PENTECOST SEASONAL NEWSLET TER

ST . THOMAS EP I SCOPAL CHURCH

COLUMBUS , GEORG IA

JUNE AND JULY 2019

Our children are exploring this question in Vacation BibleSchool, June 3-7. It is a question the gospel asks us all toconsider. Who is my neighbor, and how do I love my neighboras myself?

Who is My Neighbor?A Message From Rev. Grace Burton-Edwards Dates to Know:

Continuing in the Way of LoveThe Way of Love is a resource calling theEpiscopal Church back to practices that havealways shaped the Christian life – turning toJesus, learning his teachings, worship, prayer,blessing others, going across boundaries tomeet Christ in all people, and resting in the giftof God’s peace and blessing. You’ll notice wehave marked in this newsletter ways St.Thomas helps us walk this path together. Joinus on The Way of Love.

Seasons at St. Thomas

Who is my neighbor? Neighbors are more than people who livenext door. Neighbors are more than people in our families orcommunities. Five Bible stories will guide our journey to discovermore about God's great love. From looking at how to be aneighbor to diving into what it means to live out our faith, we willfocus on God's care and compassion for neighbors close at handand around the world! Join us as we discover neighbors near andfar! Kids who are 4 by September 1, 2019 - rising 5th graders arewelcome at VBS. Youth volunteers are welcome. A donation of$20 per child is suggested for the week. Contact Mrs. Erin formore information at episcokids@stthomascolumbus.org

A hymn we often sing reminds us that all of our neighbors aregifts from Jesus.Jesu, JesuFill us with your loveShow us how to serveThe neighbors we have from you. Throughout the summer, St. Thomas abounds withopportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate with neighborsnear and far. Look in this issue for opportunities to learn aboutneighbors in Ghana, connect with neighbors at StewartDetention Center, and spend time with neighbors over dinner.

Our joy and calling is to love our neighbors in the pew,neighbors in this community, and neighbors around the world.Blessings in this season of growth and discovery! Rev. Grace

June 3-7 VBS at St. ThomasJune 5 El Refugio OrientationJune 9 Foyers FinaleJune 19 Service at LinwoodJune 20 El Refugio VisitJune 23 Parents of Babies/PreschoolJune 29 Youth Dog WashJuly 11-13 Youth Mission TripJuly 14 Parents of Babies/Preschool

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

We celebrate baptism on June 9. Kingston Olive-Allison will baptized at the 10:30 service. Out oftheir gratitude for the love and support their familyhas received from St. Thomas through his adoptionprocess, Meg and Susie invite the congregation to acelebration of his baptism and adoption after theservice that day. Join the family in the parish hallfor refreshments. A group photo will be taken at12:30. Our next season of welcome classes will take placeon Sundays in August at 9:30. All who are new toSt. Thomas and those who would like to learn moreare invited. Bishop Wimberly, Assisting Bishop ofthe Diocese of Atlanta, will be with us on August 25to celebrate Confirmation, Reception into theEpiscopal Church, and Baptism. A ConfirmationBanquet for youth and families will follow themorning service.

Baptism, WelcomeClasses & Confirmation

St. Thomas PrayerGroup & ListEach Monday the Prayer Group prays for thepublic and private needs of the St. Thomascommunity. All are welcome. To add someone tothe public or private prayer list, you can email thechurch office at office@stthomascolumbus.org orfill out the form found under the "contact" tab onour website at stthomascolumbus.org. Namesgenerally stay on the prayer list for four Sundaysand can be extended by contacting the office. Thepublic prayer list is emailed to those in thecongregation who have signed up to pray for theneeds of the church. Contactoffice@stthomascolumbus.org to sign up.

Mondays at 11:30 in the Chapel

Perspectives inJuly: Youth in Our

Community Sundays, 9:30-10:15, in the Library

July 7, 14, 21, & 28

Lectionary Bible StudySundays, 9:30 - 10:15 in the Rector's OfficeJoin this small group in studying the assignedLectionary passages each Sunday morning. Formore information contact Mike Nichols atmnichols0@knology.net.

Come and hear exciting and engaging storiesabout young people in our community who areovercoming challenges ranging from pursuing aGED and career, escaping sexual exploitation,

reading to by-pass prison, to building newrelationships with mentors.

Experts from our community who are involved inthis life changing work will join us for this series.Join us as we welcome them to St. Thomas thissummer. This series is curated and hosted byVicky Partin and members of the Outreach

Council.

