From This Sunday’s 8 a.m. Ministry Minute

“…My life has been a process of learning that we don’t have control, and that we are stronger than we thought. We lose what we think we need—a spouse, the ability to do things, even our health—and we find that there is joy even so and suffering comes from holding on to what we thought we needed.

I know that when I was in a state of unbearable suffering, over losing a marriage that I thought was central to my survival, I was finally able to say, “I can’t do this” and really mean it. In that moment, when I had lost all hope and thought I would break, the church showed up and said, “We are here” and in that moment I realized that we are always held and cradled and cared for and spoken to even in the worst of times. For me, the Episcopal Church is a place that catches me when I think I am falling—it is how I know that I am safe, cared for, and held in the arms of an infinite love, and that love is me, and it’s all around me and it is how I see God in the work we do to support others…”

Amy Frankel

From This Sunday’s 10 a.m. Ministry Minute

“…This summer, I went to Camp Bishopswood for four weeks, which I am very grateful for.  I lived with kids together, shared meals, and learned teamwork.  It felt like a small family centered on love and respect.  We prayed, read the Bible, sang worship songs, and had group discussions about faith and kindness and helping.

Kids feel close to God in everyday life.  God’s blessing—it’s quite difficult to figure out what it is, as it is not physical; we cannot measure it, but I find it in the peace during prayer, in friendship and laughter, in learning to help others.  It is really true, for all this time I have changed.  I have become more kind, more thankful, and more aware that I am loved by God.”

Yuliia Chornopyska

We hope you had the chance to hear our speakers on Sunday.  The Stewardship Campaign is going very well so far, and we appreciate your prayers.

Here is the good news:

• 25 Families and individuals have pledged.
•  4 New pledges were received.
•  9 Pledges increased from the previous year.
• $62, 524 has been pledged for the ministry at St. Thomas’

Thank you!  Please keep this ministry in your prayers.