Sunday, November 17

I have recently returned from a week of continuing education and retreat - a time of rest, prayer, and study. I cannot express the gratitude I have for this gift. And, in case you are wondering, I did not plan my time away to coincide with the election. I actually booked my retreat in November 2023, when the election was the last thing on my mind. While it was strange to be away from our community at the culminating moment of the 2024 election season, it also gave me the space to reflect and process in a way not possible while maintaining the day to day of parish life.  


I arrived in Duxbury, MA at the convent of the Society of St. Margaret for a few days of silent retreat on the morning of November 6. Never before have I had the experience of disconnecting from the world after such an important political moment. But there I was, not watching the news, reading the paper, not engaging in conversation across social media platforms. Instead I had room to be present with myself and with God, to sit in silence praying and reflecting on all that has been. There were moments of peace, and moments of distress. There were tears, and times of joy. As is always true, I left the Sisters, that holy and wonderful community, with a clearer head and heart.  My reentry however did not go as hoped.  


My heart broke as I scrolled through various social media platforms. Tears filled my eyes as I read post after post, across every partisan persuasion, tearing down one another, vilifying our neighbors, and disparaging those currently in office and those preparing to take office. It was devastating to see so many people succumbing to our lowest base instincts. I have never had a stronger desire to return to the convent than I did in those moments last week. 


So where my friends, does this leave us? Let me offer a few thoughts about where we are and how we move forward together.


First, be gentle with yourselves. There was nothing pretty about this election season. We have been subjected to violent language, demeaning rhetoric, and portents of a dark and uncertain future. Give yourself space to process all we have been through. Notice what is coming to the surface in your life. Take the opportunity to seek healing and understanding for wherever you are emotionally. While you are at it, be gentle with one another. Check in on your friends.  


Second, be present in the current moment. If you are excited about the outcome of the election, be mindful that you do not set yourself up for disappointment when all your hopes are not achieved during this next administration. If you are disappointed in the outcome, do not fall down a rabbit hole of what ifs allowing fear to overtake you. Stay grounded; be here now. This way we can rejoice, mourn, and respond appropriately to what is actually happening. 


Third, give yourself permission to let go of your fear and hatred. As the wise theologian Yoda once said, “fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” Vice President Harris and President-Elect Trump have no idea who we are. The fear, anger, and hatred we carry towards them has no bearing on their lives, but it does have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. If we allow these emotions to overtake us they will consume our very beings. We cannot allow fear and hate to eat us alive, tearing apart our souls, preventing God from breaking through the hardness of our hearts to make us whole. 


Finally, stop and listen. Here in RI nearly 42% of the voting population voted for President-Elect Trump, an increase from previous elections. Our local municipalities saw similar increases as well: Smithfield at nearly 53%, Burrillville at nearly 62%, Scituate, Foster, and Glocester all at nearly 60%, and Johnston at nearly 59%. These numbers reflect the changing reality of our communities. We are not of one mind. Represented in the household of God at St. Thomas Church are people who voted for President-Elect Trump, Vice President Harris, third party candidates, and write-in votes.  When we vilify people for how they voted, we vilify our own. 


I wonder if one of the reasons for this change is that we have stopped listening to one another. I wonder if the shifting voting patterns have something to do with the number of people who feel ignored, left behind, and discounted.  


Instead of judging and discounting our neighbors, it is time to get to know them better. To sit with those who vote differently and try to understand their motivations and concerns. What is it that swayed you and your neighbor to vote for the candidates you did?  


As we seek to do these things, let us ensure that our foundation is love. For that is what we have been created for. 


We are not primarily democrats, republican, or independents. We are Christians, followers of Jesus. Our primary citizenship is not of this world, but in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, all we do, everything in our beings, is to be grounded in the way of God, which is the way of love. As citizens of heaven we are called to make known the Good News of God to all those around us. We do this by living into our Baptismal Covenants, which we recently renewed on the Sunday after All Saints’ Day. 


