| Thought for the Month |
Prayer for March
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Theologians describe the events of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection using the Greek word, Kenosis. This describes the way in which God constantly gives of himself. He gave us himself in Jesus, he gave us the key to life showing us resurrection as the ultimate outcome of human existence. He continues to give of himself through his constant grace to us. Our discipleship, our following of this giving God is not characterised by fear of condemnation, or worse still, by a sense of ‘what’s in it for me?’, but rather by our generous response to God’s generosity shown to us.
So Robert South (4 Sept 1634 – 8 July 1716), an English churchman, known for his combative preaching was able to say "If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives."
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Father, you have blessed us. Make our actions a blessing to others.
As we reflect more and more on all you have given us in your Son and continue to give us through your Spirit, make us eager and willing givers from all the gifts you have poured down on us.
Make our gratitude real by our generosity.
Amen.
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APCM - 26 April
Save the date. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be after the 10.15am service in church, followed by a shared lunch. What can you give to St Thomas's? What would you like to give? Come and find out more at this meeting.
Do you need to join the Electoral Roll?
Read more here. You need to be a member of the church to vote at the APCM or join the PCC.
Letter from the Rector
This month we are asking you to focus on your giving to support our work as a congregation. Read the Rector's letter here.
Lent 2015 - There's something for everyone!
You may only need to give up some time this year for Lent, not chocolate! There is a fantastic range of opportunities for you to focus on Lent this year. See the leaflet and come and join in.
Lent Giving 2015
It is a tradition at St Thomas's that bids are submitted from members of the church to the PCC, for the opportunity of being the chosen recipient of the annual Lent Giving. Please submit any bids, with a brief outline of the organisation to the Parish Office up and including Monday March 9th.
Lent Secret Church gathering
There will be another gathering of local folk taking part in a Christian meeting at a secret location in or around Salisbury in the near future. We take on the aspects of a church gathering in a country where Christianity is not a safe way of life. Look out for more details on how to get involved. Please pray for the Persecuted Church. See the Open Doors website for more information on having to hide your faith.
Trip to Windsor Castle - 21 March
Do you fancy a private tour of Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel, the State and Semi State Apartments?
Sally Peel is an Accredited Windsor Castle Guide and Blue Badge Guide and will be taking us around this wonderful set of buildings. Coach travel to and from Salisbury leaving at 9am and returning at 6pm.
More info here.
Our Links page
Have you visited our Links page yet? Details of a variety of organisations that may be of interested are listed. If you know of a website or organisation that may be appropriate, do contact the webmaster.
Bell Ringers needed
If you are interested in keeping this very British tradition alive, please contact Nigel - nigel.orchard@btinternet.com or Margaret - 01722 503 178.
Our Hand-bell ringers will be performing this year at the Christmas Tree Festival, the Salisbury Christmas Market and in church on 21st Dec. Details here. Come and find out more.
Redevelopment of the Church
The PCC has made decisions about the redevelopment of the church on behalf of the congregation. The following projects will be pursued:
A new West Door; new Nave Altar design; new Font design; new seating; new Children's area; new Bookstall area; new sound and lighting arrangements.
Please pray for the Redevelopment Team as they continue their work.
Choir Members needed
If you are interested in joining any of our choirs - Junior, Boys, Girls or Adult, please contact John Dempster, our Choir Master after a service or on choir@stthomassalisbury.co.uk.
"Don't miss this little gem of a church - still retains all the love that was endowed on it by its builders. Very peaceful inside, although life throbs outside. Close your eyes and soak up the atmosphere."
A Contemplative Walk around the church
We have a new leaflet to help you walk thoughtfully around the church. Click here to view it.
Renting a room in St Thomas's House
Do you know any groups that might be interested in renting a room in St Thomas’s House? We now have three rooms available:
- On the ground floor: the Canterbury Room is our largest room with a capacity of up to 45 people and a well equipped kitchen. This floor has 4 toilets. One of them has disabled access and baby changing facilities.
- On the first floor: the Abingdon Conference Room is set out with a large table situated with a capacity for up to 16 people.
- The Sarum Room also on the first floor is a flexible room which has a capacity for up to 20 people. On this floor we have a kitchenette and two toilets.
Please contact Lynn in the office about room bookings. The Parish Office: Open Monday to Thursday from 09.30am until 2pm.
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