We're Hiring!St. Thomas has updated the former

sexton position. The new position is titled"Maintenance Coordinator." The Maintenance

Coordinator will be scheduled for up to 20 hours aweek and will work Sunday mornings, Wednesday

evenings during the school year, and two additionaldays or evenings (negotiable) to oversee the

maintenance of the facility, set up for events, andprovide security when the congregation gathers. Adetailed job description is available in the church

office. Applications will be received through June 14. Email a resume and letter of interest

to office@stthomascolumbus.org. Please share with people who may

be interested.

Neighbors in GhanaSundays, 9:30 - 10:15 in the Library

June 9, 16, & 23In late April, Rev. Grace was blessed to be partof a Diocese of Atlanta pilgrimage team to visitour partners in the Anglican Diocese of CapeCoast. At 9:30 on the following Sundays in thelibrary, she will share stories, pictures andinsights from that pilgrimage.June 9 - Why do we have a mission partnershipwith Cape Coast?June 16 – What is worship like in Cape Coast?June 23 – What do churches do in Cape Coast?

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

Summer Stories at St. Thomas

We invite our parishioners, families and friends to SIGN-UPand share one of our “Summer Stories” on Sunday morningsin June and July from 9:30-10:15 in the Outreach Center.Following the lectionary readings for the day, Mrs. Erin willprovide you with commentary on one of the texts from achild’s point of view and a children’s book that will help todraw children into worship. Adults sign up for a Sunday thatworks best for you, and Episcokids come and learn together!

Episcokids

Children's Classic Literature that Points to God

TAP 2019June 24 - 28,

8:45 - noon,

Rankin Arts CenterCelebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music! Sing to the heavens!Create art together! Understand diversity and get to know othersthrough experiencing the festivals and holidays of other cultures.Ask others to get to know you in the same way. Create a newworld where all are welcomed, celebrated, and valued. Come toTAP 2019. Invite and Unite!!! Kids 6 to 11 are welcome to cometo TAP. TAP is a ministry of Chattahoochee Valley EpiscopalMinistry. The TAP Celebration will be held at St. Thomas on June27 at 7 pm. All are welcome to participate and celebrate with ourInterfaith Neighbors.

Summer of Self-Care for Families on the Go Meg and Erin have found a little guide designed to give your family tools tofoster self-care in your family this summer. The practical “Guide to SummerSelf-Care for Families on the Go” is chock full of ideas for how to make this themost humane, healthy, restorative, and magical summer ever. The guide isdivided into three sections, peppered with evocative biblical verses along theway: simple activities that take no prep time at all; medium-sized (but stilldoable!) suggestions to chew on; and big ideas that can help transform thewhole season. From his own family background the author, Jonas Ellison,even includes a lovely introduction to hygge (pronounced, HOO-gah), theDanish phenomenon of sincere and comfortable self-care - and some lovelysummer playlists to help make the mood just right! Families that areinterested will be given a bucket that includes a copy of the guide and is filledwith fun items to get your summer started right. Email the church office atoffice@stthomascolumbus.org to reserve one today! Be sure when you postpictures on social media that you use #mystthomas so we can follow you youradventures.

Sunday Mornings 9:30-10:15, June 2 - August 25

Don't Forget VBS!

June 3 - 7, 8:45 am - 11:45 am

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

Sunday School FormationSundays from 9:30 - 10:15 amSundays in June - Gospel Readings and Bible Study with JosephSundays in JulyJuly 7: no youth programming July 14: Youth away on mission trip July 21: July 28: Youth Leadership and Acolyte Training with Rev. Grace & Micheal Owen

Thommies: St. Thomas Youth

Youth Dog Wash FundraiserDoes your dog need a bath? The youth at St. Thomas will wash your fur baby for $10 on June 29. The proceeds willhelp fund the mission trip. The dog was will take place in the back of the church. As you enter the parking lot,please follow the signage to the appropriate area. After the dog wash, the Thommies will stay for fellowship, enjoygrilled burgers and outside games.

2019 Summer Mission Experience The Thommies will venture to Mobile, Alabama July 11-13 for a mission experience. We are partnering with avariety of organizations Mobile to serve the community. We will be ministering with persons experiencinghomelessness and engaging in environmental conservation opportunities. For more information contact Mrs. Erinat episcokids@stthomascolumbus.org

Sunday June 29, 11 am

Thank you, Joseph!

Endowment CommitteeThe finances of St. Thomas are basically divided into three categories - the annual budget for

salaries, repairs and to keep the lights on; capital campaigns for special larger projects; and the endowmentfund for long-term support of our church. Each is critical to the life of the church. St. Thomas’s endowment

fund provides us a source of income to support church and faith life-related projects beyond day-to-dayoperations. The key is that each year only a small portion of the endowment fund is used and the remainder is

left to grow. Over time, as more gifts are made to the endowment fund, it will continue to grow. Contributionscan be made to the endowment at any time or as gifts upon death. These gifts can be direct gifts of cash,

securities, real estate, or charitable life insurance or trust. The endowment committee wants to begin worktoward educating and encouraging people to participate in the endowment fund.

