St. Bart's eNews: Welcome Sunday, Engaging Others, Knowing Ourselves at The Forum and more!

DECEMBER 6, 2024 · 325 PARK AVENUE · STBARTS.ORG

by the Reverend Meredith E. Ward, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care

Our readings in Advent take on a distinctively apocalyptic tone of something new being revealed for which we must prepare. We hear the words of the Hebrew prophets echoing through the ages, speaking to the people of their time and speaking to us today.

The Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 8

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

The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe, Rector, will preach 9 am and 11 am. The Reverend Meredith Ward will preach at 8 am, and the Reverend Molly O'Neil Frank will preach at 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, December 8 at 10 am

Engaging Others, Knowing Ourselves

The Reverend Margaret Rose, The Episcopal Church's Deputy for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, discusses our denomination's commitment to relationships with other faith traditions and reflects on how such engagement may both deepen our own faith and help in the building of peace.

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

Coffee Hour Sponsored by St. Tabitha’s Guild

12:15 pm in the Great Hall

Join us immediately after the service for coffee and other refreshments sponsored by St. Tabitha’s Guild. This dedicated ministry creates hats, blankets, sweaters, and scarves for newborns and adults in need, serving organizations like Crossroads, Jamaica Hospital, and the Seamen’s Institute. As our outreach grows, we invite you to lend your hands and hearts to this meaningful work—no matter your skill level. Meetings are held both in-person and online, and we would love for you to join us. For more information, contact Maureen McGuckin at maureen1125@gmail.com.

2025 Pledge Campaign Update

The 2025 Pledge Campaign, Planting Seeds of Love, continues to be a huge success! We currently have over 185 donors, and every day, we get closer and closer to our goal. Every pledge counts, and every pledge matters. Our pledge page remains open until December 31, 2024—so it’s never too late to join us and make a difference.

Pledges are prayerfully and gratefully accepted for 2025. To pledge, please visit stbarts.org/pledge.

The Christmas Music and Flowers campaign is underway and will continue through December 15. To make a gift in memory, honor or in gratitude, visit stbarts.org/christmas.

Please contact Jim Buggy at jbuggy@stbarts.org or Brian Van Steen at bvansteen@stbarts.org with questions about these campaigns.

Welcome Sunday

Sunday, December 8

Everyone new to the St. Bart’s community in the last year is invited to participate in Welcome Sunday. Be recognized and blessed at the 8 am, 9 am, 11 am or 5 pm service. After the 11 am Eucharist, join us for a festive reception. You belong, already. Let’s make it official! Please register in advance here.

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

The Joyous Christmas Concert

Friday, December 13, at 7:30 pm

The musicians of St. Bartholomew’s Choir frequently appear at many of the city’s most prestigious venues: from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, to Broadway stages and New York’s finest Jazz clubs. Hear them celebrate the holiday season in our beautiful sanctuary with beloved traditional carols as well as festive new arrangements of sacred and secular Christmas favorites, all accompanied on our famed pipe organ. Purchase tickets here.

LGBTQ+ Community Christmas Party

Friday, December 13, at 5 to 7 pm

All are invited to the LGBTQ+ Community Christmas Party. Join us in the Chapel for some holiday cheer before the Joyous Christmas Concert at 7:30 pm. Learn more and sign up.

Art for Advent

Saturday, December 14, at 2 pm via Zoom

Join the Reverend Meredith Ward, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, and the Reverend Dr. Ayla Lepine, Associate Rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly, in London, for Art in Advent. This virtual-only event (via Zoom) will feature conversation and meditations on Advent themes using four objects from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Register here. Each week in Advent we will post a short video about each object that you’ll be able to view any time. Watch the first video here.

The Forum

Sunday, December 15 at 10 am

Uncertainty

The Reverend Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary, speaks to the challenge of living in times of social uncertainty and points to the Christian tradition as a source of hope and strength.

20s/30s Group Advent Party

Sunday, December 15 at 5 pm

Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to join the 20s/30s group for their annual Advent Party in Room 33 immediately following the 5 pm service on Sunday, December 15. Learn more and sign up.

Adoration of the Magi

Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 pm

Jeff Morrissey and William Trafka offer their popular

Christmas program inspired by the beautiful 1919 Chapel and medallions depicting the Adoration of the Magi and scenes of the Nativity of Christ. Enjoy traditional carols, carols from around the world, spirituals and popular Christmas favorites. Purchase tickets here.

Imagine Worship NYC

Thursdays at 7 pm, in the chapel

Join us for a casual, contemporary service of Holy Communion with soulful original music led by artist-in-residence Mark Miller, followed by food and hospitality. Special Event: Imagine Worship Christmas Celebration Thursday, December 19 at 7 pm. Learn more at stbarts.org/imagine.

Light in the Darkness—A Service of Hope

Saturday, December 21 at 6 pm

The days leading up to Christmas can be some of the most joyous ones in the year. But they can also be especially difficult for those who are grieving or struggling. On this longest night of the year, come and celebrate the Light that shines through every kind of darkness in this contemplative, and hopeful service.

Candlelight Carols

Sunday, December 22, at 5 pm

Hear the Christmas story and sing your favorite carols in this majestic service that includes music by our combined choirs and an awe-inspiring candlelit procession.

Casting Call: Come-You-Are Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 24 at 4 pm

ALL children and youth are welcome to participate in this treasured New York holiday tradition. You don't have to be a member of the church or even a resident of the city or state to join the fun! Learn more and sign up.

Online Advent Calendar

The Visual Commentary on Scripture is offering a free online Advent calendar celebrating Creation. A new creation-themed artwork and accompanying scripture will be available every day from December 1-24. An audio option is also available. Sign up to receive daily emails at thevcs.org/Advent2024.

Christmas Music and Flowers

At Christmas, we remember loved ones and express gratitude for special people and blessings through gifts of flowers and music to the church. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service leaflets will list these tributes—those remembered, honored, or celebrated in gratitude. Please submit your gifts online here by December 15 to ensure inclusion in the leaflets.

Become a Chorister

Rolling Admission from September-June

Children ages 8 and up: sing with St. Bartholomew’s

Choristers for the 2024-2025 season! Within the

framework of a choral ensemble, choristers receive a

free, one-of-a-kind music education that teaches lifelong skills and values such as self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, dedication, and spirituality. Contact Alexander Pattavina to learn more about St. Bartholomew’s Choristers as well as musical opportunities for younger kids.

Tree of Gifts

Through January 5

St. Tabitha’s Guild at St. Bart’s is sponsoring a Tree of Gifts for the 2024 holiday season. The tree, which will be located in the narthex through January 5, features their handmade needlecrafts for Advent and Christmas. Your donations of new hats, scarves, and gloves are also welcome and can be placed on the tree. All items will be donated to Crossroads and Coalition for the Homeless. Learn more about the St. Tabitha's Guild here.

Faith in Action: Dinner Service

First Monday of Every Month, 4:30-6:30 pm

Join us for our monthly dinner service in collaboration with Coalition for the Homeless! Caring for our community is of vital importance at St. Bart’s—this fast-paced and fun volunteer opportunity is the perfect place to start as we hand out pre-made takeaway meals to our neighbors who line up around our church each evening! Register online here. Questions? Email Teagan Sage, Associate Manager of Social Outreach.