FEATURED

Donate Blood Tomorrow to Help a Severe Shortage

All donors receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice

Saturday, February 7
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Parish Hall

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, drawing down the blood supply by about 35% over the last month. Individuals are urgently needed to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for type O, A negative, and B negative blood types.

For Eligibility Requirements: Call 1-800-733-2767 or click here.

To Make an Appointment: Click here or the button below, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

FEATURED

Celebrate the Feast of Absalom Jones With Our Youth Confirmation Class

Saturday, February 14
9:00 a.m.
Cathedral of the Incarnation
4 E University Parkway, Baltimore

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland’s Reparations Committee and Truth & Reconciliation Commission are joined by The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians in a service of worship to celebrate the feast of Absalom Jones. It is free an open to the public. Absalom Jones (1746-1818) was an African American abolitionist, clergyman, and leader of the African American church movement. He was born into slavery in Delaware and became the first African American Episcopal priest. This worship’s offering will go directly to support the Sutton Scholars Enrichment Program. The Rev. M. Dion Thompson will preach.

Mondays
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zoom

Stepping back from the Bible for our winter session and using it as perspective, we will be studying The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. We will ponder how different types of false gods and temptations work in our own lives, and we will discuss the importance of introspection, prayer, and faithfulness for our spiritual growth. Join us for heartfelt discussion and fellowship. Newcomers are always welcome!

For Questions: Email Jane Farnan.

Lawrence F. Smart, Jr.

Larry is a lifelong member of St. Thomas’ Church. He was baptized at St Thomas’ in 1952, and during his youth, he was enrolled in Sunday School, served as a Jr. Usher, sang in the Jr. Choir, was confirmed, and served as an Acolyte. As an adult, he participated in the Choir, taught Sunday school, and served as a member of the Buildings and Grounds committee. Larry continues to serve the church as an Usher.

Larry began his career as an electrician’s helper working with various contractors to become a journeyman electrician. Hired by BGE in 1978 (Constellation/Exelon), he became responsible for corporate administrative work such as estimating, scheduling, and cost control. After 35 years, Larry retired from Exelon in 2013.

During the Vietnam War era, Larry enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard and served at Martin State Airport. He was assigned to the Civil Engineering Group as a power production specialist. During his eight years of service, Larry rose to the rank of TSGT (Technical Sergeant) before he was Honorably Discharged in 1980.

When he wasn’t working, Larry supported his children in sports as an active volunteer for Owings Mills Recreation and Parks. He was a Baseball coach and acted as an Umpire and Commissioner. In the fall months, he was active as a Soccer Coach, Referee, Commissioner for travel teams, and President of the program. Larry continued to support local sports programs as an Umpire and as a Referee through 2024.

Now enjoying retirement, Larry loves spending time with his four children, fourteen grandchildren, and traveling. Once a year, his greatest pleasure is having all his children and grandchildren together on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Leslie Steele

Leslie grew up in New Jersey and her family were active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Morris Plains, where she was baptized by Reverend David Hamilton (Tom’s future mentor). Leslie attended Sunday school, sang in the children’s choir and has fond memories of youth group and performing alongside her father and sisters in musicals with the “St. Paul’s Players.” Following confirmation, Leslie served as an acolyte, Sunday school teacher and volunteered with various outreach programs including trips to help build houses for those in need in Cumberland, MD, and serving meals at the local shelter. 

Leslie Attended Rutgers University where she got her degree in Environmental Engineering. A few years after graduation she took a job opportunity that brought her to the Baltimore area, which she has called home since 2003.  Leslie works for Kleinfelder as a Principal Engineer focused on environmental remediation, helping her clients design and implement clean-ups of contaminated soil and groundwater. Leslie is a licensed professional engineer in Maryland and several surrounding states.

Leslie and her husband Mark were married in 2014 and they moved from Locust Point to Owings Mills when she was pregnant with their son Brendan to be closer to Mark’s daughters Payton and Makenna. After driving past St. Thomas’ for several years, thinking “that’s my church, and someday I’ll go…” Leslie and Brendan started attending during Advent in 2022 and immediately felt that she had found their spiritual home. Since joining St. Thomas’, Leslie has been active as a leader of the Green Team and recently helping teach Sunday school. Brendan was baptized at St. Thomas’ last year and it has been a joy to watch him grow as an active member of the St. Thomas family. Leslie enjoys hiking, gardening and traveling, as well as watching Brendan’s sports teams and volunteering at Brendan’s school. She is humbled and excited to serve on the vestry of this historic and beloved Church.

JUNIOR WARDEN

Edward H. Welbourn, III (Ned)

Ned is an Institutional Fixed Income Salesperson for Cantor Fitzgerald who grew up in Owings Mills attending St. Thomas’. He has been a junior choir member, junior usher, and an acolyte before heading off to Episcopal boarding school in New Hampshire where he continued his choir singing. He returned to Baltimore after MBA graduate school at George Washington University. He and Olivia were married at St. Thomas’ in 1980 and they settled in Owings Mills. He rejoined the choir and has served as an acolyte advisor, every member canvasser and lay reader in the ensuing years. Most recently, he had the pleasure of serving on the rector search committee and vestry. He has two married children and three grandchildren, two of whom were baptized here at St. Thomas’ by the Rev. Thomas Murphy.

The Community Crisis Center has been addressing hunger and hardship in the Owings Mills area by providing our neighbors in need with supplemental food and essentials for over 40 years, rebuilding hope and self-reliance. They recently lost a major donor and face rising food costs and funding cuts—all while serving more and more families every month (they served 175 monthly in 2019 and now serve over 1,000 monthly).

How You Can Help the Most Right Now:

1. Purchasing specific priority items listed to the below and dropping them off at the Parish Office. Note: CCC Priorities have changed to now include bar soap and shampoo. Our goal is 75+ for each item, each month.
2. Giving financially to support food purchases (see why below). To Donate, click here and select “Outreach - Community Crisis Center” in the menu.

Questions? Please contact Margaret Green.

Offering envelopes still available!

Thank you to those who have already submitted your pledge! If you have not returned your completed pledge card to the Parish Office, please do so as soon as possible.

For Questions: Email Christopher Reynolds in the Parish Office.

For Planned Giving: Email Andy Brooks.

To Order Offering Envelopes: If you did not request envelopes and want to order some contact Christopher Reynolds in the Parish Office.