Citizen of the Week: DEB STEEVES
Immediate Volunteer Opportunities
For more information about our Volunteer Ministries and how to get involved, please contact The Rev. Whitney Altopp at 215-233-3970 x122 or via email at waltopp@stthomaswhitemarsh.org.
St. Thomas ’ Supper Club better known as Gateways, sponsors gatherings of 10 to 12 people for fun, fellowship and dinner. It provides an atmosphere in which parishioners -- singles, couples, young and old -- deepen and develop friendships in our church family. Gateways also serve as an entry place for newcomers to step into the life of the parish and to begin to feel more like a member of the church family.
Each group meets monthly, rotating through members’ homes. The monthly host prepares the entree and the other members bring salad, vegetables, dessert, etc. (Please note that you do not have to host a dinner in your home to join.)
Parishioners maintain highly visible areas of St. Thomas ’ property in the Adopt-a-Garden program. These areas include the front of the parish house, the parish office and the flagpole to name a few. Volunteers weed, mulch, plant and water.
Community Gardens
The David Simmonds Memorial Community Gardens have been part of St. Thomas ’ since 1973 when 25 members divided a parcel of the church property into garden plots. The Gardens were dedicated to the memory of David Simmonds who passed away in February 2000. Approximately 130 garden plots (15 feet by 20 feet) are available for a rental fee. The rental fees pay for the plowing, liming, water, dumpster exchange and mowing. Contact the parish office for more information.
Volunteers deliver bouquets made from the Sunday altar flowers and a copy of the Sunday leaflets to parishioners who are in hospitals or nursing homes. This is not a visitation program; volunteers say a quick and cheery hello while they bring a part of St. Thomas ’ to those who cannot be with us.
The Greeter Committee is made up of members who welcome visitors and members to the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. There is a greeter at each Sunday or holiday service. Volunteers are always welcome. The only requirement is a warm, engaging smile.
St. Thomas ’ has a great deal of history. Volunteers are needed to maintain, catalogue the history of St. Thomas ’ parish and research records on past baptisms and marriages. The docents also provide tours for newcomers, guests at the carillon recitals and those who have an interest in this historic church.
All visitors and newcomers are contacted within 24 hours of their visit to St. Thomas ’. The newcomer caller provides information about St. Thomas ’ and answers questions. Information will be mailed out to the visitor/newcomer if requested.
St. Thomas ’ keeps its members informed about church services, news and programs via its newsletter, The Parish Call, which is published throughout the year. There are opportunities for volunteers to write articles, prepare and proofread the newsletters, and help with bulk mailings.
Volunteers are needed to serve as receptionists or substitutes one morning or afternoon each week in the Parish Office. This volunteer opportunity includes answering the telephone, greeting visitors, and doing light clerical duties. Assistance is also needed in the office to collate and stuff mailings.
There are many details involved in organizing a parish supper or event, from cooking, decorating and serving, to cleaning up and flower arranging. Volunteers are needed.
This group polishes all the silver and brass pieces used in services. Each members spends one hour a month performing this very needed task. This group is always looking for help.
Speeders welcomes parishioners age 55 to infinity to participate in service projects and go on fun, informative trips. The group meets monthly on the second Wednesday of most months.
Every woman of St. Thomas ’ is a member of the Women of St. Thomas’. Several social events are organized each year for women and their special needs.
St. Thomas ’ includes a large tract of land with many buildings. There is a great need for volunteers who can provide carpentry, electrical, painting, general repair and landscaping skills. "Slaying Goliath" Saturday work days are scheduled approximately four times each year.
For more information about our Volunteer Ministries and how to get involved, please contact The Rev. Whitney Altopp at 215-233-3970 x122 or via email at waltopp@stthomaswhitemarsh.org.
Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road, P.O. Box 247, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Phone (215)233-3970 Fax (215)233-2893 Email info@stthomaswhitemarsh.org
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