Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of current groups and ministries at St. Barnabas. Click the + sign to learn more about each group, and reach out using the form at the bottom of the page, or contact the church office to get involved with any of these groups at 830.997.5762. The Church Calendar is always up to date with meeting and event schedules, too.

Get Involved at St. Barnabas

Worship Support

Worship is at the heart of all we do, and a variety of groups actively support the worship of the parish.

  • The Acolytes (6th - 12th graders) play an integral part in our worship service by assisting celebrants and the liturgical team, so all may celebrate the Holy Eucharist and other rites of the church with dignity and beauty. When serving, they actively assist the celebrant in the worship of God, bearing the processional cross and Bible, and lighting the candles. Typically, acolytes are a part of the 11:00 a.m. service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. Between 2-4 acolytes are needed for each service.

    Contact: Chris Acton – chris@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • The Altar Guild is responsible for taking care of the sacred vessels and linens, setting the table and the altar for worship, and attending to the order of the sacristy. There are no special skills needed, just a willingness to be behind the scenes, helping to prepare for worship. The work of the Altar Guild is a set of humble tasks - pouring wine, setting a table, and washing dishes. And yet, it is so important to our lives as Christians. There is a quiet sacredness to this work. All are welcome, newcomers and long-time members.

    Contact: Melissa Miller – melmill813@gmail.com

  • This team films for the broadcasting of our 11:00 a.m. service. The team also assures the sound is working properly, balanced for listening experience in the sanctuary and online with music and liturgical teams.

    Contact: Ric McCormick – ricnpatmcc@gmail.com

  • The choir rehearses the weekly hymns and provides musical support for each service on Sundays, as well as performances of choral music on semi-regular and special occasions. All are welcome to join the choir and take part in the gift of music education, harmonizing, and performance. During July and August, informal choral gatherings take place at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings between services. Choir practice is held on Mondays at 5:00 p.m. (September to June).

    Contact: Alison Acton – theactons@gmail.com

  • Welcoming all children in 3rd grade and up, the children’s choir rehearses weekly on Mondays at 4:00 p.m. (following the school year calendar) and performs at various services and events throughout the church year.

    Contact: Alison Acton - theactons@gmail.com

  • The Bell Choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. and performs semi-regularly and at special services, ringing out the joy of the gospel.

    Contact: Susan Rodriguez - susanrod58@gmail.com

  • Chalice Bearers administer the Chalice and the Intinction Cup during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This special ministry is one of serving God and bearing Christ to one another in love. Two chalice bearers are needed for the 7:45 a.m. service, and three chalice bearers are needed for the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.

    Contact: Molly Martin – mollyfrank4334@outlook.com

  • The ministry of ushering is a crucial part of worship and is one of the most visible ministries of the parish. Ushers help people feel welcome and oriented at church, handing out Orders of Worship, assisting with seating arrangements, bringing the bread and wine forward to the altar, collecting the offering, maintaining a safe environment, helping with emergencies, and counting attendees for our records. Two people are needed at each service.

    Contact: Molly Martin – mollyfrank4334@outlook.com

  • Lectors are lay ministers who read the Word of God for the congregation. This beautiful and sacred job requires some practice with the microphone and dedicated time rehearsing the readings before Sunday. All ages who can read are welcome. One to three people read the lessons for each service.

    Contact: Molly Martin – mollyfrank4334@outlook.com

  • A group trained and authorized to serve communion to those who are unable to attend the Eucharist due to illness or frailty. Lay Eucharistic Ministers bring the presence of Christ and connection to the parish family. Training is required. The commitment is usually one or two hours a month, as needs are requested or identified.

    Contact: Morey Weldon - moreyweldon@gmail.com

  • This special part of the service leads the congregation in praying through the forms of the Prayers of the People noted in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Volunteers commit to practicing the prayers ahead of the service and leading this beautiful portion of our worship together. One is needed per service.

    Contact: Molly Martin – mollyfrank4334@outlook.com

Hospitality

Hospitality is vital for connection. Joining a ministry of hospitality ensures that all who come to St. Barnabas, whether first-time visitors or long-time attendees, are treated well and made welcome.

  • This team volunteers each Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to provide welcome and information to our guests and attendees, guiding us all into the life of community.

    Contact: Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • Everyone in the parish is invited to come for these fellowship meals, which are important celebrations in our community and bring the parish together.