We must love all those we meet including: those who look differently, love differently, believe differently, and vote differently than we do. We strive to respect the dignity of every human being because our faith teaches us that every single person who was, is, and is yet to be is a beloved child of God - yes that is even true of the candidate you did not vote for. 


If we allow ourselves to be fractured by this political moment, then we have lost the very heart of our faith and the reason why we gather here week in and week out. If we allow ourselves to forsake the promises of our baptism to align ourselves with a party platform, then we have failed to strive for that still more excellent way to which God calls us. St. Paul reminds us that no part of the body can say to the other, I have no need of you (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). We cannot cast aside those we disagree with, because we are one Body and we need each other.  


Thanks be to God, it is never too late for us to make a new beginning. Our work of building relationships across lines of difference grows in importance every day. Imagine the powerful witness we can show forth to the world if we can be people who build bridges instead of walls. After all, that is our mission, “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP p. 855). 


Beloved of God, I beg you to join me in this work, of rising above the chaos and noise that we might always be people of Good News. As a Church, we cannot (legally because we are a non-profit) and should not, endorse any political candidates, but we can lobby political issues. If you are passionate about environment stewardship there are wonderful creation care ministries in our Diocese and across the wider Episcopal Church. If you are passionate about immigration there are wonderful things happening through Episcopal Migration Ministries and the work of DORCAS here in RI. If you are passionate about stopping gun violence then join the work of Bishops Against Gun Violence. If you wish to get involved in the countless other areas of our common life check out the Episcopal Public Policy Network. Just as we did in the last four years, in the next four there will be times for us to raise our voices, join with others, calling all to works of justice, mercy, and peace. 


For now, I want to leave you with one final image. This graphic from the Salt and Gold Collective is a powerful reminder of the image of humble, loving service we have in Jesus. I pray we may all aspire to this kind of servant ministry, grounded in love, for the sake of the Gospel. May we walk in love, as Christ loves us. 

Sunday, November 30

November 30, 2025
Reflection by Linda Dickey, Vestry Member Good morning. I am here as the last speaker for our Stewardship Campaign this year. The Stewardship Committee gets up here every year, and we humbly ask for your resources for our parish – your time, talent, and treasure, in order to keep our parish going. This year has been particularly challenging, knowing how difficult the world is right now for so many. We understand that the cost of everything has risen, and that many of us face insecurity daily. Even those of us still working are facing the threat of layoffs every day as we head off to work. We get it, and understand that this is not an easy ask. So, we don’t ask lightly or flippantly. We get up here to tell what St. Thomas means to each of us, and why we all need to pull together to meet our budgets and continue our mission and ministry. Several of us have spoken during the past few weeks about our love for St. Thomas and the community here, which includes each of you. I know each of you feels similarly about our parish, or you wouldn’t be here today, and faithfully week after week. Lisa and Josh spoke about what St. Thomas means to each of them, and last week Jacki gave us two different scenarios about what our parish could look like in 10 years. This is really hard. We have just heard a painful announcement by our Wardens. We have to face the sobering reality that the economic climate is forcing us to make some real soul-searching and burdensome decisions about what to do with our resources, both as a parish and personally. This was a difficult announcement to hear, and to make. It is discouraging and scary. Yet before anyone despairs, we need to remember that St. Thomas has survived. Our Parish has survived for 175 years. God has seen us through so much. There have been good years and lean years. Starting in 1851, we have held firm through the Civil War, the Great Depression, two World Wars, and countless other recessions, and global conditions. We even got through the bad fashion choices of the 1970s. Despite what was happening in the world, those who came before us held on. Our predecesors at this church have made the necessary sacrifices to survive, and to make sure the ministry of St. Thomas continued. They made sure that this church continued to stand as a witness to God’s love in our community. I am fairly new here, but I came here one week back in 2012, when the pews were packed, and a number of mothers and babies sat in the back. My son and I had just stopped in, on a whim. Life moved on, and he graduated high school and went on to college, and I moved out of the area. Ten years later, in 2022, I came back here alone, still traumatized by a recent divorce, and Cate immediately took me under her wing at the front door. In the fellowship hall, Mimi approached me and said she remembered me and my son from that one visit ten years before, and I ran into Jacki, whose son I used to babysit for more than 40 years ago. St. Thomas immediately felt like home. It is a place where all feel welcome and loved, and the compassion of Christ lives on. Through the years many in our families have been baptized at this font, married at this altar, and bid goodbye to here. For generations, this church has been a sanctuary, where we have been nourished at this table, where we have found friends to celebrate with us in our joys, and comfort us in our sorrows. Here, we have learned what it means to love our neighbors, to seek justice, and to meet God and walk humbly with him. We do not want to be the generation that loses what so many before us worked so faithfully to build . We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice and faith, and now we must become the stewards of tomorrow’s blessings. And yet, this is not a moment for despair. It is a moment when we live up to our calling. God has always provided for this church, and for each of us individually. His provision has arrived not through chariots and miracles, but through the generosity and faithfulness of His people. The provision we pray for becomes real when we choose to give boldly and lovingly, believing that this church still has holy work to do. God is not finished with us. There have been lean times throughout our history, but here we are, about the celebrate our 175 th anniversary. I intend to be around to see our 200 th , although it may be close. Some of our very youngest may even see our 250 th , along the way seeing their own children baptized and married here. Most of us have been around long enough to know which things in life are important and here to stay and which things are just passing. Our parish and its place in our lives and the lives of our families and community are among the most important. Those who came before us gave with courage, often out of scarcity, trusting that their offerings would sustain a church they loved. Christ fed 5000 people with a few loaves and fishes when it was given willingly and in faith. Those before us gave in faith, love, and trust, and when they joyfully offered back to God what had been given to them, He blessed it and multiplied it. Today, their trust lives on in us. This year, your pledge carries extraordinary significance. It is more than a number. It is a declaration that this church’s ministry matters. That its future matters. That the story of 175 years is not ending on our watch. That we have the Courage to Remain. Prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to respond. Let your pledge be an act of gratitude for all this parish has been—and an act of hope for what it can still become. There are pledge cards available at the front door or in the parish hall. There is also a link in the parish newsletter to give online. Our in-gathering will be on December 7 th . May God strengthen our resolve, deepen our generosity, and lead this beloved parish into a future shaped by faith, secured by hope, and sustained by love.  Thank you

Sunday, November 23

November 23, 2025
Post by parishioner Jacki Zahn

Sunday, November 16

November 16, 2025
Reflection written by Josh North, Vestry Member So every year the vestry retreat starts the same way with Dante asking us to introduce ourselves and say how long we have been a member of St. Thomas, which always makes me go “oh come on”, don’t worry it’s not the name part that trips me up, it’s how long I have been a member of St. Thomas. Allow me to explain. My church upbringing has not been what you normally hear, there are some here who have been here all there lives and many who are on there second church, well for me this is my fifth church. My faith journey actually starts 3 years before I’m born in 1990, when my mother was ordained a deacon in the diocese. I have been privileged to be in churches where the average Sunday attendance is 150 and ones where it is 10. So what does this have to do with stewardship at St. Thomas? Well this is one of the most welcoming and loving communities, the way everyone looks out for and helps each other. These factors are what made me choose to come back to St. Thomas in 2018. I have loved to grow my faith here. I love that members here have become like family. By giving to St. Thomas you will be giving others the opportunity to experience the wonderful community here. These factors are the reason I’m giving to St. Thomas and I hope you will too.

Sunday, November 9

November 7, 2025
Reflection written by Lisa Degnan, Clerk of the Vestry

Sunday, November 2

By Dante Tavolaro • October 31, 2025
Happy Allhallowtide! All-hallow-what? You might be asking yourself. Yes, it is Allhallowtide, or as some have referred to it the Autumnal Triduum, or even the Triduum of Death - though I’ll admit this last one sounds like the name of the latest blockbuster horror film, not a liturgical season. Allhallowtide is the name given to a series of three days where we give thanks for the lives of those who have died. Today, October 31 is All Hallows’ Eve. On this night the Church celebrates the Vigil of All Saints Day, with fasting and praying in preparation for the great feast that is to come. It is sometimes said that the veil between this world and the realm of the dead is thinnest on this day - hence ghouls and goblins walk the night. Where candy comes into play, I do not know, maybe from traditions of leavings gifts for the departed. Regardless of the origin, I am not saying no to a Reese’s pumpkin or a handful of candy corn. This year we anticipated this commemoration a bit early with our 4th annual Trunk-or-Treat celebration on Sunday, October 26. Thank you to all who came out and made sure it was a fabulous celebration. Thus marks the first day of Allhallowtide. Tomorrow, November 1 is All Saints’ Day. It is also referred to as All Hallows’ Day (where All Hallows’ Eve gets its name from), or Hallowmas. The word “hallow” means holy. For example in the Lord’s Prayer when we say, “Hallowed be thy name” we are proclaiming the holiness of God’s name. On All Saints’ Day the Church honors the Saints in heaven, and reminds us of our unity in the body of Christ which cannot be destroyed by death. On this day, we look to the saints of ages past for inspiration as we strive to live lives of holiness: people like St. Thomas, St. Peter, St. Paul, and others on our liturgical calendar. We will keep All Saints’ Day on the Sunday following, this year November 2. At both liturgies we will renew our baptismal vows, recommitting ourselves to the covenanted relationship we have with God. On All Saints’ Day, and the Sunday after, we remember our Baptism, willingly giving our lives, for we mean to be saints too. Thus marks the second day of Allhallowtide. November 2, is the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls’ Day. It is on this day that we commemorate, as the name says, all the faithful departed. On this day that we remember those faithful people from our own lives who no longer walk this earthly pilgrimage with us. On this day we pray, “O God, Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children” (Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2006, p. 439). Over the last few years it has been our practice to gather on the evening of November 2 for a Requiem Eucharist for All Souls. However, this year things are a little different: in part because November 2 falls on a Sunday, and in part due to my physical limitations. Instead of gathering for a separate liturgy this year, we are going to incorporate one of our All Souls’ practices into our All Saints’ day worship. On All Souls’ Day we include in the prayers of the people, a list of names of all our beloved dead. This year, that list will be included in the prayers of the people on Sunday morning. All are invited to submit names, even if you are not able to join us on Sunday morning. Please do email me names no later than tomorrow (Saturday) night. Thus marks the third day of Allhallowtide. These three days: All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day come together to form Allhallowtide. I hope you will join us as we keep these days in which we celebrate the saints of the Church, remember and give thanks for our beloved dead, and look forward to the hope and promise given to us when we have completed our earthly pilgrimage.

Sunday, October 26

By Dante Tavolaro • October 24, 2025
This is one of the most glorious times of the year. The leaves are turning, its finally sweater weather, and life in the parish is blossoming once more - not that there is ever really dull moments around here. In the weeks ahead we will continue to have wonderful occasions to gather together for friends and fellowship, for spiritual renewal, and for various fundraising opportunities. As I look at the calendar through the end of the year it is clear we have opportunities to deep our lives in all aspects of parish ministry. This Sunday we gather for our 4th annual Trunk-or-Treat. Word on the street is I’m not the only one giving out full sized candy bars this year! This is a favorite event as it is a time for us to be silly together, to laugh, and enjoy one another company on a beautiful (fingers crossed) fall day. On November 8 our 4th Vendor Faire season kicks-off. It’s hard to believe we are already at the fourth season. Thanks to the wonderful leadership of our fundraising team this effort is now well known in the community, gaining a following of its own. If you have not been to a Vendor Faire yet please make every effort to come on our this year. Not only is it important to support the local vendors with their wonderful creations, it is also a time of fellowship, where relationships are built between people who would not have met otherwise, and, it is an important fundraising opportunity for our community. In addition, this year the November Vendor Faire will also include a blood drive. You can find more information on that later in this update. When you come on a Vendor Faire day there is more than just what happens in the parish hall. The Church Mouse is in high gear too! Open an hour earlier than a typical Saturday, and there is the addition of yard sales in the parish hall basement. It is a time of special activity and excitement. Along with these opportunities of fellowship and fundraising we have opportunities for renewal of faith as well. Our Episcopal 101 course kicks off next week (more information below) is an opportunity for cradle Episcopalians and people new to our tradition to learn more about our way of being the Jesus movement. On November 16, Bishop Knisely makes is official visitation. He will be with us as celebrant and preacher, led a forum between the liturgies, and meet with the vestry. While here he will also confirm and receive several members of our community. You may remember that we have begun a pattern with our friends at the Church of the Redeemer, Providence for joint quiet days in Advent and Lent. That will continue this year. On December 6, all are invited to attend this year’s Advent Quiet Day at the Redeemer led by Sr. Sarah from the Society of St. Margaret. More on that to come. And we cannot forget our Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach project either. The Thanksgiving Basket Drive is already underway, and before we know it the Giving Tree will be upon us. Sign up sheets for the Thanksgiving Baskets are on the ministry table in the parish hall. It is a wonderful gift to have a community filled with such life. I invite you to take full advantage of it. Make yourself available for all that we have to offer. Immerse yourself in fellowship, share in the work of fundraising, commit to deepening your spiritual life, help care for our neighbors. This is what being the Church is all about. I hope you will come and join us. 

Sunday, October 19

October 17, 2025
Post Written By: Josh North, Vestry Member While you may have heard of Dollar Sunday, you may not know its origin. The idea came from dedicated parishioner Al Parrillo, who believed one Sunday each month should be set aside to collect funds specifically for the maintenance and preservation of our beautiful church property. This month, our Dollar Sunday focus will be on the memorial garden. We are hoping to raise $500 to help cover expenses for some projects to help with covering an electrical conduit, painting, fencing, and other needs to prepare the area. As both a Vestry member and a fellow parishioner, I see the great love and generosity you all show this church every day. I know you give freely, and I humbly ask that you consider making a contribution—large or small—to this month’s Dollar Sunday goal. Your help is essential to making this project a reality. Thank you so much for your continued generosity.

Sunday, October 12

By Dante Tavolaro • October 10, 2025
In looking at the readings for this Sunday, I found myself particularly struck by the epistle (second reading). Again this week we hear from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy. In this letter Paul is trying to encourage his young protégé from his prison cell. This must have been an incredibly difficult moment for Timothy. How hard to see your mentor in prison? What fear it must have inspired; wondering if the same fate would befall him. With these words Paul is trying to strengthen Timothy to hold onto hope even when things seem bleak. Timothy is able to do that only because of his relationship with Jesus. Timothy has died with Christ, and therefore shall also live with him. These words from Paul, however are not for Timothy alone. These words are for the community Timothy serves as well. Things have grown complicated. Timothy is being urged to remind those with whom he shares ministry to remember the faith they have inherited, and to keep their hope alive. Effectively Paul is saying to Timothy, and to the community, that there is so much that can distract and weigh you done. There is much in this life which may draw you away from God; lure you away from the vocation of discipleship to which you have been called. When that happened, know that God is faithful. This is an invitation to hold onto even when hope seems impossible - for is we endure we shall also reign with him. In reading these words, I was reminded of one of my favorite prayers. Written by Thomas Merton, if has become known simply as the Merton Prayer. In times when things grow difficult, when hope is not always the easiest thing to hold onto, when I am uncertain of what will happen next, I turn to this prayer seeking that support I need to remember to keep going. I offer this prayer to you that you may find strength and comfort in it. That just as Paul does for Timothy, Merton’s words might help us remember our vocation as disciples of Jesus. My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Sunday, October 5

