One of the nicer things about St. Thomas, is that no-one is a faceless blur in a crowd, or just a number on an account sheet. We are all known members of a unique parish family. When members move away, or are unable to attend church because of health issues, their leaving creates a huge gap in our lives, and they often find that leaving us creates a huge gap in their lives. If you are 'on the e-train' you will have read Angelina's 'from the heart' e-mail telling us how much they miss us. If you correspond with Ms. Allison Weathersbee, you will know she misses us. Ms. Grace Driggers enjoys hearing about the church, and talking about times past, as do other homebound parishioners.
With the above in mind, I'm grateful to Fr. Jim for permitting me to write a different article this month. This is a look back at December ….especially for all who couldn't be with us.

Spotlight
On
December
Or: Noel….Noel….'Twas the season…..

December at St. Thomas was quite lovely, not just the season of Christmas, of course, but also the season of Advent. Mostly sensible, sometimes humourous - here is a look back at some of the highlights.

Clean-up Day
I wandered across the church grounds wondering just how many people would show up. Crumbs! You should have seen it…..about 20 people came to help. Old and young alike raked, trimmed, moved stuff, moved other stuff, weeded, spread straw….you name the garden activity, it got done.

Decorating the Church
While people were working in the garden, others were dressing the church for Advent. The stunning purple frontal, a new addition this year, really enhanced the décor. Purple gauze bows adorned the green wreaths…beautiful. Having said that, one of the bows regularly 'attacked' a choir member, perhaps it liked his hair-do. ☺

Decorating a tree on Park Circle
St. Thomas sponsored/decorated one of the many trees in the inner ring of Park Circle. Decorated in shades of purple by the younger people, ours was one of the lovelier trees, & appropriate to the season. (Not that I'm biased or anything!)

Advent Services
Advent is the start of the Church's year….and we prepared for the coming of Christ. All the Advent services began with the children gathered in the front of the church, close to the Advent wreath. Fr. Jim talked to them about the Advent season, then some of the children lit the appropriate number of candles as the weeks progressed. It was a very special part of the service, the children paid close attention and were very much involved in the process.

Advent Dinner
Team Carson/Lahm organized and hosted a very successful event. When you are 'behind the scenes' a.k.a. in the kitchen, you aren't able to see how many people arrive, so we were thrilled to discover that over 120 people were there. Brenda played joyous music through the first part of the evening, then students from the School of the Arts sang for us…..what bliss! I'm always so touched at the willingness of our parish family to help out with any task, whether it be 'lamplighting', 'strong arms to the rescue', or simply 'arms plunging elbow-deep in soap suds', you can always count on help.

The Rectory Party….a.k.a. Father Jim hosts a feast…
Actually, Fr. Jim and his mum hosted a feast of hors d'oeuvres ( someone had to tell me that was a posh word for finger foods) and beverages for the parish family….and we all had a great time. Ms. Yvonne (his mum, not me!) decorated their tree with gold ornaments, and it looked stunning. Christmas music played softly in the background….and it was just about drowned out by the happy chatter of many voices. This 'new' tradition is a wonderful time of fellowship.

St. Thomas Day and a visit from 'Father' Bishop Bill
Always a special event on our calendar, this was no different, and Bishop Bill confirmed two of our newest members: Edith and Darrell Reeves.
Team Potter hosted a beautiful reception, enjoyed by all. The reception 'set-up' gave everyone an opportunity to mingle freely…..and mingle we did……and we ate…..and we drank….and St. Thomas Day was another successful event.

A Christmas tree with attitude….☺
It was a beautiful tree. Full branches, fragrant, freshly cut…..with the worst 'attitude' of any Christmas tree I've ever seen! It was placed in its' stand, decorated with lights and Chrismons, then left until it could be placed up higher for all to see and enjoy. Do you think the tree was happy? Noooooooooo!…next morning it was discovered 'laying down on the job'….flat on its' Christmas branches….probably pouting. So….it was lifted up, dusted off, and put to rights. Bless me, if the wretched thing didn't calmly topple over again…..and again….and again. Finally, a guardian angel was brought in to look into the tree's grievance. Turned out it was unhappy with its' stand….said it's 'feet' were being pinched. So….a new stand was purchased, the tree was placed in it, lights and Chrismons replaced…..and a rope was slung round its' 'neck'….not sure if it was a threat or an aid to help haul it up on its' higher perch, but whatever it was, it worked and, when the rope came off, the tree stayed upright. A delight to all…..well, nearly all!

The Christmas Pageant
This time the pageant was held as a separate event in Good Shepherd Hall a few days before Christmas. A lot of people worked very hard and produced a charming retelling of the Christmas story. From smallest to tallest, the players were wonderful. The pageant allowed the audience to participate in carols and prayers, which enhanced our enjoyment of the performance. The most often heard comment was: "Now that's how a pageant ought to be!" All enjoyed the performance then were treated to refreshments. What a lovely evening!

Christmas Cards
Edith brought us the bright idea of a Christmas card 'mail box' for the parish family. We were curious to see how people would respond. WOW! Another successful idea, which threatened to overwhelm us, but we called in the cavalry and between us we kept the cards organized. The comment most often heard was: "I've never received this many cards, it's great!"

The Family Service
By Christmas Eve, the church had been dressed in it's most splendid attire. The manger was in place, the candles lit, the tree glowed, & many members of the parish family came to worship. A young lady and a young gentleman (after all they are six now!) as Mary and Joseph 'illustrated' the Gospel read by Father Jim. We sang the wonderful hymns and carols of the season, enjoying the fact that Christmas was near. Even in our joy, we were mindful that many people would not be able to enjoy Christmas with their families, and we prayed for them.

The Candlelight Service
Like many people, to me the most special part of the whole season is the Candlelight Service. Once again, we gathered to sing carols, then joined in worship to welcome the birth of Jesus. Is anything more beautiful than a darkened church gradually lit by many tiny candles as we sing 'Silent Night'….I think not. The whole service was beautiful, and we left the church in the first minutes of Christmas Day, refreshed in spirit.

To our friends, far and near:
Always remember that you are still part of our parish family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.