Fifth Sunday in Lent

In this season of Lent, each of the encounters with Jesus that we have talked about have revealed something about his character, his nature, and his mission. Jesus did not come into the world to judge; to the contrary, he loves the world and came to draw us closer to the Father. This week we come to the fifth Sunday in Lent, where we will be looking at the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. In our passage, Jesus shows us who he is most clearly by demonstrating that he is the resurrection, he is life.

These stories also remind us of our mortality. They remind us of our sin. Is there hope beyond suffering and death? As we seek deeper intimacy with God in this Lenten season, Jesus shows us through these stories that he came to call us out of death and to bring us life.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Two weeks ago we talked about who can enter the kingdom of God, last week we talked about the gift that Jesus brings as the giver, and this Sunday we'll talk about seeing the kingdom in Jesus’ actions. John 9 explains how people are unable to see Jesus' good works for what they are because of their blindness. To see clearly, we need healing and dependence on Christ.

If you would like to receive prayer this Sunday, we'll also dedicate a portion of our service to pray for healing (spiritual, physical, emotional). And as always, there are prayer teams in the back of the sanctuary who would love to pray with you during communion.

Third Sunday in Lent

You made it to the third week of lent! How has intimacy with Christ grown through your different choices and ways of participating in lent this year? This Sunday we will be talking about the story between a samaritan woman and Jesus. This story is in some ways opposite of last weeks because this conversation happened in the public, inviting others to come and hear. We will continue to explore this well known story more this Sunday.

Please be praying for RBC, HCS and St. Bart's as we move into this new season.

Second Sunday in Lent

Thank you to anyone who could make it to public theology on Tuesday to celebrate Rev. Dr. Chris and his big accomplishment! This week will be the second Sunday in lent where we will be in John 3 reading about the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus about the kingdom of God. Looking at this conversation, you will notice how Nicodemus's experiences shape their conversation.

You won't want to miss out on the Instructed Eucharist service in the evening this Sunday from 5-6:30pm where we will take pauses throughout the service to thoughtfully explain some of the what's, why's and how's of Sunday's services. Childcare will be provided for children 5 years and under, REGISTER CHILDREN HERE. And if you would like to learn even more about St. Bart's specifically, please consider signing up for the Intro to St. Bart's class.

First Sunday in Lent

Chris got his PhD! Thank you for all the support! We had Ash Wednesday services this week where we talked about the true heart and mindset behind whatever you might decide to do for lent whether it's fasting or taking on a spiritual practice. Lent is not a season where we set aside the good news of grace, it's a time when we remember we have a gracious Savior who forgives and loves and has already broken the bonds of our sin. This Sunday is the first Sunday in lent where we will look at the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. We start here for the beginning of lent because it captures Jesus' humanity, yet also, his perfection and we get to see how he chooses to respond in those moments of temptation.

Transfiguration Sunday

It was so beautiful to see everyone stick around after the service to write notes to Becki and Kevin last Sunday! We are so thankful for all of their love and dedication to St. Bart's over the years. This week is Transfiguration Sunday where we will be talking about when Jesus goes up on the mountain with three of the disciples who are with him, Peter, James, and John, are given a vision of Jesus and all of his glory.

SHROVE TUESDAY REGISTRATION - If you are signing up to bring an item, could you please bring it to the kitchen in the fellowship hall on SUNDAY.

The Harvest Is Plentiful, The Labors Are Few

Our passage this Sunday is from Matthew 9:35-38 which talks about where Jesus talks about how the harvest is plentiful yet the labors are few. We can often fall into the misconception that if we just had the next best thing or if we just more of this other thing, then everything would work. Yet, what Jesus is sharing in this story is that He is the one that guarantee's the harvest and all we are called to do is to send people out.

We are going to have a moment to pray for Rev. Chris Myers before he leaves for England next week to defend his dissertation. We are also going to be thanking God for the leadership that Becki Howard has provided St. Barts through all the different seasons over the years. There will be an opportunity for you all, after the service in the fellowship hall, to write Becki a little note of thanks and gratitude for her leadership over the years.