Welcome Visitors!
Come & Join our Family! 

What to expect?

When you come to St. Bartholomew’s you can expect to meet a variety of different people; black, white, rich, poor, young and old. Many are drawn to the Episcopal Church because of its rich history, which dates back to the time of Jesus (33 AD), or its worship-style which is as old as the second century AD and invites personal participation in the service. Many are drawn to St. Bartholomew’s Parish because of the warm and interesting people you will meet when you visit us.

What kind of Church is this?

St. Bartholomew's Parish Church is an Episcopal Church, one of more than 150 such congregations in South Carolina. We are Christians in the Anglican tradition with our historic Roots in the Church of England, whose fellowship is characterized by a confidence in the authority of the Old and New Testaments, with basic beliefs summarized in the historic creeds of the Christian Church. We follow the Biblical plan for church order, with spiritual oversight provided by Bishops and local leadership shared by lay persons, Priests, and Deacons. We celebrate the Great Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion in obedience to the teaching of Jesus Christ. What we stand for is most clearly evident in our forms of worship, where, through orderly services with much congregational participation, we seek to give praise and thanks to God in the name of Jesus Christ. We welcome worshippers from every Christian tradition. 

You will see and hear the term "Parish" a good deal because it invites us to think of the church as not just a building, nor just of people who belong to a denomination, but as a Body of Christ who seek to serve all people in the community.

Where to park?

St. Bartholomew’s offers parking in front of the church for newcomers, elderly, and handicapped and two handicapped parking spaces next to the parish hall at the rear of the church. We have wheelchair accessibility for both worship and Sunday school classes. If our parking lot in front of the church fills, we have an agreement with Coker College that allows us to use their parking lot and parking is available on East Carolina Avenue.

What to wear?

At St. Bartholomew’s, we believe that God cares a great deal about our hearts, but not so much about appearances because they can be shallow and meaningless.  No one should ever feel unwelcomed in God's House because they don't have fancy clothes or the latest fashions.  However, we also believe that modesty, appropriate attire and decorum show respect for God and for the Blessed Sacrament.  Traditionally, people offered God their "first fruits" out of love and respect for Him.  Clothing is a personal decision and you will not be judged if you come dressed casually, in jeans or if you wear a tie.  It is your heart that matters, not what you wear.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"  - St. Matthew 6:25

What about childcare?

We have a great nursery with a professional nursery attendant and a family volunteer on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am until 12:15 pm. From infant to 4 years of age, you may rest assured that your child will be well taken care of and in good hands.  We have Sunday School for all ages from 9:15 until 10:00 and During the 10:30 am worship service, the nursery continues to operate while older children are invited to Children’s Chapel.  These older children come into the church with their parents and then they follow the children’s cross after the Collect (Prayer) of the Day into the Chapel for worship and return during the passing of the peace. 

Children’s Chapel

We are excited to offer this worship opportunity to Children and Families at St. Bartholomew's Parish.  Children and their families gather as usual for worship for the 10:30 am Liturgy on Sundays.  After the Collect (Prayer) of the Day, the children gather around the Children’s Cross in the front of the church and process to the Chapel.  They return at the passing of the Peace to share with Fr. Michael and the church what they learned.  In essence, they are engaged in the same liturgy as the adults with a reading from Holy Scripture, a children’s sermon, songs of praise, a creedal statement, prayers, and general confession – This is true worship on a child’s level and it’s fast paced and fun packed worship in a traditional setting.  For more information, please speak with Fr. Michael or Kathy Walker, Minister to Families.

May I receive Holy Communion?       

Any Christian who has been Baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and who receives Communion in their own church is welcome to take Holy Communion at St. Bartholomew's Parish. Our custom is to come to the altar rail, kneel, or stand there, and receive the Consecrated Bread (Host) in our open hands. After consuming the Host, we receive the Cup, guiding it to our lips for a small taste of Consecrated Wine. Children receive Holy Communion at St. Bartholomew's after their parents have spoken with Fr. Michael to ensure that they are prepared to received the Holy Sacrament, but young visitors who take Communion in their home church are welcome to receive here.

Unbaptized adults are encouraged to come to the altar rail, cross their arms over their chests, and receive a blessing.  Children who do not receive Communion are encouraged to accompany their parents to the altar rail, and similarly receive a prayer of blessing. The clergy are happy to talk with any interested person about baptism.

How can I participate in the Worship Service?

On Sundays, our ushers will give you a printed bulletin with our order of worship and scripture readings. It will list page numbers in the blue Hymnals and the red Prayer Books. Generally, we stand when we sing, sit to hear lessons, sermons, or announcements, and stand or kneel when we pray. We follow the service in the Prayer Book and participate audibly in the people's responses, including the "Amen" at the end of each prayer. Members of the congregation will be glad to help you find the place, and you may stand, sit, and kneel with the congregation as you feel comfortable.

Where do I fit in?

"For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."  - Isaiah 56:7

People from different walks of life and levels of faith are warmly welcomed at St. Bartholomew's Parish Church.  Without reservation, everyone is welcome here.  We seek to incorporate into our daily lives an understanding that the church exists for all people, that absolutely everyone needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ and that He defeats sin, transforms lives, cures addictions and reconciles us to God and each other.  Wherever you are in your faith, no matter what your age, race, social or financial background, come seek and you will find the reconciling love of Jesus Christ and take your place in helping to change the world in the name of Jesus Christ.  

Explore this website, or better yet, come check us out!  We have many opportunities for Sacramental Worship, Daily Prayer, Bible Study, Service and Outreach to the community, Mission work and community building.  We have activities for children, youth, young adults, seniors, single men and women and married couples.  Many folks see us as a family of God, with great diversity, yet united in our love of God and desire to serve our Lord by serving others.