st-bartholomews-episcopal-church394cc95e

July 26, 2025: The Feast of the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 02:19:39 GMT

The Feast of the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our Lenten journey is rapidly coming to an end. Tomorrow begins the most wonder-filled week of the year! From Palm Sunday to Easter Evening, Christians will gather across the globe to remember the footsteps of Jesus on the road to crucifixion and resurrection.

The scripture appointed for this fifth Saturday in Lent is Mark 10:46-52.

“They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.”

How often have you cried out, “Jesus have mercy on me?” Or maybe it was, “Lord, have mercy on me.” Like Bartimaeus, there are times when we know our best choice is to pursue the One greater than ourselves. Bartimaeus’ story becomes our story. Perhaps tucked away long forgotten, or maybe right now.

The song I Want Jesus to Walk with Me carries a melodic mournful tune that meets the soul searching for a holy companion to share and lighten the load.

As Holy Week begins, consider walking with Jesus and flip the script. Hear the still small voice of Jesus calling, “I want you to walk with me.” Accompany Jesus in his trials and sorrows when his heart is aching and his shades of life are falling. This week, dare to walk with Jesus by participating in any or all of these worship opportunities .

In case you have an earworm, listen and watch here .

Walk with Jesus.

Faithfully,
Angela+

June 20, 2025: Summer Solstice

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 02:24:20 GMT

June 20, 2025

Summer Solstice

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today we enjoy about 14 hours and 22 minutes of daylight – summer solstice – what we have been moving toward since December. Daylight reaches its pinnacle! One week from today, June 27, daylight will be with us for 14 hours and 20 minutes. A very slow diminishment as we tilt toward the winter solstice when the cycle begins again.

Last week I took a few photos of flowers around St. Bart’s campus: tiger lilies, spider flowers and blossoms on the magnolia tree near the labyrinth. The magnolia tree reminds me of care free summer days spent with my maternal grandparents who always had an abundance of junk food for me and my brother to delight in. They had a magnolia tree in their backyard, and the fragrance emanating from the flowers always caught my attention. The large white flower holds its place as a pollinator, surrounded by sturdy green waxy leaves absorbing sunlight converting it to energy - all signs of God’s gift of nature for us to enjoy.

In the Daily Office Psalm 92 is assigned for this evening, a portion follows.

1 It is a good thing to give thanks to God *

and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High;

2 To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning

* and of your faithfulness in the night season;

3 On the psaltery, and on the lyre, * and to the melody of the harp,

4 For you have made me glad by your acts, O God, *

and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands.

5 O God, how great are your works; * your thoughts are very deep.

St. Helena Psalter

As summer begins, pause to contemplate the season's beauty, the sustaining light of resurrection, and the mystery of faith - anchoring our days and guiding our nights.

God’s peace be with you,

Mother Angela

June 7, 2025: The Eve of Pentecost

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 02:50:12 GMT

June 7, 2025
The Eve of Pentecost

Dear Friends in Christ,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones well and if not well, living in hope for a better tomorrow. We remain Easter people regardless of what life may bring.

When I was in seminary, I took a course entitled Use of the Voice . It was an elective, worth one credit hour, and designed for people interested in understanding and practicing the ins and outs of chanting the liturgy. We had to take our turn at leading Evensong which was offered four days a week in the Chapel. We practiced as a group and then were released to the public sphere of the seminary. One in class assignment involved selecting a Gospel reading and chanting it during class. I raised my hand to gain clarification – “Any Gospel reading from the Book of Common Prayer?” – the response “Yes.” I then carefully looked through all the lectionary for the shortest reading I could find. Seminary can be filled with occasions that are very competitive and filled with critical eyes and ears waiting to whisper condemnation or snickering. My goal was to leave as little room as possible for that to come my way. My quest led to something I’d never experienced before nor ever – Vigil for Pentecost. It is very similar to the Great Vigil of Easter, and I’ve always wanted to offer that liturgy. Maybe one day. The gospel reading appointed for the Vigil of Pentecost is John 7:37-39a:

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out,

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink.

As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”

Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive.

The music professor was shocked! I completed the assignment avoiding as much as possible the opportunity for error. My guess is that future students were limited to the Sunday only lectionary.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Day of Pentecost one of the Principal Feasts in the life of the Church. You are encouraged to wear red in person and live stream!

