What is inclusion? Inclusion is feeling a part of something, being a part of something...as members of St. Thomas Parish we have all felt included. At What's Your Story? events, taize homilies, newcomers luncheons, and myriad events including coffee hours, I hear stories of how welcome people felt by the people of St. Thomas when they first began their journey with us. Therefore, inclusion is something we do as a parish. It is not the job of one committee chair or their committee members. It is the responsibility of every person in the parish to include visitors and newcomers; make those people who take that first courageous step to try a new spiritual home feel welcome and safe. Talk to people, give them a welcome card, have them fill it out, and turn it in! Offer to take them to coffee or to get their e-mail address and give them yours. Help your parish continue to grow and deepen in our spirituality! Thank you for all you do to make St. Thomas my spiritual home and all I know you will do to make this a spiritual home for all the people who walk through our doors!

Who: The parishioners of St. Thomas

What: Including Newcomers

Where: St. Thomas Parish Episcopal Church

When: Every time you are at St. Thomas

Why: Because we can only grow and deepen in our spirituality if we include and incorporate new members who come through our doors

How: Talk to people, give them a welcome card, have them fill out the card, and you give that card to John Dwyer, Nancy Lee, Jessie Brewster, or put it in the Parish Administrator's box in the office