St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

Lay Ministry & Fellowship

	Lay Ministry There are many opportunities for participation in the daily workings of St. Barnabas Church. Many of our parishioners regularly volunteer to perform so many of the tasks that enhance both the physical and spiritual aspects of the church. This activity by volunteers occurs on Sundays and also on many days of the week, as groups and committees plan gatherings and prepare the altar and church for regular services, weddings, and funerals.
	Whether it be the caring efforts of teachers, outreach groups, or others who host or assist with coffee hour, usher, read at the lectern, or sing in a choir, there is a daily sharing of tasks vital to the life of the church. In the span of a year over 200 different parishioners volunteer for some special responsibility. Information on the many specific opportunities to serve on the Altar Guild, as Church School Teachers, Acolytes, Lay Readers, Chalice Bearers, Ushers, Greeters, or other lay ministries is available through the church office.

	Welcoming and Parish Life The Welcoming and Parish Life committees are ongoing ministries of welcome to newcomers in the community and to those who wish to worship with us. Their goals are to expand our parish family through the ministry of hospitality and to provide additional fellowship opportunities through such activities as the annual parish picnic, featured speakers at parish suppers, book discussions, and newcomers dinners.
Coffee Hour follows the 10 A.M. service and gives parishioners an opportunity to socialize and to greet and welcome visitors and newcomers. Refreshment is provided by a rotating group of volunteers. The Parish Picnic, an annual event, is eagerly anticipated by both children and adults. Potluck Suppers, featuring a wide variety of interesting speakers, are held occasionally throughout the year. Trinkets to Treasures is our biennial tag sale that raises money for parish projects and outreach concerns. It involves the volunteer efforts of many church parishioners and provides a much needed source of low cost goods for our own and neighboring communities. Office Volunteers collate and mail parish newsletters and special mailings.