Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m.

Please join us for an afternoon concert by our own Chamber Singers and special guests. The program will consist of highlights from the past year of choral music at St. B's, and a chance to hear the choir in a concert setting as their season comes to a close. Wine and cheese reception to follow in the garden.

POSTPONED: Creation Care trip to Sewanee

In honor of Earth Day, on Saturday, April 25, Fr. Ed and the creation care ministry will lead a field trip to Sewanee. We’ll tour the forest, farm, chapel, and garden to learn about sustainability practices, ending with a prayer service at the cross overlooking the valley.

Carpool or ride the church van from St. B’s at 7:30 a.m. (return by 5:30 p.m.), or meet at the University Forest at 9:30. Bring $15 for lunch; scholarships available.

Children 12 and under must attend with a guardian; youth 13+ may attend independently. RSVP to Fr. Ed. Walking is required, but not strenuous.

Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 p.m.

Young Adults are invited to take a  a 3.75 mile hike at Percy Warner with your St. B's community! We will meet at the Gaucho Road Trailhead at 4:00 p.m. We’ll announce a rain date if we need to reschedule. RSVP to Alysha to let us know you’re joining us. 

Join together as we prepare the way for Easter

All are invited as we observe the Triduum and our Lenten journey comes to a close:

4/2 Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m.

4/3 Good Friday
      Interactive Stations of the Cross 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      Traditional Stations of the Cross 5:00 p.m. (with singing) 
      Good Friday Liturgy 7:00 p.m.

4/4 Great Vigil of Easter 7:00 p.m. (bring your bells) 

4/5 Easter Sunday
      Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
      Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 a.m. (check website or social media if rain)
      Holy Eucharist 11:00 a.m.

Please note, the nursery is not available for evening services.

Good Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

On Good Friday, everyone is invited to the Interactive Stations of the Cross.

With the use of an interactive packet and materials at each station, there are age-specific activities for families to engage with each other and God through interactive activities. We will also have a contemplative option for those who wish to participate in a meditative space along with a playlist. 

Continue your Lenten journey this Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

Make plans for the Lenten Quiet Day led by Gail Pitt this Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Gail is a spiritual director with a background in biblical counseling and Ignatian Spiritual Direction and brings over two decades of experience leading individuals into a deeper relationship with Jesus. As the founder of a rigorous Ignatian training program and a seasoned retreat leader, she offers a wealth of wisdom for those longing to grow spiritually. Come enjoy a morning of connection and insight – snacks will be provided.

Sign up for our 2nd Annual Weed Wrangle

Join your St. B's friends this Saturday, March 7, anytime between 8:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. for our 2nd annual "Weed Wrangle" event! You can get your hands in the dirt, serve at the welcome tent, or tell stories about campus grounds as one of our oral historians. There will be plenty of snacks.With the help of botanists and local Garden Club members, we’ll remove invasive plants in a certain spot on campus. We will also prep that area to be replanted with native plants and beautify it by creating a natural habitat border all around. Our efforts make our campus more beneficial to the creatures that live in our ecosystem. All training and instructions will be provided that day. Come at any point and stay as long as you’d like. Dress for the weather and bring gloves! 

Click here to sign up!

🌧️ In the event of inclement weather, Weed Wrangle will be moved to March 21 – a decision to reschedule will be made Saturday morning.

Explore faith and doubt or take a deep dive on the Episcopal tradition

We kick off two new adult formation classes this Sunday:

🔹 Faith & Doubt, led by David West in Wallace Hall, explores one of the most honest questions in the Christian life: what do we do when faith is hard? Week one introduces a framework for understanding the different shapes doubt takes — intellectual, moral, existential, and communal — and why bringing our questions into the open is itself an act of faith.

🔹 The Episcopal Church – Who Are We, What Do We Do, and Why? led by Fr. Josh in the Gym Classroom, will discuss the various facets of the Episcopal Church for all who would like to know more about our tradition and how we worship.  This will also be the preparation for adult confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church when the bishop visits after Easter.

Registration deadline is March 8

Small groups at St. B's are intentional communities created to build connection and community and foster spiritual formation. As we head into the Spring we want to connect you with others in an intentional way. We currently have two small group opportunities open to all:

Women's & Men's Small groups (group formation based on interest)
These groups meet for 8-9 weeks with meeting time to be determined by group schedule. These groups will share their faith stories and begin to explore spiritual practices through The Way of Love curriculum. These groups will be limited to 8-10 participants each and begin in mid-March. 

Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God. This group meets on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. in the nave and lasts for a little over an hour. This group is facilitated by Lee Shaw and is always welcome to newcomers.

Let us know of your interest by Sunday, March 8 by signing up here.

Ash Wednesday Services on February 18

Join with your St. B's family on Wednesday, February 18 as we observe Ash Wednesday.

There are three service opportunities as we begin our Lenten journey: 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Dear People of St. B's,

I am writing you with some very positive news. The church has power and the water has been turned back on in the office and gym buildings. Unfortunately, there is concern with the water pipes associated with the boiler (heater) in the church (that should be alleviated in the week ahead). 

So, I am writing to let you know we are going to worship together this Sunday in the gym – we will have one service of Holy Eucharist at 11:00 a.m. We will also have a surprise guest preacher.

Please note: there will be NO formation classes and NO nursery available.

It is my hope and desire that this will be a chance for us to be together. It will be different and simpler, but it will be St. B's. Many of you are still without power and so I want to say please come as you are. You can charge your phones, probably have a cup of hot coffee, pray with us, and be immersed in the Good News of God's Love.  

I also want to ask that you be safe. If you can't make it this week, we will be back together next week. And please stay warm. It is going to be very cold this weekend.  

Please let us know if you need anything and hopefully I will get to see you soon.

Wishing you all grace and peace,

Josh+

Dear Fellow saints of St. B's,

I first want to say that you have been in my prayers since the moment I heard that we would be having such low temperatures along with an ice storm.  

I have been so heartened by the many, many stories I have heard of you all taking care of each other in this time of need and I love how much our church loves. 

A truly moving example of this was how hard our Room In The Inn team tried to find a way to host our homeless neighbors on Saturday night and how heartbroken they were when they came to the conclusion that it just wasn't going to be possible. Many of you have checked in with me, reached out to older members of our church, hosted friends and staff, gotten together for game nights, and gone out of your way to check on our church and our community.

The most important reason I am reaching out is because we want to make sure you are doing ok. If you have a need, or need a place to stay that has heat, or if you have something to offer fellow parishioners like a place to stay, the ability to transport on difficult roadways, or anything else, please let us know by emailing churchoffice@stbs.net.  

Amy Wirdzek is ready to help coordinate assistance in any way possible.

Our church and the area around the church are still without power and have numerous large trees down so I do not know how long it will be until everything is back up and running, but we are taking steps to prepare our parking lot and facility in hopes that we can gather this Sunday. We will keep you posted.

In the meantime, please know I am praying for you, pray for each other, let us know how we can help, and always be reminded that God in Christ is with you every step of the way and in Christ there is only hope.

Wishing you all warmth, electricity, and hearty faith,

~ Fr. Josh

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28 UPDATE:

We want to share a quick update on the church campus following the recent winter weather. At this time, the building remains without power and is very cold. The parking lot and walkways have been icy and hazardous, and there are several fallen tree limbs across the property. The building has been checked multiple times to ensure doors are secure, faucets were managed appropriately, and the water has now been shut off as a precaution in case of a pipe break.

Some initial salting and scraping has been done around key entry areas, and we are coordinating with service providers for additional parking lot clearing, sidewalk treatment, and tree cleanup as conditions allow. Tree damage is being addressed on a lower-priority basis since nothing is currently blocking access to the building.

We are closely monitoring the situation and are hopeful that power will be restored soon. As soon as utilities are back online and the campus is safe and accessible, we will share an update—particularly as it relates to the possibility of resuming Sunday services and programs.

Thank you for your patience and care as we navigate conditions beyond our control. Please continue to stay safe, and watch for further updates.

Join the Centering Prayer Group that meets weekly on Tuesday nights

Join others from St. B’s on Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m. in the Youth Room for a weekly time of Centering Prayer.

Centering Prayer is a receptive form of Christian silent prayer that opens us to the presence and work of God. Each gathering also includes a short Lectio Divina practice on the week’s lectionary readings as preparation for Sunday worship.

Whether Centering Prayer is already part of your spiritual rhythm or you’re hoping to try something new in the new year, you are warmly invited. For more information, contact Lee Shaw or  Rev. Heather.

