It’s not Christmas yet, no matter how many carols the department store blasts into your ear!  But he’s coming! John the Baptist calls us all to repentance and to return to the Lord our God; to be ready to welcome the Messiah when he comes–this time in glory!  It can be hard, in the frenzied countdown of Christmas shopping, to remember that Jesus came to bring an abundant life, not necessarily of things, but of joy and peace and of a truly right relationship with God.  Come to church and meet God and let Him shower you with the gifts He has for you!

Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:  Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

The Forty-first Annual Oakmont Carolwalk will begin at 6pm on December 8, at St. Irenaeus Church of Holy Family Parish.  The celebration, which follows the “Lessons and Carols” service used on Christmas Day at the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, is an opportunity to enjoy beautiful Christmas music and listen to the story of the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ at Christmas, as it progresses from church to church.  At St. Thomas, a bagpiper will greet people as they approach the church with Christmas carols. This long-cherished Oakmont tradition culminates with a cookie reception at the final church, which is St. Thomas this year.  Come make a joyful noise unto the Lord and hear the choirs sing.  Come, Lord Jesus!

What could be more natural on Thanksgiving Day than to come to church to give thanks?  There will be a short celebration of holy communion, in which Christians give thanks to God for our salvation from sin and death through the cross of Jesus Christ, on Thursday, November 28, Thanksgiving Day, at 10:30am.  Put the turkey in the oven and come to church while it cooks!  It is a great way to remind the whole family what the holiday is about!

Over the past year, the Siedle Organ Company worked very hard to replace the console as well as the entire electrical relay system for the organ at St. Thomas Church. The old system was sixty years old and was beginning to fail, affecting the organ and producing increasing problems. With a very successful capital campaign, parishioners raised the required funds to pay for this restoration of the organ, which should preserve the organ for the next generation.

Mr. Brendan Lowery, adjunct professor at Franciscan University and music director of St. Paul of the Cross in the South Hills, will play a rededication recital to demonstrate and celebrate the organ’s restoration. The recital begins on Sunday afternoon, November 10, at 4pm. A special reception in honor of the donors will be offered in the Parish Hall directly after the recital. The Siedle Organ Company representatives will be on hand to open up the console and the door to the pipes (just for looking in) and to answer questions about their excellent work on the organ.  The recital is free and open to the public.

Please feel free to worship with us on any Sunday:

8:00 a.m.: This is our most traditional service. It is a beautiful peaceful and quiet holy communion without regular music. It follows the Rite One service from the Book of Common Prayer.

10:30 a.m.: This service is filled with music, both traditional as well as contemporary. A practical message is given every week, applying the timeless wisdom of the Bible to everyday life. A parallel children’s ministry called Gods Kids is offered for kids five years old through fifth grade. The service follows the Rite Two holy communion service from the Book of Common Prayer.  This service is streamed online for those who cannot be in church. To watch Click on: LIvestream Service   Bulletin

9:00 a.m.: Breakfast (coffee, doughnuts, bagels): There’s plenty of food, especially for the family running late. A donation of fifty cents is welcome but your credit is good with us. (The breakfast is suspended during the COVID season)

9:30 a.m.: Christian Education:  An Adult Forum class meets in the Parish Hall and a Small Group meets in the Guild Room.  Children’s Christian Education meets in classes in the upstairs Parish Hall.

Small Groups: There’s a small group for just about anyone (meeting at various times), according to what is your interest. There are women’s groups, men’s groups, mixed groups, traditional Bible studies or book groups to completely untraditional offerings like learning to play the guitar or how to use a computer. Won’t you try one out and get to know some folks along the way.

Wednesday mornings: 10:00 a.m. This simple holy communion service is an unpretentious time to worship and pray and includes a special time to pray for healing.

We are a group of people who believe Jesus is alive and welcome people no matter where they happen to be on their spiritual journey.

• What we believe: We believe that we Christians are part of the Body of Christ and that we are accepted where we are. But God never leaves us where we are but calls us to grow: spiritually, in the life of our community, in the life of our congregation and in number.
• Our Mission: We, as members of the Body of Christ, are called to grow: spiritually, in parish life, in our community, and as a congregation.