From 9:30 am – 10:15 am Michelle Hiskey will share highlights from her recent pilgrimage to the Diocese of Cape Coast, Ghana. Unfortunately, Beth-Sarah Wright is ill, so the Dignity Sewing Pop-Up Shop has been postponed until St. Bart’s Day, August 24. The 10:30 am service will offer communion wafers made in Cape Coast. And Michelle will present a gift to us from Bishop Victor Atta-Baffoe!

Following that service the annual parish picnic takes place inside and outdoors! Parish Life is committed to providing cake, coffee, lemonade, and tea. Bring a picnic lunch with something to share along with blankets and chairs if you choose to eat outdoors. Portable lawn games and other games are welcomed. Questions? Contact Becky Coralli rjcoralli@bellsouth.net .

Finally, with your help The Stewardship Tree goes live tomorrow! Share how your gifts and talents are offered in and outside the church!

Here are more things happening at St. Bart’s this month.

June 15 – Annual Juneteenth Concert, 4:00 pm

Seersucker Sunday – Wear your favorite outfit and let’s take a group photo! (Transferred from Thursday June 12 National Seersucker Day.)

June 16 – 20 – Vacation Bible School

June 22 – Afternoon Tea and discussion of Bishop Maryann Budde’s recent book How We Learn to be Brave - 4:00 pm. All are invited! RSVP to Betsy Rothschild erothsc@aol.com Hosted by the Women’s Bible Study Ministry.

Ministry Team Update

Parish Administrator (P/T) – Applications have been received, and I am thankful for Mark Flanagan and Becky Coralli who reviewed letters and resumes, conducted a first round of interviews and submitted to me candidates to interview in person. That process is currently paused as one person could not schedule an interview until later this month.

Director of Faith Formation and Ministry with Families (P/T) – This position has been posted in different places and is currently open to receiving applications.

Tomorrow, we recall the miraculous day that completes the Trinity! Until then, consider reflecting on the Gospel reading appointed for today.

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out,

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink.

As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”

Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive.

Prepare yourself to be renewed by the Holy Spirit who comes unexpectedly!

Faithfully,

Mother Angela

Palm Sunday 2025 and Holy Week

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:42:41 GMT

Join One or All of Our Events Holy Week 2025

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, April 13

At the service on this day we distribute palms which are blessed. The palms symbolize Our Lord’s

triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the opening of the liturgy is quite joyous: Blessed is the one who

comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! We carry these palms in joyful procession as we

follow Jesus in the way that leads to eternal life. Once in the church, there is a shift as cries of “Hosanna”

will suddenly change to “crucify!” The Passion narrative is read and the congregation takes part. This

liturgy points us toward new life.

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to

take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility:

Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus

Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

8:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms (Labyrinth) & Holy Eucharist , Nave

10:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms (Labyrinth) & Holy Eucharist , Nave (incense will be used) Livestream to YouTube

6:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Palms & Holy Eucharist , Shalom Chapel 6:30 p.m. Monday in Holy Week, March 25

Grief Ritual, Brooks Room

7:30 p.m. Daily Evening Prayer: Rite Two will include praying the Anglican Rosary followed by

Contemplative Prayer. Rosaries will be provided. The Shalom Chapel

Tuesday in Holy Week, April 15

6:30 p.m. Artists Stations of the Cross including Artists’ Reflections

Join us for an artistic journey to the cross. The Way of the Cross service will be enhanced by the words

and experiences of those who created our artistic interpretations. This service includes the traditional

Way of the Cross and artist’s responses.

Wednesday in Holy Week, April 16

7:30 p.m. Tenebrae with Compline Choir, Nave (incense will be used) & Livestream to YouTube

The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadow”) has for centuries been applied to the

ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy

Week, which in medieval times came to be celebrated on the preceding evening. Along with the reading

of scripture, the most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and

other lights in the church until only a single candle, considered a symbol of Christ, remains. Toward the

end of the service this candle is hidden, symbolizing the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the

very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the resurrection, the hidden

candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence.

Maundy Thursday, April 17

7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Liturgy (with Foot Washing, Stripping the Altar, Reserving the

Sacrament, and Washing the Altar) , Nave (incense will be used) & Livestream to Youtube

The word “Maundy” comes from a Latin word meaning “commandment.” The evening of Maundy

Thursday is the beginning of three days in Holy Week known by the Latin title, “triduum

sacrum” (Sacred or Holy Three Days). During this service we remember Jesus’ institution of Holy

Communion and his command to “Do this in remembrance of me.” The gospel reading will recall Jesus’

washing of the disciples’ feet, and this act of Jesus is repeated by the congregation. Experiencing this

action of mutual service and love for one another is often a profoundly moving experience.