We are again forming Supper Groups at St. B’s for the winter/spring “season.” Supper Groups are co-ed, social gatherings of roughly 8-10 people that will meet 3-4 times before rotating to new groups. We are offering three types of groups: adults meeting at homes, families meeting at homes, and adults gathering at restaurants.  

Please complete this form to express your interest by January 23. Groups will be formed by mid-February to allow for a late February gathering. For questions, contact Anne & David Walker or Kathy & Tom Patten.

The MLK National Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create Dr. King’s dream of Beloved Community.  Join Matthew Sullivan and Fr. Ed Smith as they again lead St. B’s families in the MLK March on Monday, January 19. 

Park at Hadley Park (1037 28^th Avenue North) or use 28^th Avenue street parking and meet Matthew & Ed at 8:45 am at the corner of Jefferson Street and 28^th Avenue North across from the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church.  Look for the St. B’s banner!

At 9 am, we’ll join the March (.8 miles) to the Gentry Center on the TSU campus.  Inside, there will be an opportunity to visit tables and booths representing Nashville community and church organizations actively working for racial and economic justice.  Plan to stay for the highlight of the morning, the 10 am Annual MLK Day Convocation featuring speakers and musical guests from around the city and region. 

The March and Convocation are the culmination of a week’s worth of events. There are many special events happening all over the city in the lead-up to the March itself. Read about all the week’s events here.

St. B’s will launch a new season of Adult Formation classes on Sunday, January 4 at 10:00 a.m., offering two thoughtful and inviting opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection, and connection. Whether you are drawn to theological exploration or storytelling rooted in lived experience, these classes are designed to meet adults where they are and invite deeper engagement with faith.

One option, The Trinity: Confusing, Intimidating, or Life-Changing?, will be led by Tim Jones and meet in the Gym. Many Christians are curious about the doctrine of the Trinity yet unsure how—or if—it connects to everyday life. This class approaches the Trinity not as an abstract puzzle, but as a profoundly personal portrait of God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather than complicating faith, the class explores how this ancient belief can warm it, offering meaning, comfort, and relevance for a broken world and our sometimes lonely lives. Tim will draw on insights from his forthcoming book, Fully Beloved: Meeting God in Our Heartaches and Our Hopes.

The second offering, Pilgrimage, will be led by Morgan Wills, Fr. Josh, and other St. B’s members, meeting in Wallace Hall. This class invites participants to hear firsthand stories from those who have traveled on pilgrimages to sacred places around the world. Through storytelling and conversation, the class will explore how pilgrimage—both physical and spiritual—shapes faith, perspective, and community.

All are encouraged to attend and be part of this season of learning and reflection.

The Annual Epiphany Party and Chili Cook-Off is January 4! Make plans to join your St. B's family.

If you are interested in cooking chili for this year's contest, click here to sign up – 12 chili cookers will be randomly selected to have their chili tasted and judged. All those signing up will be contacted by email to confirm whether they’ve been selected for this year's contest.

Dinner will be provided (Martin's Bar-B-Que and vegetarian options), and we'll have a special visit from the three wise men. 

And, we have plenty of opportunities to get involved and volunteer at the event – click here to sign up!

Christmas trees may be dropped off before the party in the marked area by the walking path.

And children are invited to wear their finest robes and dress as royalty as part of the celebration.

As our Advent journey continues, we will soon arrive at the birth of Jesus. Throughout this season, we have enjoyed wreath-making, partying, quiet moments, arts and crafts, gingerbread houses, lessons and carols, preparing the way, beautiful voices and the holy ordination of two in our community. All of this in preparation for the coming Christ child – join together in welcoming the birth of Jesus next week:

Christmas Eve

• 4:30 p.m. Eucharist (childcare available)

• 9:30 p.m. Eucharist - Carol Sing Prelude begins at 9:15 (no childcare)

Christmas Day

• 10:30 a.m. Eucharist (no childcare)

The time is almost here for our annual Family Christmas Concert & Carol Sing which features a wide variety of talent from our parish community.

Join us for a night of fun and celebration this Sunday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. There will be cookies and cocoa to follow (and if you'd like to bring some cookies, click here). Bring your friends and neighbors!

Come share the joy! Join us on Sunday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Gym for our Children’s Nativity Pageant as our young storytellers bring the wonder of Christ’s birth to life.

Let their hard work and bright spirits bless your Advent season. And if your child would like to join in, there’s still time to register by clicking here. Reach out to Alysha if you have any questions.