17 Feb 2021

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday 2021

by | posted in: Lent | 0

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 is Shrove Tuesday.  It is a day to finalize one’s Lenten sacrifice, as well as, eat pancakes and other sweets.  I know I for one am looking forward to celebrating this feast with my faith family next year – oh what a sweet sweet celebration it will be!  

But, for 2021, we will be eating pancakes at home and enjoying scenes from New Orleans’ Yardi Gras!  Because they were not able to hold their annual parade with decadent floats, many New Orleans residents have decorated their yards in the style of floats.  The colorful and over the top decorations are not only fun to view and a boost to morale, but it is a much needed support to the hundreds of artists whose livelihoods revolve around this celebration that is famous around the world.  If you search for “Yardi Gras 2021,” you can see this year’s festivities.


Wednesday, February 17, 2021 is Ash Wednesday.  There will be three opportunities for you to join in prayer to begin this season of Lent: 7 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m. Here are service leaflets: 7 a.m. leaflet or Noon and 7 p.m. leaflet to accompany the services.  There are a few printed service leaflets in the lobby available to pick up.


You will receive invitation emails to all three services tomorrow.  The YouTube link is the same as always.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

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

15 Feb 2021

Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for February 14, 2021

by | posted in: News | 0

See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for February 14, 2021.  In it you will find a reminder to SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING on Sunday, March 21, 2021 via Zoom at 11 a.m., and info about Fr. Bill’s Lenten Adult Education offering.  And, I’m excited to kick off the new Carpenter’s Helper newsletter segment, “Eye Spy” where we will take a look at a feature within our church building; I believe this will be especially nice to see as we are not able to spend as much time as typical in the building right now. Do you have a favorite vignette you’d like to see and learn more about?

Check out the Diocese of Delaware’s weekly publication The Net.  This week you can find an article written by one of our faith family, Emily Bange, with her thoughts on Ash Wednesday.

You will receive an emailed invitation to all the above events except Fr Bill’s study (you have to email a request for that one), 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. 

The new Forward Day by Days 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

11 Feb 2021

Worship service for February 14, 2021

by | posted in: Worship | 0

Last Sunday in EpiphanyHello faith family!  February 14, 2021 is the Last Sunday in Epiphany: Lent is right around the corner!. We will be streaming LIVE from St. Thomas’s at 9 a.m. YouTube channel. Here is the service program, and the service program in large print for your preview. There are paper copies available to be mailed. If you would like one, please let me know.

Please see our parish prayer list. These names are read aloud and prayed for each Wednesday at the service of intercessory prayer, and sharing this list each week in the Sunday leaflet gives us all the opportunity to participate.  Please take a moment to look over this list and send me any updates or additions.

This Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., adult education will meet via ZOOM to conclude the discussion around “Tolkien’s Ordinary Virtues: Exploring the Spirituality in the Lord of the Rings”  by Mark Eddy Smith.  Please contact Rue, Larry, or the office with any questions.  Reading the book is not a requirement, and you can participate in one or all of the sessions.

Also on February 14, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., Novel Theology will be meeting to discuss “The Peppermint Tea Chronicles” by Alexander McCall Smith.  From the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency to Isabel Dalhousie, Alexander McCall Smith is famous for crafting warm and witty series beloved by fans around the world. This is the 13th book in one of his most charming series, 44 Scotland Street, telling the story of this cozy Scottish neighborhood’s residents

At this time, all services and gatherings have been moved to online.  Please do not hesitate to contact the office or Fr. Howie with any questions or concerns about the decision to move back to online worship. 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.

In this strange 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 page. 

I look forward to worshiping together on Sunday! 

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

11 Feb 2021

Lenten 2021 Book Study

by | posted in: Lent | 0

The Newark Parishes of Saints Nicholas & Thomas’s Adult Christian Education
Lent 2021: Thursdays at 11 a.m.

