Meet our St. Thomas Sister Parish Delegation

Pictured above is the delegation that will be representing our community and relationship with our Sister Parish in Chichipate, Guatemala. From left to right are Kris, Zach, Pastor Lyle, Alonso, Jon and Suzanne. They will be traveling to Guatemala over spring break in March. They will arrive in Guatemala City for orientation, then will depart for a full day's journey to Chichipate where our brothers and sisters in Christ will open their homes to them for several days.

Please support our delegation, the Sister Parish staff, and our friends in Chichipate in your prayers, as they prepare for this experience together. Look for further announcements over the coming weeks for additional ways you can support them and learn more about this relationship.

SERRV items for Valentine's Day and More!

This Sunday, February 12th, in between services and after the second service (while supplies last), we will offer Fair Trade items from SERRV including chocolates, coffee/tea, and gift items. Proceeds will help support the Sister Parish delegation. Come check it out!

St. Vincent dePaul Society and St. Thomas

Several members of St. Thomas volunteer with the St. Vincent dePaul Society in Bloomington. As part of the Mission of St. Thomas,
St. Vincent dePaul provides temporary financial assistance to needy individuals or families for utilities, rent, gas for auto, medical expenses or groceries. SVdP also provides furniture and appliances to needy individuals or families, free of charge. Financial donations are made by churches and individuals to support the financial assistance. Furniture and appliances are donated by Monroe County residents and taken to a warehouse where those in need that have a voucher and can select any five items, again all free. Deliveries to a residence are provided by volunteers with trucks for a $5.00 donation to St. Vincent dePaul.

How can St. Thomas help?
* Pray for those in need.
* Donate furniture or appliances, purchase food or gas cards or make a financial contribution.

Check the newsletter for contact information or call the church office.

Cameras for UPAVIM

The Sister Parish delegation to Guatemala is asking for donations of used digital cameras to take to UPAVIM. UPAVIM is a cooperative that was begun in Guatemala City by Lydia Spehr’s brother and his wife, Richard and Barbara Fenske. When Suzanne Halvorson stayed with a family there, she learned that there was a need for a camera for a young man who had a fine talent in photography that was sparked by a program called Fotokids Guatemala. She sent a camera not to him directly but to UPAVIM, and he began a class for children with that one camera. Last year she took down 5 cameras from St. Thomas, and the result is a class of 18 students, and that young man now works for Fotokids. We are looking for used cameras with new batteries and new photo cards. Rechargeable batteries are the best, but any new battery will do. Cameras can be dropped off at the church office. Gracias!

Learn to Weave with Suzanne and Ruth for our Sister Parish Delegation

Suzanne Halvorson and Ruth Rives will be teaching a class on rigid heddle weaving on Saturday, March 3 as a fundraiser for the upcoming Sister Parish delegation. Rigid heddle looms are portable and easy to use, and in one 6- hour class you will be able to complete a handwoven scarf. Space is limited to fife participants. The cost for the class is $50. The time will be 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Yarn, instruction, a soup and bread lunch, and use of our looms are included. To sign up please call the St. Thomas office at 332 -5252. This opportunity is first come first serve, so don’t wait to sign up.

Interfaith Shelter Volunteers Needed

The mission of the Interfaith Winter Shelter is to provide a warm, safe place to sleep, from 9:00 pm - 7:00 am, November 1 to March 31. St Thomas volunteers help staff the First United Church site on Mondays and Tuesdays. Charlene Braun is the new St Thomas liaison to the shelter. Please check with Charlene to see how you might be able to help - there are a variety of ways!