Way of Love Ministry Pledge Form

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

A St. Thomas Ministry Pledge

Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry sometimes refers to us as the "Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement." A healthy branch is always growing - upward toward the light, inward to remain strong, outward in fruitfulness and life.

Here at St. Thomas, we seek to grow in the same ways. Upward toward God. Inward in our life together. Outward in love toward the world around us.

We do this by walking in the Way of Love - spiritual practices that have sustained Christians for centuries. The Way of Love is a Rule of Life shared by the Episcopal Church to help us follow Jesus more intentionally. We turn to Jesus, learn his teachings, pray, worship, bless others, go across boundaries in love, and rest in God's care. All across the Episcopal Church, people are returning to these practices and finding peace and purpose in following Jesus together.

Will you join us in following in the Way of Love and Growing Upward, Inward, and Outward through ministries at St. Thomas in the coming year? Sign up for ways you are currently serving and wish to continue and for new opportunities to explore. Leaders of ministries will contact you to help you get started. If you are serving in a way not listed here, please tell us about it.

Please prayerfully complete this form by August 25. Then join us that Sunday morning as we offer all of these good gifts to God.

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Email Address: *

Phone Number *

Are you connected?

Add me to the Spiritual Adventures email newsletter list or make sure my email address is correct.

Add me to the parish email list for funeral notices and church-related communications or make sure I am still on the list

TURN - Pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus

I'd like to be baptized or have my child baptized.

I'd like to be confirmed on August 25 at St. Thomas. I was baptized as a child and now want to claim a mature commitment to Christ.The next date is December 8 at the Cathedral.

I'd like to be Received into the Episcopal Church on August 25 at St. Thomas. I have been living a mature Christian faith in another church tradition and now wish to unite with the Episcopal Church.The next date is December 8 at the Cathedral.

Organize conversations about justice issues at St. Thomas. View films or hear a speaker and consider how to follow Jesus in the midst of challenging situations in our world. First gathering is September 22 at 4 pm.

Participate in the St. Thomas Creation Keepers Green Team efforts. There are a variety of new ways to follow God by caring for creation including organizing a group to sell earth friendly grocery bags to commit to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE; lead or host an information table in church or community events on Coal Ash and other environmental policies affecting Georgia; join a committee to plan the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day Celebration in 2020 and more!

Another way. How are you living this practice - Turning to Jesus - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

LEARN - Reflect on Scripture each day, especially Jesus' life and teachings

Participate in Adult Formation opportunities on Wednesday evenings. Fall 2019 includes a study exploring biblical Greek led by Taylor Burton-Edwards.

Participate in "Where the Wild Things Are: Parenting in an Ever-Changing World" group for parents on Wednesday evenings.

Participate in Adult Formation opportunities on Sunday mornings. Two weekly opportunities include the Lectionary Study Group and Perspectives.

Attend "A Simple Gathering." These monthly Sunday evening events at St. Thomas offer opportunity for worship, formation, and fellowship over a shared meal. Join us to worship, create, and connect at 5 pm the first Sunday of each month beginning in October.

Assist with A Simple Gathering one Sunday evening a month at St. Thomas. Volunteers are needed to assist with formation opportunities for families around the tables during these events and lead in worship.

Participate in Disciple Women's Bible Study on Thursday mornings from 10 am -noon at St. Thomas. Disciple Bible Study focuses on transformation, not information. Participants in Disciple experience the great sweep of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, reading about 80% of the Bible in manageable daily blocks.

Participate in EfM: Education for Ministry (EfM), offered through Trinity Episcopal Church, is a wonderful program for anyone interested in a long-term opportunity that explores both personal and communal faith with a small group of people. We will be forming one multi-parish EfM group (6-12 people) that will begin meeting at Trinity in the fall once a core group is formed.

Participate in the Tuesday Study Group. Beginning in September, this group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 1pm in the library for a deeper look at the scriptures and Christian theology. This fall they are reading "Holy Envy" by Episcopal priest, Barbara Brown Taylor.

Participate in St. Thomas YA's (Young Adults). This group meets on Sunday afternoons at 4 pm for learning and fellowship. It is open to anyone who considers themselves a young adult.

Participate in the St. Thomas Book Readers Group. This group meets one weekday a month throughout the year and discusses a variety of books together.

Attend Safeguarding God's Children Training. This is a child abuse prevention training through the Episcopal Church. This is required for those who work with children and youth in our congregation.The next in person training is October 19.

Occasionally teach an Adult Formation Class or lead a series.

Teach or substitute teach Shine Time. Shine Time is our name for Children's Sunday School and serves ages 3 years-5th grade on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15. We currently have openings for two volunteers to teach our older children every other month.

Lead or co-lead Children's Chapel one Sunday morning a month during the 10:30 worship service. Chapel leaders follow an Order of Service while the children work in their weekly bulletins that shares the Gospel in a child friendly way. We currently have openings on the 1st, 4th and occasional 5th Sunday of the month.

Assist Ms. Katie and Ms. Erin with Children's Choir and Episcokid Faith Formation one Wednesday a month.