9:00 p.m. Garden of Repose: A Vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, Shalom Chapel & Livestream to Youtube

The practice of keeping watch with our Lord can be traced to Christ’s appeal to His disciples in the

garden of Gethsemane on the eve of the crucifixion: “Could you not watch one hour with me?” By

keeping an hour of vigil with the Blessed Sacrament on the Altar of Repose, we can answer Jesus with

an emphatic “yes,” knowing that we are in the presence of the same Jesus, now veiled in the form of

bread and wine, as were the disciples who witnessed His resurrection. The vigil begins at 9:00 p.m. on

Maundy Thursday, and continues overnight until 8:00 a.m. on Good Friday. You are invited to sign-up

and go to our Youtube channel for prayer or at any time that is convenient for you.

Good Friday, April 18

6:00 p.m. Children/Youth/Family Service, Warden’s Hall

This special service is open to all and designed to meet our families where they are. Come join us!

7:30 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy, Nave & Livestream to YouTube

In the Episcopal Church, Good Friday is one of the days in the Church calendar set aside for “special

acts of discipline and self-denial.” Traditionally this means a day of fasting and church attendance. On

this solemn day we remember that Jesus was “obedient unto death” and do not celebrate the Eucharist.

Instead, Holy Communion will be administered from the reserved Sacrament.

The Good Friday Offering

Traditionally the Good Friday offering in all Episcopal congregations is designated for ministries of the

Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has encouraged

congregations to contribute to the Good Friday offering or you may place your offering in the basket

located in the inner narthex.

Holy Saturday, April 19

9:00 a.m. Holy Saturday Liturgy, Nave

The Saturday after Good Friday recalls the day when the Christ’s body lay in the tomb of Joseph of

Arimathea. In the Episcopal Church there is no Eucharist on Holy Saturday. The Book of Common

Prayer provides a simple liturgy of the word with collect and readings for the Holy Saturday service.

The funeral anthem “In the midst of life” (BCP, p. 492) is used. In the ancient church, those preparing for

baptism and perhaps others continued the fast they began on Good Friday. Holy Saturday ends at

sunset. Fasting and other preparations end at sunset or with the Easter Vigil, which begins the

celebration of Easter.

9:30 a.m. Children’s Acti vity, Outside

Meet at Sophie’s Garden located to the right of the entrance driveway. The story of Sophie will be

remembered as we re-plant the garden. Then we will dye Easter eggs and conclude by hanging the Alleluia banner in the outer Narthex.

December 24, 2025: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:38:23 GMT

December 25, 2024

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Dear Friends in Christ,

Merry Christmas!

The nativity scene below is my favorite. Purchased at a retreat center many years ago, it was marked down on clearance. On sale, price discounted, not a hot commodity. Handmade by Haitians, the coconut shell is a shelter, and the people gather to see the baby Jesus. Mary and Joseph are joined at the hip representing their solidarity and commitment to fulfill the words of the angel. The impossible idea of a virgin birth became a reality. Animals gather with children and adults. Looming in the shadow are three wise men from the East awaiting their turn. Each human figurine bears painted white eyes but no mouth. No mouth to speak, only eyes to see. Perhaps this is an overarching message for the day. Open eyes to see the glory of the Lord born as a baby. Small, vulnerable, and dependent on others for survival. Each of us knows that state of existence. God chose to be in solidarity with us.

Welcome Jesus into your life, into your heart as if for the very first time. Cast aside all doubts and fears and once again relive and revive the story of the greatest gift of all –

God’s love for the world

Emmanuel God with us

for ever and ever

Amen.

Have a safe, blessed and joyous Christmastide!

Faithfully,

Angela+

November 28, 2024

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 02:44:29 GMT

November 28, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

Perhaps it was my perspective, but within a few days of the election’s conclusion, Christmas-themed advertisements began to appear. Of course, we have all grown accustomed to Christmas decorations popping up in some retail stores as early as July or August, but this seemed different, felt different. Setting the outcome aside this political cycle weighed heavily on everyone. Closing that door meant opening another one. Even though retailers are eager to solicit our spending this time, at least for me, the reception was welcoming. The idea of Christmas coming ahead of Advent, whether cultural or religious, brought peace, calm, and nostalgia. It was the perfect balm following a beleaguered summer and fall of uncertainty.

