St. Thomas’ Ministry Fair is coming in September. Come, learn and sign-up for the ministry of your choice.

Here is a list of the current committees and groups in the church. We welcome your participation. You can get more information on the day of the Ministry Fair and also by visiting the church website, www.stthomassanford.dionc.org. If you have specific questions about a ministry, you can call the office or speak with a Vestry member.

Acolytes Adult Sunday School

Altar Guild Augustine Project

Building & Grounds Children’s Ministries

Choir Christian Formation

Communications Committee Foyer Groups

Lay Eucharistic Ministry Library

Men’s Group Nursery

Outreach-Evangelism Committee

Parish Life Committee Pastoral Care Committee

St. Jude’s Prayer Guild Stewardship

Ushers Vestry

Women of the Church Worship Leaders

As Fr. Bruce urged us in his sermon: “Ask not what your church can do for you but what you can do for your church.”

Ministry Fair on September 9

Su

mm

er

20

18

The

Cro

ss T

ies

ST

. T

HO

MA

S’

NE

WS

LE

TT

ER

Volume 3, Issue 7

United & Empowered

by the Love of

Our Lord Jesus Christ

A Parishioner’s Story

The following true story is the hilarious, brief account of a recent event in the life of one of our parishioners. It proves that not every experience in life has an existential meaning. Some events are just meant to be enjoyed, and smiled over, perhaps more so after the event!

What next? I heard a glissando on my piano. Living alone made that scary. Went into the living room. A young squirrel. He ran into the hall and up the stairs.

The officers came from the Sheriff’s Office and caught him...in my bedroom upstairs. I went up to check for damage. My biggest worries: the canopy bed handmade of walnut by Newcomb’s in Durham and the real fear—that he gnawed the hand crocheted bedspread made by my grandmother.

Just checked. All is well. Life is never dull here.

May you all have had a wonderful summer, safe from critters roaming through your house!

Fr. Bruce+

Page 2 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7 T HE CR OSS TI ES

A Warm Welcome to Tasha Barrett!

We have added an Assistant Nursery Caretaker. Her addition keeps us compliant with the Safe Church policies.

Her name is Natasha (“Tasha”) Barrett.

Tasha came to us via the Boys and Girls Club, where she is currently employed. She is the mother of two teenage sons, Khalil and Jylan.

Let’s extend a warm welcome to Tasha as she joins our church family in this important role.

V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7 Page 3 T HE CR OSS TI ES

Women of the Church presents

The Rev. Dr. Talmage Bandy

September 10, 2018 at 11 AM

The newest Tanzanian endeavor:

Bringing solar lighting to the

East African countryside

Lunch will be served.

A Eucharistic Visitor is a layperson authorized to take the consecrated elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. (Revised August 2007, from Constitution and Canons 2006).

We would like to “reinvigorate” this practice at St. Thomas’, where it has been a long-standing tradition, enjoyed by many during times of illness or recovery from surgeries. The service, “Communion Under Special Circumstances” can be found on pages 396-399 in our Book of Common Prayer. If you have never participated in a home communion service, please take some time to read this lovely service which allows parishioners to be “included” in the community of worshippers at St. Thomas’ on both a spiritual and social level.

Part of the process to become a LEV, is to take the

Safe Church, Level 1 training. This is an online

course that takes about an hour and a half to

complete. If you are interested in becoming a

Eucharistic Visitor, please contact Fr. Bruce.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors by Katie Hyer

Page 4 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7 T HE CR OSS TI ES

The program, engagingly presented by Speaker Ken Hoyle, shared a biography of Louise Lavender Tuller. She was born in Newfoundland, Canada, in 1909. In 1928, she moved to the US where she met and married William Lavender. Together they opened and managed Lavender Department Store in Bainbridge, NY. It became a popular and highly profitable enterprise.

After her husband’s death in 1956, she married Harry Tuller in 1960. The Tuller’s retired to Sanford in 1971. Harry died shortly after their North Carolina move. Louise was an active member of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and an involved participant in community activities. Long interested in Central Carolina Hospital, Louise first operated the hospital store, then headed up the volunteer Pink Ladies. She was a strong and enthusiastic nurse advocate.

