17 Jun 2021

Hope Dining Room – Monday, June 21, 2021

by | posted in: Outreach | 0

Dear Families of St. Thomas’s and St. Nicholas,

Next Monday, June 21, 2021 is our opportunity to serve at Hope Dining Room. If you are free between 10 a.m. and noon that day, we would LOVE for you to experience the joy it gives to be part of a team that makes a simple lunch for people who really need it. 

We begin cooking at 10 a.m. at Kingswood Methodist Church in Brookside Park on Marrows Road.   We finish cleanup a little after noon. Only 5 masked-people are allowed in the kitchen at any one time.

Here is a sign up genius for the volunteers, fruit cups and cookies:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DACA72AAAFF2-hope10  

You may drop off your donations of food at St. Thomas’s from Tuesday through Thursday (June 15 – 17, 2021)  between 9 a.m. and noon, or Sunday morning, if  you are coming to church. If those times don’t work for you, give me a call or an email and I will pick it up at your house.

Many Blessings,
Madeline Johnson   mad1240@comcast.net

17 Jun 2021

Praying Shapes Believing: The Peace

by | posted in: Worship | 0

Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.

The Peace

The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

What is it?

The passing of the peace is a symbolic way of restating that we are all followers of the same Lord and share in his peace.  As we approach the altar for the Eucharist, we are at peace with one another.

Why do we do it?

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus tells his followers, “”So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”  The merit of what we offer to God depends on the condition of our hearts.

What it says about God

Peace – in all forms – is a pre-requisite for a full relationship with God.

Messages for how we live

Peacemaking, wherever we may do it, is holy work.

Being at peace strengthens our worship.

For more – Consider the common definitions of peace – 1) absence of conflict; 2) right relationship with God; 3) good relationships among people; 4) personal serenity.  Which do you desire most?  Which are you called to work toward?

17 Jun 2021

Altar Flower Dedications

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I am excited to share that, starting in July 2021, the Flower Guild will once again be accepting flower dedications. This is one of those special pieces of the “old normal” that I’m so glad to welcome back.

Worship in our church is an experience that involves all the senses, and the flowers that we see around the Lord’s table draw us closer to God. Each week, St. Thomas’s parishioners will once again have the opportunity to contribute to the beauty of worship by dedicating flowers in thanksgiving, in honor of, or in memory of loved ones or to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, and anniversaries. A dedication will be placed in the service bulletin to share the event with the St. Thomas’s family.

We offer the opportunity for anyone to give altar flowers.There are a few ways to make your request:

  • You will find a sign-up poster in the lobby with Weekly Flower Donation forms. You may complete and drop that form off in the office or leave it in the wooden mailbox on the office door.
  • You may also call (302) 368-4644 or email the office at StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com with your request.
  • Donations can be submitted to the office payable to St. Thomas’s Parish with “Altar Flowers” in the memo line or made through St. Thomas’s online giving site. A suggested amount is $40, however, there is no set figure.

These flowers on our altar are a beautiful symbol of our offerings to God. It’s a way that we praise Jesus for the life and hope that he gives us and a way that we honor loved ones and give thanks for our blessings. This is a beautiful way to mark an event.

Are you interested in creating or helping to create an arrangement? The flower guild is always open to anyone interested, even if just for a week. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of the flower guild,or to Cana in the office.

Kind Regards,
Cana Hartman, Parish Administrator
StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com or (302) 368-4644

11 Jun 2021

Worship service for Sunday, June 13, 2021

by | posted in: Worship | 0

Third Sunday after PentecostHello faith family!  Sunday, June 13, 2021 is the Third Sunday after Pentecost. We will be streaming LIVE from St. Thomas’s at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.:

Services will also be open to in-person worship with precautions.  However, please do not feel pressure to return until you are ready; all services will still be available on our YouTube channel.  Please do not hesitate to contact the office or Fr. Howie with any questions or concerns about these options.

Other worship this week:

  • Sundays from 10-11 a.m., Communion at the Curb will be offered for those who have not received the Sacrament in-person during the service.  You do not need to sign up for this.  ALL are WELCOME!
  • Wednesdays at noon: Intercessory Prayer with Holy Communion, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions. Here is the accompanying booklet.
  • Thursdays at 7 p.m.: Compline Evening Prayer with Deacon Cecily, live via Zoom. Here is the accompanying booklet.

