Welcome

Dear Friends,

As the Celebrant said at all services on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday: “I invite you … in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” (Prayer Book, p. 265) Our Sunday worship, our Lenten University on Wednesday evenings in Lent, and other offerings in the Season of Lent are designed to assist you in observing a holy Lent. The traditional discipline of self-denial encourages a focus on God instead of self – and can increases our capacity to be charitable toward God’s people in need – for example, through special donations to Episcopal Relief and Development for the work of the Church in Haiti. Our Lenten journey leads us to the cross, to the empty tomb, and, ultimately, to our risen Savior.

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 world, in language and idiom that is clear, understood, and unifying. 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 into the world.

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.

For children and teenagers we offer a dynamic Sunday School (through 5th grade), an engaging Youth Worship service and discussion (grades 6 through 12), and, for the youngest children, a nursery with a trained staff. For youth (grades 6 through 12) we also offer a midweek program designed to promote growth in Christian living and service.

For adults we offer a Christian Formation Program which provides lifelong learning opportunities through Bible study, guest teachers, special classes, and, sometimes, a field trip. There are also many events, activities, and ways to serve St. Bart’s and the world around us. I urge you to explore our ministries in the Ministries from A-Z section of our website.
 
You are most welcome to participate in any of our worship and programs. To learn more about St. Bartholomew’s, please explore our website. And we hope you’ll call us at (858) 487-2159 to arrange for a visit with one of the clergy. We’re here for God and we’re here for you.

 Blessings in Jesus’ name,

Fred+ 
The Rev. Frederick W. Thayer, Rector