SCHOOL SUPPLIES:  St. Thomas Church is partnering with Eustis Elementary School to help provide school supplies. There is a donation item list and donation box in our Parish Hall. The Deadline is August 15, 2018.

As soon as that deadline has passed, we will begin collecting food items for the Thanksgiving Baskets.

NEW CRAFT MINISTRY:  Beginning Wednesday, September 5^th, we will begin making simple dresses for children in Third World countries at our usual 10 am Craft Shop meeting. We have an abundance of material and supplies that we can readily use. Even if you don’t know how to sew, you can help by pinning or cutting the patterns out. If you can sew, that would be great, also. Thanks to Diane Damon’s sister-in-law, we learned of an organization that ships the dresses to Africa, or wherever there is a need. This is a great outreach project, but we do need help. If you have any questions or can help, please call Janet Clarke (352) 728-0929.

SAVE THE DATE:  St. Thomas Church is planning our Bazaar 2018. It will be held Monday, November 12^th from 9 am – 2 pm. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

BAZAAR PIE & COFFEE CAFÉ:  Marie Fentz & I, assisted by some other ladies, will be having a Pie & Coffee Cafe during the bazaar.  If you are willing to donate a pie or two - or three or four - please let me know so I can make a list.  Contact Joan Allen   (352) 483-1235   jrallen2007@aol.com

SUNDAY ADULT FORUM:  At 9:15 am on Sundays – we gather as a group in our Parish Hall. This is an opportunity to learn, share and grow. No materials are required; please just show up and join in.    

THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY:  Bess Short leads Bible Study in the Parish Hall on Thursdays at 11 am, following the Healing/H.E. Service that is held at 10 am.

THRIFT SHOP:  The Thrift Shop reopens Thursday, August 16th! We need help hanging clothing - just 1 hour Monday or Wednesday starting at 9:30am. Call Sandy Pettitt 352-551-4225 or Gail Norris 352-357-2518. Continue to leave donations on the SIDE porch of the Church Office, especially children’s books, toys & games.

BISHOP BREWER VISITATION:  If you’re interested in Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or being Reaffirmed on October 14, 2018 when Bishop Greg Brewer visits St. Thomas, please see Fr. Ted Koelln asap or phone the office. 

QUIET DAY – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27^th:  Our Fall Quiet Day will be led by Deacon Janet Clarke on Saturday, October 27^th from 10 am until 2 pm in the Parish Hall. The theme this year is, “Come, Look, and See”. This will be an opportunity to see more clearly how God, as Trinity, works in creation, in world affairs, and in the lives of people in the past and in the present. Oftentimes, we don’t take the time to reflect on the fact that we worship a Living God…one who acts! Please take the time on October 27^th, and join us for this spiritual retreat. A lunch will be provided. There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall.

BAZAAR NEEDS:  “A tisket, a tasket—we need to fill a basket” or two, three, or more baskets for the November 12 Bazaar! Themed baskets such as beach, vacation, grandchildren, shopping, Christmas, dining, and wine (always a favorite) will be prepared as items are contributed. Contributions of gift cards, restaurant certificates, wine, (and other related items) may be left in the church office or given to Carole Warner. In addition, there will also be a silent auction, which will include gifts of a larger nature (i.e., value and or size). Vacation get-aways, jewelry, collections, lessons, professional services, dinners, and small furniture items can be included in the silent auction. Please contact Carole Warner (343-0671) with a description and estimated value and minimum bid for these silent auction items.