Mitch Grossman, Chair, Endowment Board

Dr. Joseph Jones, our Youth Ministries Coordinator, has been named Dean of the College of Education at GordonState University in Barnesville, Georgia. His last day with St. Thomas will be June 30. We are grateful for all that he

has done for St. Thomas and for the Thommies during his year with us. Joseph's presence, care for all people,authentic faith, commitment to individual relationship, and openness to others brought great life and joy to our

youth ministry. He has made a lifelong difference in the lives of several of young people, and he will be missed. Ms.Erin and youth leaders will ensure that good youth ministry takes place throughout the summer. We are beginninga search for a new Youth Ministries Coordinator and hope to have someone in place by August. Please join us onJune 30 to say thank you to Joseph for his ministry among us and to wish him every blessing in his new position.

July 11 - 13

Canceled

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

St. Thomas's YoungAdultsSt. T's YAs will be working through theMemberMission workbook, Living the Gospel. You can order your free copy here:https://www.membermission.org/order-books/ We'll be exploring together how wecan live as missionaries of the Jesus Movementin all venues where we find ourselves. We startJune 2 at 4 pm, meeting in the Parlor at St.Thomas. Contact Taylor Watson Burton-Edwards on Facebook or Messenger if you'dlike to be added to our notification list or emailoffice@stthomascolumbus.org to be added.

Tuesday StudyGroupJune 11 & June 25, 1 pm - 2 pm, ParlorIn June we continue our study of Doing Good . .. Says Who? by Connie Newton and Fran Early.This is a book of case studies in global missionrelationships, based on the author'sexperiences in Central America, that considerhow to share in ministry in ways that do longterm good and promote mutual, respectfulrelationship. We will look at Chapters 2 & 3 onJune 11 and Chapters 4 & 5 on June 25.

Music Notes

to lead the hymns and simple anthems. All arewelcome. Bring your visitors and children. This isintergenerational. We also welcome SUMMER INSTRUMENTALISTS. If youplay an instrument, this is a great time to serve yourchurch by playing during the offertory. You may playthe new piano or another instrument. I am available toaccompany you as well. June 9 is Pentecost and we will have a special festivePENTECOST CHOIR. Pentecost is one of the greatcelebrations of the church year. Come and sing as wecelebrate the birthday of the church. June 16 we invite all men at St. Thomas to participate ina special MEN'S CHOIR (relating to Father's Day). Check out our more expansive music library nowhoused in the hallway between the chapel and choirroom. This will give us considerably more room in thechoir room. Stop by and see it this summer! Thanks tothe Music Fund for making this possible.

Notes from Rick McKnightJune 2 is the first Sunday of SUMMER CHOIR. Thisgroup will meet on Sundays at 9:45 to prepare

Celebration of NewMinistryWednesday June 26, 5 pmRejoice with neighbors at St. Nicholas. Joinour neighbors at St. Nicolas Episcopal Church(69 Mobley Road, Hamilton, GA) as theywelcome their new rector, the Rev. Roxane S.Gwyn, and renew their commitment to theministry we all share. A buffet supper followsthe service. Because there are spaceconsiderations, please RSVP by June 15 atcontact@stnicholashamilton.org

Georgia Wilkins was a beloved founding member of St. Thomas. She died on June 20, 1959, soon afterhelping St. Thomas get organized as a parish. In addition to gifts of enthusiasm and prayer she gave St.Thomas in her lifetime, she surprised the congregation by giving nearly half of her estate to St. Thomas

on her death. Her generosity still funds part of our ministry today. To remember her legacy and givethanks to God for her stewardship, our Wednesday evening service on June 19 will take place at 5:30

Linwood Cemetery Chapel (721 Linwood Blvd, between 17th and Linwood Blvd, near PiedmontRegional). At the conclusion of the service, we will walk or drive to her burial spot at Linwood and offer

a prayer of thanksgiving there. Following the service, those who wish to do so are invited to gather at The Loft for dinner (1032

Broadway). Sign up with the church office if you plan to go to dinner after the service at The Loft. Tomand Tanya need a close headcount to set aside a table. Sign up by Friday June 14. Call 706.324.4264.

