John was a very common name during biblical times, which sometimes makes it difficult for us to figure out which John did what. Someone recently requested a break-down of the Johns we encounter in the New Testament. John the Baptist is usually the easiest John to parse out. He was the son of Elizabeth, a…
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What is the Annual Meeting?
The purpose of an Annual Meeting is to elect members of the Vestry and delegates to Diocesan Convention, receive reports concerning various ministries of the church, review the report on the budget approved by the Vestry for the new year, and conduct any other appropriate business. The Annual Meeting of St. Thomas Episcopal Church…
Why don’t we decorate until right before Christmas?
This is a question that was requested and is actually discussed a lot in church-nerd circles. As many of you know, the Episcopal Church has what we call “liturgical seasons” throughout the year. Each season is meant to commemorate something—a specific event, period of time, or particular theme in Christian history. And there are physical…
Why is there a pink candle?
You may have noticed that our Advent wreath at church has a pink candle. And in case you were wondering, that particular candle is not pink because we simply ran out of blue candles and had to improvise! That pink candle has meaning. It signifies the third Sunday of Advent, which we call “Gaudate” Sunday.…
What is the Trinity?
Someone requested a What Why Wednesday to explain the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity states that the three persons of God; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; exist together in unity as one God, while simultaneously existing as three distinct persons. Christians believe that there are three distinct persons of the Father,…
What are angels?
Contrary to what popular culture would lead us to believe, angels are not humans who have died, gone to heaven, and got retrofitted with a halo and a pair of wings. Angels are heavenly beings, created by God and completely distinct from humankind. Angels are charged by God with various tasks, including sending diving messages,…
What school supplies does Twin Valley Need?
St. Thomas has a tradition of providing school supplies to the local elementary school in order to help children who may not have access to their own supplies, as well as teachers who are in need of more supplies for the classrooms. This year, Twin Valley Elementary is hoping to receive the following items: #2…
Was Mary Magdalene a Prostitute?
Next Monday, July 22, is the feast day for Mary Magdalene. So I thought you all might be interested to hear more about one of the most common claims people make about Mary Magdalene—that she was a repentant prostitute. So was she? The short answer is “no,” but let’s talk about why this misconception came…
What do I need to do to subscribe to the Diocesan Newsletter?
Last Sunday, I referenced this reflection written by Deacon Don Howells, which was included in the last diocesan newsletter. For those of you who are not subscribed, the diocesan newsletter includes important information about events happening around the diocese, interesting information about various ministries, and much more! The newsletter is sent out about once a month, so it…
What is Pentecost?
The Day of Pentecost commemorates when the Holy Spirit alighted on the disciples like tongues of fire, imparting spiritual gifts and allowing them to speak in all manner of languages in order to preach the Gospel. This event signifies the creation of the Church universal, the body of Christ’s followers in the world, continuing in…