We are an active and diverse group of people, working together to create a warm and caring community, reflective of New York City and the world. We offer many opportunities for fellowship, formation and outreach, and we openly invite and encourage you to join us in any (or all!) that may be of interest. We encourage you to contact Veronica Shea to inquire about any of the below fellowship opportunities or to simply say hello and learn more about our community. Whether you’re a newcomer to New York City or just wanting to learn more, St. Bart’s has a place for you.
Small Groups
St. Bart's Connects
St. Bart's Connects is a parish-wide initiative that aims to help our members get to know one another better in more intimate settings. New small groups will be established in early October and there will be multiple options available, including in-person, virtual-only and hybrid groups. If you would like to be a part of a group, please sign up by October 9.
Visit the St. Bart's Connects Page
Study and Meditation Practices
- Weekly Midday Bible Study (via Zoom): Wednesdays, 1–2 pm (Email Liz Gillespie for link at )
- Centering Prayer (via Zoom): Fridays 9-10 am
- Living Christ Sangha (via Zoom): Sundays, 3–4:30 pm
Pastoral Support Groups
A place for every season and stage of life
Retirement: Transition and Purpose
First Tuesday of every month, via Zoom
This group is for people who have retired or are entering retirement and are seeking to learn and share their experiences with others. Grounded in prayer, the group is a safe and confidential space to help navigate the changes and challenges that come with retirement. Retirement: Transition and Purpose does not provide legal or financial advice. Instead, we gather for conversation to find support, direction, and fulfillment in our post-retirement lives. Led by the Reverend Meredith Ward, we meet on Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month. For further information and to receive the Zoom link, email The Reverend Meredith Ward, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care at
.
Grief, Hope and Healing Together
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Grief is something we all go through at some point in our lives and when we do, comfort can seem very far away. This is a support group for those who have experienced the recent loss of a friend or loved one or are going through a longer-term bereavement process. The group does not provide formal grief counseling. We gather for conversation in a safe and supportive environment to express our sorrow and to begin to find hope and healing together. Led by the Reverend Meredith Ward, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, we will meet on Zoom on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6-7pm. For further information and to receive the Zoom link, email The Reverend Meredith Ward, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care at .
Affinity Groups
A place for many ages and interests
20s/30s
Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, or somewhere close, our young adults group at St. Bart's is a growing community that has a lot of fun together, but is also a group whose core is about making a difference; becoming the change we want to see in the world. Keep an eye out for our next announced date. All are welcome! Please email Veronica Shea with any questions or to receive additional information.
St. Tabitha’s Guild (Textile Arts)
Parishioners who have a love for knitting and crocheting, for community, and for compassion and justice formed a guild for women and men that combines all three. This unique ministry has organized a variety of crocheting and knitting projects for the Seamen’s Institute and Crossroads Community Services. We have also formed a new partnership with Jamaica Hospital to create baby garments for newborns and afghans for hospice patients. All are welcome! We will knit and crochet at a distance approximately every other Sunday from 2 to 4 pm via Zoom as we work on a variety of projects. All are welcome! For exact dates and times, and the Zoom link, check the parish calendar.
Peace Book Club
2nd and 4th Sundays of Each Month, 1:30-3 pm, via Zoom (on Summer hiatus until September 22, 2024)
We welcome new and curious attendees to the Peace Book Club discussions. Please note that reading of the books though encouraged is not required! This is a no-stress discussion group where we provide some content when we meet, and then share related ideas, memories and differences in opinions. So, you can come as you are, we are sure you will be stimulated and also find that you have something to share.
Garden Guild
A dedicated group of parishioners gather every other Saturday in the warmer months to plant, weed, sweep, and prune. We often follow our work with a cold drink, a little lunch, and some good conversation. This may be your best chance to be a Park Avenue gardener, maintaining the most beautiful gardens on the Avenue, experience not necessary. Interested? Leave your name and email address at St. Bart's Central in the narthex (or email
), and we will be in touch!
LGBTQ+ Community
Are you LGBTQ+, or do you know someone who is? Are you looking for a spiritual and social community where you will be safe and welcome to explore the great questions of life? St. Bart’s LGBTQ+ Community is fully integrated into the leadership of our large church, but also works to meet the real needs of its members with a variety of speakers, service, social gatherings, brunches, friendship and support. For many years, we have taken a leading role in the struggle for full equality of St. Bart’s LGBTQ+ members not only in in the Church, but also the nation. Meet up for our LGBTQ+ Community Brunch (in person) following the 11 am service almost every Sunday, or take part in a screening of an LGBTQ+ themed film at our LGBTQ+ Film Series. We’d love to welcome you!