See this week’s “The Confession” topic in the Praying Shapes Believing series. Also, please note that we have updated our web address to StThomasNewarkDE.church.  The former address stthomasparish.org redirects you to the new address of StThomasNewarkDE.church.

The new Forward Day by Day booklets are available.  Please feel free to stop into the lobby for a copy, or let me know if you’d like one mailed out to you!  There are plenty in both large and small print.

In this strange pandemic time, the church is aware that some of its members are struggling to make ends meet. If you are in this situation, please let the clergy know of your needs, pray for the church, and feel no guilt about your giving. But if you are able to give, options for giving include mailing a check to your church or online giving. See our Giving information.

If you have anything to add to the Parish calendar or the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter, please email the office at StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com.

To see all events or news, visit our website, check FaceBook, or check out the posted events on the board next to the name tag station. Recent Newsletters, Sermons, or Announcements are also available.

Regardless of whether we are together in-person or virtually, we are connected by the Holy Spirit:  Always together; never apart…maybe in distance, but never in heart.

I look forward to worshiping together on Sunday!

Kind Regards,
Cana Hartman, Parish Administrator
StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com or (302) 368-4644

11 Jun 2021

Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for June 13, 2021

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Happy Friday!  See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the Third Sunday after Pentecost and the week of June 13, 2021. In it you will find a reminder of the upcoming Summer Worship Schedule, a reminder that Communion at the Curb continues, the church building’s Covid Policy update, a peek at the Annual Bazaar, and Eye Spy looks at a key. 

  • Our summer Sunday worship schedule includes 2 Sunday services:
  • Sundays from 10:30-11am, Communion at the Curb is offered for those who have not received the Sacrament in-person during the service.  You do not need to sign up for this.  ALL are WELCOME!
  • Wednesday at noon: Intercessory Prayer with Holy Communion, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions. Here is the accompanying booklet.
  • Thursday at 7 p.m.: Compline Evening Prayer with Deacon Cecily, live via Zoom. Here is the accompanying booklet.

You will receive an emailed invitation to all the above events and their accompanying leaflets.  As always, there are copies available to be mailed, so please let me know if you’d like a paper copy. 

In this strange pandemic time, the church is aware that some of its members are struggling to make ends meet. If you are in this situation, please let the clergy know of your needs, pray for the church, and feel no guilt about your giving. But if you are able to give, options for giving include mailing a check to your church or online giving. See our Giving information.

The new Forward Day by Day booklets are available.  Please feel free to stop into the lobby for a copy, or let me know if you’d like one mailed out to you!  There are plenty in both large and small print.

If you have anything to add to the Parish calendar or the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter, please email the office at StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com.

To see all events or news, visit our website, check FaceBook, or check out the posted events on the board next to the name tag station. Recent Newsletters, Sermons, or Announcements are also available.

Kind Regards,
Cana Hartman, Parish Administrator
StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com or (302) 368-4644

9 Jun 2021

Annual Bazaar – hold the date

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This has truly been a BAZAAR(E) year for everyone. As we try to create a new and better normal, some of our traditional events become more important than ever.

Although last year we were not able to gather in the traditional manner for many of our events, the Annual Bazaar group was still able to donate $2,000 to local community organizations including the Newark Empowerment Center, the Newark Senior Center, and the Newark Area Welfare Committee. This was made possible through funds remaining from our previous events and the sale of items donated by parishioners and friends and sold in local Antique and Gift Malls.

Last year the decision was made to move the Annual Bazaar dates from December to November. The benefits we felt included avoiding the Thanksgiving activities, being competitive with other similar events in the area, and allowing customers the opportunity to make purchases in advance of the numerous Christmas activities.

The bazaar planning committee are beginning to meet and hope to have an outstanding event to welcome people back to our event. There will be other announcements during the coming months.

If you would be interested in joining a fun and essential committee, please contact us. “Many hands make light work.”

Mark your calendars for November 12-14, 2021. Donations are accepted throughout the year.

Any questions, please contact Barb Graham at 44graham@comcast.net.

8 Jun 2021

COVID Policy update

by | posted in: Worship | 0

SEE UPDATE TO THIS POST AT COVID Policy Update July 31, 2021

Our Vestry has voted and we now have an updated Covid policy for the church building. Masks are optional. You are welcome inside with or without a mask, if you are fully vaccinated. Please respect the choices of others, should they choose to wear a mask or not.

