St. Bart's eNews: The Forum on Contemporary Evangelicalism, Upcoming Celebrations & More

FEBRUARY 7, 2025 · 325 PARK AVENUE · STBARTS.ORG

by The Reverend Molly O'Neil Frank, Assisting Priest

February can be a tough month. The days are still short, and the novelty of the cold weather has worn off. For those in school, spring break still feels like months away. And then, to top it all off, Lent looms around the corner. Soon, we will be invited to engage in a spiritual self-examination for the 40 days before Easter. Sometimes it can feel like heavy sledding.

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Sunday, February 7, 2025

Join us in person at 8 am, 9 am, 11 am, or 5 pm.

The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe, Rector, will preach at 9 am and 11 am. The Reverend Peter D. Thompson, Vicar, will preach at 8 am and 5 pm.

Join us online at 11 am. Download our service leaflet to follow along as we livestream from the church on our website, Facebook, and YouTube.

The Forum

Sunday, February 9 at 10 am

Evangelicals, Ex-vangelicals, and the Other Evangelicals: Past, Present, and Future

Isaac Sharp, Visiting Assistant Professor at Union Theological Seminary and author of The Other Evangelicals, offers insight into contemporary evangelicalism and its effect on the larger religious landscape.

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

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

Ophelia

Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 pm

Ophelia, Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, inspires a Valentine’s Day program by sopranos Zoe Allen and Olivia Greene with pianist Christopher Allen, featuring music by Saint-Saëns, Strauss, and contemporary composers. Purchase tickets here.

St. Valentine’s Day Renewal of Vows

Friday, February 14 at 6 pm in the church

All married couples are invited to celebrate and renew their commitment to each other in this meaningful service followed by a champagne toast. Everyone is warmly welcome to join us for this celebration of love—friends, children, and romantics of all ages. The event will conclude at 6:30 pm. Please register at stbarts.org/valentine.

The Forum

Sunday, February 16 at 10 am

King of Kings: Organ Music by Black Composers, Past and Present

Nathaniel Gumbs, Director of Chapel Music at Yale University, reviews organ music by Black composers, including some pieces he will play at the 11 am service.

A Choral Feast

Sunday, February 16 at 11 am

Several Sundays throughout the year are designated A Choral Feast, celebrating a specific theme, composer, or major choral work. On Sunday, February 16, we turn our attention to the ever-expanding tradition of sacred music, featuring works by composers active today. We are also pleased to welcome Nathaniel Gumbs, Director of Chapel Music at Yale University, whose organ Prelude and Postlude will be drawn from his recent recording, King of Kings: Organ Music of Black Composers Past and Present.

Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Election

Sunday, February 23 at 10 am

In accordance with the Church’s Bylaws, the Vestry has set the time and place for the annual parish meeting and election of Vestry officers. These will take place on Sunday, February 23 at 10 am in the nave of the church and online. All are invited to attend. Only qualified voters are eligible to vote. Click here for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Liz Gillespie in the Office of the Rector: lgillespie@stbarts.org or 212-378-0263.

Celebrating the Ministry of The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe and Mrs. Ellen Frantz-Wolfe

Sunday, March 2

Celebrate eight years of transformative ministry and wish Dean and Ellen well as they embark on retirement in Dallas! Dean will speak at The Forum and preside and preach at all four services. A joyous party in honor of Dean and Ellen will be held during the Coffee Hour after the 11 am service.

Mardi Gras Celebration

Tuesday, March 4, 6 to 9 pm in Room 33 of the Community House

Join us for a festive dinner for the last night before Lent! Our gathering will incorporate traditional Mardi Gras cuisine (like gumbo with rice) and King Cake. Jazz music and colorful masks will also be featured. Seating is limited, so please reserve early. $35 in advance; $40 at the door. Free for children under the age of 18. Register here.

Little Voices

Every other Monday from 4:45 pm-5:30 pm

Little Voices is a free music education opportunity for the younger children of St. Bart’s. Conceived as a musical playground environment for kids, it’s a place to sing songs, play musical games, and try out musical instruments. Taught by Alex Pattavina, children learn about and listen to music, draw and make crafts, and develop an appreciation for sacred arts. Little Voices is a fun and friendly experience for kids ages 5-8, regardless of any previous musical ability or experience. To sign up, contact Alex Pattavina at apattavina@stbarts.org.