Monthly Archives: May 2012

Family Worship – Sunday, June 10 @ 10:00 a.m.

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Family Worship begins Sunday June 10th – 10:00 a.m. followed by Parish Picnic.

Family Worship will look different so that all will feel included.

Family Worship is an opportunity for all to gather as the body of Christ…Family Worship is for all ages, at all stages of life.

Family Worship is:

for ALL
welcoming, inviting, friendly
where we sing joyfully with thanksgiving
children are enthusiastically included and valued
Word and Holy Supper feeding us for the week
timely – we’ll finish by 11:00 a.m.
once a month

Bishop Edward Lee Visits: Confirmation & Reception

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On June 3, the First Sunday after Pentecost, at the 10am service, 24 youth will make their confirmation in the faith.  Confirmation is the rite in which we 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, p860)  Our confirmands have spent the year meeting after worship from September thru May, considering the tenets of our faith through conversation, drama, creative writing, field trips and mentor activities.
We will receive people into the Episcopal Church on this day, too.

Please keep those who are going to be Confirmed or Received this Sunday in your prayers.

Our Week with Interfaith Housing Alliance

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For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and
you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me
Matthew 25:35

Interfaith Housing Alliance’s emergency shelter program provides stays of up to 3 months, and a comprehensive array of support services, for homeless families in Central Montgomery County.  A network of approximately 19 “host congregations” serves families for one month each year at their places of worship.

This year’s participation in the Interfaith Housing program for one week as a “buddy” congregation to host Trinity Ambler brought with it much that was new.  Not only new coordinators at both Trinity and St. Thomas, but a new program director at Interfaith Housing Alliance as well.  Yet all the pieces came together smoothly as St. Thomas’ parishioners volunteered to fill the needed spots and even if unable to do so, asked how else they could help.

Our involvement in April helped the young mother of a three year old son, struggling to regain her footing and independence.  Whether it was a meal shared, a game of tag or football played, or time spent conversing about parenting skills and hopes for the future – it was all done with smiles and welcoming hearts by St. Thomas’ wonderful volunteers.

A first time volunteer, Terra Westhaus says, “My husband and I had a very rewarding experience as overnight volunteers.  Spending time getting to know the family and playing with the little boy was great, but more than that it inspired me to reach out to Interfaith and explore other volunteer opportunities”.

“We like to volunteer for this outreach because it is a family activity….something that we can do together” says Robin Worgan whose family has volunteered many times over the years.  “So much of outreach today is intangible with raising money or sending materials or dropping off household goods but this one is about eating food together, building relationships and listening.  This is the essence of Christianity.  Each year we meet and learn from the families.”

Currently, the Outreach Commission is exploring the possibility of becoming an Interfaith host congregation.  In the meantime, please keep Interfaith’s work and the families it serves in your prayers.

Summer Take Aways: May 27, 2012

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Summer Takeaway

Summer Take Aways – Pentecost May 27, 2012

Welcome to Summer Take Aways – these are short reflections, and prayers  are based on the Bible readings from the weekly lectionary.  In worship each week, you’ll hear these readings.  The preaching often relates to the readings as well.  We read the Bible and pray every day as a way of preparing ourselves to be the children of God Jesus calls us to be.  Enjoy these Take Aways each week with your household, around your dinner table, in the car, at the beach, wherever your household is gathered for times of reflection.  Let us know how Summer Take Aways work for you.  Blessings, Hillary

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, (the fifty days following Easter), the birthday of the church.  Before ascending, Jesus promises his disciples that he will send a comforter, the companion, the paraclete, the Holy Spirit to be with them, to lead them to complete truth.  Jesus ascends, the gift of the Holy Spirit descends, and the Church is born. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHURCH!!

The readings for Pentecost give us three different images of the Holy Spirit…

1.     Hope

2.    Flames of Fire

3.      Truth

 The First Reading:  Romans 8:22-27 – Hope from Groaning

The apostle Paul writes to the church in Rome, that all who are guided by the Spirit of God, are children of God, heirs of God and joint-heirs, made free in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We share in Jesus’ suffering and in his glory and we live in hope.  Hope is believing in that which we cannot yet see. So, we persevere with confidence and trust in the Holy Spirit working within us and for us.