June 19 at Linwood

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

St. Thomas Pet Memorial GardenThis garden is for the remembrance of our beloved pets. It provides a permanent resting place for the pets wholive on in our memories and in our hearts. It is a place to give thanks to God for the companionship of beloved

animals and to commit ourselves to care for all of God’s creatures.

Engraved bricks will be arranged in the garden around the cross near thelabyrinth in front of St. Thomas, and are available for purchase as a permanentway to remember your pet. Bricks are $100 each, and are available to order bycash, check, or credit card. The fee covers the purchase and installation of thebrick, maintenance of the garden, and a donation to PAWS Humane Society.See the display in the Narthex for order forms and more information. Deadlineto order the first 100 bricks is July 31. Contact Ralph for more informationat rlwimberly@yahoo.com.

To donate with a debit or credit card log into your St. Thomas membership record via the St. Thomaswebsite (www.stthomascolumbus.org/Give). You can even set these up as recurring gifts so you only haveto think about it once!Use online billing at your bank to send electronic checksText STTCOLUMBUS to 73256 to donate from your mobile device. Standard text messaging rates may applyMake a donation from a mutual fund or IRA - payable to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2100 Hilton Avenue,Columbus, GA 31906Make a donation of stock - Contact the church office at 706-324-4264 for instructions

Don’t get behind on your pledge! In addition to accepting cash and checks St. Thomas offers many ways todonate electronically so you can easily help us continue to support our ministries and fulfill our own financial

obligations throughout the summer, whether you’re in town or across the country.

Going on Vacation This Summer?

Second Sunday Offering for CVEMThank you, St. Thomas parishioners, for your on-going support of your neighbors in times of emergency and

great need! 100% of the funds you give through the Second Sunday Offering to Direct Service atChattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry (CVEM) goes directly to assist our low-income neighbors while they

bridge many of the life events we all face—loss of a job, cancer treatment, car repairs, education and job-training whilecaring for a family. Along with limited financial assistance--almost always combined with the family’s own limited resources--

Direct Service volunteers offer dedicated time to compassionately listen, ask questions that may lead to new perspectives,and connect folks to other resources. So far this year, we’ve assisted almost 300 children and adults comprising more than140 households in Muscogee, Harris, Lee and Russell counties. Learn more by talking with Direct Service volunteers Kristie

Sholtis, Linda Prince, Jack Tice, and Margo Easterbrook; and please contribute regularly, as you are able, to the SecondSunday Offering after each worship service. Next dates--June 9, July 14, and August 11.

A new St. Thomas sign for Hilton Avenue is on its way. The current sign served us wellfor many years but finally succumbed to damage from weather and exposure. The

new sign was selected by a hardworking committee led by Bobsie Swift, Ena Hunt, andSara Ginter. They considered a number of options and recommended this design to the

Property Committee and Vestry. This sign is made by Montauk, a sign company withparticular designs for Episcopal churches. The sign was donated by Beverly and AllenGordy, who designated their gift to the 60th anniversary offering for the sign, saying

that they were so grateful to find St. Thomas and wanted to make it easier for othersto find St. Thomas as well. We hope the sign will arrive and be installed in early June.

Welcoming Our Neighbors

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

St. Thomas Parents ofBabies & PreschoolersSt. Thomas parents of babies and preschoolers meetmonthly for a meal, learning, and fellowship together.Weather permitting, this group meets on theplayground at St. Thomas. Find the group on Facebookor contact Meg in the church office for moreinformation at office@stthomascolumbus.org.

Sunday, June 23 and July 14, 5:30 pm

Men's Pub TheologyAfter a summer break, The Men’s Pub Theologygroup will resume meeting in August at Jarfly inMidtown (1358 13th Street). Topics of discussioncenter on faith, faithfulness, and our Anglicanheritage. No RSVP is required, but you mayconnect with us on the St. Thomas Pub TheologyFacebook page or email Ray Capo for moreinformation at rcapo1234@att.net.

Tuesday, August 6, 7 pm at Jarfly

Caring for Neighbors at StewartDetention Center

St. Thomas works with El Refugio Hospitality House in Lumpkin, Georgia to visit and support men in immigration detention atStewart Detention Center and learn about immigration detention. In the past, an orientation was held at El Refugio in the

morning before visiting men at Stewart. As a result, we often arrived around lunch time and had to wait several hours to visit.To help this process, and to allow more people to learn about El Refugio and immigration detention without driving to Lumpkin,

we will offer a quarterly orientation session at St. Thomas. All who plan to visit Stewart at some point need to take part in theorientation, but others are welcome as well. If you have visited in the past, you are approved to visit again. The first orientation

session is Wednesday, June 5 at 6 pm. Bring a potluck dinner item to share if you can (but come anyway if you can’t).