    Contact: Tim Bowyer tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

    The following meals are scheduled throughout the year:

    Quarterly Sunday Parish Meals:

    - Parish Meeting (January)|
    - St. Barnabas/Pentecost Day (June)
    - Rally Day (August)
    - All Saints Potluck (November)

    Seasonal Events:

    - Thanksgiving Dinner
    - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
    - Lenten Dinners

    Volunteers commit to planning and cooking food, preparing the space, and cleaning up following a meal. Ideally, 5-8 volunteers are needed. This service brings volunteers together as part of a dynamic team and extends the joy of taking part in hospitality to the whole church community.

  • This group provides refreshment after a funeral or other occasion and is vital to a family in a time of grief. The death of a loved one is an overwhelming time, and a reception in the Parish Hall allows families and friends to gather, share stories, and comfort one another. Volunteers set up, host, and clean up. Typical receptions include coffee and tea, finger sandwiches, cookies, and fruit and veggie trays. Many helping hands are needed for this ministry of love.

    Contact: Sharon Miller – themillersoftx@gmail.com

  • This team ensures the kitchen is poised for all of its good uses. The Kitchen Team is trained to understand the kitchen thoroughly and commits itself to being available to help groups make use of it. They follow a regular deep-cleaning regimen, handle inventory, and ensure things are in working order, assisting with the organization of meals.

    Contact: Elizabeth Loggie - celoggie@gmail.com

Campus

Our beautiful campus is maintained by volunteer and professional efforts to ensure the spaces of our church, indoors and out, are beautiful, inviting, and well-maintained.

  • Saturday morning opportunities to work/clean our buildings and grounds, serve our neighbors, join in fellowship, and get to know folks as we work alongside one another, beautifying and improving the campus. A Team Leader is needed to take each planned workday.

    Contact: Joe Simmons – hogjoe@gmail.com
    Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • The columbarium lies at the center of the grounds at St. Barnabas, a place of quiet, shade, beauty and repose. This committee assists parish leadership with tending the columbarium, makes arrangements with family to reserve and assign niches, assists with services and interments, and plans for any columbarium expansions.

    Contact: Bill Agnew – wdagnew@sbcglorbal.net
    Wolf Benner - cmwbenner@gmail.com
    Shalmir Benner – shalbenner@gmail.com
    Bill Snyder - wpsnyder3@austin.rr.com

Fellowship

We are called to be together, practicing the way of love and fellowship with one another. In this, we embody the joy of Christ as we eat, pray, and recreate together.

  • Individuals and couples enjoy gathering with other parish members for a meal in a home or at a restaurant. The groups are shuffled twice a year to allow folks to know a wider range of folks within the St. Barnabas Community.

    Contact: Lorri Kendrick – lorriken@gmail.com

  • For young adults, families, and singles who want to fellowship with one another. All are welcome for a meal, gathering, or event.

    Contacts: Emily Bowyer – emily@stbarnabasfbg.org
    Chris Acton – chris@stbarnabasfbg.org
    Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • If you want to learn to sew, or you already know how to sew and would like to gather as a group, then this is an opportunity for you!

    Contact: Bette Jacob – bcjacob13@yahoo.com

Spiritual Formation

Discipleship is a life-long process that includes education and formation in community. We have a diversity of groups and learning opportunities. Learn about groups and studies you can join today:

Sunday Mornings

  • An adult Sunday School class focusing primarily on contemporary Christian practical theology through reflection upon a variety of texts and video offerings. All are welcome. Meets in the EFM room in the Christian Education Building (CEB).

    Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Tom Carnes – tcarnes@thomaspcarnes.com

  • This class stands in the tradition of the church year, celebrating the holiness of the ordinary days of family life, career, home, community, and service. We engage in generous dialogue and the study of various books and resources. For folks in young and middle adulthood.

    Meets in the lounge of the Christian Education Building (CEB).

    Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • Members of this class welcome all St. Barnabas women to join. Members take turns facilitating discussion over books about faith, spiritual growth, and practices.

    Meets in the St. Jerome Library.

    Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Nan Mosely – nan.mosely801@gmail.com

  • An adult Sunday School class reading, engaging, and discussing various books of the Bible. All are welcome.

    Meets in the AA room of the Christian Education Building (CEB).

    Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Gayle and Cyndie Williams – cyndiewilliams@mac.com

Weekdays & Other:

  • A distance learning four-year lay seminary program in partnership with the Diocese of West Texas and the School of Theology of the University of the South (Sewanee), which includes critical biblical scholarship, church history, theology, and ethics, with an emphasis on theological reflection as a life skill, practical theology, and Christian vocation. The course has weekly seminar meetings in the evening during the academic year, in a small group setting led by mentors.

