Sunday Morning Worship
8:00 Rite I Holy Eucharist (no music). This liturgy uses the traditional language of Episcopalian worship. Unlike some Episcopal parishes, our early mass includes a full length sermon. From beginning to end this service lasts about 50 minutes. You can expect a cordial greeting from those around you, but it is worth saying that early morning Episcopalians are likely to respect your privacy, rather than overwhelm you with greetings. Lay persons typically read Bible lessons and help with the administration of communion.
10:00 Rite II Holy Eucharist (with music). This liturgy uses the forms of worship developed ecumenically in the 1960s and 1970s. It restores some ancient Christian traditions which had been lost over the centuries and has a generally more contemporary feel to its language and pace. Guests who are accustomed to Roman Catholic and Lutheran worship will likely find it very familiar. Our choir (which is always open to new members) sings from September through early June. We have an active hand bell ensemble which can accommodate new members. Lay people read Bible lessons and prayers and help with the administration of communion. When we "pass the peace" you can anticipate being greeted by those sitting around you. After worship we usually gather for coffee, goodies and conversation downstairs. This is a great chance to meet others and form new friendships. We have no doubt that we have earned the reputation of having the best coffee hour in the entire diocese. The 10:00 mass has many younger children attending with their parents and you should feel free to have your children with you in church if you prefer this.
With only occasional exception, all liturgies celebrated at St. Barnabas are from The Book of Common 1979 and hymns are taken from The Hymnal 1982 and two of its authorized supplements, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, and Wonder, Love and Praise. The Prayer Book contains both traditional and contemporary language services for the Holy Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayer, and burials, and contemporary language liturgies for Holy Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Ordination and sacramental confession.
Receiving Holy Communion
It is a normal expectation in Episcopalian worship that members of the congregation receive communion every time the sacrament is celebrated. We invite all of those who are baptized in any church to receive communion at our altar, you do not need to be a member of this parish or of the Episcopal Church, but simply desirous to receive the Lord Jesus in the sacrament, to feel that you have a place here. Children begin to receive communion when their parents feel they are ready. We do have a formal First Communion Sunday (usually just before Christmas) which recognizes children as they begin to receive communion regularly. If you have any questions about whether you or your child should receive communion at St. Barnabas, please speak to one of our priests.
Christian Education
Sunday School for Children through the 6th grade takes place during the 10:00 mass. Classes meet in the Sunday School rooms downstairs. Children can easily join the class mid-year and they will always be warmly welcomed by their teachers and classmates. The children usually join their parents upstairs during the announcement time in the liturgy, so that they can participate in the Eucharist. Children who do not receive communion are encouraged to come to the altar rail to be blessed by the priest.
Nursery service is now available during the 10am mass! Contact Stephanie Van Patten or Beth Nelson if you wish to volunteer to assist with the nursery.
