The Building and Grounds Committee is responsible for the ongoing upkeep and improvement of the church building and attendant grounds. The committee’s goal is to insure that the property provides a safe and comfortable environment for worshipers as well as those who utilize the facility for other purposes.
The work that is done by this group includes the oversight of contracted services including HVAC inspection and repair, custodial work, driveway and parking lot snow and ice removal, fire suppression/extinguisher maintenance, and government mandated periodic water testing. Additionally, the committee closely monitors heating fuel and electric rates and expenditures to promote the most economical cost benefit relationship.
The committee also bids out and coordinates major contracted upgrade and repair work when such work is deemed necessary. Examples of this type of work include roof replacement and repair, solar energy installation, floor covering replacement, upgrading and replacement of fuel tanks, and steeple refurbishment.
General maintenance activities such as routine security and safety checks, plumbing, electrical repairs, carpentry, painting, tile floor stripping and waxing, and grounds keeping are most often accomplished by committee members assisted by many volunteers who graciously donate their time to help to maintain the facility in the most cost effective manner.
Ongoing efforts to keep facilities in top notch condition are carried out in recognition of budgetary parameters with close coordination with church leadership to minimize activity disruption.
Our dedicated group has been providing music ministry for more than a decade, playing at St. Thomas, other members’ churches and at community organizations and events. We are regular performers at Ft. Hunter Mansion and Park. Mountain dulcimers are traditional American instruments, and are joined by hammered dulcimers and harps. As an ever-growing group, we are excited to welcome new members to expand both our music and our ministry.
The hospitality team has been working to fulfill its stated mission: creating opportunities for fellowship among those who are members of and connected to St. Thomas Church.
The Friendship Cafe provides refreshments and fellowship after services. The occasional pot luck brunch has also welcomed many. We have had the pleasure of organizing celebrations for milestone birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. Home hosted dinners bring church people together in homes within our community.
Advent and Easter bring breakfasts, dinners and decorations for the Season. Our annual events have become very popular. There are opportunities to socialize at a virtual college tailgate party, a chili and soup cook-off or fire pit social. We offer support to families of deceased loved ones providing for funeral receptions.
It is a pleasure to facilitate our fellowship and engage with the members and friends of the church. Join us in providing these wonderful opportunities!
St. Thomas has been part of the community for more than 250 years. So while this is a church with history, St. Thomas is also interested in what’s happening now–and in what’s on the horizon.