Welcome to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
in Florence, Alabama.
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Who We Are
We exist to proclaim by word and deed the Good News of Jesus Christ. St. Bart’s passion is to help those in need through our Outreach Ministries. We partner with several local organizations. One special connection we are proud of is our weekly offering for The Help Center; we gather food and other necessities; we bless them and deliver them to this organization we helped found. One Sunday, we gathered over 30 pounds of food!
Meet Our Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Jake Andrews
Jake is our priest. He’s originally from Montgomery AL. He spent years roaming Scotland and England before returning to the USA. Before he became a minister, he was a writer and English professor. He loves stories – whether in books or on screens. If he’s in a room where everyone agrees, he likes to take the position no one holds – just to keep it interesting.
Jake is married to Christina, who is a high school English teacher at Florence High School. She likes to read obscure French philosophy, which is weird considering she teaches English.
Their 11-year-old loves words, no matter the language. He will probably grow up to be a poet, but they both pray this doesn’t happen.
Inreach Ministries
- Youth & Adult Christian Formation
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers
- Lectors
- Torch Bearers/Acolytes
- Choir
- Altar Guild
- Lay Eucharistic Visitors
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Youth
Easter Egg Hunt
Trunk or Treat
Events/Trips
ShroveTuesday Pancake Supper
Scholarships to Camp McDowell
Senior Day
Adult Groups
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
Daughters of the King (DOK)
Outreach Ministries
RDF Community Outreach 1st & 3rd Monday each month
Sawyerville Day Camp Supply Drive
Blessing of the Animals
Angel Tree Project – Christmas gifts/needs for foster children, seniors, community projects
Advent Food Drive for local food pantry
FAQ
Why church at 3pm?
We want to try something different for the Shoals. The early Christians, mostly Jewish people began to worship on the first day of the week, Sunday. That was the day Jesus was raised from the dead. In their world, Sunday was a work day, so they gathered to worship before the sunrise. They met in darkness and went to work when the sun came up.
We think our world needs a similar creative strategy to worship together on a Sunday. Many people find Sunday mornings difficult – whether because of children or because of a sport or because they worked late Saturday. We want to open up space for them to join us in worshiping the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
Traditionally, church involves hanging out socially before or after worship. That’s why we have a cook-out after our worship. You will be spiritually and physically fed and home in time to get ready for the work week ahead.
What should I expect on Sunday?
First, come as you are! We invite your curiosity and your questions.
Our worship is ancient in its shape and new in its expression. We believe worship should be reverent and fun. Beneath our order of service lies the historic worship of the ancient Church. To some, it will feel very traditional. To others, it will feel very new-fangled.
Practically speaking, you will find a worship space that emphasizes our community. You won’t just be facing a raised platform to watch a minister speak at you. You will face other people, gathered around the altar and the place where we read the Bible.
We sing together. We hear words from the Bible and a brief reflection from our minister, Jake. We pray together for one another and for the world. We celebrate communion, which we believe is a way we meet Jesus in the present, through bread and wine. You may see people stand, sit, or kneel at different times, but there is no pressure to know what to do. Simply follow along however you feel comfortable. Come and see!
Do I have to be Episcopalian to attend?
Not at all. You do not need to be Episcopalian, know anything about our traditions, or have your beliefs completely figured out. Visitors are always welcome. One thing about Episcopalians is that we love questions. Many of us at St. Bart’s come from other traditions.
For instance, Jake grew up United Methodist and his wife, Chris, grew up Southern Baptist; they tried to be Presbyterians for a while. Jake likes to help people sense their way into our way of doing things.
What should I wear?
Come as you are. We mean that. Our worship is at 3pm, so we know you might be coming from the water or from the golf course or from having accidentally slept until lunchtime. Wear whatever you’re wearing. If you think you should wear a suit, that’s fine. Just know some of us will be wearing t-shirts. There is no dress code. Seriously: come as you are.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely. Children are an important part of church community. We expect them to be in the worship space with us.
To show we’re serious, we have a “soft space” within the main worship room. There are soft toys and a table for artwork. From that space, you have easy access to bathrooms and a nursery for feeding and changing diapers. You might think your child is being disruptive; we think they’re just praising God in the best way they know how.
Wiggles, questions, and little voices are all part of worshiping together.
Can I receive Communion?
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are invited to receive Holy Communion. If you prefer not to receive, you may remain seated. We still invite you forward to hear words of God’s peace said over you.
What if I haven’t been to church in a long time?
The fact you’re reading this shows the Holy Spirit is moving in your life, calling you home to Jesus. You are welcome here. Whether it has been a few months, many years, or you have never attended church before, you do not need to explain yourself or have anything figured out before coming. Just come and see what our loving God has in store for you.
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Events
Learn what’s going on around St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
Sundays before Church – Sunday School
Join us at 2pm to explore the Christian faith. Right now, we’re exploring our identities as Christians. Beginning in the middle of November, we’re going to study the sacraments: what are they and what do they do?
Sundays after Church – Cooking Out
At St. Bart’s, we pride ourselves on the spread we share after church. We love hanging out together! Everyone is welcome to this time of fellowship and food. We’ll feed you and your family and get you home in time to get ready for the week ahead.
Contact Us
Mailing Address
1900 Darby Drive Florence, AL 35630.
Contact Info
(256) 764.2000
stbarts.florence@gmail.com