JUNE 18, 2021 · 325 PARK AVENUE AT 51ST STREET 212-378-0222 · STBARTS.ORG
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Dear Members of the St. Bart’s Community,
The COVID infection rate in the City of New York continues to decline as the number of people vaccinated against the virus continues to rise. City, state, and diocesan regulations regarding in-person worship have now relaxed considerably, for which we are truly grateful. Our sense of celebration is muted only by the memory of the more than 600,000 lives which have been lost in the United States to this pandemic and, by knowing friends and parishioners who have died or who have had their health seriously impacted by this virus. We will remember them always.
New York State public health guidelines and the Centers for Disease Control agree that all unvaccinated persons should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing in public gatherings. As of July 11 we will no longer require vaccinated worshippers to remain masked. Of course, anyone attending worship may feel free to wear a mask if they feel safer in doing so. I suspect we will see people wearing masks in worship (and in many other public gatherings) for some time.
I am so proud of the way our staff and our entire congregation has responded to this crisis. Your patience and forbearance have been deeply appreciated and we will continue to evaluate these protocols as we welcome you back to the church building. Your safety has always been our primary concern and we will continue to provide the livestreamed 11 am service online for those who are not in the city and for those who are not yet comfortable attending in person.
Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any particular questions about returning to worship. As we move forward, we are committed to continuing our practices of “radical hospitality” in order to make everyone feel safe and warmly welcomed at St. Bart’s.
Faithfully,
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The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe, D.D.
Rector
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by The Reverend Meredith E. Ward,
Interim Associate Rector
It is a joy to join St. Bart's as Interim Associate Rector. I have known St. Bart's for years as a beacon of faith and hope in the middle of midtown Manhattan, so it is a privilege to be invited to serve among you, and to contribute to the great work St. Bart's is already doing. The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity as I've had the chance to meet many of you online or in person, enter into worship with you, and learn the many ways that God is at work at St. Bart's.
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JOIN US THIS SUNDAY
JUNE 20, 2021
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Seeing Gender Diversity in Scripture
Author Austen Hartke returns to St. Bart’s to explore stories of biblical characters who didn't fit the mold when it came to gender roles and expression and talk about how these stories can call us to welcome our gender-expansive siblings today. The Forum will be streamed on our website, Facebook Live and YouTube.
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Giving is more than a responsibility—it is a privilege; more than an act of obedience—it is evidence of our faith.
William Arthur Ward, American educator
Your financial support is an affirmation and testament of faith in the abundance of God’s gifts in our worship, music, educational programs, and all that we do. We are very grateful for your past support. Your continued giving not only supports what we are doing now, but is the seed for possibilities yet unknown.
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for a list of groups meeting after church each week.
Newcomers welcome to all groups!
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June 27, 1 pm
Join us for food, conversation and celebration on the occasion of the annual NYC Pride March. All are welcome to this free, in person, outdoor event. Because of COVID-related regulations and in order to plan appropriately for catering, registration is required. Please register here.
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Volunteers Needed
As we return to a more full Sunday worship schedule, volunteers in all worship-related ministries are sorely needed. If you have any interest in serving as an usher, reader, acolyte, or verger, or if you would like to join the Altar Guild, please be in touch with The Reverend Peter Thompson. No experience necessary! |
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Thursdays, June 3-August 26, 7-8 pm
This summer, take a break from the serious study of dense theological texts and find God on the silver screen! The Reverend Peter Thompson leads weekly discussions about three TV series featuring clergy and their families: in June, the Danish show Herrens veje (Netflix); in July, the British show Grantchester (Amazon Prime, PBS Passport); and in August, the American show Greenleaf (Netflix). Ahead of the next meeting, please watch episodes 1-5 of the second season of Herrens veje.
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Tuesdays, May 25-July 27, 7-8:30 pm
Continue to learn about systemic racism and its devastating effects through a webinar series presented by the Reparations Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and a companion set of discussions intended just for members of the St. Bart’s community. The Diocesan-wide webinars and St. Bart’s discussions will be held on alternate Tuesdays over a two-month period. Register for the biweekly St. Bart’s discussions here. Register for the June 22 Diocesan-wide webinar “Reaching For a Better Tomorrow: The Work and Mission of Hudson Link Working For Higher Education in Prison” here. Complete information about the whole Diocesan-wide series is available here.
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Saturdays, May 8-June 26, 10-11 am
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Wednesdays at 1 pm
Thoughtful reflection and lively discussion of the upcoming Sunday readings, hosted by the Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe. To join our Weekly Bible Study online, please contact Liz Gillespie.
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Lay Pastoral Care Team
The clergy of St. Bart's have invited four highly trained lay members of the parish to join with them in providing pastoral care to the St. Bart's community. The aim of this new initiative is to reach more individuals within the parish and to improve the focus and regularity of our pastoral care efforts. The team may be expanded after an initial pilot period of six months is complete.
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If you are a morning person, we need you! Volunteers are needed to cook a delicious breakfast for our guests, serve the meal in go-to bags, or clean up after. Volunteer today.
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Summer Camp at St. Bart's is open for registration! Children 2 through 6 years old will enjoy a wide variety of activities at our day camp, from games and athletics, music and movement, and arts and crafts, to science experiments, yoga and drama for the older campers. Our shaded rooftop playground and newly renovated 26,000 square foot gym provide the setting for hours of fun under the supervision of our experienced camp counselors. Each session is two weeks. 10% sibling discount.
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St. Bart's Community Preschool is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. For over 40 years, our preschool has provided a warm, nurturing first school experience.
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Do you desire a few moments of peace at the end of each day? Join the St. Bart's community for Night Prayer each weekday evening at 8:30 pm. Clergy and lay officiants will lead brief services based on or inspired by the ancient office of Compline.
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