Happy Friday!  See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the Fourth Sunday of Easter and the week of April 25, 2021. In it you will find a reminder of the Bishop’s upcoming visit on May 16, 2021, a reminder that Communion at the Curb will continue and Eye Spy looks at our Vestry.  I want to note that this article brings attention to the three Vestry members that you all voted in.  Connie Cooper has graciously agreed to be the Rector’s Warden for this year.  This is no light responsibility and Connie deserves cheering.  Additionally, Amy Keach will continue to give of her amazing finance talents as treasurer and Madeline Johnson has agreed to be our clerk.  Sincere thanks to all who share their time, talent, and treasure to the Greater Glory of God.

• Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 10-11:00 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please  
• Wednesday at noon: Intercessory Prayer with Holy Communion, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions
• Thursday at 7 p.m.: Compline Evening Prayer with Deacon Cecily, live via Zoom
• Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 10-11 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please 
• Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 10 a.m.: 2 Saints Readers will zoom to continue the series on “Holy Envy: Finding God in the faith of others” by Barbara Brown Taylor 
• Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at noon: Intercessory Prayer with Holy Communion, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions
• Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 1-6 p.m.: community Blood Drive  

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. 

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

Come and visit this Saturday, April 24, 2021! See the Bishop Wright Pavilion, The new Pioneer Shower House, and all the plans for the Jane C. Ashford dining hall to be started in August 2021! Join us for a Tour of the camp and learn how Camp Arrowhead can become a great asset to your Parish through our summer camp program, by providing summer staff opportunities for teens and young adults and the many ways you could use the site during the retreat season. 

Tours are free, but we do need you to sign up for a reserved time. Since St. Thomas’s is in New Castle County, our tour time is from noon-2 p.m. Be sure to register!

Camp Arrowhead is located at:
Camp Arrowhead
35268 Homestead Way
Lewes, DE 19958

Happy Friday!  See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the Third Sunday of Easter and the week of April 18, 2021. In it you will find two book discussion opportunities, a reminder that Communion at the Curb continues and Eye Spy looks at an eagle in the sanctuary.

• Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 10-11:00 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please  
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.: Novel Theology will zoom to discuss “Dimity and the Heart of Gold” by Nancy Atherton
• Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 10 a.m.: 2 Saints Readers will zoom to begin the series on “Holy Envy: Finding God in the faith of others” by Barbara Brown Taylor 
• Wednesday at noon: Intercessory Prayer with Holy Communion, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions
• Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 10-11:00 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please  

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. 

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

Why an eagle on the lectern? The explanation that hit home for me was from a retired priest from the UK, Rev. Alec Mitchell. The eagle is a symbol of the fourth evangelist, John, and presumably became associated with his gospel because of the many links between “the Word of God” of which he writes (made flesh in Christ, made real in preaching) and the Bible as being, almost literally, God’s word. The eagle soars upwards; it is strong, direct in its flight and inspiring in its over-arching majesty. Just like good public reading of scripture or oratory!

There are 32 references to eagles in the Bible, all but four of them in the Old Testament, and most of them positive. According to Isaiah: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength (and) mount up with wings like eagles”; and Psalm 103 blesses the Lord “who satisfies you with good… so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The eagle is also one of the four “living creatures” around God’s throne, according to Revelation 4:7. As early as the second century (CE), these four creatures had been linked to the four gospels (the other three being, respectively, Mark, Luke and Matthew), while also becoming symbols of four events in the life of Christ – the Nativity (man), his sacrificial death (ox), the Resurrection (lion) and the Ascension – represented by a flying eagle. Occasionally, an eagle is used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit, but usually the more gentle dove is employed. For lectern purposes, however, an eagle certainly has bigger wings than a dove on which to rest large books!

The carved lectern in St. Thomas’s is engraved “in memoriam Waldron Shapleigh”. Mrs. Waldron Shapleigh gave the eagle lectern to St. Thomas’s in memory of her husband. Mr. Shapleigh was chemistry professor and he worked with incandescent lighting. His mother was Elizabeth Blandy, the daughter of one of St. Thomas’s founders, Thomas Blandy.  Mr. Shapleigh died in 1901 at age 53 and is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.  

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

Recycling holy fabrics means taking linens, and/or church vestments that have been blessed and used in the worship of God and saving those parts that have not been worn or damaged beyond repair. Any reusable fabrics, embroideries, tassels, fringe, etc. that can be reverently and respectfully removed from an original piece can be used in another.

One reason we strive to recycle is simply good stewardship of what we have been given for use in our worship services. Often, the quality of the fabric or the embellishment on a piece is finer than what is available today. Very often, old designs cannot be copied because the basic materials or artistic skills are not available to recreate them.

When working with needlework that was created by someone else, there is a closeness to someone who made it in the past. I am often in awe of the talent, effort and love that have gone into making many of the pieces. It is an honor to be able to save anything that is of practical use in church.

Recycling holy fabrics is a creative process that can be challenging and rewarding. The challenge is in figuring out how to best recycle something and skillfully take it apart so it can be reused. Time spent working on the projects is a calming retreat from the frantic pace of life- a holy time.

On Easter Sunday, a “new” set of paraments were debuted. These pieces recycled parts from the old white frontal. Martha Holyoke, and her band of sewing ladies have been hard at work, deconstructing and repurposing. You can look forward to seeing more new/old pieces.

Many thanks go to Martha, Connie Cooper, Carolyn Bowman, Sue Houghton, Cana Hartman, and Jane Babcock. If you are interested in joining in this special work, know that you are Welcome! There are plans for several more beautiful, well loved pieces to be reborn this year.

