Outreach Ministries

Outreach ministries allow members of St. Thomas' to share God's love with others in our parish and throughout the community. The skills and time commitment required vary. Opportunities exist for everyone to enjoy fellowship while working together.  If you are interested in learning more about any of the St. Thomas’ outreach ministries outlined below, we encourage you to contact us.

Beacon House offers temporary lodging for single men in a safe environment while they save money and develop a plan for independent living. Volunteers from St. Thomas' and from other organizations in the community help serve weekday evening meals, cook in the community kitchen and help with special holiday meals.

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Through the auspices of Florida Blood Services, St. Thomas' regularly invites on-campus participation in blood donations. The Bloodmobile comes to the Church on appointed Sunday mornings to receive offerings of this life-giving gift.

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Episcopal Relief and Development is the response of Episcopalians to help people in need in the United States and throughout the world, sending emergency relief in times of need and providing long-term assistance for ongoing programs. During the past several years, St. Thomas' members have made donations to ERD efforts for tsunami victims in Southeast Asia and hurrican victims in the United States.

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These volunteers provide meals to individuals and families in times of need.

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These volunteers supply meals to families after the arrival of new babies or in times of need.

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A network of lay ministers who have agreed to pray, out of love and obedience to God, intercede on behalf of those who need God's love, guidance and support.

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St. Thomas' members were among the founders of Resurrection house, which provides transitional housing for homeless families. Through faith-based life skills programs, it has an 80 percent success rate in preparing adults and children for successful independent living.  St. Thomas’ members regularly participate in Bible study and tutoring programs at Resurrection House, conduct food and gift drives at Thanksgiving and Christmas and offer Vacation Bible School scholarships to its children.

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On the third Sunday of each month St. Thomas' parishioners gather in the Parish Hall after the 8 and 10 am services to make more than 1,200 sandwiches to share with people served by the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, the Salvation Army, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Ronald McDonald Houses and Community Action Stops Abuse. Sandwich Sunday is an intergenerational ministry, and children are encouraged to volunteer.

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Commonly known as the UTO, this is a personal and family devotional program of the Episcopal Church. It is the sum of our daily thanks for the blessings in our everyday lives – for good weather, happy times, job opportunities, an unexpected visit – there are so many things for which we can be thankful.  Parishioners are encouraged to pause during the day, thank God for their blessings and take action by placing a coin in the UTO “Blue Box.”  Through spring and autumn ingatherings, gifts from parishes throughout the United States are combined and used for grants to continue, support and strengthen the ministry of the Church throughout the world.

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We Help offers assistance to needy families through the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. St. Thomas' parishioners are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods for placing in a special cart in the back of the nave each Sunday. Items in greatest need are those that are high in protein (peanut butter, beans, canned tuna or meat, canned pasta meals), canned fruit and vegetables, pasta and sauce, powdered milk, baby supplies and personal hygiene items. Many grocers offer “buy one, get one free” specials each week. If you take advantage of them, we encourage you to buy one for your family and give the other to We Help.

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