GOOD NEWS. A MESSAGE FROM OUR RECTOR, Rev. Loree Penner NOVEMBER 2017 ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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1 GOOD NEWS ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH A MESSAGE FROM OUR RECTOR, Rev. Loree Penner NOVEMBER Providence Road Towson, MD stthomastowson@gmail.com Conversations- When I think of November, I think of get togethers with family over a huge thanksgiving feast, running into interesting people while out shopping, and conversations about thanksgiving baskets for ACTC and for the Loch Raven Network. November is always a surprise it can be as balmy as September or as cold as February, but in the midst of it, there is always a holiday feeling a feeling that can be wonderful or sad, depending on one s circumstances. I have had a lot of conversations over the last two weeks conversations with families of the dying, conversations about ministry projects, chats with new colleagues, like David, the new Presbyterian minister across the street, and with dear, beloved colleagues who are leaving the diocese for new adventures, and whom I will miss greatly. I have talked with those who have been blessed by something St. Thomas has done, and I have talked with those who have been disappointed by what I, or the church has not done. Some of them have been difficult; but all have been a blessing, because each time I talk with someone, I learn something. I am an introvert by nature, and so starting up a conversation isn t always easy for me. Yet every time I reach out to someone and go past my comfort zone, I discover a great richness in life. Everyone has a story. Everyone has burdens they carry. Everyone has been both challenged and blessed by this journey we call life. If we take the time to listen, we ourselves are enriched. Jesus spent a lot of time talking to people. First he talked to his disciples, especially the twelve he chose to follow him. He also talked to women, and lepers, and the homeless, the outcasts, the rich, the poor, sinners and saints. To him they were equal. He cared neither for race or social standing, and cared more for how a person lived his or her life than whether or not they were present in the synagogue every week. His desire was to see the Kingdom of God fulfilled, so he talked to people. He taught them about love, and hope, and God. And he listened. And listened. And listened some more. I hope that we can become more like Jesus each day we walk this earth. Is that possible? Yes. We grow like the person we spend time with. People say couples look alike after many years of marriage. They grow more alike in some ways, while still keeping their own personalities. This is how we become more like Jesus. We read about him in the gospels. We talk to him as we have our daily devotions. We talk about him to others. And we listen to the faith stories of other people, even as we are willing to share our own. This Thanksgiving, as you gather with family or friends, consider taking the time to listen to someone else s story. Move beyond the things that you know or share often, and venture into the unknown ask someone to tell you about their life. Perhaps you will have an opportunity to share your story as well. It might not seem like it, but these conversations, these times of listening and telling stories, has a name. Its a name most of us are afraid of. Its name is that E word we all hate. Evangelism. We tell our faith stories. We listen to others, whether their stories are faith filled or not. We find things in common. Share your story this month. And share your time with someone. Just a little of your time can make a huge difference to someone who needs a friend, or needs to get something off their chest. In doing so, you are helping to bring the Kingdom of God.

2 2 MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR WARDEN Jan Bahner A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. Proverbs 18:16 Last month I wrote about the history of the Loch Raven Network (LRN) and the role that St. Thomas has played in the success of the network. During October, St. Thomas once again hosted the LRN Annual Fundraiser. It was a huge success! We raised almost 4 times as much as we did last year. These funds will go to supporting students and families with Thanksgiving meals, supplementing donations to the Room of Support, assisting students with graduation and pre-college expenses, and other needs as they arise. Updates on our St. Thomas donations in September and October follow later in this Good News. Thank you for all of your donations! The Blue Horizon Team and Vestry met on October 14 th. After updates from our FOG (Financial Opportunities Group) and SSG (Sharing Space Group), we decided the following: There are possibilities to explore about our building and property in order to secure the future of St. Thomas. None of the opportunities fully explored to date was palatable to the group. We will revisit these opportunities and our need in six months. While members met with another church in the area to explore sharing ministries, there was no interest at this time. We will continue to seek opportunities and evaluate each on its own merit. The use of the name Blue Horizon will stop after this writing. The work of Blue Horizon has never been about a project, it s been about the future of St. Thomas. The work will continue, but the name will not. In response to the question of What do we need to do for St. Thomas to be what we want it to be in 10 years, we created the following work groups: Money how we think about money: growth vs. maintenance Volunteers how do we ask and find volunteers Communication more and more and more Metrics how will we know if we re reaching our goals Music/Worship what needs to evolve and what doesn t If you d like to join a work group, please let Rev. Loree+ or me know. Many thanks to the members of the Blue Horizon Team! Your work has formed the foundation of the work yet to come. Your leadership will continue to be needed in the work groups and others areas of the church s work. As we bring our Stewardship month to a close on November 12 th, I look forward to seeing everyone at our catered dinner after worship.

3 3 MESSAGE FROM OUR JUNIOR WARDEN Vernon Adams Our Maintenance/Work Days have gone slowly lately but thanks to the faithful few who generously donate their time, talent and even some of their treasure; we are making some headway. Following the patio completion we have started our planned weeding and planting of the side/ front/patio areas. Underway at the front entrance; mulching, plants, and a stone walkway are close to being completed. A table and chairs under the dogwood where you can sit to relax, read and pray is also in the works. Still have lots to do there thanks to Vicki, Helen, Nancy, Diane, Jeanne, John, and others I have forgotten to mention. At the lower parking lot the newly planted and relocated trees seemed to have survived and are looking OK just have to keep up with the watering don t want to lose them. Extra hoses are there for that purpose. To accommodate our growing youngster population we will be enlarging their play area by removing a couple of pews. We plan on this move during the work day of Nov. 11. Following the Christmas Bazaar, commencing on Dec 9, we will be moving work days to the indoors. In our plans we hope to spruce up all the lower level classroom and meeting room areas. A complete painting of all spaces including the hallways are in need of our TLC. To follow those areas we will move to the office spaces for some similar work. Again, your time and talents for these projects will be much appreciated we will furnish the treasure paint, brushes and rollers. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Oct 7 version Flea Market too few reservations. As of Oct 4 we only had 11 (out of 36 openings) confirmed tables. Lots of possible reasons weather was not one. Perhaps the many other Flea/Garden Markets in the area that weekend did not help. In any event, we are rethinking the future of the Flea Market and at this time it is not in our plans for the future. I welcome any ideas you may have should we concentrate on just one market? Spring or Fall? Should we have other additions/attractions for the Market? More advertising? I am open to any suggestions it was fun and a great way to spread the fellowship of St Thomas with the neighborhood. Let me have your thoughts keep in touch! Thanks to all for your help

4 4 THE VESTRY CORNER! The Vestry met following the joint Blue Horizon and Vestry meeting on October 14 th. The Vestry approved a simpler organizational chart for It consolidates Ministry and Mission with Stewardship to be overseen by the Sr. Warden and Formation with Worship to be overseen by the Rector. It also renames the Finance Committee to the Endowment Committee, which Jeanne Windsor has graciously volunteered to chair. An updated presentation will be available on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Nominating Committee members have begun recruiting volunteers to run for the four Vestry positions, which will become open in January. If you are considering joining the slate of candidates and have not been approached, please contact Jeanne Windsor, Laura Doles, or Barbara Lewis. Respectfully submitted, Jan Bahner, Sr. Warden COMMITMENT SUNDAY CATERED BRUNCH NOVEMBER 12TH Plan to be in church November 12th to receive your pledge card, write your pledge during the service, and then join us for a wonderful catered brunch afterward. This will be a wonderful service with guest preacher Mike Zellhofer, former pastor and Executive Director of Third Wall Productions. Mike is an accomplished preacher. Come celebrate this wonderful day as we rejoice in God's bounty given to St. Thomas'. CHURCH WORK DAY 11 Nov :00 am 12:00 pm On the second Saturday of each month (except December), the Property Committee sponsors a Work Day from 8am 12pm. All church members are encouraged to join in to help maintain and repair our grounds and building. No need to notify anyone, just come and pitch in, even for an hour!

5 5 MUSIC MINISTRY JOIN OUR MUSIC MINISTRY: Music Ministry is looking for anyone who is willing to share their time and talent and serve musically at services. There is no commitment, come, bring your voices, instruments and even a friend and see if you have been missing God s voice calling for you to serve. Rehearsals are in the church on Thursdays from 7:30-9:00. Come and make music and even some new friends. CHRISTIAN FORMATION TEAM THEOLOGY ON TAP MONDAY S 07:00 pm, Raven Inn Theology on Tap meets Monday evenings at the Raven Inn (8636 Loch Raven Blvd, Towson, MD ) at 7:00 pm. Over brew and beverages we will meet for theological reflection a chance to look at an incident or reading or other topic through the lens of theology: how does God intersect with this? Where do we see God at work? What might our actions be? It is fun and relaxing. Bring friends to join us. CHILDREN S SUNDAY, ALL SAINTS DAY 05 Nov :30 am Teaching children to worship is not just sitting and listening, but is actively thinking about God, appreciating God for who He is, thanking God for what He has done, giving back to God, and praising God through song and other expressions. Children need guidance to learn how to worship God. Join us for Sunday, November 5th at 9:30 am for our Children s Service. There will be a processional, relatable readings and a children s sermon. ALTAR GUILD WORSHIP TEAM For the month of November, dedications are available for Eucharistic Candles.. For the month of December, dedications are available for Wine, the Sanctuary Candle, flower arrangements on 12/31 and Christmas Memorials. Each dedication is $25. Please contact Diane Flayhart at or dflayhart.stthomas@gmail.com, or the church office.

6 6 MINISTRY AND MISSION TEAM LOCH RAVEN NETWORK OCTOBER OUTREACH The following announcement appeared in the bulletin during October: Imagine your loved one going without food or basic personal hygiene items. You know this hardship exists for many, but did you know just how many are in our community? Students at Loch Raven High School are going without basic necessities, while struggling with complex family dynamics and challenging coursework. There is an urgent need for your support. God has given us such gifts to be shared. There is a wish list of much needed items in the Narthex. And many of you responded! In September, we donated 52 umbrellas and 2 bags of toiletries. While the total amount donated in October is unknown as I write, the box is filling up. Your generosity is heartwarming! Thank you so very much! We usually receive 1-2 phone calls a month with folks saying that they forgot to bring in their donations and asking when is it too late to bring in their donation. It s never too late! Even if we re not doing a donation drive for the month, any donations are always welcome and needed. Please check out the Room of Support section of the Loch Raven Network website (lochravennetwork.org) any time to see what items are needed the most. As always, if you don t like to shop, monetary donations can be made in the Narthex or given to Jan Bahner. Donations to the network are tax-deductible and checks may be made out to The Loch Raven Network. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Bahner at j bahner.stthomas@gmail.com or CHRISTIAN STITCHIN 18 NOV :00 am, Room 7 It looks like fall is finally in full swing, and Christian Stitchin is getting ready for winter! We re once again making scarves for Meals on Wheels clients. We are in need of knitters and crocheters. If you knit or crochet, please consider making a scarf (5-6 by approximately 60 ) and donating it to our Meals on Wheels project. If you aspire to be a knitter or crocheter and find yourself with unused yarn that needs a home, please consider donating your extra yarn. If would like to be a yarn-worker, please join us on Saturday, November 18 th in Room 7 at 10:00am If you are working on scarves at home, please note that completed scarves are due to church before Thanksgiving. Yarn donations are always gleefully accepted! For more information, feel free to contact Beth Crosby at bcrosby.saintthomas@gmail.com.

7 7 ACTC 2017 THANKSGIVING BASKETS Please include ONLY the following items in each basket: (All additional items should be in separate bags and marked MISCELLANEOUS ) It's that time of year when we share our abundance with those in need for Thanksgiving. Please pick up a flyer in the Narthex listing foods for a Thanksgiving Bag for ACTC. There is also a list of grocery stores where you can pick up all the items in re-usable grocery bags for $24 or less per bag, depending on what's on sale that week. For those that would like someone else to do the shopping for you or to purchase turkeys, please place your monetary donation in the designated can in the Narthex. Checks should be made payable to St. Thomas' Church. All donations must be at church by Sunday, November 12th. Questions? Contact Diane Flayhart, , or dflayhart.stthomas@gmail.com. Thank you for your generous support for those in our community. 1 can sweet potatoes/yams (23-29oz can) 1 cans meat/main dish (example: beef stew or chili-15-24oz cans) 1 large can fruit (20-30oz can) 4 cans vegetables (example: green beans, peas or corn- 15oz cans) 1 cranberry sauce 2 pkg. macaroni & cheese 1 box instant mashed potatoes 1 cake or brownie mix 1 bag or box of stuffing mix 1 lb. bag or box of rice * PLEASE DO NOT PUT MONEY OR GIFT CARDS IN BAGS. TIPS FOR PACKING Pack large cans on bottom & lighter items on top. If possible use a Reusable Grocery Bag /OR a double brown grocery bag inserted in double plastic bag. Mark bags as COMPLETE or INCOMPLETE (list what is missing). OR You will have the opportunity to purchase pre-packed Thanksgiving Baskets from several supermarkets in the area for a reasonable price. Detailed information can be found on the flyer in the Narthex.

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9 9 FRUIT SALES Now s the time to place your order for the November 18th delivery! St. Thomas Church has sold fruit to our parishioners and neighbors for over 39 years. We pride ourselves in providing the best available fruit at very competitive prices. Simply order your fruit by calling the church office at , sending us an at stthomastowson@gmail.com, from our website, or by mailing your order form to the office. To pick up your fruit, arrive on the delivery day between 9am-11am to pay for your order. The first date of sales will be on Saturday, November 18th.

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11 11 FEELING CRAFTY? If you're feeling crafty but just don't know what to make, let the St. Thomas' Crafty Elves help! Project suggestions and a pictorial inventory of the vast array of craft supplies available free for you to use -- courtesy of the generosity of your fellow St. Thomas' parishioners -- are posted online at If online is not your thing, contact me (Donna Lettow, , dlettow.stthomastowson@gmail.com or in the back pew on the left most Sunday mornings) and I can get you a paper copy. If you feel inspired and need supplies from the secret stash, again contact me at the information above, and the Elves will get them to you. FESTIVE BOW EMERGENCY 05 NOV 2017 Fellowship Hall Through the years, Our Lady of Bows, Jan Bahner, has single-handedly created hundreds of big beautiful bows for the Christmas Bazaar to complement your live wreaths, your gift boxes or whatever your festive bow needs were. Sadly, due to her recent surgery, Jan's not physically able to make all those bows this year. Instead, she's offered to teach anyone who is interested the simple technique of bow making. Please join us to help Jan make some bows! The more of us who pitch in, the quicker we'll have enough bows for the live wreaths at the Bazaar. When? Sunday, November 5, after the 9:30 am service. Where? In the Fellowship Hall. Grab your coffee and join us. What should you bring? Nothing but your thirst for learning and your willingness to help. (And maybe your scissors. But there will be some available.) Hope to see you at the bow party! CANDY MAKING...VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS Friday, November 24th at 9:30am We will be making the butter cream candies and folding boxes for the Bazaar. Saturday, November 25th at 9:30am- We will be dipping buttercreams until finished. Return at 3 pm to weigh and box the candy. Everyone is welcome and lots of hands make the work go faster. No experience is necessary. All assistance is appreciated. SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS Once again this year, St. Thomas' has committed to filling Christmas Stockings for the Salvation Army. The stockings will be distributed by the beginning of November and should be filled by the beginning of December. More information will be available next month, so keep checking the bulletin for announcements. If you would like additional information, please contact Linda Condon lcondon@comcast.net or

12 12 RAFFLES, RAFFLES, RAFFLES We are collecting donations for the Christmas Bazaar Raffles. Gift Cards are always one of the top items. If you go to a restaurant or store frequently they may donate a gift card or item to the Bazaar if you ask. Any questions contact Stacey Howatt Thank you for any donation you can make to the Raffles! NEARLY NEW TABLE The Christmas Bazaar will be here before you know it on Saturday, December 2nd and we are collecting gently used items that can be sold at our nearly new table to benefit St Thomas. Dishes, glasses, pottery, collectibles, books, small tools, jewelry or whatever you might have. (Please no clothes or furniture). Please bring these items to Church and place in the closet in the Narthex. Please mark for Nearly New. Take a look around your house for items that you just do not need anymore and bring it in! Remember one man s junk is another man s treasure! If you are unsure of what items are accepted contact Laura Doles at (home number in the evenings) or her at ldoles.stthomas@gmail.com. Many thanks! A WONDERFUL LIFE Frank Capra's film classic has been brought vibrantly to theatrical life through the remarkable collaboration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award -winner Sheldon Harnick and Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Joe Raposo. The story of George Bailey and his wonderful life in Bedford Falls remains a timeless fable of dreams, disillusionment and the power of love. An uplifting chronicle of the extraordinary lives of ordinary folk, A WONDERFUL LIFE exhilarates the mind and heart as it celebrates the innate goodness in us all. Third Wall Productions Presents ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH DECEMBER 8, 9, 15 & 16 8PM DECEMBER 10 & 17 4PM Book and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick Music by Joe Raposo Adapted from the Frank Capra film.

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16 16 GOD PLANNED YOU FOR A PURPOSE NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Rebecca Kaff 5 Beverly Horner 6 Dawn Jemellaro Carol Knoedler 7 Susan Otradovec 9 Carol Salisbury Charles Wilson 10 John Zarubaiko Karen Zarubaiko 13 Roland Cenci 14 Bill Dickinson Joseph Greenbeck, Jr. Birthdays and anniversaries are always celebrated and prayed for during Sunday services. We would also like to put monthly birthdays in each issue of The Good News. If your birthday is not listed when it should be, please contact the Church office, or stthomastowson@gmail.com, or Betty Wilson, oomawilson11@gmail.com. Chris Holder 17 Jan Snyder, Jr. 18 Diane Flayhart 19 Charles Shimonkevitz 20 Anne Harper 21 Noah Holder 24 Katie Boblitz 26 Yvonne Payne 28 Dorothea Dalbke We encourage you to reach out our homebound parishioners. Schedule a call, plan a visit or send a card. Let them know that they are in our prayers. Contact information can be found in your directory or by contacting the church office at or stthomastowson@gmail.com Those who are homebound: Theresa Welsch, Ronnie Livengood, Mary Shorter, Nan Fitzgerald, Charles and Susan Harryman, Carrie Hemberger, Susan Herring, Matti and Lillian Kassir, Ellen Monahan, Eleanor Ripperger, Connie Waxter, and Dan Licht. 29 Payton Grace Hilzendeger 30 Daniel Licht, Sr.

17 5 All Saint s Day 12 Commitment Sunday 23 Office Closed 24 Office Closed NOVEMBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 9:30am Worship 10:30am Bow Making (FH) 10:30am Confirmation Class (Rm7) 11:30am City Light Worship 9:30am Worship (Mike Zellhoffer Preaching) 10:30am Luncheon 11M Vestry Meeting 11:30am City Light Worship 19 9:30am Worship 10:30am Confirmation Class (Rm7) 11:30am City Light Worship 26 9:30am Worship 11:30am City Light Worship 1pm City Light (FH) 6 7pm Theology on Tap (Ravens Inn) 7pm NA Meeting (FH) 13 7pm Theology on Tap (Ravens Inn) 7pm NA Meeting (FH) 20 9am PR Golf Club (FH) 10:30am FH Golf Club (FH) 7pm Theology on Tap (Ravens Inn) 7pm NA Meeting (FH) 27 7pm NA Meeting (Sanctuary) 7 8:30am Garden Club (FH) 6:30pm EfM 14 6:30pm EfM 21 6:30pm EfM 1 6:30pm Baltimore Ski Club (FH) 7:30pm City Light Music 8 Rev. Loree Off 6pm Johns Hopkins Parkinson s Support Group 7:30pm City Light Music 15 7pm Johns Hopkins Parkinson s Support Group 7:30pm City Light Music pm City Light Worship (FH) 7:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Service 7:30pm City Light Music 2 7pm Choir Practice 9 1:30pm Johns Hopkins Parkinson s Support Group 7pm Choir Practice 16 7pm Choir Practice Thanksgiving Day Private Event FH 30 7pm Choir Practice 3 7pm AA Meeting 6pm Private Event (FH) 10 7pm AA Meeting 17 7pm AA Meeting 7pm Private Event (FH) 9:30AM Candy Making (FH) 7pm AA Meeting 4 City Light Women's Meeting (Sanctuary) 3pm Private Event (FH) 11 8am Work Day 10am Hank Betz s Memorial Service 6:30pm Ultreya (Rm6) 18 9am Fruit Sales (FH) 10am Christian Stitchin (Rm7) 12pm Private Event (FH) 25 9:30AM Candy Making (FH)