I relish following a liturgical calendar that marks our days and seasons. It helps keep me rooted in the theologically essential parts of life and, therefore, lifts me beyond the everyday routine. The week between Christ the King (the last Sunday of Pentecost, May 19th) and Advent I (December 1st) is a bridge week with a near mid-way pause for Thanksgiving.

Today, we pause to recall the blessings of this year and give thanks. Exhale and inhale. Rest. Slowly breathe in and out. Free your mind and spirit, and be thankful.

“Summing it all up my friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 The Message Bible

The photos below were taken in June of this year in North Macedonia. One is from inside the Church of St. John at Kaneo. It sits on a hill overlooking Lake Ohrid. Lake Ohrid is thought by some to be the oldest lake in Europe, dating back at least 4 million years. At some point in the 14th century, a church was built. The other photo is outside the edifice. Inside, there is a dimness. Through the door there is daylight. God is always calling us beyond our interior life, where prayers germinate to integrate into the light. The beauty of nature reminds us that we are children of God. God has created that which we cannot. And there lies the hope of Advent. We dare prepare to receive again the seemingly impossible – Emmanuel God with us.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Keeping in the Spirit,

Angela+

Luna Moth

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 01:08:45 GMT

August 17, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and assured of God’s presence in your life.

On August 8th, I drove onto St. Bart’s campus feeling rested and ready to move forward! Three months of sabbatical was very busy. Busy in a good way! My last message to you in April shared the plan for each month. Living it out completely took my mind away from parish ministry, the point of a sabbatical. And I resisted the temptation to drive by the church. The closest I came was Pike’s Nursery.

This past week, I learned of all that transpired in my absence. Much gratitude is extended to John Carter, senior warden, Stephen Frketic, director of music and organist, and the Rev. Alex Sherrill, as each helped keep things going. Others also joined in this effort, as it takes more than a few, so I am grateful to each of you.

On Sunday, September 22nd at 9:30 AM during Adult Formation, I will provide an overview of each sabbatical month: May – a journey to Alaska with my father met with flight delays. June – a Jewish Heritage Tour to Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Greece. Then, in July – family genealogy. I drove over 4,400 miles, which has eliminated a desire I once had to be a truck driver!

As I reenter life at St. Bart’s, I continue to process the sabbatical with the mindset of Sankofa, looking back and bringing forward all that was good and instructive. It was glorious. I feel extremely blessed to have received a Lilly grant to make it possible.

What follows is one thought-provoking experience that happened toward the end of July. Three days were spent on a semi-silent retreat at the Benedictine Sisters Sacred Heart Monastery, Cullman, Alabama. On the morning of the last day, I opened the back door of the guest house to place an umbrella back in a stand. My eyes drew to movement about ten feet away as something bright apple-green fluttered on the concrete. I rushed to get my phone to take a photo of what I immediately discerned to be a moth. It was huge. Its wings were four to five inches spread across. Unfortunately, the moth struggled, but I trusted God would care for it. When I got home, I put the image in Google search to identify the species – Luna moth! A few more details popped up that fascinated me. The Luna moth only lives 7 -10 days. It has no mouth or digestive system. It lives off energy accumulated in its previous life as a caterpillar. Its singular purpose is procreation. The species is not endangered but due to being nocturnal, it is seldom seen. Luna moth, another of God’s beautiful creatures, symbolizes transformation and new beginnings. Seeing it immediately brought delight to my spirit. The color and size of it was amazing. It was all so unexpected. We are all called to keep alert for God speaking to us in astonishing ways. The Luna moth is beautifully created by God for a purpose, as are you.

The Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:11:54 GMT

The Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today is the twenty-sixth day of Eastertide, and as I gaze through my office window, the trees are a stunning green, and the activity of birds and squirrels draws my heart to God. We are slightly more than halfway through the season of resurrection, and in less than a week, I’ll be on sabbatical! While the overall engagement with parish ministry will be missed, I am eager to be away.

May 1st through July 31st is the season of Sankofa Sabbatical, followed by one week of vacation. On August 7th, I’ll return to 1790 LaVista Rd. NE. Sankofa is the semblance of a bird from a Ghanan tribe that simply means “go back and get it.” Bring that which is best forward into the future.

