Frances Ziegenhals, Senior Warden
Larry King, Junior Warden
Shirley Irvin
Logic Tobola
Arthur Evans
Michael Grissom
Bobby VonDerAu
Who Are We?
St. Thomas' and all Episcopal Churches strive to live by the message of
Christ, in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome. Walking a middle
way between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are a
sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful debate
about what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.
What To Expect
All worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer,
which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go.
Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be “liturgical,” meaning that the
congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change
greatly from week to week during a season of the year. This sameness from
week to week gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to
the worshipers.
For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating… or confusing.
Services may involve standing, sitting, kneeling, sung or spoken responses,
and other participatory elements that may provide a challenge for the
first-time visitor. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a
dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it
becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes.
All Are Welcome
All baptized Christians—no matter age or denomination—are welcome to
“receive communion.” Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive,
not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism
so seriously.
Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during
the Communion to receive a blessing from the presider.
At the end of the Eucharist, the congregation prays once more in
thanksgiving, and then is dismissed to continue the life of service to God
and to the World.
What To Wear?
Formal?...Informal?
Suits are fine...jeans are fine. (Wear what you feel comfortable in.)
How May I Become a Member of St. Thomas’
Episcopal Church?
There are basically three ways to become a member:
1. Be baptized at St. Thomas’ (if you have not been baptized).
2. Have your “letter” transferred here (if you belonged to another
Episcopal church).
3. If you are - or have been - a baptized member of another denomination,
you may become a member of St. Thomas’ by requesting membership from the
Rector.
Any of these methods will make you a member of the church. In addition,
however, our canons state that it is expected that all adult members of this
Church, after appropriate instruction, will have made a mature public
affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their
Baptism and will have been Confirmed or Received by a Bishop of this Church.
