Below you will find an alphabetical listing of our various programs and ministries and contacts if you need more information. This list will be updated soon, with the development of individual pages for many of our programs.

Acolytes

Assisting the clergy in the major worship services, acolytes carry crosses, torches, and help with the alms and sacramental elements during the services. Christine Mercer 408-4682

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild serves in preparation for all worship services. Teams of Guild members assist with special services and care for the silver, brass, bread and wine, linens and vestments used in worship. Pam Lopez 981-9969

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God (Catechism of the Episcopal Church). You may be baptized at anytime from infancy to adulthood. All baptized members (from any denomination) are welcome to receive communion in the Episcopal Church. Clergy 969-2700

Choir

Adult
The Adult Choir sings each Sunday (September – May) at the 10:30 am Eucharist, leading the congregation in service music and hymn singing. Instrumental music and solos are offered during the summer so the choir can take a much-deserved vacation June – August. They also prepare anthems for Sunday worship and special music for Advent, Lessons and Carols, Evensong, Christmas and Easter services. Choir rehearsals are Wednesday evenings (Sept-May) from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We encourage people who love to sing to join this dedicated and friendly group. Dr. Paul Mosteller 337-6293

Youth Choir
The Youth Choir sings frequently during the year at the 10:30 Eucharist, including service music, hymns and a prepared anthem. The choir is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, whereby members receive medals for their achievement in acquiring musical, liturgical and membership skills. Choir rehearsals are Wednesday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:45. We encourage boys and girls in fourth grade and older to join this fun group. Marilee Manske 981-6703

Junior Choir
This choir has been established to meet the needs of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade boys and girls, who have an interest in singing. They will develop singing skills, learn to read music, and acquire knowledge of the church seasons and holydays. Choir members will wear vestments and be rewarded with ribbons and medals for their accomplishments. Rehearsals are Wednesday afternoons from 6:00 to 6:45. Marilee Manske 981-6703

Confirmation

Confirmation is when a baptized person, who has been instructed in the Christian faith, makes a mature commitment to God within a worship setting and receives a special blessing and prayer from a bishop. This sacramental rite occurs following Confirmation classes led by the rector and others and at the time of the Bishop's annual visit. Clergy 969-2700

Cursillo

Cursillo, or “short course,” is used to describe a weekend retreat led by clergy and laity several times a year. The weekend provides an opportunity to experience Christian teaching, fellowship, and relaxed worship, all with an emphasis on living out the Christian life.

Education for Ministry

EFM is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students meet regularly under the guidance of a trained mentor. Lou Thibodaux 969-2323

Episcopal Church Women

ECW provides opportunities for women of the parish to gather for fellowship, spiritual nourishment, and service to the parish. Olivia Weingarten 988-5417

EYC

EYC provides fun activities, Christian fellowship, and community service opportunities to strengthen youth in the community of faith. EYC meets every Sunday afternoon during the school year.

Flower Guild

The Flower Guild ministers to the parish by creating arrangements for each Sunday's worship services as well as special arrangements for holy days, anniversaries, memorials, and other events. Periodically, they have flower-arranging workshops. Ann Adger 969-1564 Jill Morgan 967-4278

Hospitality

Parish members and ministry groups volunteer to host the fellowship time following the 10:30 am service and provide light refreshments for our visitors and parish family. Joy Sproull 995-0701

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

LEMs assist with the administration of the chalice during the celebration of Holy Eucharist. This ministry includes training and LEMs are licensed by the Bishop. Clergy 969-2700

Lectors and Intercessors

Lectors read the scripture lessons and intercessors read the prayers of the people during the worship services. Lucy Wallace 969-2700

Membership Shepherding Committee

This group of parishioners serves the parish by contacting visitors and newcomers to Saint Thomas. They provide information about the parish as well as deliver a gift to welcome those who wish to receive a visit from a representative of our church. Their motto is Introduce yourself, make a friend, be a friend. Rebecca Sandidge 980-8760

Membership Transfer

If you are entering St. Thomas from another Episcopal parish, the parish administrator can assist you with obtaining a letter of transfer. If you are not officially an Episcopalian, and wish to become one, please speak to the rector about your desire. Lucy Wallace 969-2700

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group gathers on the third Thursday of the month for dinner and fellowship. In the past, this group has sponsored BBQs, garage sales, and a special Mother’s Day brunch. Allen Mercer 408-4682

Newsletter

The newsletter, The Believer, is published several times during the year. Articles should be given to the editor by the 15th of the month for the next month’s newsletter. Lucy Wallace, editor 969-2700

Nursery

The nursery provides nurturing care during the Sunday morning worship services and at other times, as needed. Caretakers usually include both parish volunteers and a paid nursery worker. Children from infancy to four years of age are welcome in the nursery. Laura Fiveash 982-0575

Pastoral Care

At life's turning points, whether birth or death, hospitalization or health restored, shattering trauma or hopeful new beginning, clergy and other gifted lay people can provide support and comfort. Our clergy can administer the sacraments, as appropriate. Church office 969-2700

Retreats

A parish retreat with a fellowship focus is held each year at Camp McDowell. Other spiritual retreats are periodically planned. Church office 969-2700

Sawyerville Work Project

The Sawyerville Work Project (SWP) is a day camp sponsored by the Youth Department and the Black Belt Ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. It serves 200+ economically disadvantaged minority youth ages 6-14 from Hale County. The SWP takes place for 8 days during the summer. The camp is provided free of charge to all campers. Volunteers are needed to serve on staff, serve as prayer partners, assist with a special project or supply drive, contribute financially or volunteer in some other way. www.sawyervilleworkproject.org 715-2060 ext. 340

Stewardship

Sharing our time, talent, and treasure in response to God’s gifts is an important part of spiritual development. While this occurs year-round, our stewardship focus time and collection of pledges is usually in the fall. Kirk Davenport 988-4038

Vestry

The vestry is the governing board of a local Episcopal church consisting of lay members and is the group that makes basic decisions about church budget, building plans, etc. Typically the St. Thomas Vestry consists of 12 members who serve for 3 years. Senior Warden, Kirk Davenport.

Weddings

The celebration and blessing of a marriage is a sacramental rite, as well as being a special event for a couple and their family and friends. Pre-marital counseling is an important part of the preparation. Clergy 969-2700 Wedding coordinators – Julie Farmer 595-8107 and Ann Adger 969-1564

Young Adult Fellowship

The mission of the Young Adult Fellowship (YAF) is to serve the spiritual and social needs of the young adults of the parish (20s to early 40s), single and married, both with and without children. Andy and Gina Easterling 982-6712, Matt and Joni Wyatt 290-0072