Get Involved at St. Barnabas

Acolytes enhance our worship services to the greater glory of God. They assist the celebrant (the priest in charge of the service) by carrying the cross in the procession, holding the Gospel book, serving as a torch bearer, and other duties as needed. Children in third grade and above are eligible to be acolytes.

A variety of Sunday School classes meet across the St. Barnabas campus on Sunday mornings from 10:00 - 10:55am, including:

• Lost and Found

• Other Voices

• The Daily Office Lectionary Class

• Young Adults Book Club

AA meetings are held in the Christian Education Building every evening at 8 pm, except Thursdays, when a closed meeting for women is held at 7 pm. Al Anon meets on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

The Brothers and Sisters Ministry formed to address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border. They collaborate with the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition (VVBHC), a church-supported organization in Del Rio that welcomes legal immigrants delivered by Border Patrol agents. The St. Barnabas group specializes in “Baby Kits,” bags full of the items families with infants will need, but also collects other items as needed.

Held in June on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9am to 2pm, Camp Barnabas is for children one year old through Kindergarten. Activities are theme-based and include Bible stories, music, play time, crafts, and games.

During the school year, children in grades PreK through 8th grade attend classes from 10:00 - 10:55am each Sunday. We use the Godly Play method of teaching, an approach to supporting the spiritual growth of children through Bible stories, liturgical action, parables and silence, leaving lots of room for wonder and the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of each of us.

Youth in the sixth grade and older can be confirmed in the Episcopal Church after completing an eight-week class that covers Church history and traditions, worship, beliefs, and practices. Confirmation is a mature, public affirmation of one’s faith, celebrated by prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop.

Daughters of the King (DOK) is an order of women that commit to a life of prayer, service, and evangelism. New members are admitted once a year following a three-month discernment class. The Daughters fill the St. Barnabas Food Pantry to help those in need. The Daughters meet once a month for fellowship and education.

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program (with a one year at a time commitment) that includes critical biblical scholarship, church history, theology and philosophy, and also builds skills such as theological reflection and insight into one’s Christian vocation. The class meets weekly on Friday afternoon from late August through the end of May. Contact Tom Carnes at tcarnes@thomaspcarnes.com for more information.

Twice a year, a team of St. Barnabas men spends a weekend in the Connally Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections, bringing the word of God to a group of prisoners. There are also various outreach opportunities throughout the year.

The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the altar for all services, including baptisms, weddings, funerals and special services.

Eucharistic Ministers administer the bread and wine at Holy Eucharist.

Lectors read the scripture lessons during worship.

Intercessors lead the Prayers of the People during worship.

Ushers greet and welcome the congregation to worship, assist with seating, worship booklets, collect the offering, and ready the church for the next service.

Mom’s Morning Off (our Day School) is a wonderful place for young children to learn, play, and have fun in a safe and structured environment. Our program is designed for children ages twelve months through four years. Many activities are offered: chapel, music, art, outdoor play, and Bible stories.

Christian faith, manners, consideration and cooperation are practiced in each classroom. Our qualified teachers are committed to the program’s core virtues: Competence ~ Creativity ~ Character ~ Compassion.

At 7:00am on Monday mornings, a long-standing group of men meet to read and discuss the scripture readings for the coming week.

During the school year, childcare is provided for children aged birth to three years during the 9am and 11am services, as well as during the 10am Sunday School hour.

The Reception Committee provides delicious food and beverages, along with lovely decorations, for receptions held in connection with funerals and other special occasions.

Our Sunday School teachers are adults (often parents of St. Barnabas children) who have been trained in the Godly Play method of teaching and undergo a background check to ensure the safety of our children.

Students in middle school and high school meet periodically during the school year to participate in a variety of activities. From scavenger hunts to serving military veterans, it’s a great time to begin and deepen friendships while caring for others and our world as we engage parents and the congregation in stewarding our youth.