By Dante Tavolaro • October 5, 2025
This weekend we remember St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most - if not the most - beloved saints of the Church (after St. Thomas obviously). Francis is best known as the patron saint of animals. Inspired by blessed Francis we invite all God’s creatures great and small to worship on Sunday at 10am, and at 11am for a brief blessing service outside on the lawn. Please note the 8am liturgy will be an animal free zone. I hope you will join us for these gathering and encourage your friends to come along and join us for the glorious adventure which is about to unfold. Seriously bring whatever animals you have - cats, dogs, chickens, goats, cows, horses - all are welcome! Blessed Francis’ legacy goes far beyond his love of animals, though the other part of his story is often neglected. Francis made the bold decision, to follow the call of Jesus, giving up all that he had to serve the poor. There is a dramatic story of this moment, but you’ll have to come join us this weekend to hear the rest of the tale. Blessed Francis’ commitment to his faith allowed him to proclaim the Gospel not only in words but in deeds. By renouncing the vanities of this world, Francis was able to live in harmony with creation in a way he could not do otherwise. He literally cast off all the things that seperated him from God - that put barriers in his relationship. This took tremendous courage, and was a serious risk, but in the process he discovered a life more abundant than he could have ever imagined. Just like Blessed Francis we are called to give sacrificially for the work of God - giving of our financial resources, our talents, our time, and our very lives. As we gather this weekend, may we be inspired by the witness of Francis, and give fully to the work of God in this place. Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Collect for Francis of Assisi).

Sunday, September 28

By Dante Tavolaro • October 1, 2025
This Sunday we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke. In particular we hear the story of Dives and Lazarus, which follows immediately after the parable of the unjust steward which we hear this past Sunday. Whenever I hear this passage two things immediately come to my mind. The first is Ralph Vaughn Willams “Five Variants of ‘Dives and Lazarus.’” A beautiful piece which you can listen to here . And yes, I am listening to it as I write this. The second, is a bit more . . . out of the box . . . for this passage also brings to mind the phrase “it’s getting late early,” one of the great sayings from Yogi Berra; the legendary New York Yankees catcher, not to be confused with the cartoon bear of a similar name. Now Berra originally said this as a statement about the shadows over the outfield late in the season making it difficult to see, but over time it has come to refer to situations of great urgency. When time is growing short and things need to change. So what’s this, you might be wondering, have to do with the story of Dives and Lazarus. Well, I’m glad you asked. In this story we hear of a Dives, a rich man, who enjoys all the finer things in life; and of Lazarus, a poor man suffering at the rich man’s gate. When Lazarus dies he is carried away by angels to be with Abraham. The rich man dies, is buried, and ends up in Hades where is he tormented. From Hades, Dives calls up to Abraham asking for relief, but the gap between the two places cannot be crossed. When his request is denied and he learns there is no hope for him; he asks Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers that they might be warned and spared the fate he now endures. Again Abraham says no. He tells Dives that they have Moses and the prophets to listen to. Dives insists. Then the passage ends with Abraham saying, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises form the dead” (Luke 16:31, NRSV). This passage is a stark reminder that our actions have consequences; that what we do in this life matters - especially when it comes to how we treat those in need. It is also a reminder that there is urgency. This passage invites us to consider who are the poor at our door. While we might not literally find people in poverty at our doorstep, that does not mean we are without neighbors in need. How do we care for them? How do we recognize and honor their humanity? How do we see them as beloved children of God? We have heard from Moses and the prophets, we have heard from the apostles and martyrs, we have heard from Jesus himself. My friends, it’s getting late early. We must act while there is time. Let us not be complacent thinking there will be time later. Many in the world around us are hurting and in need of help and comfort; needing someone to tell them the good news of God. Let us be those people. We cannot fix everything, but we can make a difference in this world one person at a time. Let us find Lazarus in our own time, that he might know good things as well.
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