Dear People of St. Thomas’,
Yesterday was kind of a weird day. It was the 23rd Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 and so I naturally found myself reflecting on that event (despite not particularly wanting to). In addition to that, I heard the news that an Episcopal priest whom I only sort of knew online, but one who was about my age, died after having been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer only two weeks prior. He left behind a wife and three little children. My facebook feed was filled with outpourings of grief from those who knew him well. Hearing this news and seeing these online missives of remembrance, love, and grief, combined with the 9/11 remembrances and transcripts of victims’ last phone calls, put me in mind (again, whether I wanted to or not) of both the shortness and the uncertainty of life. I mean, this priest was given two weeks, only two weeks, notice of his impending demise. Those who died on 9/11/01 were given less, if any. I do not know which is better, which worse.
We’ve been spending time on Sundays working through the Letter of James and we’ve learned what it means to be doers of the word, not merely hearers. What yesterday taught me was that you have today, this moment, right now. Tomorrow is not promised. A lifetime of tomorrows is certainly not promised. (But, we live in hope.) So to reiterate what I said on Sunday, don’t pass by an opportunity to be a doer of the word. Don’t let a moment in which you are invited to show love come, and disappear. It will be gone forever. But if you seize that moment, you have the chance to mark it forever, if not for you, for your neighbor.
God bless you!
Faithfully,
Fr. Ryan+
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Our Mission: Making a difference for others, because God is making a difference for us.
Our Vision: To create a safe, loving, and accepting place for all people to grow in their faith and spread love out into the beloved community.
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Giving Plate this Sunday:
September 15
Benison Farm
Any cash collected in the plate offering on the third Sunday of each month goes to this designated outreach ministry. Reminder, stop by the ATM before you come to church!
| Benison Farm is a south St. Pete urban farm bringing together a diverse group of volunteers to serve those living in the areas of St. Pete considered food deserts. | |
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CPR & AED Training
The fire department will be on hand this Sunday, September 15 at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall to conduct both CPR and AED training sessions. Please make plans to attend this important and life-saving training. No prior medical training needed. Sign up after church or call the church office to reserve your place. The cost for this training is $40 but the church will pick up the tab for all who preregister. Donations will be accepted. For more information please contact Laura Reitan, 727-631-2838, or Bill Barns, 757-646-5146.
We are delighted to share that our dedicated Nursery Staff will be on hand to lovingly care for your children while parents engage in this training.
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Greeter Ministry - We Need Your Help!
There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, September 22, in the Founders' Room following the 10:00 am service. We are restarting this very important ministry. If you have interest or questions and feel led to be a part of this vital outreach, please make plans to join us.
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Stewardship: The Festive Meal
Please join us on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the parish hall for the return of The Festive Meal. We will need table hosts to select their table theme and decorate. For more details and to sign up as a table host please speak with any stewardship committee member. If you would like to attend please contact Linda Sordan, lsordan5@gmail.com.
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October 6 - St. Francis' Day Celebration:
Blessing of the Pets and Animal Fair
On Sunday October 6 at the 10:00 am service we will celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi and all invited to bring your pets to church for a special blessing. Yes, there will be ooops stations conveniently located around the church (just in case) and after the service there will be an animal fair in the Canterbury school courtyard. (No pets at the 8:00 am service, please).
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| | For the next two weeks I would like to focus on something with which you may or may not already be familiar. Hymns and their composition. Did you know that most hymns were not written to be paired with a specific tune (music); they are prose, poetry written in specific metres. If you recall your high school or college English and creative writing courses, you'll remember there are many common metres which a poet might use, and those metres are often based on syllabic stress and syllable count. If you have a hymnal at home, let's look at our first hymn this week, #7, Christ, whose glory fills the skies, (Ratisbon). In the bottom right corner, you'll see "77.77.77". This means that there are three phrases of 7 and 7 syllables. Get out those fingers and count! There are some metres that are so common that that instead of numbers, there are letters; the two most familiar are CM and LM. Common Metre (CM) is an 8.6.8.6 (and is a quatrain with alternating lines of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. Long Metre (LM) is 8.8.8.8 is a quatrain in iambic tetrameter, which often rhymes the second and fourth lines and the first and third lines. Our second hymn this week, #675, "Take up your cross" (Bourbon) is actually in LM. Next week you will see why this information is important in regard to the music used for hymns.
