Welcoming Ministries

God comes to us in visitors. Whether you arrive at the church door as a stranger or a person known from other dimensions of our lives, we welcome you as a companion on the journey of faith bearing gifts of life experience to share. God works among us in Christian community, through relationships with one another. St. Thomas’ welcoming ministries seek to help you find your way into these relationships: To satisfy the yearnings that brought you here and to discern how the gifts you bring may be honored.

Pastoral Care Ministries

At St. Thomas’ Church, we care for each other. Pastoral ministry is not limited to the clergy. We pray for those in need, visit people, make phone calls, send cards, offer flowers, deliver prayer shawls, bring communion, assist with rides, and help those who are not able to be with us physically to know that they are still a part of this community.

Worship Ministries

St. Thomas’ worship is alive: God is here, the people are with us, and we integrate our faith and our lives. There is a simple Communion service without any music at 8 a.m. and, at 10 a.m., there is a Communion service with the magnificent choir. At the time of the Peace, the children join their families for Communion. Many people assist in different worship ministries and contribute to upholding God’s glory. St. Thomas’ Church worship ministries include:

• Readers
• Acolytes
• Altar Guild
• Flower Guild
• Choir
• Chalice Bearers
• Ushers

Children and Youth Ministries

Our Children’s and Youth Ministries equip young people to know and share God’s love through faith formation, fellowship, and fun. We accomplish these goals by:

• Assisting in the spiritual formation of children and youth
• Receiving and honoring the gifts they bring
• Facilitating their worship of God and membership in our faith community
• Equipping them for ministry through instruction in our shared faith
• Encouraging their participation in the church liturgy

Programs for Children & Youth include:

• Nursery
• Sunday School
• Community Service Activities
• Youth Group
• Picnics
• Confirmation Class
• Mission Trips

Parish Life Ministries

Parish Life Ministries reaches into our church community to support activities that help connect members and friends as they live out their faith as one body in Christ. This group provides opportunities for relationship-building that lead to increased participation in worship and service and thereby strengthen that sense of belonging to the congregation as the family of God. Activities include fellowship time following worship, monthly intergenerational activities, and special dinners.

Outreach Ministries

The goal of the Outreach Ministry is to improve the living conditions of those in need in our community, our country and throughout the world. Feeding the hungry, clothing those without adequate clothes, building homes for others, and sharing Christmas gifts to bring joy to neglected children are some of the tangible ways for each of us to love one another. Current outreach ministries include:

• Paul’s Place
• Habitat for Humanity
• St. Thomas’ Sundays / Red Cross Blood Drives
• Sew-Knit Outreach

The Outreach Ministry team heartily welcomes new members and new ideas on how to best help those in need.