Dear Friends,
Over the course of the pandemic, St. Bart’s has truly become a “Great Commission” parish — living into Jesus’s commandment to his disciples to “make disciples” of all nations.
Each week we are joined by people from around the globe through the power of technology and Spirit. Worshipers and class participants continue joining us online from the New York Metro area, all 50 states, and dozens of additional countries ranging from Canada to Spain, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Brazil.
More than ever before, St. Bart’s is truly a place of pilgrimage, offering a glimpse of the Prophet Isaiah’s vision: a “house of prayer for all people.” As we embrace this new reality, I want to invite you to our upcoming Pilgrims and Pathfinders Retreat at Eastertide on April 14-15 at St. Bart’s.
This in-person, urban retreat will double as a capstone experience for those being received and confirmed at St. Bart’s on April 16, as well as an opportunity for all who consider St. Bart’s a spiritual home to make pilgrimage to this sacred center in the heart of the city. Whether you are new or old, joining from near or far, you are most welcome to join us.
Our time together will include communal meals, times of worship and prayer, space for contemplation, and a tour of the church, great organ, and Crossroads Community Services. Clergy and lay leaders will help us to reflect on the powerful stories of the Easter season — in many ways a continuation of our Lenten pilgrimage as we wrestle with themes of faith, doubt, fear, and change from the other side of the cross and tomb.
For those in town, this is a wonderful chance to meet some of our newest friends and enjoy a time of spiritual refreshment together. To those outside the city, know that we would love the opportunity to meet you in person — whether at the retreat or whenever you are able to make the journey.
Peace,