~Jordan
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Beginning this Sunday you will find an addition in your pew rack. Our new Fall Service Music leaflet is there for you to have a quick reference to all the "S" (service) music you find listed in the Sunday bulletin.
Music for Sunday, September 15, 2024
Voluntary: "Voluntary and Benediction" by Frederick C. Werlé (1910-1997)
Hymn #7 Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Ratisbon
Psalm 116: 1-8 Dilexi, quoniam, William Crotch (1775-1847)
Gradual #675 Take up your cross, the Savior said, Bourbon
Offertory Anthem: "Like as the Hart" by Healey Willan (1880-1968)
Communion #305 Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest, Rosedale
Hymn #379 God is Love, Abbot's Leigh
Voluntary: "Toccata Giocosa" by Gilbert M. Martin (b.1941)
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Animal Fair - Pet Collection | |
We are excited to announce our community initiative to collect pet supplies for the Animal Fair, running now through Sunday, October 6! At the back of the church, you’ll find an easel adorned with helpful suggestions on post-it notes—feel free to take one and let it guide your contributions. Your donations can be placed in the blue bins conveniently located nearby, making it easy for everyone to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for both long-time parishioners and newcomers to come together and show our love for our furry friends in need. Every item counts! We warmly invite you and your family to join in this fulfilling cause, helping to create a nurturing environment that reflects the heart of St. Thomas. Together, we can make a difference!
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We are also collecting items for
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
and need the following items:
Laundry detergent & Bleach
Bleach alternative: hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar
Paper towels & steel scrub pads
Permanent markers, pens & sticky notes
Freezer bags (Qt. & Gal.) & 30 gal. trash bags
Tape: duct, electrical, scotch & painters
Dawn dish soap & hand soap
Bird toys: Rubber Kong toys & Black/Brown or dark colored Yarn
Printer paper
Adams flea & tick spray
Dried mealworms
Gently used towels
Brooms & spoolies (small brush)
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Pick up your reminder sticky note on the white board in the back of the church and then bring your pet donation with you the next Sunday and place it in the collection bin for our feather and fur friends.
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Meet our 2024-2025 Nursery Staff!
Our Nursery is open again and available starting at 7:30am every Sunday. Our Nursery workers Angel (left) and Joan (right) look forward to seeing and being with your children. Please remember to sign your child/ren in when leaving them in our nursery. Welcome back.
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Feasting on the Word Sunday School curriculum is designed for grades 1-5. Grounded in the Common Lectionary, this engaging program allows children to explore the same scriptures their parents hear during Sunday services, fostering rich and meaningful conversations at home. With classes beginning at 10 am, the transition into the service for Communion is seamless, creating a shared moment of worship where families can come together in faith. We warmly invite all families to join this nurturing environment, where children not only deepen their understanding of scripture but also strengthen their bonds with one another. Embrace this opportunity to grow in faith together, as we all feast on the Word!
Feasting of the Word meets in the Library at 10am.
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Truthseekers for grades 6-12, is designed to engage and inspire, ensuring that spiritual growth and learning are offered.
Truthseekers meets in the Guild Room at 9:00 am on Sunday. This is an engaging class taught by Mike and Gina White.
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New Beginnings # 75 - September 27-29
The New Beginnings weekend retreat is a transformative experience tailored specifically to address the distinct spiritual and social challenges encountered by youth in grades 6 through 8. Set against the serene backdrop of Dayspring Episcopal Center, this thoughtfully crafted program fosters an environment where participants can freely express their feelings without fear of judgment. Through engaging activities and heartfelt discussions, youth are encouraged to deepen their love for God, cultivate self-acceptance, and forge meaningful connections with their peers. This nurturing atmosphere not only supports personal growth but also empowers young individuals to embrace their faith and emerge as compassionate leaders in their communities.
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Diocesan Youth Lock-In - October 11
Calling all youth adventurers aged 8 to 18! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey at the Diocesan Lock-In on Friday, October 11, at 7 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Punta Gorda, Florida! Prepare yourselves for an evening packed with laughter-inducing movies, mind-blowing games, and uplifting worship that will truly nourish your spirit. And let’s not forget the snacks that will keep you energized throughout the night! But the adventure doesn’t stop there—on Saturday, we dive into Convention time! Join us as we come together to play, worship, and learn in a vibrant community where every youth is valued and welcomed. This is more than just an event; it's a chance to forge connections, deepen your faith, and grow personally within a nurturing environment. So mark your calendars and get ready for a night of fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth that you won’t want to miss!
