SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MISSION AND MINISTRY

There are so many reasons to come to Saint Thomas. Come because we celebrate authentic, enthusiastic worship of God. Come because we serve a broken world to reveal the healing love of Christ. Come because the Holy Spirit moves through our

fellowship and binds us as a family of faith.I first came to Saint Thomas over three years ago. I fell in love. The congregation was warm, gracious and abundant in hospitality. The walls seemed infused with years of love. I fell in love with the sacred space. The wooden roof reminds me of Noah’s ark. It is a visual reminder that God has forever promised to keep me afloat even when the waters of chaos seem to surround me on every side.I fell in love with the many bulletin boards covered with outreach projects. It is easy for all to see this is a church passionate about serving all our neighbors and working together to make God’s Kingdom here on earth.It is a blessing to now serve as your rector. I have the joy of celebrating the Eucharist with my friends. I am inspired by this community’s outreach and service. I am humbled by the grace and hospitality I see each week. Serving this church is a joyful responsibility and I am honored to share Saint Thomas with you. Faithfully,The Rev. Josiah Rengers, September 2016

WE REMEMBER OUR PAST…

In 1991, the Saint Thomas dream became a reality. Over the last 25 years, many people have worked hard to make

this parish the amazing place that it is today. In the following pages, you will see a snapshot of events from

each year. Enjoy this walk down memory lane!

1991Bishop approves the proposed name of St. Thomas

1st service is held on October 6EYC (youth group) begins1st baptism at St. Thomas

1992

St. Thomas is admitted to the Diocese of AlabamaVestry is elected with Paul Thibodaux as 1st Senior

WardenVestry calls Ken Fields as rector

Olivia Weingarten begins chapter of ECW (women’s group)

Ministry relationship with Episcopal Place begins, settingthe standard for the monthly birthday party

1st confirmations; 1st marriage

1993Site preparation begins at Acton Road property

Choir program re-starts2nd Parish retreat at Camp McDowell

1994St. Thomas moves to a triple-wide trailer on Acton Road

Parishioners fund the purchase of a piano1st independent Vacation Bible School1st meeting of the Building Committee

19951st Christmas pageant

Easter Egg Hunt tradition continues

19961st copier lease

Work begins on the needlepoint kneelersVestry calls Pat Wingo as rector

1997Ordination of Tim Holder, sponsored by St. Thomas

Agree to share parking lots with the building next doorChildren’s programs continue

1998Vestry decides to build on Acton RoadArchitect is hired to design a building

Begin using an email accountThibodaux Etouffee raises $5000 at a Building Fund Gala

1999Groundbreaking for the church building

Vestry approves placement of a cell tower on the propertyDonation of a baby grand piano

Participate in Habitat for Humanity buildSt. Thomas Care Teams help community members

2000Construction of the church building

Consecration of the building on September 30

2001ECW hosts a shower to supply the parish kitchen

Vestry approves Lou Thibodaux as candidate for Holy Orders

Donation of chapel chairs for use by the choirECW purchases tables and chairs for parish hall

2002

Purchase an organBegin using Godly Play for children’s formation

Parish retreats at Camp McDowell continue

2003Vestry approves hiring Rick Putman as part-time priestDiscretionary Fund is established for the Deacon’s use

Olivia Weingarten attends General Convention for the 3rd

time as representative of Alabama ECWEYC hosts pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday

2004Begin using Bishop’s Blend Fair Trade coffee

Dedication of display case for Bishop Stough’s vestmentsPlans begin for building expansion

2005Paul Thibodaux completes altar and sacristy cabinetDeacon Lou Thibodaux begins Power Socks ministry

Olivia Weingarten completes term as President of the Diocese of Alabama Episcopal Church Women

1st service in the expanded building is held on Easter Sunday

2006Lease the house to the Samaritan Counseling Center

Trips to the gulf coast for Hurricane Katrina reliefCurrent website is launched

St. Thomas wins the Gumbo Gala

2007Begin serving as a polling locationDonation of an indoor columbarium

2008Purchase commercial refrigerator and freezerStephen McWhorter serves as interim rectorDiscussions begin on outdoor columbarium

Highest number of confirmations (24)

2009Vestry calls Charles Youngson as rectorPurchase a used mini-bus for church use

Youth confirmation retreat at Camp McDowellHighest number of baptisms (10)

2010Begin using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for

children’s formationCompletion of downstairs men’s restroomSt. Thomas competes in the Gumbo Gala

Parish retreat at Camp McDowell

2011Launch St. Thomas Facebook page

Children’s Retreat at Camp McDowellCelebration of 20 years as a parishMission trip to El Hogar in Honduras

2012EYC moves to the house on the hill

1st (and only) Youth Ski TripChurch doors are painted red

Host of M-Power Literacy Tutor trainingBlessing of the new playground

20131st Blessing of the Animals

Sell the church vanParish-wide mission day with 48 participants

Premiere of Band of Angels by organist K. Lee Scott

2014Serve as shelter during the ice stormSponsor Jeremy Carlson for ordination

Children’s Joyful Communion Retreat and CelebrationYouth retreat serving with Alabama Rural Ministries

