News and Events at the AECST...

THE ST THOMAS DANCE ENSEMBLE
will begin their Registration & Classes Saturday, September 18, 2010
Youth K - 12th grades Arrival Time: 10:45
 
NEW STUDENTS ONLY:
For Any additional info pls e-mail mxt1@psu.edu or call:  215.878.8478
M. Tindley, Director

COOKBOOK IN THE MAKING
The 2010 Women's Day Committee is in the process of publishing a St. Thomas Cookbook.
Share your favorite recipes in a wonderful keepsake for family and friends. Recipes may be emailed to womensday@aecst.org

STAINED GLASS WINDOW REPAIR
The Property Committee is currently taking memorial donations to repair the stained glass window in the rear of the church.
The following categories are available:
Diamond - $1,000 Platinum - $500 Gold - $250 Silver - $100 Patrons - any amount.
Please don't miss this opportunity to memorialize your loved ones.
For more information please see Randy Blakeney.

NEW AND IMPROVED
We are in the process of updating and enhancing our altar candles to "non-drip" and "no-wax" candles. An entire set will be purchased. If you would like to purchase one or more of the eight candles, please see Fr. Shaw or Betty Myers (Chair of the Altar guild) as soon as possible.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG
St. Thomas has one of the most beautiful landscaped grounds in the city. We need your imput. If you would like to be a 2010 St. Thomas gardener, please contact Lynn Joell.

VESTRY NEWS
The Vestry has approved a motion to raise the cost of a niche in the columbarium from $800 to $1,200 effective September 1, 2010. Any member wishing to purchase a niche should see Gerry Wood or the Church Office.

NEW MEMBERS CLASS
The Spring schedule for New Member Classes has begun. All new members are asked to attend on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am in the Absalom Jones House.

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

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.

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 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 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.

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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