 The Holy Spirit comes to help us in our weakness, Paul continues to write to the community struggling to stay faithful.  Keep praying…

 We don’t always know what to pray… Paul writes, don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will pray for us in groans, or sighs that cannot be put into words.  Have hope, trust…the Holy Spirit is present, even when we don’t know what to do. 

This week, ask one another, what do you hope for?  Pray for what you hope for. 

 The Second Reading:  Acts 2:1-21 – Flames of Fire

In your household, if you’re going to share any story about the birthday of the church…share this one.  The imagery is fantastic.  It’s nine o’clock in the morning and the disciples (1:13-14), including the women, are in the upper room, waiting, just like Jesus told them to.  Maybe they’re not sure what to do.  So, they pray. 

 Then, from heaven, comes a fierce wind filling the house.  (It’s hot this week.  Turn on the fan while talking about this story).   It’s really loud.  When they look around, somehow, what look like individual flames, come to sit on top of each one of their heads!  

 Then, immediately, each person is filled with the Holy Spirit.  Here’s what we learn about the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that propels us into action. 

 Right away Jesus’ disciples all start speaking and all of Jerusalem hears about the mightiness of God.  There’s a lot of noise.  Everyone is speaking at the same time.  But, hears the real gift.  Jesus’ friends, they all speak in the native tongue of every single person in Jerusalem!  So, everyone is hearing about how much God loves us!

 It’s hard to believe.  Some people think the disciples are drunk.  Jesus’ friend, Peter, sets them straight and reminds the people that the prophet Joel said God would pour out his Spirit on everyone and everyone who wants to know will know about how much God loves us!!!

 So, it’s not in this story, but, if you keep reading in Acts, you’ll learn how Jesus’ friends, all filled up with the Holy Spirit, went out to tell about God’s love for us in the story of Jesus.  The book of Acts is really called the Acts of the Apostles.  Jesus first friends were called disciples.  Disciples means to follow.  After Pentecost, Jesus’ friends are called apostles.  Apostles means to go out.  The apostles go out to teach, preach, heal, and pray in Jesus’ name.  People kept coming to listen, to learn and to pray.  The Church was born.

 Imagine if every time you felt the wind you would say, this is God, sweeping me up in his love!

Flames of fire are a sign for the birth of the Church!

 The Holy Spirit is our birthday present from Jesus.  Now, today, we get the Holy Spirit in our baptism; unearned, free, all wrapped up as God’s favor upon us.  The Holy Spirit is what gives us the ability to be people of action. Go out, good friends, and tell others about God giving us the Holy Spirit.   Happy Birthday Church!!!

 The Holy Spirit might look like flames of fire!!!

 What kind of action do you want to take in responding to God’s love? 

 The Gospel:  John 15:26-27:4b-15 – Truth

Jesus is trying to explain to his friends what happens when we receive the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is so strong, so mighty, that it forces us into the truth!  And, the truth is, even when we don’t feel very capable, or very strong…Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to equip us and saddle us up to be truth bearers of justice and righteousness.  Happy Birthday truth tellers! 

 The Holy Spirit might look like truth telling!

 What kind of truth do you need to share this week that reveals what is right and just? 

 Let us pray:  Dear God, help us hope.  Help us see the flames of your love and mercy dancing on all those around us.  Help us to tell the truth.  Thank you for  adopting us into your family called the church.  Amen.

 Celebrate:  Have a Birthday Party!!! 

 

Vacation Bible School is returning to St. Thomas’ this summer!

