All are welcome to come to the altar and receive the body and blood of Christ at communion. Christ is the host of this meal. It is not required that you be an Episcopalian, or that you be a member of St. Bartholomew’s.

To receive communion, come forward with the people at the words, “The gifts of God for the people of God.” Stand or kneel at the altar rail. Hold out your hands with the palms upward, right on top of left. When the priest places the bread or host on your palm, eat it with reverence. When the chalice bearer comes to you with the wine, gently take hold of the cup at the base and guide it to your mouth. As you receive the sacrament, you might pray silently something like, “Whatever you give me, Lord, I humbly receive, and I offer you all that I am and all that I have.”

Those who wish to receive communion but are unable to come forward due to health constraints need simply to notify an usher to have communion brought to them.

If you are allergic to wheat products, gluten free wafers are available. Please let your request be known to the priest as they approach you.

If you prefer, you may receive the wine “by intinction.” When the bread is placed on your palm, leave it there. When the chalice bearer comes to you, he or she will pick up the bread from your palm, touch it to the surface of the wine, place it in your mouth and say: “The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.” It is not necessary to receive wine at communion, if it would not be appropriate for you. Those who do not wish to receive wine fold their arms across their chest after receiving the bread.

If you are uncertain about receiving the bread and wine, you are welcome to come to the altar for a blessing. To signify to the priest that you do not wish to receive communion, fold your arms across your chest in an X. The priest will lay his or her hand on your head gently, and quietly ask God to bless you.

Liturgical Ministries

Adult Acolytes

The Adult Acolyte Ministry is an essential and rewarding part of St. Bartholomew’s worship. Serving in this ministry requires simple training, and sessions are planned during the year. Adult acolytes regularly serve the altar during the 8:00am and 11:00am Eucharist every Sunday and routinely during other scheduled liturgies.

Youth Acolytes

This ministry allows for the youth and children to participate as acolytes in the worship service. Those trained and serving as acolytes discover the rhythm and flow of the liturgy and come to understand why we do certain things in certain ways. All children and youth ages 8 to 18 are welcome to serve as youth acolytes. The commitment of serving as a youth acolyte involves attending a basic acolyte training session and to serve reverently and with responsibility and consistency.

Altar Guild

Members of the Parish Altar Guild care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards.

Altar Guild sets the altar for Holy Eucharist, counts wafers, polishes silver and makes certain the linens are creased just so. All this is done as an act of hospitality, to create a sacred space that welcomes everyone to the table. Altar Guild is divided into four teams, one for each week of the month. Each team is responsible for all church services during its designated week. The Altar Guild keeps communion kits prepared for Eucharistic Visitors to take to people unable to attend church in person.

Flower Guild

Flower Guild members create arrangements for the altar, Inner Narthex, Children’s Chapel, and restrooms, for all designated Sundays, holidays, weddings and funerals. Each member serves once every six weeks and for all major holidays. New members are always welcome.

Lectors, Intercessors, and Eucharistic Ministers

Adults and youth play important roles in most of our services as lectors, intercessors, and chalice bearers. Representing all members of the parish, Lectors express aloud the assigned scripture lessons of the day, Intercessors lead the prayers of the people, and Eucharistic Ministers serve during the Eucharist. Participants in this ministry receive training and are asked to serve as needed at all three regular Sunday services and at special services.

Linen Guild

Linen Guild is a specialized group of altar guild members who take care of all the small linens used at the altar each week, lovingly washing and ironing each piece.

Shepherds and Greeters

For information about joining this ministry, please contact the church office at 404-634-3336.

Ushers

For information about ushers or joining this ministry, please contact the church office at 404-634-3336.

Vergers

The position of verger originated as the “Protector of the Procession” during the Middle Ages. The Verger led and protected the clergy as they processed to a church or cathedral, carrying a large mace (verge, or staff) to keep away animals and disorderly crowds that might attack the clergy or procession. Since ancient times, the Verger has had many different titles and duties assigned. Today a verger can best be described as a lay assistant to the clergy. Our Vergers oversee preparations for the service and the liturgy and act as a “Master of Ceremonies” in many instances, assisting the clergy in any way needed behind the scenes.

For more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office at 404-634-3336.

Prayer

Prayer is an ongoing response to God about our relationship with God, about ourselves and others.

St. Bartholomew’s is a community who prays. We pray together. We pray alone. We pray for one another through the Parish Cycle of Prayer, the ministry of the Prayer Chain, or through simply remembering those requesting prayer in the newsletters and weekly green sheet.

Electronic Resources:
Daily office and daily devotions
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer