News and Events at the AECST...

UPCOMING SERVICES AT ST. THOMAS

• Mar 7 - The Third Sunday in Lent
• Mar 14 - The Fourth Sunday in Lent
• Mar 21 - The Fifth Sunday in Lent
  - Cheyney/Lincoln Universities Joint Concert
• Mar 28 - Palm Sunday
  - “In Concert” The St Thomas Gospel Choir
  COME CELEBRATE “THE PASSION OF CHRIST”… An awesome, power packed, musical tribute of hymns, spirituals and songs in honor of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Directed by Waltier Blocker. Click for detailed information.

AECST NAMED "CHURCH OF THE WEEK" by the PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE. more...

SPREAD THE WORD! VOTE! – The St. Thomas Gospel Choir has been nominated in (3) categories in recognition as outstanding independent artists and contributors to gospel music by the Rhythm of Gospel Music Awards for: Traditional Song of the Year; Traditional DC of the Year; and Church Choir of the Year. Your support and participation is needed. Please go to the following website and place your vote: http://www.rhythmofgospel.com/Voting.html

CHOSEN 300 MINISTRIES...
Uniting The Body Of Christ To Reach The World!
Your Help Will Make A Difference
Click for more information...

JOB OPPORTUNITY: The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas is seeking a qualified and reliable full-time Sexton. Interested persons should contact Property Chair, Randy Blakeney (215) 518-0869.

2010 LITURGICAL CALENDARS – The members of the Rector's Forum Committee are selling 2010 Liturgical calendars. Donation: $5.00 For purchase or more information, please see any member of the Committee.

THE LION KING! The St. Thomas Dance Ensemble is presenting a trip to see the Lion King, at the Academy of Music, on Saturday, April 10, 2010, 2 pm. Tickets are $99. A deposit is required. A payment plan is in effect. If interested please contact: Micky Wilkinson (215) 471-9472, Loretta Ferguson (215) 472-2568 or Mary Tindley (215) 878-8478.

MEMBERS WANTED! The William J. Burke Ushers are seeking new members. This is a wonderful opportunity to give some of your time service the Lord in His church. All are welcome – men and women; long time members and new members; young and old. If you feel you may want to offer your service or would like to get more information on the Usher ministry, please see one of the Co-Chairs – Arlene Singletary or Ron Marshall – or the Rector's Warden, Richard Jones.

JOIN THE 50 MILLION POUND CHALLENGE! The 50 Million Pound Challenge is a historic opportunity for African Americans to come together against a growing health crisis. Our challenge is to collectively lose 50 million pounds and reduce the very real risks that being overweight poses to our community.

• 1. To join: Register to participate in the challenge.
  URL – www.50millionpounds.com/challenge_teams
• 2. After registering, find our team name:
  – The A.E. Church of St. Thomas Health ministries – and join us.
• 3. Please contact your team leader:
  – Alletta Olday at (215) 473-3054 if you have any questions or trouble in signing up. Come on ya'll! Let's get skinny!
• The Challenge weigh-in will take place on Saturday, January 23 at 10 a.m. in the Absalom Jones House.

THINK GREEN! The Girls Friendly Society is collecting Nabisco wrappers, Frito Lays bags, and CapriSun drink pouches in order to ‘up-cycle' into cool, new products, and reduce our impact on our environment. Please give the items directly to a GFS member or leader. Thank you in advance for your support.

THE LION KING! The St. Thomas Dance Ensemble is presenting a trip to see the Lion King, at the Academy of Music, on Saturday, April 10, 2010, 2 pm. Tickets are $99. A deposit is required. A payment plan is in effect. If interested please contact: Micky Wilkinson (215) 471-9472, Loretta Ferguson (215) 472-2568 or Mary Tindley (215) 878-8478.

THE VALET SERVICE IS BACK !
Valet service is now up and running thanks to Tony Myers, Transportation Ministry Coordinator. The church van will run from the church to the parking lot at the Health Center on 63rd Street, between Overbrook and Sherwood Avenues. The van will deliver folk to the church between 8:45 a.m – 9:45 a.m. before service, and between 12 N and 1 p.m. following service. The ministry is in need of additional drivers. If you are interested in helping out, please see Tony. Male/female drivers are welcome to serve.

BAPTISM INFORMATION – Applications are now being accepted for the Rite of Holy Baptism. Interested persons should contact Gail Harris (215) 477-6506 or Patty Ellison (215) 643-7223 for further information. Online information can be found at the following links:
Sacrament of Holy Baptism | Guild of the Christ Child | Baptism Application Form

HISTORIC ROOM IN THE A.J. HOUSE
On the first floor of the Absalom Jones House, in The Heritage Room, a wall has been designated for pictures of the 17 Rectors of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. We are looking for sponsors for the restoration, acid free matting, and framing of the 17 photographs. The cost will average approximately $200 per picture.
If you are interested in sponsoring one or more pictures, please speak with any member of the St. Thomas Historical Society or call Mary Smith, (215) 546-0326 for more details

Each Sunday after Church
PRETZEL SALES
Stop by the Great Hall to purchase delicious soft pretzels.

ST. THOMAS PINS FOR SALE
The Men's Ministry and Fellowship will be selling St. Thomas pins immediately, after Church for the next several weeks.
The pins are unique and are based on the St. Thomas logo, which was designed by Mrs. Gail Harris
Donation: (1) pin - $6.00 or (2) pins for $10.
There is a limited supply so please purchase yours today.

ST. THOMAS MOVES TOWARD BECOMING A MORE BIBLE-CENTERED CHURCH
When was the last time that you read your Bible at home? To encourage more Bible use and familiarity, beginning in January, 2008, members are encouraged to bring their Bibles to worship each Sunday. During worship, members will be requested to use their Bibles, rather than the bulletin insert. To encourage use of the Bible at home and during the week, each Sunday, listed in the bulletin will be the lessons for the upcoming Sunday. During each week, it is hoped that members will prayerfully reflect upon the next Sunday's lessons. Consider giving a person a Bible for a Christmas gift this year.

A NEW INITIATIVE FOR ST. THOMAS
“Young Father's Rising” Play Group. We welcome all fathers between the ages of 18-35. Specifically those with young children between the ages of 0-5 and the father and child have been separated due to divorce, marital separation or incarceration. All fathers must bring written permission of the primary caregiver/custodial parent for the child(ren) to attend. Registration forms may be found on the Great Hallway Information Table. For more information on how to register, contact Howard Tucker at 267-531-5245, ext. 100.

LINE DANCING – Get your grove on on Monday's in the St. Thomas Great Hall. Donation: $6.00 per week. For more information contact Cathy Stafford.

Church School Newsletter
The Church School Newsletter is here! Please see our new Church School Newsletter for news about the Church School. Click to view current newsletter.

IN THE ARCHIVES...

May 31, 2009
St Thomas Celebrated Pentecost, Baptisms, and
The 125th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Tribune
Photo Gallery
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