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Thank you to everyone who came out and helped with Kitchen of Hope this weekend!  We served 125 families during our special Thanksgiving giveaway!  Next giveaway is 10 December.

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Bishop Stokes has written to all of us a Pastoral Letter on the Anniversary of Kristallnacht. I commend it to your careful consideration. I am grateful we have a pastor who speaks clearly to the evils and temptations we face in our efforts to live out our faith with authenticity.

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TEC@RU continues its Monthly Concert Series on 20 November at 6PM.  Come listen to talented Rowan music students and show them that St. Thomas’ welcomes their presence! This month features Voces, Latin for voices, one of Rowan University’s most active chamber ensembles. starting at 6PM in the nave.  Stay for refreshments afterwards!

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Would you like to help light the Advent candles this year? We need two people at the beginning of EACH weekend liturgy from 27 November through 18 December, meaning there is lots of opportunity for you to participate. Often families or friends like to team up for this short, simple act of service. If you would like to sign up, please email office@stthomasglassboro.org with the day and time of the liturgy in which you would like to serve in this way.

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Coming soon: Thanksgiving potluck! Please speak to Deacon John if you can help!

 

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On November 20 at 4 PM, the early (Tudor era) music ensemble from Rowan University music department, presents a program at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist, 1720 Old Black Horse Pike, Chews Landing (Blackwood) NJ, under the direction of Dr. Lourin Plant. The performance length will not exceed approximately one hour. Masking is encouraged but not mandatory. The choir and Episcopal Church Women of the parish are preparing a light reception of snack foods popular during the Tudor era.

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Would you like to serve at the altar at St. Thomas? Acolytes are lay people who help in our worship services to: light candles, assist in preparations for communion, carry the cross in processional and so much more!  We are training and refreshing training for all ADULTS AND CHILDREN AGE 10 AND UP.  Children will be trained to do tasks that match their ability, people aged 16+ will be trained as Eucharistic ministers to assist in administering the bread and wine at Holy Eucharist.  No experience is required! Please consider.

Training will take place on the following dates in the Nave of the Church:

Saturday December 10 – 6:30 PM
Sunday Dec 11 – 10:00 AM

Saturday Dec 17 – 6:30 PM
Sunday Dec 18 – 10:00 AM

To register for training or with any questions please contact:

Sarah A-W (856)308-7503 or sarahkawcnm@gmail.com

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The Jane O.P. Turner fund is a special fund administered by the Diocese of New Jersey for families who need financial assistance due to expenses incurred in the care of children with incurable or terminal illnesses. See the notice on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall to learn how to apply for consideration.

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November is a month to give thanks and throughout November, United Thank Offering (UTO) boxes and envelopes will be in the church and Parish Hall.  Each year, this collection from the congregation is presented to the Diocese of New Jersey through the ECW.

“UTO encourages people to notice the good things that happen each day, give thanks to God for these blessings and make an offering.”

In 2022 the Diocese Executive Council awarded over a million dollars in grants with funds collected in 2021. Coins, cash, or checks written to St. Thomas’ with UTO on the memo line all will be gratefully received!  Thank you!

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As Episcopalians, we belong not just to a congregation but a Diocese. There are many ways to serve God’s community on the Diocesan level, and several of those opportunities (“offices”) will be filled at our 2023 convocation. Now is the time to make nominations! See the letter, list of offices to be filled, and nomination form on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall or online.

 

Mark your calendars:  Grungy Sunday is coming 4 December, immediately following the 10:30 service.  Grab your rakes, leaf blowers and tarps and help prepare our grounds for the winter.

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Mother Idalia Craig writes: December 11, my mother Etla Simmons will be 96. However, the family will celebrate our incredible mom and God’s blessings over her life Thanksgiving weekend, November 24-26. I would like for mom to receive birthday cards and notes of well wishes from any parishioner who would like to bless mom in this way. Cards can be mailed to:

Etla Simmons
85 Stone Rd.
McDonough, GA 30523

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Our COVID protocol is following the CDC guidelines for Gloucester County. The CDC COVID-19 Community Level is MEDIUM. This means masks are not 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.

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Lectionary readings for this week: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Canticle 16 (BCP, p. 92), Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43

Lectionary readings for next week:  Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122

Please continue in your daily prayers for:  Dennis, Marge, Joann, Lou, Jennifer, Mary Esther, Cameron, Ruth, Joe, Barbara, Jane, Sarah, Shirley, Katherine, Chris, Laura, Stacey, Helen, Steve

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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 8am & 10:30am!

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