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Welcome to Kick-off weekend at St. Thomas’! There’s a lot going on this weekend, and you are invited to take part in the ways that make sense to you! Join us for:

• Saturday: Kitchen of Hope
• Saturday, 5.30pm: Holy Eucharist (in nave, with music)
• Sunday, 8am: Holy Eucharist (Rite I, in nave, no music)
• Sunday, 9am: Sunday School for all ages (Parish Hall)
• Sunday, 10am: Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)
• Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Eucharist (Parish Hall, with music and choir)
• Sunday, 11.30am: Kick-off Picnic (on Lawn)
• Sunday, 6pm: Jazz Trio Concert, sponsored by TEC@RU (in nave, refreshments after)

The CDC COVID-19 Community Level is MEDIUM. This means masks are not required but still not a bad idea! COVID exposures (being around someone who has COVID but doesn’t realize it yet) are still happening, including at church.

Please note: COVID cases are going around our (St. Thomas’, South Jersey) community. Please take the precautions you need and test if you feel cause for concern. We’re all tired of COVID, but apparently it is not yet tired of us!

Sunday, 11 September we will be having our Kick-Off picnic.  Come join in the fun 11:30-2:00. The picnic will be held on the lawn next to the rectory.  We will have food, games and entertainment all done in a way to ensure safety during this Covid-19 time. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Gretchen O. 856-264-5681.

BAYADA at Inspira Hospice seeks Volunteer Client Companions in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Volunteers can provide in-person visits as well as errands, yard work, office support, crafts, phone calls and many more helpful tasks. Tools of success training will be provided. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Yvette Young at 856.845.8220.

TEC@RU starts its Monthly Concert Series on 11 September at 6PM.  Come listen to talented Rowan music students and show them that St. Thomas’ welcomes their presence! This month features a Jazz Trio, starting at 6PM in the nave.

Are you feeling drawn toward something new in service to God’s people? The Episcopal Servant Ministries seminar will allow you to explore how the Spirit may be moving you! The Spirit is always inviting you to participate in God’s work. For more information about this free, three-session Zoom seminar, go to
https://dioceseofnj.org/know_your_story/episcopal-servant-ministries-seminars/

Thanks to all 48 respondents who participated in St. Thomas’ Strength and Talents Survey. Your responses will help us focus on the best use of our resources. While there were many robust responses for all the activities listed in our survey, more than a third of parishioners selected bible study, reading lessons, and women’s and men’s’ groups. The good news is we have ministries that may be meeting the needs of the parish: Bible Study, Lector Group, ECW, and Tuesday night Work Crew.

However, what was most obvious from the survey is that people were interested in helping others. Writing letters, notes, cards, etc.; gardening/landscaping; helping to set up and serve communion; book club; and cooking/baking each received more than a quarter of the clicks.  Groups that may help fulfill these desires include Stewardship Committee, St Thomas’ Garden Ministry, and Altar Guild or Eucharistic Minister, among many others.

We received several responses listing other talents and interests ranging from historical,  technological, financial, musical, and medical areas to crafts and campus ministry.  It is thrilling to see such a variety in our congregation, and we encourage all to listen carefully to what God is calling you to do.  For more detailed information on the survey, please email: stthomassurvey@gmail.com or check the Parish Hall bulletin board to review the Survey Report.

Provide relief and help communities recover from flooding and fires

Deadly flooding and fires in southern and western parts of the US are displacing thousands and creating a financial burden on the most vulnerable. Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church and local partners to provide help where it’s needed the most. Your swift response and compassionate gift to the Episcopal Relief & Development Disaster Fund will provide supplies to help communities in Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, California and other places make a full and sustained recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to make a contribution today.

Our COVID protocol is following the CDC guidelines for Gloucester County. Masks are not presently required. But they are still simple and effective protection. Please be sure to stay on top of your recommended vaccinations to protect all those you love.

If you would like to contribute to the work of Episcopal Relief & Development serving refugees from Ukraine, you can donate here.

Lectionary readings for this week:  Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10

Lectionary readings for next week:  Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, Psalm 79:1-9, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13

Please continue in your daily prayers for: Dennis, Marge, Joann, Lou, Jennifer, Mary Esther, Katie, Don, Jim, Tracy, Ronald, Lee, Ray, Ken, Joan, Wayne, Lenore, Connor, Cooper, Cameron, Ginny, Jeff, Barbara, Bill, Ashley

Announcements for the parish email are due via email by noon on Wednesday of each week. You can email them to announcements@stthomasglassboro.org

The church calendar can be seen at https://www.stthomasglassboro.org/calendar/ for a list of upcoming events. Please help us keep it current (and avoid hurt feelings) by sending updates to the church office (office@stthomasglassboro.org).

Are you serving in liturgy? Check the rota!

Prayer requests can be sent to prayer@stthomasglassboro.org

Watch our livestream here Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 10:30am!

Full-text of the liturgy is available at  https://www.sharedprayers.net