In 2010, the African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas, founded by our first rector, the Rev. Absalom Jones, celebrated 218 years of faithful ministry and service. As the first black Episcopal Church in the nation, our parish remains not only alive and active, but also relevant, prayerful and prosperous as it continues to serve God and God’s people. We give thanks and praise to Almighty God for His keeping, His directing, His sustaining and His blessing us for more than two centuries; we pray that the Holy Spirit continues to richly empower us for the work of ministry and service.
Shortly after my arrival at St. Thomas’, we instituted and implemented a spiritual vehicle—the AECST Express—and a concept that would move our parish forward, espousing our founder’s core values: leadership; morality; spirituality; equal rights; education; liberty; charity; justice; humanitarianism; self-determination; self-respect and freedom. In 2010, as we embraced those core values, the AECST Express continued on that spiritual journey to so many rewarding destinations. And with every stop along the way, we were blessed with additional members to our church family. To God be the Glory for those added to our fold.
In addition to the reports from our many guilds, organizations and ministries of their annual highlights, here are just a few notable events over the past twelve months. We celebrated, for example:
+ The Annual observance and celebration of the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Our guest preacher was the Rev. Herman “Skip” Mason, National President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
+ The Annual observance and celebration of the life and ministry of the Rev. Fr. Absalom Jones. Our guest preacher was the Right Rev. Nathan Baxter, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
+ Our 2010 Lenten series themed: “The Storms of Life” – was highlighted in Sunday sermons.
+ Palm Sunday which began our Holy Week observance. Favorable weather, yet again, allowed for an outdoor procession and liturgy, led by Pedro, our intrepid donkey.
+Easter Sunday, where, at the 6:00 a.m. sunrise service, we again welcomed our friends, the Rev. Fred Day and the people of historic St. George’s United Methodist Church.
+ Our Annual two-night Revival, as we welcomed back the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright as our revivalist. Our hearts were lifted, souls and spirits enriched by his messages and our music ministry.
+ On Sunday, July 18th, what shall become an annual observance and celebration: An annual Church Anniversary. And, based on historical-founding records, subsequent years will mark this observance and celebration during the month of November. It will be observed on, or near, the birthday celebration of the first rector, the Rev. Fr. Absalom Jones. For the 2010 observance and celebration, we welcomed the rector, the Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson and the members of St. James Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD.
+ The church’s annual July outing at Church Farm, which brought together members of our parish, family members and friends. Following this summer event, the Express idled for a period of rest, reflection, and planning for the Fall activities.
+ The start of the busy Fall season with Homecoming Sunday; our Annual Back to School/Educators service, with Mrs. Autumn Graves, President of Girard College, as our guest speaker; Annual animal blessing on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi; Annual Stewardship Kick-Off; Veteran’s Day observance; Celebration of the Feast of All Saints and All Souls; Renewal of wedding vows; Family and Friends Day; A festive celebration of the birth of our Lord, with increased attendance, due in part to an earlier time change from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
+ Several other annual observances that encouraged spiritual growth, enthusiasm and inspiration:
- Women’s Day in May, 2010 – the speaker was one of our very own, the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney.
- Youth Day in June, 2010 – our guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Allan Pollard, Dean, Howard University Divinity School.
- Men’s Day in December, 2010 – our guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Mark Chapman, Pastor, Hollis Presbyterian Church, Hollis, New York.
+ Our CHRISTIAN FORMATION opportunities which continue to be alive, strong and vibrant for both children and adults alike.
+ Our STEWARDSHIP of Time, Talents and Treasures that grew with additional persons stepping forward to share their time/talents in ministry. While our stewardship of treasures continued to grow, in spite of the country’s economic state.
+ Our OUTREACH efforts which continue to thrive. We continue to be especially grateful for the ministry of Chosen 300, which is a partnership with one of Philadelphia’s largest feeding programs.
+ EVANGELISM, that was enormously effective in 2010. Our parish welcomed over 60 new individuals. We are, indeed, truly blessed.
+A sound, fiscal budget and portfolio. As seen in the report from our Accounting Warden, Deadra Cannon, we ended the year solvent with even a surplus income. This was the first in years.
It may also be noted, continuing to serve God and His church, and to represent St. Thomas’ Church, in a myriad of capacities locally and nationally, I actively participated as:
+ a member of the Board of Trustees for the Episcopal Church Building Fund
+ a member of the Advisory Board for Black Ministries of the Episcopal Church
+ a member of Recruitment, Training and Development of the Episcopal Church
+ a member of the Board of Trustees for the Philadelphia African American Museum
+ a member of various other national and local committees as appointed.
+ a preacher/speaker/workshop leader around the Episcopal Church, in light of our success of Evangelism and growth at St. Thomas’ Church
+ a member of the Episcopal Church New Visions Project
The Rector’s 2011 Vision for St. Thomas’ reaffirms and complements that vision of 2010, especially in the areas requiring more attention and growth. Our Theme (Praying, Teaching, Loving , Serving and Praising) should inspire us as we continue to:
+ enhance and grow our Christian Formation ministries.
+ effect Evangelism efforts, while assuring that our Shepherd’s Program fully incorporates new members into the life of the parish.
+ support, enhance and grow our Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
+ move closer to the vision of opening the Absalom Jones Day School.
+proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our worship and our service.
I again request that all members, guilds, organizations and ministries embrace our challenges and work toward our shared Vision of 2011.
In summary, and without question, 2010 was, indeed, a gloriously blessed year for St. Thomas’ Church. God’s Grace and the Holy Spirit continued to fuel the “AECST Express” to our spiritual destinations. Are we done? Absolutely not. There is so much more to learn, to accomplish and to develop as the Express directs us to its next horizon.
“Trusting in His holy word,” we have indeed “come this far by faith.”
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