Saints and SinnersJoin this group for Eucharist, prayer, fellowshipand a great pot luck lunch. All are welcome. Nomeeting in June due to VBS or in July due to theJuly 4 holiday.

Friday, August 2, 11 am

Foyers FinaleThe Foyers Finale will be held on June 9 beginning at 5:30 pm. All Foyer groupparticipants are invited as well as anyone who is interested in participating in agroup next year. Contact Barbara Brandenburgh for more information atdavebarb2@knology.net.

Sunday, June 9, 5:30 pm

Orientation Wednesday, June 5 at 6 pm in the library – all are invited! If you can, bring a potluckdinner item to share.

Visit Thursday, June 20 – Sign up by June 10 - Depart St. Thomas at 8 amVisit Thursday, August 15 – Sign up by August 5 - Depart St. Thomas at 8 am

Support WNN Foodbank in June JUNE is one of the months that St. Thomas is responsible for helping to stock the shelves at Wynnton

Neighborhood Network. Here are some quick and easy ways to make that happen:* MAKE A BAG; MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Fill a grocery bag with just these seven items - one can of soup, one can offruit, one can of meat, one can of tomatoes, one can of corn, one can of green beans, one can of the vegetables of

your choice. These seven cans form the basis of the shelf-food bag every referred client receives. * THE GREAT PANTRY CLEAN-OUT. “Go shopping” in your very own kitchen cupboards. Get rid of all the

assorted unused items that have gotten pushed to the back and forgotten. Any unopened and unexpired cans,bottles, boxes, jars, or packages of food can, and definitely will, be used by our WNN clients.

* A DOLLAR A DAY. Write a check for thirty dollars. That’s just one dollar for each day in the month of June.* HONOR A SPECIAL OCCASION. Instead of buying a birthday or anniversary gift for the friends who have

everything, make a donation to WNN in their honor. All donations are tax-deductible. Please always remember that no donation of food or money is ever too small.

St. Thomas is sponsoring soccer camp June 17, 18, &19 from 10 - noon each day at the Boxwood RecCenter. If you would like more information about thisevent or about Boxwood Soccer Club, contact CoachGreg at gregherring0205@gmail.com.

Boxwood Soccer CampJune 17 - 19, Boxwood Red Center

WAY OF LOVE : TURN , LEARN , PRAY , WORSHIP , BLESS , GO , REST

Summer Wednesday NightsThough our Wednesday dinners and activities take a break for the summer, Wednesday evening servicescontinue every week at 5:30 in the chapel. To stay in touch over the summer, on a few of those Wednesdays,we invite all who wish to go to dinner after the service. We should arrive by 6:15. June 19 at The Loft (Service at Linwood that night) July 10 at Country's Barbecue, 3137 Mercury Drive July 24 at Skipper’s Seafood, 3505 Buena Vista

You are welcome here at St. ThomasWe are a church of loving , committed and searching Christians who value diversity and cherish

the gifts of young and old alike .

We welcome ALL God ’s children into our sacramental community , respecting the dignity of

every person as we are called to a ministry of reconciliation and inclusion . You are welcome

here as God ’s own .

We are a community of faith who will welcome you as you are , wherever you are from , and

whatever your background .

We invite you to join us as we worship God and proclaim the Good News of God ’s Love .

We take joy in sharing Communion with all Christians who gather around God ’s table .

Together we share a journey of learning and prayer ; we believe in selfless serving ; we advocate

for justice and peace ; we work to safeguard God ’s good Earth ; and we offer humble acts of

hospitality to our neighbors and the greater world .

You are welcome as a Child of God .

Sunday at 8am , Rite 1 , Chapel

Sunday at 10 :30am Rite II , Nave (nursery available)

Wednesday at 5 :30 , Eucharist and Prayer , Chapel

Shine Time Sunday School for children , Youth Gathering , Perspectives Classes and Bible Study for

adults meet from 9 :30-10 :15 on Sundays . Hot Breakfast is served each Sunday from 9-9 :45 .

Formation Opportunities and Bible Studies for children , youth , and adults meet Wednesdays

during the school year starting at 6 :15 and ending at 7 :45 . Dinner is served each Wednesday from

5 :45 – 6 :15 . Menus are shared each week in Spiritual Adventures , our e-newsletter .

To be added to the newsletter list please contact the church office at 706 .324 .4264 or

office@stthomascolumbus .org .

Service and Formation Times:

August 11 - Backpack

Blessing

August 14 - Wednesday

night kickoff

August 25 - Baptism &

Confirmation

Looking Ahead to

August