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Our theme is Sky: Where Everything is Possible With God.  So come on a high-flying adventure with us!
Here are the details:
Dates: Monday, August 20th – Friday, August 24th,
Time: 9am – 12 noon
Place: Our beautiful campus
Who: Children ages 4 – 4th grade
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUTH AND ADULT VOLUNTEERS AS WELL! 
If you (or your older child) have time during this week to assist us, we would love to have you join us for one day or all 5!  Please contact us or sign up here if you are available!
Contact info:
Amy Weiler 215-643-1377
Stacy Smith 215-887-1749
Registration is closed.
We hope to see you there!!

Testimonial from Pam Jameson – The Barn

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In their words (Pam Jameson, Second Saturday Sales volunteer):

“I received a call from Inter-faith Housing Alliance about a young girl who was an Honor Roll student at a local school, despite the fact that she had been homeless for the past 3 years. Her mother had recently gotten a job at preschool as a teaching assistant, they had applied for transition housing at Hope Gardens and they were turning their lives around. Still the mother had no money to buy this bright young girl a prom gown to attend her first high school prom. I met the mother and daughter at the barn one evening after many of the volunteers had left, so that this motivated young teenager would have the dignity of “shopping” for her dream dress the way so many of us take for granted. I took them up to the Top Shop area where much of the donated formal wear is hung and helped a mother experience her daughter become a princess in front of her. After trying on over a dozen different dresses, the young student found the dress of her dreams that fit her perfectly. The look of sheer joy on her face as she wrapped her arms around her mother nearly brought me to tears. Within a week, I was able to find shoes and accessories to match the dress, and the young lady was escorted to her first prom by a fellow Honor Roll student. She left me a message the next morning that she had had the time of her life and sent along a special thank you to the many volunteers and generosity of St. Thomas’ church. It was a small gesture that made a huge impact on this young lady’s life. A young lady, who despite the hardship she and her family endured, somehow continues to keep motivated to be the best that she can be.”

Youth Car Wash Thanks!

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We hope that you all who left church on Sunday with shiny, clean cars have been enjoying them!  Thanks to your donations, we raised over $500 toward the Mission Possible trip of the youth to the Boston area this June!  THANK YOU!!  We look forward to telling you about the difference your money and our time meant in our mission work when we present to the congregation in the fall.  Please keep us in your prayers when we’re gone June 24th-29th.

Gratefully, St. Thomas’ Youth

2012 International Summer Concerts in the Grove

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The 2012 International Summer Concerts in the Grove
Now in our 38th year hosting world class carillonneurs, local musicians and entertainment groups. Come and join us for concerts in the grove. Bring your picnic dinner, blanket or chair and enjoy an evening of music under the stars. Concerts are held at 7:00p.m., rain or shine.

July 3 Wine Down Tuesday (Bring your favorite wine)
Jeff Davis, Carillonneur, California; Tower Tours

July 10 Music and Mischief Family Concert
Dick van Dijk, Carillonneur, The Netherlands; Phila. Mandolin & Guitar Ensemble

July 17 Strut Your Stuff!
Trevor Workman, Carillonneur, Great Britain; Greater Kensington String Band

July 24 Dundore Memorial Concert
Margaret Pan, Carillonneur, California; Derrick Goff & Friends

July 31 Bill Shumaker Memorial Concert
Kevin Engleman, Carillonneur; Lisa Lonie, Resident Carillonneur; Unsafe at Any Speed Folk Singers

The concert series is supported by the audience’s free will donation and a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, through its regional arts funding partnership, Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA). Additional support of the PPA Partnership in Southeastern Pennsylvania is provided by PECO.

Episcopal 101

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Saturday, May 12, 2012
Want to know more about the Episcopal Church?  This class is the basics for any adult who wants a refresher course or who wants to be baptized, confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church on June 3, 2012.  During this morning class, you’ll learn and discuss Anglican Identity, Authority, Spirituality, Temperament and Polity using a little book entitled A People Called Episcopalians: A Brief Introduction to Our Peculiar Way of Life by John Westerhoff.  This class will be held from 8:30-12 on May 12 in the library in Church Hill Hall (the office building).  Please RSVP to Anita Burke 215-233-3970 x121.  We need at least 6 people to hold this class.  This will be the last offer of this class before the June 3 worship service.