2015Thomas Joyner serves as interim rector

1st Advent Parents’ Night OutVestry calls Josiah Rengers as rector

Dedication of the St. Thomas Arts & Crafts Building at Camp McDowell

2016

Outdoor columbarium is builtYouth attend SIFAT’s 48-hour Slum Experience

Cut-through to parking lot next door is completedContinued support of Sunday Club, Habitat for Humanity,

and Episcopal Place

WE CELEBRATE THE PRESENT…

We are blessed with a rich history at Saint Thomas that empowers our vital and vibrant ministries today. We are

proud of the incredible work of our children’s atrium program, the fun and thoughtful youth programming, and our adult formation. We are a church that strives to work

together for God’s justice in this world through our outreach and service projects. We worship God in holiness and righteousness with our amazing choir. These next few

pages are a reflection of our life and ministry together.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRYChildren are a blessing for our community. Saint Thomas is honored with the huge responsibility of raising our children to know and feel the love of God. We take our obligation seriously and dedicate our energy, space and prayer to create sacred, educational and playful opportunities for our future church leaders.

ATRIUM AND CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERDWe are blessed to offer a unique program for children that offers a hands-on, fun learning experience every Sunday morning. Our kids learn about scripture, prayer and the traditions of the church through the works of our wonderful atrium program.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLDuring the heat of summer, we cool things down with fun and games at Vacation Bible School. Whether learning about the builders of the Bible or our holy heroes, our kids come to Saint Thomas to learn and play.

SAINT THOMAS SERVESCommunity service has always been the heart of Saint Thomas.  Whether we serve through our five designated Outreach Partners— The Sunday Club, Habitat for Humanity, Sawyerville Day Camp, M-Power Ministries, or Greater Birmingham Ministries— or as we gather on “Welcoming Wednesdays” to spend an hour in fellowship and service, we encounter the love of the risen Lord. Unique projects include “Peace Pals” knitted dolls for foreign mission and “Power Socks” that pay utility bills close to home. Ask almost anyone at Saint Thomas to tell what they are doing in ministry and he or she will be glad to tell you the story of service.

GREATER BIRMINGHAM MINISTRIES Saint Thomas is honored to continue our partnership with Greater Birmingham Ministries, a multi-faith organization that provides emergency service for people in need. Saint Thomas collects food and basic supplies to take to GBM and provides gifts at the holidays.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITYSaint Thomas has a long and proud history of partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable, quality homes. Saint Thomas regularly participates in home-building efforts sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama

YOUTH MINISTRYWe believe good youth ministry begins with great relationships. We are always excited to see the many wild and wacky adventures of our EYC youth group. Our youth make time for Bible studies, scavenger hunts, mission trips, beach vacations, adventure days and watermelon hats. We are proud to see these young adults form as Christians and inspire our faith with their joy and laughter.

YOUTH IN SERVICEOur youth are active in serving the community. Every month, members of the youth group serve a meal at the Sunday Club, a mission of South Highlands Presbyterian Church to help the homeless and mentally ill in the community. The youth have also participated in service weekends with the Alabama Rural Ministries and regularly serve the parish at special events. They are an important part of our church community.

YOUTH ADVENTURESChallenging discussions, faithful conversations, and service to the community make our youth group a strong community. They work hard together, and they play hard together.

ADULT PROGRAMSWe grow our faith and share our lives through a variety of offerings for adults in our community. With Sunday morning adult education, men’s weekly Bible study, women’s weekly Bible study, and many fellowship events, there is a place for everyone to get connected.

WORSHIPWorship has always played a central role at Saint Thomas. We are first and foremost a church that prays together. We are excited to begin celebrating a 5 pm Eucharistic service on Sunday evenings in addition to our already robust Sunday morning offerings. This is simply one more opportunity to stop by God’s house to offer our prayers and thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

MUSIC PROGRAMSSaint Thomas is blessed with talented parishioners who share their musical gifts during our worship. Our music director and choir enhance our worship and helps us explore different worship music. Our children and youth choir work hard as part of the Royal School of Church Music and delight us with their singing.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE…

God has blessed Saint Thomas over the past twenty-five years, and I believe God is only beginning His good work

in this community. We are excited about our current ministries, but we are on fire for the ministry set before

us.In the pages that follow you will see a percentage break down of how the 2017 budget will empower our ministry, formation, administration and debts. This is a story about

how God is working at Saint Thomas and how we can support the future efforts of the church.

My friends, Saint Thomas is our church and God has entrusted us to use our faithful stewardship to honor and spread the Gospel. This year our goal is to raise $390,000

for the 2017 budget. This is our moment to step out in faith and to stretch ourselves.

