Holiday & Special Services
Join us at St. Bartholomew’s for seasonal worship, fellowship, and celebration! This page highlights our upcoming holiday services, special events, and community gatherings throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and more. All are welcome!
For a complete list of programs, groups, and activities, click the button below to visit our full Events page.
Thanksgiving Day: Holy Communion with Hymns
Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join us for a Thanksgiving Day service of gratitude and worship, featuring Holy Communion and beloved hymns that celebrate the blessings of the season. Begin your holiday in community and thanksgiving. All are welcome.
St. Bartholomew's Annual Christmas Festival
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us for St. Bartholomew’s Annual Christmas Festival—a magical day of festive fun, community, and Christmas spirit! Enjoy live music, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, a Nativity Animals Petting Zoo, kids’ crafts, face painting, food trucks, coffee, Christmas wreaths, and more. Free admission; donations support the Sanderlin Family Center and local charities. Bring your friends and family—everyone is welcome!
Rector’s Forum – Advent 2025
Sundays | 9:00–9:45 AM | Parish Hall
Join us each Sunday during Advent for the Rector’s Forum, an educational gathering with Father Ethan. Coffee is provided, and childcare is available for all ages. Explore the themes of Advent through Scripture and discussion:
Advent 1 (11/30/25): Swords into Plowshares – Isaiah 2:1–5
Advent 2 (12/7/25): The Peaceable Kingdom – Isaiah 11:1–10
Advent 3 (12/14/25): The King’s Highway – Isaiah 35:1–10
Advent 4 (12/21/25): Emmanuel – Isaiah 7:10–16
Everyone is welcome — come grow in faith and community with us!
Advent Soup-Supper Series ~ Matthew 25
Wednesdays, December 3, 10, & 17 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Parables of Matthew 25: Snapshots of the Second Coming
Join us for our three-week Advent Soup-Supper Series as we share food, fellowship, and reflection on the parables of Matthew 25 — each offering a glimpse into what it means to live faithfully as we await the return of Christ.
Each Wednesday evening includes a simple meal of soup and bread provided by the church (bring a side dish to share if you can), followed by Scripture reading and guided discussion led by Fr. Ethan.
📖 Weekly Themes:
Dec. 3: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins — What does it mean to be spiritually prepared and wise in our time as we wait for the return of Christ? (Matthew 25:1–13)
Dec. 10: The Parable of the Talents — What does it mean to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us as we wait for the return of Christ? (Matthew 25:14–30)
Dec. 17: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats — When God judges nations and peoples, how does he make distinctions between who has lived well and poorly? (Matthew 25:30–46)
Come for one week or all three — everyone is welcome to the table as we journey through this holy season together in hope, prayer, and community.
Arts & Crafts Festival – hosted by the Skyway Marina District
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Skyway Marina District is bringing its 2nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival right here to St. Bart’s! Come enjoy a festive day filled with handcrafted gifts from local makers, delicious eats from food trucks, and live holiday music to keep the spirit bright.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done while supporting local artists and small businesses, and there’s something for everyone — families, friends, and neighbors. Admission is free, so come hungry, shop local, and celebrate the season with your community!
Christmas Eve – Family Holy Eucharist Service
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Celebrate a joyful, family-centered Christmas Eve at St. Bartholomew’s. Children are invited to stand at the Holy Table with Father Ethan during the Eucharist, and the service features classical Christmas carols for all to enjoy.
The evening begins with a 30-minute musical prelude at 4:30 PM, setting the perfect festive tone. Everyone is welcome—bring your family and friends to share in the celebration.
Christmas Eve – Choral Holy Eucharist Service
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us for a traditional Christmas Eve service with choral music at St. Bartholomew’s. Guest musicians and our choir lead a 30-minute musical prelude starting at 7:30 PM, followed by the Choral Holy Eucharist.
Experience the beauty of music and worship as we celebrate the birth of Christ. All are welcome to attend and share in this meaningful evening.
Christmas Day: Holy Communion with Hymns
Thursday, December 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Celebrate Christmas morning with a joyful Holy Communion service featuring hymns led by Travis Evans (Minister of Music) and a section leader, sharing beloved Christmas classics.
Come experience the beauty of worship, music, and community as we celebrate the birth of Christ together. All are welcome—bring family and friends to share in this special morning of praise and thanksgiving.