Welcome
Dear Friends,
St. Bartholomew’s is a friendly church where people come together to worship God, to affirm our unity in Christ, and to be renewed for ministry in the Church and in the world. We would love to meet you in person, whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey in faith. At “St. Bart’s” we strive to reach into hearts and reach out to those in need.
Worship is central to the life and ministry of the Episcopal Church. I am confident that among our several weekly services, at least one will draw you more deeply into your relationship with God and with the people of God. Moreover, we are blessed with a strong music ministry which greatly enhances our worship.
The Rector's Corner - Continuing, Not Starting Again
During July and August the people and the clergy of St. Bart's have been worshiping, teaching, learning, welcoming visitors, baptizing, visiting the sick, commending the dead to our merciful Savior, consoling those who mourn, feeding the hungry, organizing, recruiting, and envisioning. We've also been taking vacations, relaxing a bit more, and enjoying more time with friends. With sadness that they are leaving and with hope for them in the next station on their way in Upstate New York, we've been offering blessings and fond farewells to the Rev. Cole Gruberth and his family. We've been offering blessings and fond hellos to Greg Tuttle, our new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and his family. Greg arrives with rich experience in these ministries. Please read his article in the September issue of The Blade. (click here, see page 6)
Much will unfold in our life and ministry together this fall. We are adding to our adult Christian formation offerings and we are renaming this group of programs, Seeking. The name derives from St. Anselm's definition of theology which, I think, captures the spirit of delving into theological, biblical, and ethical questions. St. Anselm's definition of theology is "faith seeking understanding." St. Bartholomew's Seeking: Adult Christian Formation will include several continuing programs and a new one. Bible Study will continue on Wednesday mornings, taught by Bill Zettinger principally, and by others from time to time. The ten session Episcopal Explorations will continue to be offered in the fall and spring as scheduled on Monday evenings; I will continue to be the principal teacher in "EpEx." Sunday Forums on various topics will continue to be offered from time to time as announced. Centering Prayer, which makes its home at St. Bart’s, facilitated by parishioners Chris and Sue Hagen, continues on Tuesdays. Our new offering is Gospel Previews. Every Wednesday evening, one of the clergy, usually the one scheduled to preach the following Sunday, will lead a discussion about the Gospel reading appointed for the following Sunday and, sometimes, one or more of the other readings appointed for Sunday will also be discussed. Gospel Previews is intended to help participants learn more about the scripture, of course. Participating may also enhance the experience of hearing the following Sunday's sermon. Watch for our new Seeking brochure and for announcements about Seeking programs in our regular electronic and printed communications. There is also more detailed information in the September issue of The Blade.
Of Special Note
Journey Into Following Jesus - A Study of the Twelve Disciples
A six (6) week series in two parts of three weeks each exploring how the disciples are like you and me.
During this study we become acquainted with the twelve disciples and will discover they are much like us. They remind us that the Lord uses ordinary prople to do great things. Learn how the twelve has diverse personalities and political views just as we have today. youw will come to know yourself and understand more about how th twelve speak to us in our time. A keepsake handout will be provided.
When: Part 1 - September 8, 15, 22
Part 2 - October 20, 27 and November 3
Time: 10:30 am
Where: Conference Room
Cost: All six weeks with lunch- $45 or three weeks with lunch - $25.
To register please contact The Rev. Bill Zettinger at wzettinger@stbartschurch.org or call 858-487-2159.
