St. Bart's eNews: The First Sunday in Lent, Pathfinders, Bible Study and More this Sunday

FEBRUARY 19, 2026 · 325 PARK AVENUE · STBARTS.ORG

Happy Lent!

by the Reverend Zack Nyein, Senior Associate Rector and Pastor of Imagine Worship

Happy Lent! It’s a phrase I’m embracing this year.

Whether you’re giving something up (such as sweets, alcohol, or screen time) — or taking something on (such as reading scripture, praying, or simply coming to church) — I invite us to consider Lent as less of a burden, obligation, and guilt, and more of an invitation, opportunity, and gift.

It’s an invitation to walk with Jesus, an opportunity to grow in faith. It’s about the freedom that comes when we confront the sins and shackles that hold us bound and find the mercy, forgiveness, and joy made possible through the cross. There’s surely nothing sweeter than that.

So Happy Lent, and I hope to see you in church soon!

The First Sunday In Lent

Sunday, February 22

Join us in person at 9 am, 11 am, or 5 pm.

The Reverend Zack Nyein, Senior Associate Rector and Pastor of Imagine Worship, 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.

The Forum

Sunday, February 22 at 10 am

U.S. Immigration Enforcement and Child Abuse

Over the past two decades, and especially in recent months, the escalating use of federal immigration enforcement tactics has raised concerns about the impact on immigrant children and their families. Michael Zuch, a licensed clinical social worker and a doctoral student at Rutgers University, examines how these federal actions affect children and explores the question of whether they can be considered a form of child abuse.

Please post your questions in the comments section on Facebook or YouTube, or email the Reverend Peter Thompson at pthompson@stbarts.org.

Pathfinders

Sundays, Feb. 22 - May 10 at 12:30 pm in Room 33

Wednesdays, Feb. 25 - May 13 at 7 pm via Zoom

Explore The Episcopal Church and the Christian faith in this welcoming, clergy-led course at St. Bart’s. Together, we will dig into the Bible, prayer, church history, the liturgical year, and the sacraments, concluding with the opportunity for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation at St. Bart’s during Bishop Shin’s visit on May 17, as well as an optional retreat. Learn more at stbarts.org/pathfinders.

Let My People Go: A Clergy Bible Study

Sundays, Feb. 22 - March 22 at 12:30 pm in Room 32

Wednesdays, Feb. 25 - March 25 at 7 pm via Zoom

The clergy of St. Bart’s lead an exploration of the Book of Exodus, paying special attention to its Jewish origins, its connection to movements for social justice, and its resonances with the Easter story. Register here.

Click here for a complete list of Community Groups and activities after church this Sunday.

Join Episcopal Relief & Development in exploring “Holy Habits”

For more than 15 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been blessed to join readers on their spiritual journeys through thought-provoking Lenten Meditations. Written by Sister Monica Clare, an Episcopal nun, author, and unlikely TikTok star, these meditations offer an invitation to rediscover—or deepen—holy habits of prayer, worship, and Scripture engagement. These holy habits provide a path to a life rooted in God, giving shape, meaning, and direction.

Visit episcopalrelief.org/Lent to subscribe to daily emails, download a PDF, and read the meditations

Young Adults Lenten Bible Study

Thursdays, Feb. 19 – March 26 at 5:30 pm

in the Vestry Room

This Bible Study, led by young adults for young adults, is designed to create a space to read God’s Word and join in reflection together. Anyone ages 20-39 is welcome. Sign up here.

Imagine Worship

Thursdays at 7 pm

Imagine Worship is an immersive midweek service of Holy Communion, held in our luminous chapel, featuring original contemporary music, inclusive theology, and a casual vibe. A community meal follows each service. Guest preachers in February:

February 19: The Reverend Dr. Maggi Dawn, Professor, Priest, Musician, and Author

February 26: The Reverend Marcia Callender, Deacon, St. Michael’s Church NYC

Learn more at stbarts.org/imagine.

Living Christ Sangha Lenten Series:

Repenting from the Three Poisons

Wednesdays, February 25–April 1 at 6 pm via Zoom

This six-week interfaith series will explore how Buddhist practices of repentance can enrich the season of Lent for Christians. Participants will take an in-depth look at the “three poisons,” which are ignorance, greed, and anger. These poisons cause much damage to our lives and to society. As an antidote, we will explore repentance via practices to cultivate the “three medicines” of wisdom, generosity, and loving-kindness. Learn more and register

at stbarts.org/lentensangha.

The Forum

Sunday, March 1 at 10 am

The State of the Clergy

In a changing Church and a challenging world, how are our clergy holding up? The Reverend Dr. Craig Barnes, President Emeritus of Princeton Theological Seminary and Director of the Theologies for Pastoral Ministry project, outlines findings from recent research.

Into the Night: A Lenten Retreat Day

Saturday, March 21 at 9 am in the Chapel

In this day-long retreat led by the Reverend Meredith Ward and the Reverend Peter Thompson, we reflect on the essential question of our shared human destiny: how do we live in full knowledge that one day we will die? The retreat will include a viewing of the documentary Into the Night: Portraits of Life and Death by filmmaker and St. Bart’s parishioner Helen Whitney. Register here.

A Choral Feast: J.S. Bach's Motet Jesu, meine Freude , BWV 227

Sunday, March 22 at 11 am

A Choral Feast offers the opportunity to experience great sacred choral repertoire in its original context of a worship service. On Sunday, March 22, St. Bartholomew's Choir with orchestra performs J.S. Bach's Motet Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227.

Paolo Bordignon, organist, in recital

Sunday, March 22 at 4 pm

This recital continues St. Bartholomew’s decades-long tradition of organ recitals in Lent. Paolo Bordignon offers a 45-minute program including music of Johann Sebastian Bach on the day after the composer’s birthday. No tickets needed but a $20 donation is suggested, either in advance here or at the concert.