St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

I'm back from Chicago. I really enjoyed Seabury and learned much about the role of the priest and how churches can become stronger parishes.

We've moved the altar a bit forward for the summer, but this may be a permanent change. We will be having discussions about the altar and pews twice in July and once in August. When we set these times, I invite you to come and participate in a discussion about how we experience space.

Throughout the last fifty years, church was one aspect of a culture based on obligation and duty. This has changed. Most of us come to church when we are able. Lots of people these days, for example, find the hour 10:00am, for example, too early (it is 9:30am, by the way, during the summer). Or they come to experience the sacred. Preaching, music and space all contribute to this experience.

Space helps convey a sense of intimacy and celebration. When people enter our space on Sunday, they ask, universally, where are all the people? It also seems like people don't really like each other because we each have our own pew.

Changing the space, however, invites people into a warmer, more intimate setting.

We'll be discussing this soon, and are in the midst of planning our move forward. Perhaps by praying as an intimate community we will be able to become friends. In the 21st century, that is what people are looking for: authentic, challenging, loving friendships.

Please pray for Kay Benda, Jean and Warren Waterhouse. The service in memory of the Waterhouses will be at 11:00am on July 14th.

We continue with our Sundays on Thursdays service at 6:30pm! Experience the mass outside, in a small setting. Inform me if you can make it - we'll always have enough chairs, but it helps me plan. Bring a dish or a salad; we'll have the grill set up. If you tell me in advance, I'll do the shopping for you that day and you can compensate me then.

Sunday Services are at 9:30am.

It is nice to be back from Chicago.

Blessings!