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Backpack Blessings
Last Sunday's Blessing of the Backpacks was a great way to help students start the new school year off right. Each received a blessing an a backpack tag and helped at the end of the service by leading us out into the world.
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Adult Learning Opportunities | |
Adult Formation Class
Wednesdays 7:00 pm
All adults are invited to join us in the Guild Room immediately following Supper, Song & Prayer and Compline for an enriching and engaging class centered on the captivating stories of G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton, who proudly identified as an orthodox Christian and embraced Catholicism, offers a profound exploration of faith and moral questions through his beloved character, Fr. Brown, a Roman priest and amateur detective. This class promises to be a delightful experience, filled with thought-provoking discussions and a chance to deepen your understanding of Chesterton's insights. Come and connect with fellow seekers in a supportive and inclusive environment, as we embark on this journey of spiritual growth and community bonding together.
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Story Reading Assignment for Wednesday, September 18:
“The Honour of Israel Gow,” and “The Sign of the Broken Sword.”
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Men's Bible Study
Wednesdays 7:30 am
We are in the midst of studying Exodus.
Come join us.
Please contact Fr. Ryan for information,
727-896-9641
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Women of the Word
Thursdays 9:15 am
Women of the Word (WOW) will resume weekly sessions October 3. We gather in the Founders’ Room at 9:15 am for fellowship and promptly begin our study at 9:30. This year we will study the book of beginnings, Genesis. This is the story of God’s purpose and plan for His creation, and it sets the stage for the entire Bible. Our guide will be A Journey through Genesis, edited by Marek P. Zabriskie and published by Forward Movement (2023).
To kick off our season of study and Genesis journey, we will offer a guided labyrinth walk in the Parish Hall for all women of St. Thomas, and guests on Thursday, October 3, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Whatever stage of our faith, the labyrinth gives us the space to explore the highs and lows of our journeys and our relationships with God, each other, ourselves, and creation. Most importantly, it enables us to commit ourselves to journey onward. Maybe that will be to study Genesis with WOW! For more information, please call Joan Barns, (757) 567-5488 or email joanmbarns@gmail.com.
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LARGE PRINT editions of the Forward Day by Day are now available in the back o the church at the usher's station.
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Nurturing our gardens is just as important as nurturing our community. Benison is diligently preparing the planting beds for our vibrant fall planting, and we invite you to join us every Saturday at 9:00 am. This is not just about planting seeds; it’s about cultivating connections and fostering friendships among families and individuals who share a common purpose. No matter your skill level, your presence and contributions will make a profound difference in enhancing the farm. Let’s grow together! | |
Mercy Keepers
Those that receive your items of food, clothing and household items are so appreciative! Thank you for your many contributions...Every item you donate is utilized and valued.
Please consider Mercy Keepers when you purchase your imperishable food with your
BOGO options at your favorite grocery store.
Please place your donated items in the back of the sanctuary,
in the baskets near the baptismal font.
Thank you!
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Pack-a-Snack
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers Weekly Schuedule:
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of September 8th:
Delivery: Lee Coryell, Thursday, 09/12/2024
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of September 15th:
Purchasing: Laura & Bill Vrooman
Staging: Linda and Mike Davis
Packing: Stephanie McLaughlin, Lori Cottle and Canterbury School of Florida
Delivery: Nancy Day, Thursday, 09/19/2024
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of September 22nd:
Delivery: Bill Thomas, Thursday, 09/26/2024
Pack-a-Snack Volunteers for the Week of September 1st:
Purchasing: Laura & Bill Vrooman
Staging: Linda and Mike Davis
Packing: Toni and Pete Calabrese, Wednesday, 10/02/2024
Delivery: Toni and Pete Calabrese, Thursday, 10/03/2024
Thanks to all for your help with Pack-a-Snack at
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
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FAST is an interfaith social justice campaign in Pinellas County that works on affordable housing, clean water, and criminal justice reform. Click on the FAST logo to learn more about this St. Thomas' outreach initiative.
There will be a meeting on Monday, Sept. 23 in the Parish Hall. Two City Council Candidates, Mike Harting and Pete Bowland, will be interviewed by FAST on their commitment to pursue affordable housing. One will occur at 7:00 and the other at 7:30 p.m.
