St. Thomas of Canterbury

Ministries of St. Thomas

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For Kids & Families

 

At Saint Thomas, we joyfully welcome kids and families, creating a loving space where children can explore their faith in a fun and affirming community.

  • Childcare & Worship: Professional childcare is available during the 10:15 a.m. service, along with Sunday School for ages 5 and up. Kids are always welcome in the Sanctuary, with an activity table and family-friendly seating options.

  • Coming Soon—Saint Thomas Youth! We’re preparing to launch a youth program for Middle & High Schoolers and are searching for a part-time Youth Director to lead the way.

No matter where you are on your journey, you and your family belong here!

 

 

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Women’s Ministry

There’s a growing sense of energy and excitement among the women of St. Thomas to share our life experiences and to grow together spiritually.

 While our group is in the early stages of formation, we gather for prayer and periodic day retreats to explore:

 ¨     Spiritual pathways to God,

¨     The importance of wellness and self-care,

¨     Spiritual practices such as centering prayer and journaling,

¨     Sharing our questions and hopes about faith and our relationship to Christ and other people.

 We also have fun just sharing a meal and talking about life!

Our women’s ministry offers a way to connect with other women who seek a deeper faith and who recognize the value of supporting one another.

 

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Community Outreach

At St. Thomas of Canterbury, we live out Christ’s call to love and serve our neighbors, working for peace, justice, and dignity for all. Through Community Outreach, we provide comfort, support, and practical assistance to those in need. If you’d like to join us in this ministry, click here to get involved!

  • Project TOUCH: Partnering to combat homelessness in Southwest Riverside County, we provide Welcome Kits, school supplies, transportation passes, and monthly meals for shelter residents. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we collect food and gifts to share joy with those in need.

  • Navajo Nation Ministry: Through a longstanding relationship with a school and community in Arizona, we visit and offer clothing, food, and essential supplies to help improve lives on the reservation.

Together, we bring Christ’s love into action. Join us in making a difference!

 

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Worship Team

The Worship Ministry at St. Thomas of Canterbury is dedicated to creating a sacred and welcoming space where all can encounter the presence of God. Episcopal worship is truly the work of the people, and this ministry offers a variety of ways for individuals to serve and contribute to the beauty, reverence, and hospitality of our liturgical celebrations.

From greeting worshippers at the door to proclaiming scripture, assisting at the altar, or preparing sacred spaces, each role plays a vital part in shaping our communal worship experience. Whether you feel called to offer a warm welcome, assist in the liturgy, or care for the sacred elements of our worship, there is a place for you in this ministry. No prior experience is necessary—we provide all the training you need.

 

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12-Step AA Veterans Group

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, bringing unique struggles that are often difficult to navigate alone. At St. Thomas, we recognize the importance of a supportive community where veterans can share their experiences, find encouragement, and explore pathways to healing.

Our Veterans Recovery Group meets every Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., offering a confidential and welcoming space for veterans seeking support. This group is designed for those interested in the 12-step recovery model, providing an informative and structured environment where members can learn about recovery principles, share their journeys, and gain valuable tools for personal growth.

Whether you are beginning your recovery journey or looking for ongoing support, you are not alone. Join us in a community of understanding, strength, and hope.

 

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Daughters of the King

The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is a spiritual order that is open to all women in the Episcopal Church who feel a calling to a deeper spiritual life of prayer, service, and evangelism.

 Members reaffirm the promises we made at our baptisms and confirmations; we dedicate ourselves to strengthening our own spiritual lives and the spiritual life of our church.

 The Our Lady Chapter of the DOK at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church meets at least once a month to support one another on our journeys, to plan individual and group projects that help bring us all closer to Christ, and to pray in solidarity with other Daughters across the world.

Our mission is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through prayer, service, and evangelism. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world

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Creation Care

Caring for creation is one way we express gratitude to God. At St. Thomas of Canterbury, we take small but meaningful steps to protect the environment, including an ongoing church recycling program and neighborhood electronics recycling drives to reduce landfill waste.

Each October, we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals, welcoming pets and promoting local adoptions. Looking ahead, we hope to plant butterfly-friendly gardens to support declining habitats. Join us as we strive to be better stewards of God's creation!

 

 

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Music Ministry


The Music Ministry at St. Thomas consists of our Chancel Choir as well as various musicians from our congregation and community. Our ministry's mission is to connect with our community and bring people closer to Jesus through music. Music in worship is powerful, and often, what we can not express in words or prayers can be expressed through music. 

We strive to share a diverse selection of sacred music including traditional music, contemporary music, music from diverse composers, communities, and cultures, and more. 

Choir rehearsals occur before and after the 10:15am service on Sundays. We meet at 9:15am before the service, and rehearse until 12:30pm after the service. 

We invite all people, regardless of skill or experience, to join our ministry. Here, there is a place for everyone. If you'd like to join the choir or participate in our Music Ministry in another way, please don't hesitate to reach out.

For your worshiping preference, music is an integral part of our 10:15 a.m. Sunday service. Our 8 a.m. Sunday service is a quiet and contemplative service with no music.


 

 

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Prayers & Quilts

 

At St. Thomas of Canterbury, we believe in the power of prayer and the comfort of a handmade quilt. Through Prayers & Squares and Quilts of Valor, we create quilts as tangible expressions of love, support, and healing.

Prayers & Squares provides hand-tied prayer quilts for those facing illness, loss, or personal struggles. Each knot represents a prayer, tied by our congregation as a visible sign of God’s love and presence.

Quilts of Valor honors veterans and active-duty service members with handmade quilts, recognizing their valor and sacrifice. These quilts, crafted by our church and a local veterans’ recovery group, are awarded each year in a special Veterans Day service.

 

 

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MOST

Men of Saint Thomas

Men of St. Thomas (MoST) is a fellowship group for the men of our church and their guests. It is open and welcoming to all neighbors and visitors who are exploring ways to connect and forge friendships in a faith community.

All men of the parish are automatically members of MoST!

We meet the second Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. for a potluck breakfast, coffee, and a brief Bible study. Sometimes as part of getting together we assist with maintenance and property projects at the church, and we also make ourselves available to help with special church events. We send out a monthly email with details. This is a great group for any guy who would like to strengthen friendships, share experiences, talk about God, and enjoy time together!

 

 

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Stephen Ministry

 

Stephen Ministers are congregation members who are trained to provide a caring, listening ear for people who are struggling with a difficult time in life. They pray with and listen to other St. Thomas parishioners who are encountering grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, separation due to military deployment, or other life challenges.

Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. They share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to other people at a time of need. Our congregation’s Stephen Leaders provide the training needed to equip and empower Stephen Ministers to give emotional and spiritual care to others. The training takes place at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, and training sessions accommodate the schedules of aspiring Stephen Ministers.

 

 

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LGBTQ+

We welcome with open hearts all members of the LBGTQ+ community.

As Episcopalians, we believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God. Like Jesus, we aim to meet everyone exactly where they are, whoever they are.

The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. St. Thomas is blessed to have LGBTQ+ members, and we encourage others to find God’s love in this place.

In the Episcopal Church, ordination and the offices of bishop, priest, and deacon are open to all without discrimination. Leadership is a gift from God and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

We believe that God loves all of us—no exceptions. If you would like to connect with LGBTQ+ members of St. Thomas to discuss our church, faith, or ministries, please click below.