Make a Joyful Noise: The Power of Music in Difficult Times
Ethnomusicologist and St. Bart's parishioner Margaret Farrell reflects on how music can lift spirits in difficult times.
Every Sunday at 10 am
Each week, guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines join the Reverend Peter Thompson and other St. Bart's clergy for deep and insightful conversations about topics that matter to our lives as responsible citizens and people of faith. Speakers in recent years have included winners of the Tony Award, the Emmy Award, the MacArthur Fellowship, and the Pulitzer Prize, professors from prominent universities like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia, and journalists from New York, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Fake News: The Most Famous Quotes the Saints Never Said
The Reverend Peter Thompson fact checks quotations purported to derive from famous Christian figures, including St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, Martin Luther, and John Wesley. Please post your questions in the comments section on Facebook or YouTube, or email the Reverend Peter Thompson at
Upcoming Speakers at The Forum
July 27 Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found
Author Nikkya Hargrove discusses her memoir about her unconventional journey to motherhood.
August 3 Expunge: Restoration after a Criminal Record
Attorney Jeffrey Grant, founder of White Collar Support Group, explains how expunging criminal records can benefit those who have already served their sentences and the society-at-large.
Watch or listen to The Forum from previous weeks below.
Featured
Kenya Water Project Update - Richard Bayles
01.05.20 | Articles | The Forum
Fresh, clean water in sufficient quantity for daily living is transforming in many parts of the world. Nowhere is this more true than in Africa. Eleven years ago the Parish of St. Bartholomew’s Church initiated the funding for a water...
The History of Christmas Lessons and Carols - Peter Thompson
12.22.19 | Articles | The Forum
Once in Royal David’s City: The History of Christmas Lessons and CarolsJust before St. Bart’s first-ever service of Christmas lessons and carols, Associate Rector for Formation and Liturgy Peter Thompson takes a look at how the...
The Crisis of Human Trafficking, Part 2 of 2
11.24.19 | Articles | The Forum
The Crisis of Human Trafficking, Part 2 of 2: Why All Our Children are Vulnerable and How to Protect Them Each year thousands of children, average age of 11-15, are trafficked right here from our own communities in and around NYC. A growing...
Bishop Gene Robinson - What Does the Lord Require?
11.17.19 | Articles | The Forum
What Does the Lord Require?: Bishop Gene Robinson on Faith and JusticeIn 2003, the Right Reverend Gene Robinson made headlines when he was elected the Bishop of New Hampshire, making him the first openly gay person to be elected a bishop in...
Larry Welborn - The Lessons of the Wilderness (Part 5)
11.10.19 | Articles | The Forum
The Lessons of the Wilderness (Part 5—The Struggle Continues: Revelation 12)At the present moment, many Christians feel that they are “in the wilderness”: church membership is declining and talk about Christianity is vanishing...
Que English - Crisis in Human Trafficking (Part 1)
11.03.19 | Articles | The Forum
Larry Welborn - The Lessons of the Wilderness (Part 4)
10.27.19 | Articles | The Forum
The Lessons of the Wilderness (Part 4—Sojourning in the Wilderness: Perseverance with Confidence) At the present moment, many Christians feel that they are “in the wilderness”: church membership is declining and talk about...
Larry Welborn - The Lessons of the Wilderness (Part 3)
10.20.19 | Articles | The Forum
Ten Reasons Why I am Proud to Be An Episcopalian: A Long-time Priest Reflects
10.13.19 | Articles | The Forum
The Reverend Dr. Dan Matthews, the retired Rector of Trinity Church Wall Street, has served the Episcopal Church with distinction for decades. What is so great about our denomination? Hear the perspective of someone who knows it very well.
Larry Welborn - The Lessons of the Wilderness (Part 2)
10.06.19 | Articles | The Forum
The Lessons of the WildernessPart 2—Jesus in the Wilderness: Responding to God’s Call At the present moment, many Christians feel that they are “in the wilderness”: church membership is declining and talk about...