The blog of the Rev’d David O. Browder, Rector of St. Thomas’. Law and gospel, grace, pop culture, links to interesting articles and videos.
We are delighted to announce that we have received a letter of obligation from FEMA indicating that our grant has been approved for funding. This is the step we have been waiting for to begin the post-Hurricane Harvey renovation of the church and construction of our new academic building. Next week we will receive a…
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As you have probably read, COVID-19 cases have risen in Houston over the past couple of weeks. Hospitalizations have risen as well with capacity reaching a point of strain. We will move all of our services online again. We will go back to our Stay at Home protocols with Morning and…
By David Browder Most of you probably do not know that Saint Thomas’ founding rector wrote in the 1950s and 1960s, during his tenure here, in favor of segregation. I knew about this, and assumed everyone else did, too. We have spent many years distancing ourselves from those writings and those ideas. But I think…
We will resume in-person services in our church this Sunday, June 14th, at 10 am. To maintain the safety of our parishioners, we will have limited seating in the church, and you must reserve your seat ahead of time. You will be asked to check in when you arrive. We will continue to live stream…
Dear STE Community: Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church and School strongly condemns racism in any form. Too often the injustice and inequality that has been deeply rooted in our country’s history has led to senseless and terrible deaths—whether it be the recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, or the deaths of so…
by David Browder By the world’s standards, the Christian Church did not have glorious beginnings. There were no great battles, no soaring victories. It had no figures like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, or Hannibal. It began with an itinerant teacher unjustly crucified for treason (Gal. 3:13). It taught that the way to life was through…
Thank you to everyone who participated in our latest online poll as we look toward planning our future services as our state and city begin to reopen. We received 50 responses through May 19. Here are some high points: 90% of respondents found the 9 am online livestream Sunday service time to have been convenient,…
by David Browder The search for truth has always been very difficult. It has challenged theologians, philosophers, and everyone else since God created human beings. Classical education (a vital component of our school) is predicated on the pursuit of truth and beauty. “Pursuit” because finding perfect truth and beauty has always been elusive, even when…
Saint Thomas’ Church Covid-19 Survey April 29-May 1, 2020 Thank you to everyone who participated in our online poll about the parish and Covid-19. We received 63 responses through May 1. You can download the full results below. Here are some high points: 94% of respondents have participated in one or more of our online…
I am sure you have heard of Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to progressively re-open Texas. I am sure you have also noticed the reaction to this plan, both pro and con. Unfortunately, like most other things in our country at this time, the pros and cons have manifested themselves along partisan lines. The cultural left…
