The coronavirus has not receded as hoped this summer. Due to low vaccination rates, the virus has been given opportunity to develop new, more infectious variants. The United States, and New Jersey, are experiencing another surge in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Thus, in following the recommendations of the CDC, our state government, and our Diocese:
1. Masks should be worn at all times while indoors on the St. Thomas’ campus.
2. Masks are optional for those who have been fully vaccinated while outdoors.
Remember to bring your Book of Common Prayer back to church this week, if you have one. We’ll have plenty on hand to lend out as well, and the full-text of the liturgy will continue to be available at https://www.sharedprayers.net
All through the summer we are collecting funds for Episcopal Community Services. Make your check payable to St. Thomas’ and mark “ECS” in the corner.
Congratulations to Jeannie Marcucci on her ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons! Watch the ceremony live on YouTube Saturday, 21 August at 10am here.
Grab your favorite blanket or lawn chair and come to Family Movie Night on the Lawn. We will be viewing “Abominable” at 7:30pm on Friday, 27 August. Popcorn and drinks to be provided.
On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest portion of Haiti. This devastating earthquake was followed by Tropical Storm Grace on Monday night and much of Tuesday. More than 1 million people, including more than half a million children, have been impacted by the back-to-back disasters, and the death toll is close to 2000. Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners are responding immediately with direct assistance to vulnerable households in the region, as partners plan long-term recovery. Your generous gift can provide assistance to help people in the wake of these disasters. To assist in these efforts, visit episcopalrelief.org/haiti-relief.
Rowan is starting a new year and The Episcopal Church at Rowan University (TEC@RU) needs your help! During Move-In Weekend, TEC@RU is hosting a snack table for all students, parent/family members, and move-in volunteers. We are seeking donations for the snack table and we would appreciate any and all help we can get! For snack donations, please make sure each snack item is individually wrapped/packaged and please let us know if there’s any food allergens in them. If you have any questions, please speak to Rachael Owen (for physical snack/beverage donations) or Father Todd (if you would like to financially contribute to the table).
Start to get ready for the Fall Flea Market to be held Saturday, 18 September from 8am to 2pm. Rain Date September 25, 2021. Please contact Debbie Lubelski for information and table rentals at 856-694-2449.
Safe Church training is once again being offered live. While you can renew your training online, the first time you take it must be done in person. All Vestry members, staff, and anyone who works with children at St. Thomas’ is required to have this training. For more information and for training schedules, see https://dioceseofnj.org/safe-church-training/.
Picking Tomatoes at Lammas-Tide
In the heat and haze of early August, Lord, I praise Your Holy Name,
For this first harvest of tomatoes from my garden.
For the warm, brown earth they have grown from:
I give thanks to the Creator.
For the thundery summer rain that watered them:
I give thanks to the Child.
For the hot summer sun that has ripened the fruit:
I give thanks to the Spirit.
Each deep red globe, gently twisted from under scented leaves,
A small miracle to hold in my own hand.
By Your bounteous grace, O Lord, and the sweat of my brow,
I have partnered with You in this miracle.
All praise to You, God of the green and growing Earth!
All praise to You, God of rain and sun and fruitfulness!
All praise to You, God of my backyard tomato harvest!
–From Earth Afire with God: Celtic Prayers For Ordinary Life (Anamchara Books).
Lectionary readings for this week: 1 Kings 8: [1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69
Lectionary readings for next week: Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Episcopal Relief and Development sent a thank you letter for our gift of $802. The letter has been posted in the Parish Hall.
If you are scheduling events at St. Thomas’ – or re-scheduling or canceling – please be sure to email the church office (office@stthomasglassboro.org) with all calendar updates. The canonical church calendar can be seen at https://www.stthomasglassboro.org/calendar/ . An up-to-date calendar avoids conflicting events and hurt feelings: it’s part of how we love one another. If your event is not on the calendar, your space isn’t reserved!
Announcements for the parish email are due via email by noon on Wednesday of each week. You can email them to announcements@stthomasglassboro.org
See the official St. Thomas’ calendar for a list of upcoming events.
Are you serving in liturgy? Check the rota!
Summer 2021 at St. Thomas’
- Holy Eucharist on Lawn: Sundays, 10am
- Centering Prayer Online: Mondays, 4pm
- Holy Eucharist at the Lychgate: Wednesdays, 5.30pm
- Holy Eucharist in Nave: Saturdays, 6pm
- Live-streaming of Holy Eucharist: Saturdays, 6pm
Family Movie Night on the Lawn: 27 August, 7.30pm
Rally Day & Picnic: 12 September, Picnic follows 10am service
Ministry Fair: 19 September, between 8am and 10am service