This past November, I shared with you that we are the recipients of a Lilly Clergy Renewal Grant! St. Bart’s is 1 of 229 congregations across the United States blessed with this opportunity. Applicants are asked to ponder, “What will make your heart sing?”

Since 2017, I have carried a strong desire to return to Magdala, in Israel to relax and read at a retreat center near the Sea of Galilee. The ongoing conflict in Gaza meant a change of course and a return to the question, “What will make your heart sing?” Letting go of my Magdala dream did not come swiftly. There was wrestling, waiting, and grief. Then, I finally released that dream, allowing something new to arrive.

“What will make my heart sing?” That’s a two-part answer. First, a Jewish heritage tour to Bulgaria and surrounding countries. Before my twelfth birthday, one of my grandfathers asked what I wanted. I said, “A Star of David,” and I have worn it off and on since then. Several years ago, one of my brothers took an African Y-DNA test isolating the Shepherd side of our family. Surprising results showed a tie to Jewish people who are part of the same haplogroup located in Northeastern Africa or Greece and are Mediterranean in appearance. Although this was not the anticipated result, a family photograph of my great-great-grandfather makes it plausible. For years I have delved into family genealogy, never having enough time to connect the dots and look for sources located in courthouses and other places. A companion to family research is studying first-century Judaism and Christianity and the thread of spirituality, and sacrament that spread throughout the world.

Second, taking my father, a retired Episcopal priest who never had a sabbatical, to Anchorage, Alaska which will be the 50th state he’s set foot in! The last time we traveled together was on a college tour several years ago. Interspersed in the sabbatical season: hot yoga, golf, playing the harmonica, visiting family and friends, reflecting, journaling, and plain old-fashioned rest.

What about St. Bart’s? While I am away there is a similar Sankofa focus on looking back and bringing that which is best forward. Budgeted in the sabbatical grant are funds to support an archivist to review and advise best practices in the preservation of important documents. In recognition that long before 1790 LaVista Rd. NE, Atlanta, Georgia existed others resided on the land, speakers are invited to explain the value of 1) land acknowledgment of the Muscogee people, 2) knowing who used the land during the Civil War, and 3) understanding who our neighbors are today, Orthodox and Reconstructionist Jews.

The grant pays for guest clergy on Sundays and pastoral care if needed. Click here to read about priests coming in May, June, and July.

My first Sunday back, August 11th is designed to be a gentle reentry joining you at all three worship services with Fr. Alex preaching at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Shawn Small , executive director of Wonder Voyage joins us for Adult Formation at 9:30 am and as the guest preacher at 10:30 am. I’ll preach and preside over all services the following Sunday.

While I am away, John Carter, senior warden steps into the spotlight of responsibility along with the vestry. Fr. Alex Sherrill will be around, but not as a surrogate rector, for most of the three months. Detailed instructions regarding what to do and who to contact have been given to the vestry and staff.

Take good care of yourself and your loved ones. Take time to pray, rest, relax, and play. Discover what makes your heart sing.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Faithfully,

Angela+

Somewhere the sun is shining, God is smiling and everything is alright.
May that somewhere be within you.

March 23, 2024

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 01:14:11 GMT

March 23, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

The scripture appointed for this fifth Saturday in Lent is Mark 10:46-52.

The song I Want Jesus to Walk with Me carries a melodic mournful tune that meets the soul searching for a holy companion to share and lighten the load.

In case you have an earworm, listen and watch here .

Walk with Jesus.

Faithfully,
Angela+

st-bartholomews-episcopal-church394cc95e

July 26, 2025: The Feast of the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

June 20, 2025: Summer Solstice

June 20, 2025

Summer Solstice

June 7, 2025: The Eve of Pentecost

June 7, 2025 The Eve of Pentecost

Palm Sunday 2025 and Holy Week

Join One or All of Our Events Holy Week 2025

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, April 13

Tuesday in Holy Week, April 15

Wednesday in Holy Week, April 16

Maundy Thursday, April 17

Good Friday, April 18

Holy Saturday, April 19

December 24, 2025: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

November 28, 2024

November 28, 2024

Luna Moth

August 17, 2024

The Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

The Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

March 23, 2024

March 23, 2024

June 7, 2025
The Eve of Pentecost