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Sandwich Sunday (slight change for October)
Come join us on the first Sunday of every month when we make 200 ham, turkey, and cheese sandwiches for those needing food in our community. Sandwich Sunday is normally held on the first Sunday of the month but due to October 6being our Blessing of the Pets and Animal Fair day, our next Sandwich Sunday will be October 13 following the 8:00 am service, in the Parish Hall.
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"When our worship ends, our service begins...Go into your week looking for opportunities. Each one is unique. Each opportunity to serve a child of God will never come again. Don't let many pass you by."
Fr. Ryan Whitley
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The Gospel invites us to Walk in Love with our neighbor in their footsteps, with the outcast and the marginalized, with those who need us. As we spread the Good News in our world, we carry the love and support of our congregation and our prayers into our communities. When you share your many gifts with your neighbors, every step is walking in love.
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We warmly invite you to join us for a truly special evening at St. Thomas Episcopal Church as we celebrate our Art Project's next gallery opening on October 11! This is not just an event; it’s a vibrant cultural experience that we hope you will share with friends and loved ones. Immerse yourself in the stunning photography of Jim Swallow and the evocative poetry of Miriam Sauve, all while being serenaded by the delightful music of Don and Wendy Morris. This gathering promises to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community, appreciate local talent, and foster a spirit of creativity and togetherness. Let’s come together in faith and the arts, enriching our spiritual lives and supporting one another in this joyous celebration!
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Please join us on Thursdays from
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm.
Meeting ID: 969 2031 5905
Password: 06182020
Connect through Zoom:
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September's Men's Club Meeting
The Men's Club had a great monthly outing to Grand Central Brewhouse last week. Please make plans to join in the fellowship and fun in October on the 3rd. Details will be forthcoming.
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On August 28, the Class of 2025 was honored in a Senior Investiture Ceremony. This tradition is significant by recognizing the rising Seniors. Congratulations! | |
Roll Call - Help Welcome the New PB!
On Thursday, September 19 at Dayspring, the Diocese is inviting all to gather to be included in our Diocesan Roll Call at 5:30pm. The Diocese will be videotaping a message from the Diocese for the Investiture of our next Presiding Bishop. Please plan to attend so the video we send will not only have St. Thomas' represented but will be filled with love and excitement. To register for this event click on this link:
https://episcopalflorida.wufoo.com/forms/m156lg1q1n4co9z/
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The diocesan annual convention Walking Together as ONE will take place October 11 and 12 and will be live streamed. For more information on agendas, workshops, etc. please click on the button below.
Please keep St. Thomas' delegation in your prayers: Fr. Ryan, Deacon Martha, Mary Jane Park, Jack Day, Mary Clark, and Jonathan Mitchell.
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Cursillo is Celebrating 150 Weekends!
The 150th weekend in the diocese will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Christ Episcopal Church 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Food and fun will be provided. For more information call Candy Newman, 941-704-6867.
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News from the Episcopal Church | |
Save the Date - November 2
Our Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe will have his investiture on November 2, 11:00 am in the Chapel of Christ the Lord in The Episcopal Church Center in New York City, with a prelude beginning one hour earlier. There will be an extensive livestream production to support churchwide access and participation Stay tuned for more details.
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The list of names in the Prayers of the People will be published in the bulletin every week and in this section of The Draft. To add someone to the long-term prayer list, contact Russ Martin in the church office: 727-896-9641 or office@stthomasstpete.org.
Names stay on the prayer list for three weeks unless otherwise requested.
Prayer list: Dona, Geoff, Sharon Joanne, Barbara, Ethan, Chris, Carrie, Yvonne, Jo, Terry, Julia, John, Russ, Laurie Lowe and family, Phil, Fred, Mark, and Jon.
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Healing prayer with the imposition of holy oil is offered at the 10am Sunday service, and occasionally at 8am. After communion you are invited to come to the back of the church and receive a confidential healing prayer from a trained parishioner. Prayer ministers share the heart of Jesus' love and care, and are guided by the Holy Spirit to listen, love, and pray into your prayer requests for physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs. Intercessory prayers for others can also be given. If you have any questions about the healing prayer ministry or feel called to serve, please call Joan Barns, 757-567-5488 or email joanmbarns@gmail.com. | |
Happy Birthday blessings this month go out to:
Oliver Forrester, Lomax Dobbs, Alexis Walker, McKenzie Davidson, Breck Moorefield, Ellen McMullen, Liz Curry, Colton Tarver, Betsy Alonzo, Kyle Brady, Darby Jung, Caroline Whitley, Christopher Ewing, Joan Barns, Edy Nicholas, Angie Ford, Adrienne Ruga, Jessica Purcell, Mike Bice, Judy Whitaker, Kay Mahoney, Jamie Elstun, and Duane Kaufhold.
