In this week’s news…
A Message from the Rector
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! Last Sunday we celebrated the wonderful feast of the Epiphany and I enjoyed meeting with many of you and hearing stories of your Christmas and New Year Celebrations. If you were away last weekend, do not worry – you have not missed out on the Epiphany! The boy choristers are back and we hold two Epiphany Processions this Sunday. One of the old Saint Thomas Traditions is for three of the youngest boys to act as the Wise Men and bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christmas Crèche. Those young ‘kings’ may not have come ‘from afar’ but their long walk down the aisle is something that they will remember for a very long time.
As we were reminded in our sermons last Sunday, there are three events or ‘epiphanies’ celebrated at this time – the visit of the Magi; the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan; and the Wedding at Cana in Galilee. If you go to the Chantry Chapel on Sunday and look at the altar piece, you will see two of those ‘epiphanies’ depicted there.
Fr. Spencer preached a fine sermon last Sunday at 4pm Evensong; I commend it to you if you have not listened to it. Here is a link to the webcast; click on ‘sermon’ in the list to find it easily.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday for our processions and the joy of glimpsing the glory of God in this Epiphany Season. Look out for our e-news next week when we will announce our Holy Week Preacher for 2020.
With every blessing,
Carl,
your Priest and Pastor
Pilgrims’ Course 2020: An Introduction to the Christian Faith
Newcomers to Saint Thomas Church and those not yet members of the church are invited to our “Pilgrims’ Course,” which is a comprehensive introduction to the Christian faith, as received and understood by the Episcopal Church.
The course will be taught by the Rector with the assistance of Fr. Cheng, and the first session will be on Tuesday, January 14th. Each session will begin with a simple meal at 6:30 pm, and the class itself will run from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The sessions will continue on most Tuesday evenings through May 19th. Bishop Allen Shin will visit the parish on Sunday, May 17, at 11 am, to confirm and receive candidates.
Although the course is specifically designed for adults who are considering baptism, confirmation, or reception into the Episcopal Church, it is fitting for anyone who wishes to explore Christianity or to deepen his or her faith. Please email Fr. Cheng at [email protected] if you would like to register for the class.
Fall 2019 Adult Education Survey
We would be grateful if you would take a few minutes to complete a survey about the Fall 2019 adult education program.
You can take the survey by clicking here:
Fall 2019 Adult Education Survey
Thank you for your feedback and ongoing support of the adult education program at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue!
Silent Retreat with Sr. Promise Atelon
You are invited to participate in a special retreat at Saint Thomas Church entitled “Teach Me Your Paths, O Lord.” led by Sister Promise Atelon, SSM on Saturday, January 25th from 9am – 12pm.
Sr. Promise tells us:
As you know, in order to have a relationship with someone, it is necessary to spend time with one another. And the more you spend time together, the more you know each other and the closer you become. It is the same with God. To know God better on our morning retreat, we will spend time with God in prayer and meditation.
Daily life is so busy, and our minds are constantly running. Come as you are to spend time alone and within community, making a space to renew your relationship with God through guided meditation, reflection, and personal prayer. We need Jesus to teach us the ways of rest and relationship.
Wherever you are on your faith journey or in your relationship with God, this retreat is for you. All who want to grow closer to God are welcome. This retreat is for all who desire to walk closer with God and want God to show them the way. Come, take a break. Take a break from the news and the constant noise that fill our world. Teach us your paths, O Lord… so that we may grow closer to you and to others.
The retreat will begin with a complementary, light breakfast on the Fifth Floor and include individual and group meditation and reflection guided by Sr. Promise, concluding with prayers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fifth Avenue and Mass.
To participate in this valuable opportunity, please contact Sr. Promise here.
