St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
We are a welcoming community of faith and love that serves one another and seeks to draw others to God through our ministries.
Ministries
St. Thomas is a vibrant church with opportunities for fellowship, formation, missions and music.
Fellowship
Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday Night Supper meets the first Wednesday of the month during the school year. It is an opportunity to share a meal with other parishioners and friends of St. Thomas’. The menu is published ahead of time, and we ask individuals and families to rsvp to the church office through various means detailed in our Monday emails and announcements. The cost is $8 per person with a $25 cap for families.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch is a monthly gathering for the mostly retired people of St. Thomas’ to gather together to share a meal and to learn about different topics or to share different experiences. Presentations have included information on birding, history of St. Thomas’, beginning to plan your funeral, and a presentation from the Georgia Historical Society. They have also visited local historical sites and museums. Information on upcoming events is provided in the weekly email, the Sunday bulletin, and on our website. The cost is $10 per person. We ask that you rsvp for each month.
Women Sharing Wisdom
Women Sharing Wisdom is a facilitated discussion group that allows women to gather and share life’s experiences and challenges as we age. The program was developed by Beth Firestein, Ph.D. and is facilitated by Rev. Colette, Claudia Welch, and Margaret Minis. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at 2:00 pm.
The Women of St. Thomas’
The Women’s of St. Thomas’ is a fellowship for all women of the parish at St. Thomas’. They meet the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. The group helps put on events, provides meals for gatherings, and fundraises to support groups in our community and the support the missions of St. Thomas’. Minutes from the last meeting can be read here.
Men’s Group
The Men’s Group is a fellowship for all men of the parish at St. Thomas’. They put on occasional events, provide meals for gatherings, and fundraise to support the property of St. Thomas’.
Cursillo Reunion Groups
Cursillo Reunion Groups are for individuals who have attended a Cursillo weekend. The groups serve as support for the attendees’ continued faith journey.
Sunday Hospitality
Our Sunday hospitality teams provide refreshments during our hospitality time in between our 10:00 am and 11:30 am services.
Funeral Guild
One of the pastoral ministries that St. Thomas’ provides is a simple reception for family and friends after a funeral service at St. Thomas’. Parishioners from St. Thomas’ provide refreshments and help with the set up and cleanup of the reception.
Mahjong Mix and Mingle
The fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm, we gather to relax, have a snack, and play Mahjong. No experience is necessary. Childcare can be provided by calling the church office.
Formation
EYC
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) is for youth 6th - 12th grade. The youth meet once a month during the school year. Activities include game nights, service projects, bible studies, day trips, and more.
Children’s Chapel
Children’s Chapel provides a learning opportunity and time of engagement for our children aged five through 5th grade. Beginning in October, we’ll have Children’s Chapel for our toddlers as well. During our 10:00 am service, the children are led by the cross, out of the church and into the Children’s Chapel Room, returning to the service at the Peace. Adult volunteers lead the children each week.
Nursery Care
Nursery care is provided at our 10:00 am service for children four years and younger. The nursery is located in the Christian Education building. An adult assists Dianne Jones, the nursery supervisor, each week.
VBS
Vacation Bible School is offered each summer for rising K through 5th graders. Volunteers of all ages are needed for games, crafts, preparing meals, and much more.
Seasonal Formation Offerings
Clergy and lay leaders at St. Thomas’ offer short-term seasonal studies throughout the academic year. Recent offerings have included book studies, bible studies, and a class about Christian Nationalism. Studies are advertised in the weekly email and the Sunday bulletin announcements.
Inquirers’ Class
Inquirers’ Class is an annual class held over the course of a weekend that teaches newcomers to the Episcopal church all about our faith, our common prayer, our history, our sacraments, and our traditions. This class usually occurs in the fall or before the bishop’s visit as it also serves as the requirement for confirmation or reception. It is intended for people ages 12 and up.
Education for Ministry (EfM)
EfM is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. EfM helps the faithful encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together. The group meets once a week during the school year.
Women’s Bible Study
Women’s Bible study meets on Tuesdays at 11:00 am. Using short study guides, the group discusses various topics using scripture to see how God works through us and walks with us to lead a life with integrity, faith, and compassion.
Missions
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee works to engage our church in missional activities to support those in need both locally and globally. Activities support organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Union Mission, St. Michael and All Angels I AM Food Pantry, Senior Citizens, Inc., Episcopal Relief and Development, Isle of Hope Elementary, Episcopal Youth and Children’s Services, and Savannah Safe Shelter. The committee meets once a quarter.
“I Am” Food Pantry
We’re continuously collecting non-perishable food items for the St, Michael’s and All Angels food pantry. Items can be donated to the box located in the Parish Hall.
The Unseen Guest Ministry
Unseen Guest gathers monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, to cook meals people who live in the Phoenix House of Union Mission, a ministry serving people with HIV/AIDS. We partner with Union Mission who distribute the meals. Cooking begins at 7:30 am and packing at 9:00 am.
Thrift Store
The St. Thomas’ Thrift Store is a non-profit organization run completely by volunteers who collect and sell donations of housewares, clothing, furniture and collectibles. Proceeds from the store provide grants up to $50,000 each year to local organizations in the community. How you can help: donate your gently used items to the Thrift Store (drop off at the back door of the store at 1126 E Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, GA 31406 ) Monday-Friday between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, or come shop.
Music
Choir
Our choir helps lead the music and worship during our principal service at 10:00 am most Sundays and at other special services. The choir is always recruiting new members, and the ability to read music is not a requirement. The choir rehearses on most Wednesday nights in the choir room in the Christian Education building at 6:30 pm.
Handbell Choir
Our handbell choir provides special music occasionally during the 10:00 am service and at other special services. The handbell choir is in need of a couple more people to have its full complement. They rehearse on most Wednesday nights at 5:30 pm in the choir room in the Christian Education building.
Sunday School of Rock
Sunday School of Rock is a music ministry of St. Thomas’ which involves mentoring between seasoned musicians and younger musicians who are learning to play instruments.