Submitted by Angela Zimmerman:

ST. THOMAS CHURCH
PLANNING OUR FUTURE…“MAKING OUR VISION REALITY”
“All things come from you, O Lord, And of Your own have we given to you”.

SUMMARY OF ALL MEETINGS….

St. Thomas’ is going through a time of great reflection, reviewing our past and looking forward to the future. In developing this Agenda, we look forward to everyone’s input, involvement and investment. Each of you has a perspective, a thought and contribution as we move forward in God’s work. Your ideas and thoughts are greatly appreciated as together we do make a difference…

From August – October, three Visioning Sessions were held. The purpose of these meetings was to create a universal plan, inclusive of parishioners, to cultivate the growth and development of St. Thomas’ Church now and in the future. It also connects to broader movement – the Five Marks adopted by the Anglican Communion. Through this process St. Thomas’ mission statement was revised: Love one another as Christ Loves you…

Some reflections that guide us as we move forward:
* We grow where we are planted;
* Our motivation to Act should be dictated by what we want to see happen;
* Our catechism: mission to restore all to unity with God and each other in Christ;
* Our Baptism Covenant: see and serve Christ in all people;
* Our Mission is the heartbeat of our church and our work….

Our assets. talents and opportunities were explored and the following are activities that we will embrace into our mission and ministry in 2012 as we continue to grow into a more welcoming community:

“OUTREACH MINISTRY”:
§ Feeding Program to include those who are experiencing “food insecurity” and/or people who feel isolated;
o Action Follow-up: Janice Anderson and Kelley Meyer are working with a Committee. An application for support will be filed with Episcopal Charities, an initial collection was taken at Mother Christine’s Institution and the program is scheduled to begin at the end of February.

§ Continue Life Skills Fellowship Initiative, co-sponsoring with neighborhood groups as appropriate;
o Action Follow-up: The Stewardship Committee has planned four workshops from January- June 2012. Some of the workshops will be co-sponsored with local organizations to maximize visibility and impact. The first one, BULLYING PREVENTION will be implemented on January 31, 2012 in collaboration with the Junior League, Women’s Club of Farmingdale.

§ Create loosely structures “SAFE SPACE” activities i.e. open teen nights in collaboration with neighborhood entities;
o Action Follow-up: Patti Meyer will work with an ad-hoc committee to continue the Family Night Concept and with Linda Kreussling and others to continue the Safe Halloween Program. Other activities to promote the SAFE SPACE concept will be explored over the upcoming year.

§ Community Fellowship and/or Fundraising Events: Spaghetti Dinner, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner etc.

“INREACH MINISTRY”:
§ Formalize/develop a Transportation “BUDDY SYSTEM” to help folks get to services;
§ Visitation/Check-In Program for the sick and homebound;
§ Enhancing St. Thomas’ as a place for spiritual growth, learning and worship.