St. Thomas Updates - April 8, 2021
Ministry Minute
Easter Photos
Becky Smith
The Music Fund
Joel Bejot

Thanks to all who have given so generously! Between donations and pledges, we have raised $18,850 of our $25,000 goal. We have raised enough money for bells to purchase the set, and they will be here around the end of the month. 

We have about $5,000 of the needed $11,000 for musicians. Having a professional level of musicianship at our worship is important - it lifts us up and comforts us in an otherwise challenging time. I would also love to bring our virtual choir musicians here for a concert as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you haven't already, donate now at https://stthomassv.org/donations/music-fund/ and rest easy knowing that the St. Thomas Music Fund is well taken care of.

Playhouse camp registration has opened and registrations are coming in at a blistering pace. Over 80% of our slots have been filled within the first week!

Sara and Brett look forward to a robust season of programming!
All the Earth!
One of the great gifts of the Orthodox Church are icons. Icons are not objects of worship, but images through which to aid worship and spiritual growth. The icon above is of the Resurrection, and it happens to be one of my favorites.

Most appreciate this icon for its dramatic depiction of the Resurrected Christ stands on the gates of hades, lifting both Adam and Eve out of death into life. Yet what I love are the rocks behind Jesus that frame the image. If you look closely, you’ll notice that they are in the shape of two hands lifted up in the same position of prayer that priests use while celebrating the Eucharist. It’s a powerful reminder that all the earth celebrated and participated in Christ’s resurrection. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it (Matthew 28:2).

Friends, this Easter season may we see in creation not only the beauty of God, but a partner in the glorification of God.

Peace,
Jonah+
From Sandra Willingham

Several years ago in my Master Gardener Class I learned that any time you do any weeding in your yard ALWAYS dispose the weeds into some kind a container and completely remove them from your entire yard area. No weed pile area or anything like that! It really helps to keep the seeds from floating back in!
Thank Offering to Return

We have missed sharing in those big moments in your lives that were shared during the Thank Offerings.

We plan on including the Thank Offering/Prayer during the last Sunday 9:30 service of each month, beginning this month on April 25.

It would be helpful to let the office know when you are planning on participating; just give us a call at 208-726-5349.
TEEN CONFIRMATION CLASSES!

Sundays
April 18-May 23, 2021
4:00-6:00 p.m.
St. Thomas Church
8th grade & up

In-Person
Masked

Team Teachers: The Rev. Jonah Kendall & Sara Gorby

What is confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860).


These classes provide an opportunity for young people to learn about what it means to be Christian and especially Episcopalian.
Not to mention trying to stump Jonah with BURNING QUESTIONS!

Bishop Brian will confirm youth on
Sunday, August 15th, 9:30 a.m. service
when he visits St. Thomas!

Contact Sara Gorby for sign-up information, sgorby@stthomassv.org