St. Thomas has partnered with the 501c3 non-profit, Shakespeare Opera Theater, as part of our community engagement and evangelism efforts. With each press release and review, St. Thomas is provided free promotion and is associated with positive developments in our community. By serving as a host and performance venue we are given an opportunity to interact with people who would not normally visit our congregation. At each performance St. Thomas staff and leadership are present, acknowledged and thanked before the performance, and make themselves available to those who are interested in learning more about our church. 

More importantly, through this partnership with SOT, St. Thomas is living into its mission to grow in “spiritual strength of community, and to care, reach out, and include all people in Christ’s love.” It allows us to put into action our values of welcome and hospitality. Values that were demonstrated by Jim Galloway when he opened his home to strangers that had come to perform with SOT. By doing so, Jim lived into Jesus words: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me in.” Jim’s welcome linked him and all of St. Thomas to people that often lack communal and spiritual support. We maintain and build on this with our shared mission with SOT. The upcoming concert for Jim that is being produced by SOT will help to establish this legacy of hospitality through the funds raised to house artists/strangers, just as Jim did freely. 

I invite you to be part of this wonderful evangelistic partnership and support Shakespeare Opera Theater in whatever way you can – be that volunteering, donations, promoting, or attending the performances. In doing so, we shine the Gospel light of beauty, art, and joy in a world that desperately needs it.

Peace and All Good,

Br. Joshua