THE HOPE OF GLORY by Jon Meacham
Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross
Lead by Fr. Bill Lane of St. Nicholas

Feb 18, 2021 : Prologue and First Word (Father Forgive Them; LK. 23:34)
Feb 25, 2021 : Second Word (You Will be With Me in Paradise; Lk. 23:43)
March 4, 2021 : Third Word (Behold Your Mother; Jn. 19:26-27)
March 11, 2021 : Fourth Word (Why Have You Forsaken Me; Mt. 27:46)
March 18, 2021 : Fifth Word (I Thirst; Jn. 19:28)
March 25, 2021 : Sixth Word (It is Finished; Jn. 19:30)
April 1, 2021 : Seventh Word (I Commend My Spirit; Lk. 23:46)

If you would like to take part and are not already participating in the Thursday Adult Study, please email
your request to wmblane@gmail.com and you will receive the sign on information.

11 Feb 2021

Ash Wednesday 2021

by | posted in: Lent | 0

Ashes have been a symbol of penitence and sorrow for thousands of years.  In ancient Israel, they seem to have been used in a common, “non-religious” way – those who were in mourning or expressing remorse for some action wore very plain clothes (sackcloth) and sprinkled ashes over themselves as an outward sign of their emotions.

Some parts of the church adopted this practice as a way of marking the beginning of Lent.  In earliest times, ashes were sprinkled on the tops of the heads of the faithful on Ash Wednesday.  This is still the method used in some Roman Catholic churches.  More recently, a smudge or cross of ashes on the forehead came to be an icon of our devotion at the beginning of Lent.

This year, we are unable to gather for Ash Wednesday, and even if we could, the physical closeness required for the imposition of ashes would be risky.  So instead, we are distributing ashes in small packages, one of which is enclosed with this note. 

You may choose to mark yourself with them at the beginning of the day on Ash Wednesday, or during one of the services that will be broadcast on YouTube (7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM), or you may choose to leave them in their bag and let them be simply a reminder of the simple and honest devotion that we are all called to renew in Lent.

May your Lent be a time of blessing. 
Fr. Howell Sasser, Rector

11 Feb 2021

Altar covering celebrating Black History month

by | posted in: News | 0

Altar Cloth for Black History Month This week, you can’t help but notice the beautiful piece of African cloth that is on the altar. Deacon Cecily acquired this piece of South African cotton in honor of Black History month. She specifically chose a green motif to go with our current liturgical season. Green is the standard color for“Ordinary Time,” the stretches of time between Easter and Christmas, and vice versa. It is meant to represent the anticipation and hope in the resurrection of Christ. Green symbolizes the hope and life of each new day. In traditional African kente cloth, green symbolizes spiritual renewal, and the maroon hue behind the green pattern on this cloth represents healing and caring for the earth. The tie-dyed cotton cloth is easy to care for and will last for years to come.

Altar Cloth details for Black History Month

If you have questions about what material you see on the altar, please ask a member of the Altar guild, or contact the office.Much care and consideration goes into dressing this special place in the church.

11 Feb 2021

Tarbiyah School Giving Project Continues

by | posted in: Outreach, Service | 0

Greetings St. Thomas’s!

Pastoral Care is continuing to provide help to the Tarbiyah School, which reaches out to individuals with needs in our community. Your generosity to Tarbiyah over the Christmas Season was beyond expectation and the school’s administration was so grateful and appreciative for the love expressed through the donations by St. Thomas parishioners. 

We are asking for your kindness again. Kohl’s has offered us a 30% discount and Jill Jensen is meeting one of the Tarbiyah teachers tomorrow to purchase clothing. 

The following list was sent to us and reflects the needs of those in shelters. (I have heard that Colgate toothpaste and deodorant are $1 at ACME….)

  1. Blankets and Towels (these do not need to be new, but should be clean and in good condition)
  2. Diapers and wipes
  3. Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, shampoo, body wash, deodorants)
  4. Recently a family who used to take meals from our school had their house burned down completely due to an electric short circuit. Thank God all the 3 girls, their parents, and grandparents were safe and no one sustained an injury, however they are displaced. I was thinking perhaps if clothing can be arranged for them – girls are 7 years, 6 years, and 3 years. 

A collection box will be placed outside the parish office starting tomorrow until Tuesday, February 23, 2021. 

Thank you for any items you feel you can donate.  
Blessings to all, Pastoral Care

11 Feb 2021

Hope Dining Room – Monday, February 15, 2021

by | posted in: Outreach, Service | 0

Dear Families of St.Thomas and St. Nicholas,

Next Monday, February 15, 2021 is our volunteer opportunity at Hope Dining room. We can only have 5 masked-people in the kitchen at once (COVID rules). Serving is done  as a “grab and go” from a table in the front of the room. Our guests come in one door, walk across the room, grab their lunch and go out the other door, 6 feet apart. ALL of them are masked, as well.

If you are free on Monday, February 15, 2021 we have a job for YOU! We begin preparing the meal at 10 a.m. at Kingswood Methodist Church on Marrows Road in Brookside Park. If you volunteer, you will be finished by shortly after noon. The kitchen manager and I will stay for the serving duty from 12 – 1 p.m.

Here is the Sign Up Genius for the cookies and the volunteers:  
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DACA72AAAFF2-hope6  

You may drop off your donations at St. Thomas’s on  Wednesday or Thursday from 9 – noon, or on Sunday, immediately before or after the service. If those times do not work for you, I am happy to pick them up at your door.  Give me a call or email me.

MANY Blessings for your care of the hungry,  
Madeline Johnson   

5 Feb 2021

Worship service for February 7, 2021

by | posted in: Worship | 0

Epiphany 5Hello faith family!  February 7, 2021 is the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. We will be streaming LIVE from St. Thomas’s at 9 a.m. YouTube channel. Here is the service program, and the service program in large print for your preview. There are paper copies available to be mailed. If you would like one, please let me know.


Following the service each week in January, Fr. Howie will be offering Drive/Walk Through Communion and Prayers from 10 to 11 a.m.  ALL are Welcome!

Please see our parish prayer list. These names are read aloud and prayed for each Wednesday at the service of intercessory prayer, and sharing this list each week in the Sunday leaflet gives us all the opportunity to participate.  Please take a moment to look over ths list, and send me any updates or additions.

From 11 a.m.-noon, please join us for a special Fellowship Hour with Bishop Kevin Brown.  An email invitation with the link will be sent to you on Sunday.

Next Sunday, the 14th, at 10:30am, adult ed will meet via ZOOM to conclude the discussion around “Tolkien’s Ordinary Virtues: Exploring the Spiritual Themes of The Lord of the Rings”  by Mark Eddy Smith.  Please contact Rue, Larry, or the office with any questions.  Reading the book is not a requirement, and you can participate in one or all of the sessions.

Also on February 14, 2021, Novel Theology will be meeting to discuss “The Peppermint Tea Chronicles” by Alexander McCall Smith.  From the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency to Isabel Dalhousie, Alexander McCall Smith is famous for crafting warm and witty series beloved by fans around the world. This is the 13th book in one of his most charming series, 44 Scotland Street, telling the story of this cozy Scottish neighborhood’s residents.

At this time, all services and gatherings have been moved to online.  Please do not hesitate to contact the office or Fr Howie with any questions or concerns about the decision to move back to online worship. 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.

In this strange 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 page. 

I look forward to worshiping together on Sunday! 

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

5 Feb 2021

Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for February 7, 2021

by | posted in: News | 0

Happy Friday! See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for February 7, 2021.  In it you will find a reminder to SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING on Sunday, March 21, 2021 via Zoom at 11 a.m., info about Fr Bill’s Lenten Adult Ed offering, and also to save the date next Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 11 a.m. for a special coffee hour with Bishop Kevin.  

Below is information on some upcoming events

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.  If you have anything to add to the calendar, or the Carpenter’s Helper, email the office.

The new Forward Day by Days 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