Two of the many things that St. Thomas is good at: food and fellowship! We’ve learned that gathering together in groups both large and small helps us to form and deepen the relationships that mean so much to our community. It’s these relationships nurture us in the face of life’s struggles.

 

Read on to find out more – and come and join us!

 

 

 

 

Year-Round Food and Fellowship

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, worshipers gathered after our 10:00 AM service to share a treat and some conversation. We look forward to the return of our Coffee Hour when it is safe to be indoors and unmasked.

 

Men Eating Breakfast: This group is exactly what it sounds like! Pre-Covid, the men of the congregation meet at the Virginian Restaurant in Vienna to share breakfast. Throughout the pandemic, the men have gathered mostly on Zoom. All the men of the parish are invited to join us. You can learn more here.

 

Episcopal Church Women: Usually, we just call this group by it’s initials – ECW. This group, to which all women of the church belong, meets quarterly and undertakes a variety of projects and fun events throughout the year. You can learn much more here. The ECW also sponsors a book group that meets mostly in September, October, November, January, February, March and April. In December we have a holiday gathering and Secret Santa book exchange. In May we have a salad supper and pick our books for the following year.

 

Seasonal Fellowship Opportunities

Lenten Suppers: Every Tuesday evening during Lent, we gather to share soup, salad, and bread followed by a simple worship service and an adult study opportunity. In 2018, we used some poems by Mary Oliver as the basis for our prayer and study time. In 2019, we focused on forgiveness, in 2020 we explored end of life issues until the pandemic ended our plans early. In 2021, we met via Zoom to discuss Rowan Williams’ book Being Christian. 

 

Family Fun Day: Often held on Father’s Day, our Parish BBQ is and old-fashioned summer pot luck picnic. The church provides hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks and everyone brings a side dish or dessert to share. We offer water games and children’s activities.

 

St. Thomas’ Grill Nights: One Thursday a month, during the months of July, August, and September, we gather for a potluck grill night! Some of the men fire up the grills, St. Thomas provides the hot dogs, burgers, and fixings, and folks bring a side dish to share. We enjoy the opportunity to be together.

 

Monster Mash: On the last Saturday in October, we gather for a fun night of spooky food, games, and costumes! 

 

Chili Cook Off: When the winter blahs get us down, we schedule our annual chili cook off. Folks bring home made chilis to share. Then we “vote” for our favorites with dollar bills. All funds raised go to support our parish retreat scholarship fund.