Parish Ministries
Acolytes
Acolytes help lead the worship at the 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist. Acolytes serve in teams of three or four and range from 5th grade through high school. Each fall there is training for new acolytes and refresher training for current or previous acolytes. This ministry welcomes both boys and girls.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild at St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church is composed of teams of women with three to five members on each team. Each team is responsible for services during the scheduled week they are on duty. Their week begins on Monday and ends at the completion of Sunday worship services. The major responsibilities of this ministry are preparation of the altars in the church and chapel for Sunday and weekday services. The Altar Guild ensures that the linens and hangings are properly laundered and that the right color for various church liturgical seasons are hanging. They also keep the silver and brass polished and maintained for all services. The Altar Guild is present behind the scenes during the Sacraments of baptisms, funerals, and weddings in preparation of these special events. It is an integral part of the celebrations of worship at St. Barnabas and vital to its ministry. Training for new members and refresher course is usually held in the fall.
Communion Assistants
St. Barnabas’ Communion Assistants are licensed by Bishop Wright to serve in the Diocese of Delaware under the direction of the priest. The Communion Assistants assist with the worship and the Eucharist, including leading the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the People. If a Reader is not present, the Communion Assistant will read the lessons and lead the Psalm, if it is not sung. Communion Assistants administer the Chalice, the Blood of Christ (the wine) during the Eucharist, and when required, the Body of Christ (the bread). When acolytes are not present, the Communion Assistants perform the acolyte duties. A short period of training is required.
Early Risers (Men’s Bible Study)
Early Risers
Thursday’s 6:30-7:30 am
Men meet together for prayer, good coffee, and bible study as they search for a deeper understanding of God through Holy Scripture.
Endowment Fund
The Endowment Fund acts as a depository for contributions in the form of cash, securities and bequests received by the church as a beneficiary of Wills, Life Insurance and various Trust arrangements. By its charter, the Fund may distribute funds to the church, for its operation. Only income and capital gains earned from such contributions may be distributed. In effect, the Fund represents an investment in St. Barnabas' future by helping to ensure the continuing presence of the church’s mission in the community it serves. The Vestry through the Endowment Fund Committee is responsible for administering the Fund. For information, contact the church office or the Rector.
Flower Guild
The work of the Flower Guild is evident each Sunday in their wonderful gift which enlivens our worship with the bounty of God’s creation. The Flower Guild creates arrangements not only for the Sanctuary but also for the Chapel and prepares two arrangements for the Altar Flower Delivery ministry. Special arrangements are created for Christmas and Easter. The Flower Guild also arranges flowers for wedding ceremonies and funeral services. Training is provided to those who would like to join the Guild as flower arrangers. Gardeners who would like to provide flowers and foliage for the arrangements are welcome. Donations to the Flower Guild are welcome to help defray the expense of providing flowers and foliage when needed.
Greeters
Members of the Greeters’ Team extend a warm welcome to all individuals who attend worship services on Sunday mornings at 10:00, on Christmas Eve and Ash Wednesday, and at other special services. An important part of their ministry is to interact with visitors, for example, asking them to sign the Visitors Book, showing them the facilities, and inviting them to Coffee Hour.
Lady Julian (Women’s Bible Study)
Lady Julian Study Group
Tuesdays 9:30-10:45 am
Women gather each week in fellowship to explore faith and Christian living through study of scripture and other Christian writings.
Lesson Readers
Readers are parishioners of all ages who read the Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament lessons at each service throughout the year. Most of the time, a Reader does the reading for the service that they usually attend. A Reader may read either one, two or three of the readings depending on the service. Copies of the lessons are available ahead of time. Anyone who is interested in joining the Reader Ministry either on a regular basis or as a substitute is welcome.
Memorial Garden
St. Barnabas’ Memorial Garden was established to provide a place for burial on the church grounds of the cremated remains of parishioners and others who have a relationship with St. Barnabas. Sites may be reserved prior to death or at the time of death by a legal representative of the deceased. Names of the deceased are displayed on the Memorial Garden plaque on the wall of the Epistle transept and on a granite memorial monument in the Garden. There is no charge for burial in the Memorial Garden; however, donations are appreciated to cover the cost of the nameplates. Detailed information about the operation of the Memorial Garden is available from the church office.
Musical Ministries
ADULT CHOIRS
- The Chancel Choir (teens and adults) uses a variety of musical styles to enhance the worship experience of St. Barnabas’. Rehearsals are every Thursday night, except in the summer. Come sing with us!
- The Renaissance Quire (teens and adults) concentrates on the wonderful polyphonic choral works of the Renaissance, and enjoys other traditions as well. The Quire typically sings on the 4th Sunday of every month and rehearses on the previous Thursday. If you share a love of beautiful a cappella works, come and sing with us!
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
- The Cherub Choir (ages 4 through 8) and Seraphim Choir (ages 9 through teens) are welcome to sing. No singing experience is necessary. No audition is required. We sing the first Sunday of each month at the Family Service, at the children’s Christmas Eve Service, and also perform a musical each year in May. Please join our angels each Sunday for practice immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service for silly songs, ridiculous rhymes, a lot of alliteration, powerful prayers, really rotten riddles, energizing exercises, and tantalizing treats. All that is required is a love of singing and a desire to make a Joyful Noise for Jesus.
- EPIPHANY PAGEANT is performed by the children (age 3 through teens) on Epiphany Sunday at the 10:00 am Sunday service. The Christmas Story is presented through music and drama. The Children’s Spring Musical (ages 3 through teens) is a story from the Bible through music and drama. This year, the children performed “The Rock Slinger,” the story of David and Goliath.
Sunday School
Walking hand-in-hand with our children and youth as they grow to know and love God
Godly Play (3yrs old to 4th Grade)
A Montessori-based curriculum using wooden figures to tell the stories of our faith.
Genesis (5th-6th grades)
Exploration of Bible stories through a variety of creative and innovative mediums, including question-and-answer, art, music, and games.
Confirmation (7th-8th grades)
A 2-yr course that familiarizes students with The Book of Common Prayer and The Bible, with particular focus on the life, teaching, and ministry of Jesus.
Ushers
The Usher Ministry consists of a team of five members for the 10:00 am service. Holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ash Wednesday and Easter Holy Week, require extra ushers. Special occasions, such as funerals, often need an usher. The Ushering Team is comprised of men and women willing to devote their time and talent to St. Barnabas Church. The current scheduling process tries to match ushers with acolytes and/or greeters of the same family and also to avoid other church conflicts. The average commitment for an usher is slightly more than once per month. Substitutes are needed if you would like to participate but cannot commit to set schedule. If you are interested in this important ministry, please contact the church office at (302) 994-6607.