Volunteer with VBS 2020.

Assist Ms. Holle with The Tommies (St. Thomas Youth) one Wednesday a month.

Participate in Youth Sunday School.

Assist Ms. Holle with Youth Sunday School that serves 6th - 12th grade on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15.

Another way. How are you living this practice - Learning Scripture and the Christian Faith - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

PRAY - Dwell intentionally with God each day

Daily devotions at home. I will seek to make prayer part of my daily routine.

Pray with the prayer group on Mondays at 11:30 in the Chapel.

Pray for the prayer list at home. (Prayer list emailed weekly.)

Participate in Saints and Sinners. Saints and Sinners meets the first Friday of most months for worship and fellowship. They begin in the Chapel at 11am and then gather for a pot luck lunch in the Parlor. All are welcome!

Lead prayers at Wednesday dinner. A brief order of service is provided.

Another way. How are you living this practice - Praying - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

WORSHIP - Gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and draw near to God.

Worship regularly with St. Thomas at the 8 am or 10:30 am Sunday morning services.

Serve as an Acolyte. (Grades K-12) Acolytes carry crosses, candles, and other items in procession and help in a number of ways throughout the service. Becoming an acolyte is a great way to get involved and to learn more about Episcopal worship. Acolytes are needed at the 10:30 am Sunday morning service. Training is provided.

Serve on the Altar Guild. The Altar Guild sets the altar for worship. Teams work on a rotating basis and times are flexible.

Serve on the Flower Guild. Flower Guild members take turns arranging flowers for Sundays.

Sing with St. Thomas Choir. This is a non-auditioned choir that sings for the 10:30 worship service. The choir rehearses from 6:45-8:30 on Wednesday evenings and at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.

My child will sing with St. Thomas Children’s Choir. This is a choir of children between the ages of 4 years old - 5th grade, led by Ms. Katie and rehearses from 6:15-7:00 on Wednesday evenings. They perform several times throughout the year, including Christmas Eve at 4:00pm.

Play an instrument for worship.

Serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister at the 8 am service. LEMs serve at the altar during Eucharist. Training is provided.

Serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister at the 10:30 am service.

Serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister for a Simple Gathering - first Sunday of the month at 5 pm.

Assist with Wednesday evening Eucharist. Service begins at 5:30 each week in the Chapel.

Serve as a Lector at the 8 am service. Lectors read lessons and prayers during worship.

Serve as a Lector at the 10:30 am service.

Serve as a Lector at the 5:30 pm service on Wednesday.

Serve as a Lector at A Simple Gathering on Sunday evenings.

Serve as a Verger. Vergers organize worship leaders and lead the procession. Training is provided.

Serve as an Usher at the 8 am service. Bless those coming to worship by welcoming and helping them find a seat and get comfortable.

Serve as an Usher at the 10:30 am service.

Serve as an Usher at A Simple Gathering on Sunday evenings.

Another way. How are you living this practice - Worshiping - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

BLESS - Share faith and unselfishly give and serve

Join a group to broaden the visibility of diversity of St. Thomas. First gathering is Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 pm.

Serve on the Welcome Committee. This committee currently meets at 1:30 pm one Wednesday a month. They reach out to visitors and guests to welcome and inform them about life at St. Thomas. They also organize two newcomers parties each year.

Host a Newcomers Party. These are held twice a year, typically in a parishioner's home. The Welcome Committee provides all food and drinks.

Restock pencils, envelopes, and welcome and doodle cards in the Nave pews every week for one month at a time. Volunteers are currently needed to sign up for approximately two months out of the year.

Volunteer in the church office when needed. Volunteers are needed to occasionally assist with special projects or answer the phones in the front office.

Occasionally bring light refreshments and act as host/hostess on Sunday for the fellowship time following the 10:30 service.

Assist with receptions and special events.

Assist with funeral breakfasts.

Help with the Annual Rummage Sale on March 14, 2020.

Volunteer in the nursery as a "Rocker and Roller" during the 10:30 service. Rockers and Rollers are helpers who are willing to care for babies and toddlers in the nursery when extra help is needed. They also commit to praying for the children while they are with them.

Attend a very brief dishwasher training and occasionally assist with cleanup after events or meals. The next training is schedule for September 22 after the 10:30 worship service.

Assist with workdays scheduled occasionally throughout the year to clean and maintain the facility and grounds.

Assist with needed yard work on the grounds of the church - laying pine straw, pulling weeds, etc.

Assist with maintaining the flower beds in the columbarium by pulling weeds, spreading pine straw, etc. This is a wonderful opportunity for a family.

Available for small repairs.

Assist with maintaining the outdoor labyrinth. Restock resources, pull weeds, tend plants, etc. so that we can continue to offer this as a place of prayer for the larger community.

Assist with setups. Occasionally help set up tables and chairs for special events.

Serve on one governance committee: Vestry, Finance, Stewardship, Property, or Personnel.

I plan to include St. Thomas in my will or estate plan.

Another way. How are you living this practice - Blessing others with gifts - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

GO - Cross boundaries, listen deeply, and love like Jesus

Be a mentor at Path to Shine on Monday afternoons from 4:45 - 6:30 pm. Path to Shine offers underserved children opportunities for learning and relationships that lead to character development and success in school and life. Mentors are needed to work with these students on a regular basis.

Be a guest speaker at Path to Shine on Monday afternoons. Guest speakers are needed for special presentations and events.

Provide snacks for Path to Shine on Monday afternoons during the school year. 10-12 sandwich halves, fruit, and juice boxes are needed.

Serve as a one-on-one reader or tutor at Brewer Elementary. Volunteers work individually with at-risk students for half an hour once a week (Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am) from September to May.

Support Boxwood Soccer as a practice helper one afternoon a week, Monday, Tuesday, or Friday in September and October at 4:30 pm. No coaching experience required! Help monitor restroom and water breaks so coaches can focus on practice.

Attend soccer games to cheer on the teams. St. Thomas sponsors soccer players and teams from Boxwood. Game schedules are shared weekly in Spiritual Adventures.

Join a group to expand and deepen our relationship with Brewer Elementary and Boxwood. First meeting is Sunday, September 15 at 4 pm.

Volunteer with Wynnton Neighborhood Network Food Pantry. Volunteers serve as greeters, food packers, and enter data in the computer. They also respond to telephone requests for utility assistance. The commitment is usually two mornings a month throughout the year. Thorough training is provided. WNN is open Monday - Friday from 10 until 12:30.

Offer hospitality to families from Valley Interfaith Promise (VIP) - VIP is a ministry to families experiencing homelessness. Different churches in our community host families for a week at a time in their facility. There are a variety of ways to help including acting as a host, spending the night with families, bringing a meal, or bringing your children to play.

Take communion to sick or homebound members. Training is provided.

Help make or deliver meals for ill or homebound parishioners.

Visit El Refugio and Stewart Detention Center. Next orientation is on September 22 at 2 pm.

Join a team to provide support to families in immigration detention. First meeting is Sunday, August 25 at 4 pm.

Serve on the St. Thomas Outreach Council representing one or more of our outreach ministries.

Volunteer at Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry/CVEM - CVEM offers a variety of one-time and on-going opportunities for service. Indicate below what you're interested in:

CVEM: Help plan and/or participate in Racial Reconciliation events such as pilgrimages, book studies, movie screenings, etc.

CVEM: Direct Service Interview Volunteer - meet clients on a regular basis, usually once a week. This would be an on-going commitment that begins with shadowing the process, training, and on-going support.

CVEM: Direct Service Reception Volunteer - welcome clients and visitors, answer phones, make appointment reminder phone calls, and assist interviewer with follow-up tasks.

CVEM: Help with occasional requests for furniture and household basics including pick-up and delivery labor and transportation.

CVEM: Volunteer with Infusion, a program for a diverse group of teens that meets during the school year and focuses on racial reconciliation, community engagement, and servant leadership.

CVEM: Volunteer with Interfaith Initiatives including TAP and TAPi.e. The Thompson-Pound Art Program (TAP) is a summer interfaith art program for kids and TAP i.e. (interfaith encounter) is "TAP for adults," a developing series of quarterly events bringing the region's faith communities together.

CVEM: Help with administrative tasks, especially data entry or routine building and ground tasks at the ministry house.

CVEM: Provide snacks for events or programs.

CVEM: Serve in a leadership capacity as a board member.

Another way. How are you living this practice - Going to share the love of Jesus - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

REST - Receive the gift of God's grace, peace, and restoration

Participate in Wednesday Evening Dinners. Dinner is served from 5:45-6:15. $7 per adult/youth, $4 per child (4 years-5th grade),$20 per family of 4 or more. Sign up for a standing reservation or sign up every week by noon on Tuesday if you plan to eat. Contact Rev. Grace if the cost of the meal is a hardship.

Help serve dinner on Wednesday night. *Free dinner for those who serve.

Participate in Foyers. Foyers Groups provide an opportunity for fellowship and friendship with others at St. Thomas. Groups meet for meals in homes or in restaurants 5-7 times between September and May. Deadline to sign up is September 1.

Participate in "Be Our Guest" Foyers. When you sign up, one of the Foyers groups will invite you to one of their dinners. This option is designed for members who are unable to commit to a full year of Foyers. Deadline to sign up is September 1.

Participate in Pub Theology Men's Group. This group meets from 7-9 the first Tuesday of each month for fellowship at a local restaurant. All adult men are welcome.

Serve on the Parish Life Committee.

Host an event for children in your home. Examples include pool party, game night, movie night, craft night, etc.

Host a youth gathering or meal.

Another way. How are you living this practice - Resting in God's peace - outside of St. Thomas? Describe your practice below.

Other:

Thank you for Growing Upward, Inward, and Outward with St. Thomas.

Submit

Clear form

Never submit passwords through Google Forms.

This form was created inside of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Report Abuse

Forms