Q-tips, and over the counter medicine
· Hope Restored/Outreach and Engagement Team: Bottled water, hygiene items such as pads/tampons, toothpaste, floss, and mini lotion bottles.
· The Promise Center is in need of twin blankets, sheets, and household cleaning products (for this request, please email outreach@familypromisehc.org for more specific details on what is needed)
· Let’s not forget Quarters which can be placed in the “Quarter Tube” in the church hall. The quarters will be distributed to their unhoused clients for use at local laundromats.