St. Thomas welcomes children in our worship space, so feel free to keep your children with you during worship services. We also offer childcare during both Sunday services and Children’s Chapel during the 10:30 am service.
Childcare is available for children 6 weeks through 5 years old. Parents are welcome to pick their children up in the nursery for communion. Ask an usher for directions.
Kindergarten-2nd grade children may follow the Children’s Crucifer to Children’s Chapel at the 10:30 am service for a child-friendly sermon and prayers and return to the main service at the exchange of the peace.
Children meet in Hiers Hall on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am for Sunday school. Children Pre-K through 2nd grade participate in Godly Play classes while 3rd through 5th graders use the Love First curriculum.
Our children help lead our Quarterly Children’s Services by serving as acolytes and lectors or singing in our Treble Choir. We also have fellowship opportunities throughout the year, including our annual Easter Egg Hunt, Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, and St. Thomas Night Christmas Pageant.
We also encourage our children who are rising 1st graders and older to attend the Diocese of Alabama’s Summer Camp at Camp McDowell.
Middle School (6th-8th graders) and High School (9th – 12th graders) students meet on Sunday mornings for Christian Formation from 9:30 am until 10:10 am in the Youth Room. Youth Group (EYC) for middle and high school students meets from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every Sunday in the Youth Room. Youth programs take a break in the summer and return in the fall.
The St. Thomas Youth also participate in programs and events at both the parish and Diocesan levels. The latter includes volunteering at Special Session and for 10th-12th graders, attending Happening, a weekend retreat modeled after Cursillo for teenagers.
St. Thomas provides many opportunities for adults of all ages to get involved!
Centering Prayer is a Christian form of prayer that has ancient roots in the Contemplative tradition. Its purpose is to deepen one’s relationship with Christ in silence and stillness. The group meets on the church Zoom site. All are welcome to experience a prayer sit followed by a book share.
This weekly class meets at the church to focus on a wide range of topics. No preparation is required and it is open to all adults!
We offer two options for Bible study on Wednesday mornings. One group meets at 9:30 am with The Rev. Dr. Virginia Monroe. The Rev. Jeannie Randall, Deacon leads the 11:00 am Bible study. Both meet in Conference Room 1.
The Caregivers Group is a safe, supportive environment for those who care for adults with challenges or illnesses to discuss their stresses, issues, and rewards of their situations.
Please call the church office for the next meeting time.
The Daughters of the King is a lay order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches who are in the historic Episcopate. After undergoing a training and discernment period, a Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service, and evangelism. Our chapter, the St. Brigid chapter, was chartered March 17, 2002.
This weekly seminar offers opportunities to discover—through study and theological reflections—how to respond to the call to Christian service. All those willing to grow in baptized ministry and interested in thorough biblical, theological, interfaith, and historical studies are encouraged to inquire. This is a four-year program with an application process and book fees and materials. A nine-month commitment is required, and a certificate from Sewanee is granted to those who graduate. This group meets in the conference room at St. Thomas.
Cursillo is a movement within the Christian church that is designed to “enable the essential realities of the Christian to come to life in the uniqueness, originality, and creativity of each person.” This three-day weekend at Camp McDowell is for adult Episcopalians.
Returning pilgrims are encouraged to join in the activities of the St. Thomas Cursillo community. The purpose of this community is to give strength and support to each other in order that each person may continue to grow in faith and develop their particular gifts of ministry. St. Thomas has had an active Cursillo community for over 25 years.
Taken from the Latin word meaning “to call,” Vocare is a renewal weekend for young adults ranging from about 18-30 years old. This weekend spent at Camp McDowell helps young adults discern their calling and find direction in their lives. We highly recommend this event for young adults facing big upcoming life decisions like choosing a college major, graduating from college, applying for jobs, or making a career change!
Special Session is a weeklong, Diocesan supported summer camp ministry for people with mental and physical disabilities at Camp McDowell. Regardless of how you participate (counselor, camper, or support staff), this time is filled with fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Please note that counselors are teenagers at least 16 years old and who have finished 10th grade.
To apply as a Counselor, Camper, or Support Staff, visit the Special Session website.