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Wise Investment
by the Reverend Peter D. Thompson, Priest-in- Charge
Any financial planner worth their salt will advise you against keeping the bulk of your money in cash. While it may seem as if holding onto your cash is a way of hedging against risk and preserving your net worth, it’s also true that, as inflation goes up, the value of your cash decreases. It can purchase less than it could before.
In Jesus’ parable of the talents, assigned as the Gospel reading for this Sunday, caution is not rewarded. The most careful servant falls behind because he simply buries his money in the ground, fearful of any loss. The more faithful servants are willing to accept some reasonable risk and put their money to use by making an investment.
This Sunday, we’ll celebrate and thank the more than 290 individuals and families who have decided to put their money to use by investing in St. Bart’s. (If you haven’t made your own pledge, it’s not too late—just click here!) We’re so grateful for this generous support, and we depend upon it.
But, fundamentally, the parable of the talents is about much more than giving to the Church. It’s a more general invitation to accept reasonable risk for the purpose of necessary growth. It’s a wide-ranging call to step away from fear and hoarding and put what we have to use.
We aren’t done with the work of good stewardship after we’ve made our pledge to St. Bart’s. Ideally, our generous giving should prompt us to think more intentionally about how we spend our whole lives for the benefit of God’s reign in this world.
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The Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, November 15
Join us in person at 9 am, 11 am, or 5 pm. The Reverend Peter D. Thompson, Priest-in-Charge, will preach at all services.
Join us online at 11 am. Download the service leaflet to follow along as we livestream from the church on our website, Facebook, and YouTube.
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The Forum
Sunday, November 15 at 10 am
Many Members, One Body
Members of St. Bart’s celebrate the remarkable diversity of our beloved community as the pledge campaign concludes.
Please post your questions in the comments on Facebook or YouTube, or email the Reverend Peter Thompson at pthompson@stbarts.org.
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Explore Class for Newcomers
Sundays, November 1–15 at 12:30 pm in Room 33
Wednesdays, November 4–18 at 7 pm via Zoom
Explore is for anyone new to St. Bart’s or The Episcopal Church and interested in learning more. This three-week series provides an overview of Christian belief and practice, through a progressive and open-minded lens. No question is off the table, and all are welcome. A light lunch is offered. Sign up at stbarts.org/explore.
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The 2027 Pledge Campaign at St. Bart’s: We are almost there!
The 2027 Pledge Campaign at St. Bart’s, “Meeting This Moment As One,” concludes on Sunday with a celebration and blessing of all pledges at the 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm services. We are just 10% away from our goal of $1.6M. Tremendous thanks to those who have made their commitments already, and there is still time if you have not. We encourage you to join the campaign now and be a part of our strong finish (stbarts.org/2027pledge)! Please contact Susannah Wade Lewis at swadelewis@stbarts.org with any questions.
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Click here for a complete list of Community Groups and activities after church this Sunday.
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, November 16 at 6 pm
Central Synagogue, 652 Lexington Avenue
St. Bart's joins neighboring congregations in gratitude and fellowship for an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Stay after the service for refreshments and connection. All are welcome. Please note that a separate Thanksgiving Eve service will not be held at St. Bart’s this year.
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Paolo Bordignon, harpsichordist, in recital
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 pm
The harpsichord is not only the instrument epitomizing the High Baroque but also a vehicle for the refined expressiveness of the Rococo, the Empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style), and galant styles of the later eighteenth century. Join us for a program exploring some of this repertoire, including music of François Couperin, G.B. Martini, and a dazzling concerto by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach with an ensemble of strings. Purchase tickets here.
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Trans Day of Remembrance
Friday, November 20 at 6 pm
Join St. Bart’s and the Translatina Network for a multi-faith service honoring lives lost to violence and celebrating resilience, hope, and healing. Learn more and volunteer.
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Upcoming Memorial Services
Please join us to celebrate the life of a member of our community who recently died:
Bobby Armstrong, Saturday, November 21, 10 am
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The Forum
Sunday, November 22 at 10 am
Is Christ King? Inclusive Language Conundrums
The Reverend Peter D. Thompson reflects on efforts to make the language of the Church more inclusive.
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Welcome Sunday
Sunday, November 22 at 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm
Anyone who has found their way to St. Bart’s in the past year and considers it their spiritual home is invited to be recognized and blessed. A reception will be held in the Great Hall at 12:30 pm. You belong already. Let’s make it official! Sign up here.
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Fare Share 2026
Friday, November 27
Crossroads’ annual Fare Share 2026 will take place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Over 400 guests will enjoy a holiday carry-out dinner and choose gifts from a Holiday Bazaar. Help Crossroads reach their fundraising goal here.
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Our Advent & Christmas Schedule is Here!
Plan your holiday season with St. Bart’s! Our full schedule of Advent and Christmas services, music, and celebrations is now available online. We look forward to sharing this joyful season with you. Explore the schedule here.
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Advent Fair
Sunday, November 29 at 12:30 pm in the Great Hall.
Prepare for the festive holiday season with interactive crafts, refreshments, music, and other fun.
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Advent Lessons & Carols
Sunday, November 29 at 5 pm
Join us for one of the most beloved services of the season! Our combined choirs offer Advent carols and anthems interspersed with readings about the coming of Christ. A festive reception follows in the back of the church. Eucharist in the chapel is offered after the service for those who wish to attend. Join us in person or via livestream.
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Advent Lessons & Carols Reception
Sunday, November 29, immediately following the
service, in the back of the church
Our annual Advent Lessons & Carols Reception is a joyful St. Bart’s tradition and an opportunity to come together as a parish to begin the Advent season. Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or simply enjoy sharing good food, we’d be grateful for your contribution. Bring a treat to share or volunteer to help with setup and cleanup. Contact Paul Rodriguez at prodriguez@stbarts.org to learn more.
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Tree of Gifts
Sunday, November 29 through January 3
St. Tabitha’s Guild at St. Bart’s is sponsoring a Tree of Gifts, offering their handmade needlecrafts for Advent and Christmas. Your donations of new hats, scarves, and gloves are welcome and can be placed on the tree. All items will be donated to Crossroads and Coalition for the Homeless. The Tree of Gifts will be in the narthex of the church from November 29 through January 3.
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Visit the St. Bart’s Book Store
Get ready for Advent! Advent calendars and stuffed Nativity sets for children are now available in the Book Store. Also available is Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years by Diarmaid MacCulloch, recommended by Dr. Brooks Ishler. Stop by and browse!
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Caroling on the Steps
Tuesday, December 1 at 5:45 pm
Join us on the steps of St. Bart’s for our annual Midtown Carol Sing-along! Singing starts at 5:45 pm, then we head inside at 6:15 pm for hot cocoa and community. (We will be outside singing rain or shine!) Come help us spread a little pre-Christmas cheer to Midtown and everyone passing by on Park Avenue.
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The Forum, Sunday, November 8 at 10 am
Palliative Care in a Death Denying Culture
Sunday, November 8 at 11 am
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: Remembrance Sunday
The Sermon from Sunday, November 8 at 11 am
Midnight Dread
by the Reverend Zack Nyein, Senior Associate Rector and Pastor of Imagine Worship
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