Happy Anniversary blessings this month go out to:
David and Beth Gould, George and Ellen Burkhart, Lee and Mindy Harvard, Robert and Anne Wetmore, and John and Pam Holley.
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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: September 15
Acolytes: Daniel Nicolas, Colin Burkhart, Dominic Nicolas
Altar Guild: Barbara Bice, Jean Irwin
Camera Operator/Digital Commnetator: Jackson Ball / Mike White
Coffee Hosts: Ellen Burkhart, Viki Sheahan
Flower Guild: Marilyn Lanctot
Healing: Anne Elstun
Lay Eucharistic Minister 10am: Trish Thomas
Lector 8am: Jack Day
Lectors 10am: Louise Chapin, Kanika Tomalin
Nursery: Angel Bickert, Joan Groendal-Patterson
Oblations 10am: Mike and Gina White
Prayers of the People 8am: Jack Day
Prayers of the People 10am: Peggy Lewis
Ushers 10am: Lee Coryell and Teri Andrés-Coryell
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John Henry Hobart
John Henry Hobart was one of the leaders who revived the Episcopal Church, following the first two decades of its independent life after the American Revolution, a time that has been described as one of “suspended animation.” Born in Philadelphia on September 14, 1775, Hobart was educated at the Universities of Pennsylvania and Princeton, graduating from the latter in 1793. Bishop William White, his longtime friend and adviser, ordained him as a deacon in 1798 and as a priest in 1801. After serving parishes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Long Island, Hobart became assistant minister of Trinity Church, New York City, in 1800. He was consecrated Assistant Bishop of New York on May 29, 1811. Five years later he succeeded Bishop Benjamin Moore, both as diocesan bishop and as rector of Trinity Church. He died at Auburn, New York, September 12, 1830, and was buried beneath the chancel of Trinity Church in New York City. Within his first four years as bishop, Hobart doubled the number of his clergy and quadrupled the number of missionaries. Before his death, he had planted a church in almost every major town of New York State and had begun missionary work among the Oneida tribe of Native Americans. He was one of the founders of the General Theological Seminary, and the reviver of Geneva, now Hobart, College. A strong and unbending upholder of church standards, Hobart established the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of New York, and was one of the first American scholars to produce theological and devotional manuals for the laity. These “tracts,” as they were called, and the personal impression he made on the occasion of a visit to Oxford, were an influence on the development of the Tractarian Movement in England. Both friends and foes respected Hobart for his staunch faith, his consuming energy, his personal integrity, and his missionary zeal.
[Feast Day: September 12]
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Note:
There will be no Holy Eucharist on Wednesday, September 18.
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Thursday, September 12 (John Henry Hobart)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Chapel of Christ the King
6:00 pm - Zoom Happy Hour
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room
Friday, September 13 (Cyprian)
10:00 am - AA Meeting - Library
Saturday, September 14 (HOLY CROSS DAY)
9:00 am - Work day at Benison Farm
6:00 pm - AA Meeting - Guild Room
Sunday, September 15 (17th Sunday after Pentecost)
7:30 am - Nursery
8:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, spoken
9:00 am Truthseekers - Guild Room
10:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, sung
10:00 am - Feasting on the Word - Library
11:30 am - CPR & AED Training - Parish Hall (Nursery available)
Monday, September 16 (Ninian)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Chapel of Christ the King
12:00 pm - AA Meeting - Library
Tuesday, September 17 (Hildegard of Bingen)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Chapel of Christ the King
7:00 pm - Vestry Meeting - Founders' Room
Wednesday, September 18 (Edward Bouverie)
7:30 am - Men's Bible Study - Founders' Room
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Chapel of Christ the King
6:00 pm - Supper, Song and Prayer - Parish Hall
6:45 pm - Compline - Parish Hall
7:00 pm - Adult Formation Class - Guild Room
Thursday, September 12 (Theodore of Tarsus))
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Chapel of Christ the King
6:00 pm - Zoom Happy Hour
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room
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