CONNECTING WHO WE ARE
TO WHAT WE DO

March 15, 2023

These volunteers braved the cold on Sunday to serve with ShowerUp! We have monthly opportunities to serve with the Branch or ShowerUp. Sign up here to volunteer at the Branch on April 15.

THIS SUNDAY

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist, 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

This Sunday, join us for Holy Eucharist at either 8:30 or 11 a.m. After communion at each service, the prayer desk will be open in the alcove near the altar rail. The 8:30 service will be live-streamed and available on-demand later. For Families: The nursery will open at 8:15 a.m. for ages 0–3 years, and the 8:30 service will include a children's homily for 3 yrs–6th grade.

FORMATION HOUR

Christian formation continues for all ages at 10 a.m. including children and youth. Our class for adults through March 26 is called Songs for Lent: The Psalms of Ascent. Join Pat Bowlby and Shannon Truss for a Lenten journey through the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134). Inspired by Eugene Peterson’s Long Obedience in the Same Direction, one psalm will be discussed each week and an examen prayer will be offered around each week’s theme. Handouts and slides for the class so far are >>> here.

THE SHAPE OF LENT

This week we are fasting as a community from Social Media, blogs, or texting and serving a stranger by extending kindness to those you could easily miss. Download the Lent guide >>>here or pick one up at the church. We also offer Lent playlists on Apple Music and Spotify.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

ST. B'S MINISTRIES

How many HVAC units do we have to replace this year? How many people serve on the vestry? How many volunteers help us compost and recycle at our large gatherings? Learn more in the Annual Report >>>here. If you missed the meeting, you can watch it here.

TREES FOR ST. B'S

St. B's has been given 54 trees from Cumberland River Compact, and we need your help to plant them THIS SUNDAY (March 19) from 1–4 p.m. That afternoon we need to place the trees in the holes, fill in the dirt, and mulch around the trunk. We will also be cutting and putting protective mesh around each trunk. We need 25-30 volunteers! Please bring work gloves and shovels if you have them. Questions? Email Mimi Heldman.

DAY OF RECONCILIATION

Wednesday, March 29, 4–8 p.m. by appointment. The sacramental rite, Reconciliation of a Penitent (BCP p. 447), will be offered on Wednesday, March 29. The rite creates space to confess to God, in the presence of a priest, the ways we miss the mark, and receive to the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. Clergy will meet you at the altar rail in the sanctuary to hear your confession and offer forgiveness on behalf of the church. Preparation sheets will be available ahead of time. Please email Rev. Serena to make an appointment at ssides@stbs.net.

HOLY WEEK

Our Lenten journey culminates in Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and concluding in the Great Triduum, the three-day celebration of Jesus’ passion and Resurrection. Holy Week offers the invitation to walk with Jesus through the last week of His life and to actually find yourself in the story of salvation. Learn more about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday >>> here.

On Palm Sunday, April 2, please join us in celebrating Sally & Matt Chambers-Rhea and Sally's 12 years of vocational ministry at St. B’s. Plan to come early or stay after the service for palm-cross making, tasty treats, and an opportunity to say thanks to Matt & Sally. You can express your thanks through a note or card (either sent in advance or at the party) as well as by contributing to a financial gift, as is our custom. Read more details on how you can say thanks >>>here. Sally’s last day on staff is March 31 and we are grateful that they will remain part of St. B’s.

THINGS OF NOTE

Help us finish the RITI season strong! We have two Saturdays left and need some help each week with food, overnight hosts and drivers. Sign up to help fill those spots if you are able!

Dates. Dates. Dates. Every year, St. B’s is required to submit a parochial report to our Bishop who then sends a copy to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. This report is the official data-gathering instrument for the entire Episcopal Church and includes information on the number of services, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, mission, outreach, formation opportunities, and basic demographic information. You can see 2021’s data compiled here.

We need your help to improve the accuracy of our report by providing your birthdate and baptism information. If you consider St. B’s your home, please fill out this form. You can select whether these dates are shared or kept private among parishioners in the directory. Thanks in advance for your help.

Easter Egg Collection For each child wishing to participate in an Egg hunt on Easter Sunday, please bring 12 eggs filled with non-chocolate candy. You can either 1) fill your own eggs at home or 2) pick up empty eggs from church to fill at home. Leave your filled eggs in the donation bin between March 19 & April 2 in the parish hall lobby.

Pilgrimage to Montgomery | Friday, April 28–Saturday, April 29 | Join parishioners from St. Bartholomew's & St. George's on a prayerful pilgrimage to learn and grow in our understanding of the complexity and importance of racial reconciliation. This overnight charter bus trip will include visits to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, with time for reflection and fellowship at historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Two meetings before the trip will be held at St. George's to prepare our hearts and minds for the pilgrimage. Register here. Questions? Contact Nancy Cason at ncason@stbs.net or 615-202-0488.

St. Luke's Food Pantry March Items: canned beans, baby food, formula, toiletries, feminine products and individual servings of cereal. Please leave collections for St. Luke's food pantry in the cabinet beside the doors to the gym.

PRAYERS & THANKSGIVING

WELCOME, MABEL!

Last week, Mabel Reed was born to Julia & Tyler Reed (a third-generation St. B’ser). We still have two more spots left to help them through the first couple of weeks. If you are able to bless this family by bringing a meal, sign up here.

PRAYER REQUESTS

If you have a prayer request or would like to add a name to the prayers, please email Butch at pastoralcare@stbs.net.

Receive prayer on Sundays after communion at the prayer desk in the alcove nearest the lectern or on Wednesdays after the 12:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist.

PRAYER FOR THE RECTOR SEARCH

Almighty God, giver of every good gift; look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for St. Bartholomew’s that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)

Please continue to pray for the Rector Search. Pray for those interviewing for the position as well as for wisdom and discernment for those conducting interviews.