Dear St. Thomas Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write you this morning. As many of you know, the CDC, our state and local governments, as well as many healthcare leaders have asked us all to practice “social distancing” in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to help our healthcare system cope with increased patient loads. Many churches in this area have already suspended in-person worship in the spirit of this community effort. St. Thomas, while a small parish, is situated in a densely populated metropolitan area where cases of COVID-19 have already been reported and it is imperative that we too do our best to help limit the spread of this virus. It is the neighborly thing to do.
Following the direction of Bishop Hollingsworth, we have decided to suspend all in-person activities, including worship, adult education, and mid-week services until further notice. This includes our STAR series and Veterans’ Meet and Greet. However, the work of this parish church will not cease during this time. The parish office will continue to operate on a reduced schedule and I will personally be available for pastoral care, conversation, and prayer. Do not hesitate to call me. While in-person worship will be suspended, Morning Prayer will be broadcast online at 10:30 AM on Sundays on our Facebook page. I also encourage you to pray the Great Litany (BCP p 148) at home as we ask God’s protection during this difficult time. Additional services and opportunities for prayer and devotion will also be offered.
I close with a few words from the Spanish mystic St. Teresa of Avila. She wrote, and indeed prayed:
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
We are living in difficult, even dark times, but our faith remains steadfast. Christ alone remains our hope and our light. Turn to him as we face the uncertainties of the future and seek healing for neighbors and the world around us.
In Christ,
Fr. David R. Radzik
Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Monthly Outreach
Every month we collect different items for Church Street Ministry and for the Veteran’s Ministry. Click on the image to see what we are collecting this month.
Online Worship Experience
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we invite you to join us on Sundays at 10:30 am for online worship with Father David Radzik. This is a joint ministry with Rockport UMC and Rev. Lorrin Radzik.
Worship Schedule
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and by order of our governor, services are suspended until further notice.
We invite you to join us for Online Worship instead every Sunday.
Food Distribution
St. Thomas Episcopal Church will distribute food as scheduled on May 7th. Due to COVID-19, there are new rules in place to protect everyone.
A Loving Church
For over 150 years, St. Thomas Episcopal Church has been doing God’s work. We encourage you to visit the various areas of our website to learn more about who we are and what we do. We invite you to view our worship schedule, the descriptions of our ministries, and our events.
We invite you to come and worship with us the next time you are in the area. Our chapel is an Ohio registered historical landmark. Our church is modern and inspiring. Our congregation is active and friendly.
We are child-friendly
We expect younger children to fuss and fidget a little, so we hope you will keep them with you. If you prefer, a “cry room” is available upstairs over the rear of the Church.
We are Bible-based
We recognize the Bible as the record of God’s loving action in human life during ancient times and as the starting point for looking at God’s action in human life today; while we teach it as the basis for Christian faith, we encourage everyone to find their own living relationship with the God of their understanding.
Help Us…
Help us take care of the ones who need our help…