Dear Friends,
What a joy to hear Handel’s Messiah echoing through our beautiful church on Tuesday and Thursday night of last week. Sung by the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys with New York Baroque Incorporated, the performances thrilled audiences on both nights. It is hard to believe that the boy choristers had only ten days to prepare the nearly three-hour master work! But of course, their ability to do so is built on the foundational work of their time as choristers, where they prepare hundreds of pieces of scared music a year. Unlike many choral societies who have weeks or even months to prepare for their one performance, our boy choristers continue to sing up to five services a week as they prepare for concerts. Watching the livestream, you can see the passion on the faces of the musicians, gentlemen, and choristers. Do join us for more concerts and services during Advent and Christmas. You can see the complete list of offerings on our dedicated Advent and Christmas webpage.
With 2023 around the corner, I’m pleased to announce that our Bicentennial calendar is beginning to take shape. You will be receiving a save-the-date postcard in the mail any day now, and you can visit our Bicentennial homepage to learn more. I encourage you to bookmark the page and return often to see the events unfold.
In January, we begin our Pilgrims’ Class for 2023 which is an introduction to the Christian Faith as received by the Episcopal Church, and as expressed within the catholic tradition of Anglicanism. Traditionally taught by the Rector, in 2023, I will be assisted by our new Associate for Adult Education and Formation, the Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia, who has an international reputation as a teacher, author, and spiritual director. Other clergy will also be available to support members of the group. Classes are held on most Wednesdays from mid-January to May (with a break for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Easter Week). Before the pandemic, classes began with an optional hot meal which was very popular. At this time, with increasing COVID infections, we are unsure when the meal element will resume; please check the website for updates. Classes are hybrid and you can attend in-person or on-line. Next week, we will open a registration page. The Bishop of New York will be present on Sunday, May 14 at 11 am to celebrate Confirmation and receive new members of our Church. The classes are also open to those who want to refresh their understanding of the Christian Faith.
The Pilgrims’ Class 2023
January 18
Topic – God the Father: Creation, the Fall, and what it means to be “Made in God’s Image.”
January 25
Topic – God the Son: Incarnation, Atonement, and Glory.
February 1
Topic – God the Holy Spirit: Being “Fully Alive” with the Gifts of the Spirit.
February 8
Topic – The Trinity: The Church Community Reflects our belief in God as “Three in One.”
February 15
Topic – ‘The Christian Exodus’ – An Introduction to Lent and Holy Week.
No class on February 22 due to Ash Wednesday
March 1
Topic – The Holy Bible: “The Word of the Lord”
March 8
Topic – The History of the Church 1: From House Church to Established Religion.
March 15
Topic – The History of the Church 2: Reformation, Anglicanism, and the Oxford Movement.
March 22
Topic – An Introduction to the Sacramental Life of the Church: Baptism and Confirmation.
March 29
Topic – “They Recognized him in the breaking of the bread”: The Eucharist at the heart of our common life.
No classes on April 5 and April 12 due to Holy Week and Easter Week
April 19
Topic – When Things Go Wrong: Confession and Healing.
April 26
Topic – Mission and Ministry: Vocation, Ordination, and the Mission of the Church.
May 3
Topic – Relationships: Marriage, Commitment, and Religious Communities.
May 10
Topic – Hope: Death, Eternal Life, Mary and the Communion of Saints.
May 17
Topic – Praying with all the senses.
Sunday, May 14 at 11am – The Bishop of New York will confirm and receive new members
Please don’t forget the Blessing of the Crèche Service for children and families on Saturday, December 17 at 4 p.m. Children are encouraged to come dressed as a character from the Nativity Story – human, animal, celestial, or spiritual! This year, there will be costumes available in the Chantry Chapel before the service for those who do not have one prepared. It really is a beautiful simple service and I want to encourage many parishioners to attend. The service will be followed by a party for children and families in the Parish House – please let us know know if you plan to attend the party so that we can cater accordingly by contacting us at childrenandfamilies@saintthomaschurch.org.
Finally, thank you for your many messages of good will. As most of you will now know, like so many people in recent days, I have tested positive for COVID and am currently isolating, so I will be unable to be with you all on Sunday. It also meant that out first Parish Guild Party since 2019 had to be moved from the Rectory at the last minute! Alison and I felt so miserable that we could not host the party in our home, but I am grateful to my lay and ordained colleagues who stepped up and welcomed everyone on our behalf. I wish you all a very happy Advent season and look forward to seeing many of you at the Boy Choristers’ Concert on Thursday, and the crèche service on Saturday.
Affectionately,
Carl
Your Priest and Pastor