Please continue to:

  • stay home if you are sick
  • wash hands often
  • respect social distancing 

Communion will continue to be offered in wafer form with social distancing, but will no longer be packaged in plastic containers.

There will no longer be sign ups for in-person worship. The contact tracing log is now optional.

Thank you to everyone involved in making these decisions; these are heavy questions and the decisions are made prayerfully and carefully.  If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please reach out to Fr. Howie.

Kind Regards,
Cana Hartman, Parish Administrator
StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com or (302) 368-4644

8 Jun 2021

Praying Shapes Believing: The Confession

by | posted in: Worship | 0

Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.

The Confession

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you…

What is it?

The confession is an acknowledgment before God of our sins. The versions we use in public worship are deliberately vague about whether we are confessing our individual sins, our sins as a community, or both.  A separate rite for private, individual confession exists but is rarely used.

Why do we do it?

When we confess our sins, we confront the ways that we fail to honor the image of God in ourselves and others. This honest appraisal of ourselves is important preparation for the grace and mercy that God shows us in the Eucharist that follows.

What it says about God

God desires that we should turn from our sins and live. The mercy of God is greater than any sinful action.

Messages for how we live

Calling to mind our sins, in the light of God, opens the path to renewal.

Knowing ourselves helps us to know God more perfectly.

For more – Read Psalm 51. 

4 Jun 2021

Camp Arrowhead job opportunities

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Arrowhead offers high school and college aged young people the opportunity to work with campers in a Christian environment, sharing experiences, and growing spiritually.  With the opportunity to meet other staffers from all walks of life, lifelong friends are formed.  Camp experience and recommendations can be a great addition to a resume.  We also work with college programs for credit.  Camp has worked with Camp America for over 20 years – an exchange program hiring staff from other countries.  You MUST BE at least 16 BY THE END OF JUNE to apply for an entry level job.  Counselors must be 18, and there are lots of administrative jobs available. Read more about our available positions.

​Interested in applying?  The application is below & you can email Teri Valente with questions.

See more information at the Camp Arrowhead web site.

4 Jun 2021

Worship service for Sunday, June 6, 2021

by | posted in: Worship | 0

Second Sunday in PentecostHello faith family!  Sunday, June 6, 2021 is the Second Sunday after Pentecost. We will be streaming LIVE from St. Thomas’s at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.:

  • 8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I spoken, in-person with precautions and online at YouTube (8:00 booklet)
  • 9:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II with music, in-person with precautions and online at YouTube (9:30 booklet)

Services will also be open to in-person worship with all precautions in place and with sign-ups.  However, please do not feel pressure to return until you are ready; all services will still be available on our YouTube channel.  Please do not hesitate to contact the office or Fr. Howie with any questions or concerns about these options.

Other worship this week:

  • Sundays from 10-11 a.m., Communion at the Curb will be offered for those who have not received the Sacrament in-person during the service.  You do not need to sign up for this.  ALL are WELCOME!
  • Wednesdays at noon: Intercessory Prayer with Holy Communion, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions. Here is the accompanying booklet.
  • Thursdays at 7 p.m.: Compline Evening Prayer with Deacon Cecily, live via Zoom. Here is the accompanying booklet.

See this week’s “The Prayers of the People” topic in the Praying Shapes Believing series. Also, please note that we have updated our web address to StThomasNewarkDE.church.  The former address stthomasparish.org redirects you to the new address of StThomasNewarkDE.church.

The new Forward Day by Day booklets are available.  Please feel free to stop into the lobby for a copy, or let me know if you’d like one mailed out to you!  There are plenty in both large and small print.

In this strange pandemic time, the church is aware that some of its members are struggling to make ends meet. If you are in this situation, please let the clergy know of your needs, pray for the church, and feel no guilt about your giving. But if you are able to give, options for giving include mailing a check to your church or online giving. See our Giving information.

If you have anything to add to the Parish calendar or the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter, please email the office at StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com.

To see all events or news, visit our website, check FaceBook, or check out the posted events on the board next to the name tag station. Recent Newsletters, Sermons, or Announcements are also available.

Regardless of whether we are together in-person or virtually, we are connected by the Holy Spirit:  Always together; never apart…maybe in distance, but never in heart.

I look forward to worshiping together on Sunday!

Kind Regards,
Cana Hartman, Parish Administrator
StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com or (302) 368-4644