SBE Weekly eNews

December 24, 2025

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ with three beautiful and distinct opportunities for worship on Christmas Eve. Whether you come with children, with friends, or in the quiet of the night, there is a place for you at St. Bart’s. ✨ 4:00 p.m. – Family Christmas Pageant & Holy Communion: Our Christmas Pageant brings the Nativity story to life through the voices and imaginations of our children, followed by Holy Communion. A warm, accessible service especially suited for families and all who love the wonder of Christmas. 🎻 10:30 p.m. – Special Music: The night begins with special music at 10:30 p.m. featuring the Forza Quartet, whose beautiful string music will open the service and accompany our worship. 🕯️ 11:00 p.m. – Festal Eucharist of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord: We move into the heart of Christmas with the Festal Eucharist, celebrating the mystery and joy of the Word made flesh. Surrounded by candlelight, music, and prayer, we welcome Christ anew into the world—and into our lives. All are welcome. Come as you are. Bring a friend.

Please note an important update! Our annual St. Bart’s Christmas Party has moved to THIS Sunday, December 28th, immediately following the church service, in the Parish Hall. Hosted once again by the wonderful Jon Posey and Charles Duchscher, this festive gathering is a true Christmas Season celebration—full of warmth, joy, and generous hospitality.

✨ No food to bring—everything is provided.

✨ Open to everyone—bring a friend!

Come celebrate Christmastide together and enjoy this joyful St. Bart's tradition.

Fr. Joseph will be away on vacation starting December 25th and will return to St. Bart's on January 7th. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Fr. Doug Puckett at 803-640-3077 or [email protected].

We have great news! Thanks to an extension of the anonymous matching challenge, every Endowment gift will continue to be doubled through January 31. So far, $25,050 has been given (revised from an earlier incorrect report). This has been matched to $50,100 toward our $200,000 goal. Thank you! This extension gives us a powerful opportunity to fully claim the matching funds and strengthen the future of St. Bartholomew’s. If you’ve been waiting to give—or planning to give after the new year—now is the time. Every gift matters. Every gift is doubled. Let’s make the most of this moment. For more information, or to make a donation to the campaign: 📧 [email protected] | ☎ (803) 279-4622.

Join us Sundays from January 11–February 15 at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Education Building for a reflective Adult Sunday School class focused on the Sunday Gospel. Using the African (Lambeth) Bible Study method, we’ll listen deeply, reflect prayerfully, and share as we feel led. No preparation required. All are welcome! Led by Charlie Creech.

St. Bart’s is exploring a mission trip to Ecuador in Summer 2026 through Education = Hope, a trusted ministry partner we have supported for many years. We are currently looking at July 8–18, 2026, with a stay of 6–7 nights. Several parishioners have already expressed interest, and we need to provide a firm headcount by mid-January. Estimated cost: $1,171–$1,257 per person (plus airfare).

At this stage, we are simply gauging interest. If you’d like more information or think you might want to go, please contact Suzanne Hobby-Shippen by January 15th.

📧 [email protected] | 📞 (706) 262-6002