Happy Friday!  See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the Second Sunday of Easter and the week of April 11, 2021. In it you will find a job opening, a reminder that Communion at the Curb will continue and Eye Spy looks at Recycling holy linens.

• Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 10-11:00 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please  
• Wednesday at noon: Intercessory Prayers with Holy Eucharist, live on YouTube and in-person with precautions
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 10-11:00 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please  
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.: Novel Theology will zoom to discuss “Dimity and the Heart of Gold” by Nancy Atherton

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

Happy Friday!  Spring is in the air, and the gorgeous trees and plantings around the church building are beginning to bloom. 

See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for Easter Sunday and the week of April 4, 2021. In it, you will find an excerpt from Bishop Curry’s Easter message, a reminder that Communion at the Curb will continue (extra long this Easter Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m.), and Eye Spy looks at The Stations of the Cross.

• Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. at St. Thomas’s. The Great Vigil of Easter. We will gather for the Church’s most solemn observance – waiting and watching for Our Lord’s resurrection.  We will light the new Paschal fire, renew our baptismal promises, and make a joyful noise (get your bells ready!!!)  Bishop Kevin will be joining us in-person and Rev. Elizabeth Masterson will be with us virtually.
• Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up.
• Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 from 10-11:30 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please
• Monday, April 5, 2021: The church office will be closed.  Please contact Fr. Howie with any urgent needs. I’ll be back in on Tuesday!
• Wednesday, April 7, 2021: no intercessory prayer service this week. Noon intercessory prayer will resume next week.
• Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 1-6:00 p.m.: Community blood drive at St. Thomas’s.  Call 888-8-BLOOD-8 with any questions and to schedule your appointment.  It takes less than an hour to save up to 3 lives!!!  Please help spread the word.
• Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 9 a.m.:  Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up
• Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 10-11:00 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please  
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.: Novel Theology will zoom to discuss “Dimity and the Heart of Gold” by Nancy Atherton

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.

One more note, for those of you that read down to the bottom of this email (I know I’ve sent about a million this week).  I wanted to share how successful the Smile Drive was.  The girl scouts reported that 644 oral care items were donated!  Wow!!  They are very grateful for our support, and look forward to more community outreach in the future.  Thank you for helping these young ladies learn about outreach, and thank you for your donations that will help children all over New Castle County.

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

Happy Friday!  See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for March 28, 2021. In it you will find a reminder for Easter flower dedications, a reminder to fill out the talent survey, an announcement for a second blood drive, as well as the schedule for Holy Week.   Eye Spy looks at the Julian Porch.

Holy Week is a very spiritual time, with services each day.  ALL are Welcome to join us for all of them, but in particular, I’m hopeful for a large number (in-person and virtually) at Saturday night’s Great Vigil of Easter (April 3, 2021 at 8 p.m.).  Bishop Kevin will be joining us in person and Rev. Elizabeth Masterson will be participating virtually.  Get your bells ready to make a joyful noise!! 

• Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up. Palms will be available at the service, as well as, during curbside communion.  I will also have several palm crosses available to pick up throughout the week, and for mailing.
• Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10-11 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please
• Palms will be available at the service, as well as during curbside communion.  I will also have several palm crosses available to pick up throughout the week, and for mailing.
• Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10:45-11:45 a.m.: conclusion of the adult education “Sacramental Life” 3-week series lead by Fr. Howie (March 7, 14, and 28)
• Check the schedule for Holy Week for a full listing of services.  You will receive invitations to sign up for in–person attendance for each service the day before.  Each service will still be available on YouTube.  You can look for an email 15 minutes before each service with the leaflet and a link to the YouTube channel.  Please note, Friday’s two services will be held at St. Nicholas.
• Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up. Palms will be available at the service, as well as during curbside communion.  I will also have several palm crosses available to pick up throughout the week, and for mailing.
• Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 10-11 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please
• Monday, April 5, 2021: The church office will be closed.  Please contact Fr. Howie with any urgent needs.
• Wednesday, April 7, 2021 : no intercessory prayer service this week

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. 

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

Happy Friday!  See the Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for March 21, 2021. In it, you will find a reminder of the two Lenten educational offerings, an appeal to complete the time and talent survey that was mailed earlier this week, as well as the schedule for Holy Week.  Eye Spy looks at the devotional prayer candles.

• Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via  sign-up
• Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 10-11 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please
• Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 11 a.m.: St. Thomas’s 179th ANNUAL MEETING live via Zoom. The meeting will open around 10 a.m. for socializing. 
• Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 5 p.m.: Lenten evening prayer, live on YouTube. Here is the leaflet.
• Wednesday at noon: Intercessory Prayers with Holy Eucharist, live on YouTube
• Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 11 a.m.: Lenten Adult Education study of Jon Mechams, “The Hope of Glory”, considering the last words of Jesus on the cross, lead by Fr. Bill.  Email the office for a Zoom invitation.
• Thursday at 7 p.m.: Evening Compline Prayers with Deacon Cecily, live via Zoom with leaflet
• Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist, rite II with music, live on YouTube and in-person via sign-up. Palms will be available at the service, as well as during curbside communion.  I will also have several palm crosses available to pick up throughout the week, and for mailing.
• Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10-11 a.m.: Communion at the Curb, in-person with a mask please
• Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10:45-11:45 a.m.: adult education “Sacramental Life” 3-week series lead by Fr. Howie continues (March 7, 14, and 28)

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

Good afternoon.  Many of you may be aware that after many years of loyal service, our sexton, has retired.  This position has now been publicly posted and I’d like to share it with all of you to pass along as you see fit.  Here is the job description.  Please direct any questions or interest to Fr. Howie at howell.sasser.jr@gmail.com.

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