The Louise Tuller trust for nursing scholarships was established at her death in December of 1978, and it was closed in 2009. The balance then was transferred to and administered by the CCCC Foundation for nursing scholarships. Her gift of more than $335,000 remains the largest single gift ever given to the college. It funded the establishment and continuing support of the Associate Nursing degree program. Subsequently, it was titled the Louise L. Tuller School of Nursing.

Additionally, she left money to St. Thomas’ for the construction of a circular stained-glass window in the church. The window is located at the rear of the church, above the reredos, in the sanctuary area of the church. Postcards featuring pictures of Louise Tuller and the stained-glass memorial window were distributed to all those present.

Women of the Church business included:

1. Discussion concerning the Fall fundraiser. Bazaar Co-chairs: Pat Clark and Mary Lee Dutton, Date: Saturday, December 1. Motion for support by WOC by Pat Clark. Second: Elizabeth Zeph. Passed by unanimous voice vote.

2. Liaison - WOC/Bazaar Chairs: Vicki Haislip

3. Receptions after funerals: Co-chairs: Jan Carlson and Darlynda Patterson, Liaison: Mary Thacker

4. Food ministry to families of sick and/or departed parishioners - Coordinator: Karen Huey

5. Treasurer’s Report: $7,829.47 - Includes $18 from April Meeting.

The raffle gift, contributed by Louise Spofford, was won by Drusy Schaeffer.

The WOC president for 2018-2020, Joan Griswold, was introduced. She gave a short review of her life’s spiritual journey, with the Episcopal Church as its destination. She spoke about her happy anticipation of working with WOC.

WOC May Minutes

T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 5 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7

WOC May Minutes — Continued

Following the meeting, members enjoyed the wide array of salads, finger foods, and desserts provided by all in attendance.

Women of the Church begins the 2018-19 year with a not-to-be-missed program! The Rev. Dr. Talmage Bandy will share the newest Tanzanian endeavor: bringing solar lighting to the countryside of that East African area. This is a thrilling example of blessings arising from responding to God’s leadership.

Date: Monday, September 10

Time: 11 a.m.

Please mark your calendar now.

Lunch will be served.

Encourage One Another

At the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. When the gun sounded, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back... every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood. The cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why?... Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our own course.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, God calls us to encourage one another and lift each other up, and yet we go through this life in a race to win, often ignoring the people around us. In Matthew 5:16, we are told to let our light shine before men in such a way that they may see our

good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. Our lives are supposed to reflect the light of Jesus within us, causing people around us to glorify God... but that can only happen when we allow our lives to be instruments of encouragement and hope. We need to involve ourselves in the lives of others by allowing the compassion of Christ and the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit to lead us. Today, instead of always trying to win the race, "Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 .

- The Daily Encourager, August 17, 2018

Page 6 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7 T HE CR OSS TI ES

Summer at St. Thomas’

T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 7 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7

Upcoming Events

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report named

Hamilton’s congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and he preached at the National Prayer Service as part of the presidential inauguration festivities in 2013 and was appointed to the President's Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of Creed, Half Truths, The Call, The Journey, The Way, 24 Hours That Changed the World, John, Revival, Not a Silent Night, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong, and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press. Learn more about Adam Hamilton at AdamHamilton.org.

Wednesday, August 22 2 p.m.

Committee Chair and Fall Festival Meeting

Saturday, August 25 All Day

In-House Choir Retreat

Sunday, September 9 After 10 a.m. Service

Ministry Fair

Starting September 16 Godly Play for Children

Starting on September 26 Book Study—Half Truths

By Adam Hamilton

September 30 Fifth Sunday Luncheon

Page 8 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7 T HE CR OSS TI ES

Coffee Hour at St. Thomas’

Generosity among parishioners certainly is not unusual, and it comes in many forms. We talk about the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. We might add tasty treats to that list. Sunday after Sunday parishioners provide delicious snacks for after-church “Coffee Hour.” That time of visiting and sharing is one of the strengths of St. Thomas’ and has become a hallmark of the caring love that exists in the parish. This past Sunday was a perfect example. Hostess Frances Floyd served a varied and bountiful menu of tasty foods. Included are recipes for two of her delicious snacks.