Join us on this journey.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Formation (Christian Ed, Youth,

Nursery)14%

Community2%

Building & Grounds

25%

Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan

Covenant)12%

Clergy/Rector 25%

Administration11%

Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

Saint Thomas serves together. We believe our worship and formation prepare us for the world outside these walls. At the conclusion of the Eucharistic service we look through the glass windows to see and begin our work as Christian disciples in the world. Our outreach department is led by our fearless deacon, The Ven. Dr. Louise Thibodaux. She works tirelessly to give us opportunities to serve as Christ himself commands.We hope to continue serving our outreach partners in 2017 and increase the funding we are able to use for this ministry. We are excited to continue our Welcoming Wednesday program, a weekly outreach opportunity partnering with local organizations.This budget also reflects a full apportionment to the Diocese of Alabama which supports our state and national ministry.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Formation (Christian Ed,

Youth, Nursery)14%

Community2%

Building & Grounds

25%

Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan Covenant)

12%

Clergy/Rector 25%

Administration11%

Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

In the early part of 1991 the founders of this church rented space in a store front. After much prayer we purchased on a lonely strip of land on Acton Road and moved into a trailer. Over many years of holy and cramped worship, we collected enough funds to break ground for the first church building. God blessed our congregation and soon it was time for an expansion. The back wall of the church was removed and the nave was more than doubled in size!Our church building and grounds are a blessing and facilitate so much of our Christian discipleship. In 2017 we will enjoy our recently expanded atrium space, continue our columbarium project, and find creative new ways to use our youth house. We want to complete some needed repairs, continue our beautification efforts around the nave, in Wingo Hall, and in landscaping the church.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Formation (Christian Ed, Youth,

Nursery)14%

Community2%Building &

Grounds25%

Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan Covenant)

12%

Clergy/Rector 25%

Administration11%

Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

We are proud to support Bethany village through the Saint Thomas arts and crafts building. We hope the same Spirit of creativity and life that pervades Saint Thomas will bless and inspires the hundreds that work each year in our Bethany Village building. We still owe $25,000 for this project and we are working hard to pay off this debt.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Forma-tion (Christian

Ed, Youth, Nursery)

14%Community

2%Building & Grounds

25%

Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan Covenant)

12%

Clergy/Rector 25%

Administration11%

Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

Great education is the cornerstone of a faithful church. Great Christian formation is not and cannot be fast, cheap or easy. We dedicate space, resources and boundless energy to the nurture and formation of our children, youth and adults. Whatever your age or stage there is a program for your continued growth in the Christian faith at Saint Thomas!In 2017 we hope to grow these areas of ministry. We want to train additional atrium teachers and provide more materials for Christian formation. We also want to dedicate more funds to our adult series on Sunday mornings.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Formation (Christian Ed, Youth,

Nursery)14%

Community2%

Building & Grounds

25%Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan Covenant)

12%

Clergy/Rec-tor 25%

Administration11%

Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

Saint Thomas was founded as a community that prays together. Our worship of Jesus Christ is broad and rich in the Episcopal tradition. We are orthodox in our beliefs and open for all seekers of a deeper relationship with God.We are proud of the great effort and work of our youth and adult choirs. In the fall of 2016 we are celebrating their many talents with a musical performance on October 28th. We are eager to grow our choirs and expand our musical footprint.We are also adding a new worship service on Sundays at 5 pm. We want to cultivate a unique musical offering at this service. The new service will begin on September 25th.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Formation (Christian Ed,

Youth, Nursery)14%

Community2%Building &

Grounds25%

Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan Covenant)

12%

Clergy/Rector 25%

Adminis-tration

11% Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

We are proud of our administration of the gifts God has given Saint Thomas. Our administrative department works with the various councils of the church to ensure life-giving, sustainable stewardship of all our talents and treasures.This year we added new computers to the office, installed a new printer, updated our software, re-vamped our website and continue to have an active social media presence. We are continuously working to create new graphics, new marketing tools, and better ways to communicate with parishioners and the community.

Worship/Choir/Music10%

Faith Formation (Christian Ed, Youth,

Nursery)14%

Community2%

Building & Grounds

25%

Ministry (Outreach, Diocesan Covenant)

12%

Clergy/Rector 25%

Administration11%

Other1%

ST THOMAS BUDGET

The ministry of a priest is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God.Saint Thomas has been blessed with seven priests over the last twenty-five years. Each brought unique skills and gifts that continue to guide and shape our church. We are blessed with a great heritage of priests.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CLERGY WHO HAVE SERVED SAINT THOMAS

The Reverend Ken Fields The Reverend Pat Wingo

The Reverend Rick PutmanThe Ven. Dr. Loiuse Thibodaux

The Reverend Stephen McWhorterThe Reverend Charles Youngson

The Reverend Thomas JoynerThe Reverend Josiah Rengers

AND TO ALL THE SAINTS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED THEIR TIME, TALENT, AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO CREATE AND SUSTAIN A VIBRANT FAITH COMMUNITY!

2870 Acton RoadBirmingham, AL 35243

205-969-2700www.stthomasepiscopal.net

ESTABLISHED 1991