    Meets once a week in the Christian Education Building (CEB).

    Contact: Tom Carnes – tcarnes@thomaspcarnes.com

  • We will explore differing life roles, experiences, and points of view as we study the scriptures and talk meaningfully about the things we care about. We hope this gives us a fresh opportunity for growth, asking different and open-hearted questions and dialoguing with each other.

    Meets Wednesday mornings in the Christian Education Building (CEB).

    Contact: Stephen Kinney - swk.kinney@gmail.com

  • A group of St. Barnabas women who commit to a life of prayer, service, and a close walk with the Lord. They offer prayers every day for a list of prayer requests, share the message of God’s love with others, actively participate in monthly meetings, and provide service to the rector and parish. Prospective members attend 10 weekly discernment classes before being admitted.

    Contact: Leslie Washburne - (830) 998-5002 or leslielykes@hotmail.com
    Carol Schreider - (830) 997-5762 or carol@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • A group for girls ages 7 -18 who want to grow in God’s love through prayer and service to others. They will have the opportunity to develop their prayer life, attend monthly meetings, and support the church through service. New members are admitted after participating in an 8-week discernment class.

    Meets on second Saturdays each month.

    Contact: Leslie Washburne - (830) 998-5002 or leslielykes@hotmail.com

  • Periodic events and speakers inviting focused study and engagement of differing formative ideas. These events are open to the community. Look for announcements and look online to be aware of these special occasions.

Children & Youth Ministries

St. Barnabas provides a nurturing program of spiritual education and development as well as fellowship for children of all ages through Sunday school, youth programming, and events. All volunteers are required to pass background checks and complete Safeguarding God’s Children training.

  • The nursery provides a warm and welcoming environment for children to know God’s love while parents engage in adult education and attend services at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

    Paid Nursery staff as well as volunteers provide their calm presence and childcare as they lead activities and assist with the needs of young children each Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and at some parish events.

    Contact: Emily Bowyer - emily@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • Godly Play “makes meaning through story, wonder, and play.” This educational program introduces children to Biblical stories in a rich and meaningful play-based and liturgical curriculum that utilizes wondering questions, a Work Time that involves both play and creativity, concluding with a Feast.

    Four types of volunteer opportunities:

    - Storytellers and Doorkeepers serve as co-teachers in the classroom with the children.

    - The “Shepherd” provides security, keeps attendance and welcomes children through the hallway door

    - The Feast Person provides the "feast” or snack for each class.

    Meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Emily Bowyer – emily@stbarnabsfbg.org

  • Moving through different books and devotionals, youth at St. Barnabas engage in study and prayer and enjoy refreshments together each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Each year, the youth participate in confirmation class and Youth Sunday, a Eucharistic service involving youth in each role of the service and featuring graduating seniors’ reflections for a homily. Youth also engage in service and fellowship gatherings throughout the year. One to three volunteers are needed as teachers and mentors.

    Meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Chris Acton – chris@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • A ministry to mothers and young children during the week, MMO offers care and education to children ages 12 months to 4 years old (measured by September 1 each year). Held Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the virtues of competence, creativity, character, and compassion are taught and modeled by a dedicated staff. Children are given opportunities to grow in their relationships with nature, with each other, and with God. (Optionally: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

    Contact: Nancy Lopez-Taylor – nancy@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • A Mom’s Morning Off program, Camp Barnabas is held in June on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is for children one year old through kindergarten. Activities are theme-based and include Bible stories, music, play time, crafts, and games.

    Contact Nancy Lopez-Taylor – nancy@stbarnabasfbg.org

  • Held each summer, an experience of wild wonder, engaging God’s creation together at Enchanted Rock, learning to be in nature safely and observantly. Children will draw nearer to one another and the Creator.

    The group spends Monday through Wednesday mornings at Enchanted Rock for guided activities and lessons before returning by lunchtime for pickup. The week culminates on Thursday with a “Show and Tell” Nature Exhibition for parents, grandparents, and friends at St. Barnabas.

    Contact: Emily Bowyer - emily@stbarnabasfbg.org

Outreach

Everyone at St. Barnabas is encouraged to participate in a project or group that ministers to those in need in our neighborhood, city, and the world.

  • The Brothers and Sisters of St. Barnabas lovingly support others in need to make a positive impact in their lives and encourage the congregation to participate.

    Look for initiatives in announcements and contact:

    Nancy Cook – ncook1001@gmail.com to be involved.