Cornflake Cookies

1 cup butter 1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cream of tartar 2 cups crushed cornflakes

Cream the butter and sugar. Mix with flour, soda, and cream of tartar. Beat into a batter. Fold in crushed cornflakes. Drop by teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 5-8 minutes at 375°.

Taffy Bars

1 stick margarine 1 stick butter

1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup chopped pecans

1 package graham crackers

Separate the crackers. Place foil in the bottom of jelly roll pans. Place crackers on foil, side by side, touching. Combine margarine and butter (I just use butter) and sugar. Beat for three minutes. Pour over crackers. Sprinkle pecans over the top. Bake 5-7 minutes at 350°. Remove them from the foil immediately and place on wax paper or brown paper. (I use parchment paper.) Spray with Pam.

When: August 20 – 24, 2018

Where: St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church Lower Parish Hall

Time: 9 AM – 3 PM

Requirements: High School Diploma or GED, a willing desire to work with a struggling reader, and passing the background check. Class is filling up quickly. Materials are provided at no charge!

Contact Barbara Yuskevich at (919) 708-2178 or children@leecountyliteracync.org

T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 9 V OLU ME 3 , IS SU E 7

For those who are ill:

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; Beth; Bill; Dave; Jack Beyer; Carol Bradford; June Burbage; Jean Cooke; Claudia Cox; Keith Davis; Charlotte Hohenstein; Karen Huey; Lillian Johnston; Pat Kirkman; Ashley Laton; Mary Louise Matthews; Jane Miller; Ann Osmolak; Rebecca Pascoe; Layne Wright.

For strength and guidance: Sarah and Justin; Anne L.;

the Vestry.

For those serving in our armed forces deployed and

at home.

Praises: For the continuing growth of St. Thomas’

Our Prayer List

Outreach Update

The Outreach Committee is selling St. Thomas’ T-shirts to raise a little money, but most

importantly to help us get our name out in the community. We want others to know about our

great church that is somewhat hidden from the main roads. The prices range from $15 - $18

depending on size. Three dollars of the price goes

to Outreach, and the remainder covers the cost of the shirt.

The Outreach Committee thanks to everyone for the generous donations made to The Haven during the month of June. July’s donation spotlight

was on CUOC. We are all taking a break during the month of August! A reminder of projects coming

up!

September – The Breadbasket

October – Open

November – Homeless Project

December – Oak Haven (gifts for residents and a possible caroling party)

“Cross Ties”

is published monthly by

St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church

312 N. Steele St., Sanford, NC

Office: (919) 774-8644

Email: stthomasnc@icloud.com

Website: http://stthomassanford.dionc.org

Office Hours

Beth Wood, Admin. Asst.

M & F, 9AM - 12PM

Tu, W, & Th, 9AM – 1PM

Rector

The Rev. Bruce Heyvaert

The Parish Staff

Director of Music

Dr. Jo Ann Bowman

Organist

June Burbage

Nursery Care

Katie Yuskevich

Tasha Barrett

Lay Leaders

Andy White, Treasurer

Women of the Church

Joan Griswold

Outreach Committee Chairs

Pat Kirkman & Kay Heflin

Parish Life Committee Chair

Jan Carlson

The Parish Vestry

Cornelia Olive, Sr. Warden

Joann Thaxton, Jr. Warden

Micki Van Orden, Clerk

Serving through 2018

Ray Hyer

Elizabeth Zeph

Bob Carlson

Serving through 2019

Bill Bradford

Micki Van Orden

Cornelia Olive

Serving through 2020

Kay Heflin

Barbara Duffy

Joann Thaxton

@ St. Thomas

We extend a warm welcome from our church

community. We at St. Thomas’ believe that:

Whatever your religious background

Whatever your history

However you have come to be drawn to the Lord

You are welcome to walk your journey of life with us

at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church.

For Joy in God’s Creation

O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy

gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve

thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

BCP page 814