  • A group of St. Barnabas men who, twice a year, spend three days at the Connally Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections ministering to inmates through hosting a retreat. Don’t miss this opportunity to befriend inmates and to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with them. This ministry impacts the hearts and lives of the men in prison as well as their families with the goal that they would become loving and productive citizens in their communities.

    Contact: Bud Parrish – bparrish1@yahoo.com

  • St. Barnabas has a Food Box on West Creek Street in front of the parking lot that makes food available to the underfed in our community. Volunteers are needed to keep the box stocked with assorted items, shop for food, and/or donate towards the purchase of food items. Look to bring items on 2nd Sundays of the month, Food Box Sundays.

    Contact: Jacqueline Hines – jmhimes03@gmail.com

  • Equips women with positive strategies for facing this major life transition. Members support each other in learning to adapt successfully after divorce. We meet on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.

    Contact: Leslie Washburne – leslielykes@hotmail.com

  • A group for mothers who have lost a child to find support through presence and compassion. We meet on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m.

    Contact: Leslie Washburne – leslielykes@hotmail.com

Community Partners:

  • This organization cares for all neighbors in need by coordinating volunteers, direct services, and local resources. They provide crisis assistance, counseling, domestic violence support, and senior and family services. For more information, see their website at needscouncil.org or call (830) 997-9756.

  • A charitable medical, dental, and mental health clinic meeting essential health needs for Gillespie County and the surrounding area. See their website here at goodsamfbg.org or call (830) 990-8651.

  • The Grace Center of Fredericksburg provides shelter, offers guidance, and schedules free and confidential services to empower those who have been impacted by domestic violence and desire to escape the abuse.

    For more information, see the website at thegracecenterfbg.org or call (830) 307-3383.

  • Works to introduce young people to life in Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith by forming meaningful friendships, making connections in the community, providing fun and life-changing experiences, and partnering with local churches. For more information, go to fbgtx.younglife.org.

  • Boy Scouts aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose. Meeting at St. Barnabas and programming trips and education, Troop 137 engages young men in growth and formation. For more information, contact Gayne or John at (830) 285-1011 or scoutmasterfbg137@gmail.com.

  • Active for over 40 years, the GCMA is a group of local ministers and ministry leaders engaging in community service, worship, and mutual encouragement. See gcmafbg.com.

  • Serving kids ages 6 to 18, we empower all young people to reach their full potential as responsible, caring, productive citizens through after school and summer programs. See bgcatxhc.org or call (830) 997-9833.

  • Providing childcare for infants to 3 year olds. With prioritization for economically disadvantaged families and those who have experienced trauma, all children are welcome. Contact: (830) 307-3140 or online at littleheartsfbg.org.

  • Provides support through resourcing and education for pregnancies, women, and families.

  • St. Barnabas welcomes the ministry and work of recovery. AA meetings are held in the Christian Education Building (CEB) nearly every evening:

    Sunday: 8:00 p.m.
    Mondays: 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
    Tuesdays: 8:00 p.m.
    Wednesdays: 8:00 p.m.
    Thursdays: No meetings
    Friday: 6:30 p.m. (Al-Anon), 8:00 p.m.
    Saturday: 8:00 p.m.

    Contact: Church Office - office@stbarnabasfbg.org

Parish Leadership & Representation

These committees consist of members appointed or elected.

  • The Vestry is the elected leadership of the parish, defining, guiding, and supporting its mission by word and deed. They are responsible for selecting the rector, ensuring effective organization and planning, and managing resources and finances as the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its property. Vestry members are elected at each annual parish meeting and officers are appointed, including the Senior Warden – president for the Vestry, Junior Warden – responsible for facilities and grounds, and Chancellor – legal advisor for the parish.

  • The Finance Committee is appointed and meets regularly to give oversight and management to the parish’s finances.

Diocese

St. Barnabas belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, a part of The Episcopal Church, a Christian community of 2.4 million members in America and abroad, and the Anglican Communion, a global community of 74 million persons in 38 provinces throughout the world. The Diocese is made up of 87 congregations with over 26,000 persons spread across 60 counties.

The Diocese provides resources, leadership, fellowship, and programs as well as governance for its congregations. DWTX directs the ministries of three camps: Camp Capers in Comfort, Mustang Island Conference Center at Port Aransas, and Duncan Park in Colorado.

More information is available at dwtx.org.

  • The Council is the governing body for the diocese, appointed to conduct its business according to its constitution and canons. The delegates to Diocesan Council are elected or appointed annually and sent to represent each parish.

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