Liturgical Ministries

Acolytes help lead the worship at the 10 a.m. Worship Service and range in age from 5th grade through adults. Their duties include processing with the cross, lighting the altar candles and assisting with communion preparations.  There is periodic training for new acolytes and refresher training is available for current or previous acolytes. This ministry welcomes all!

The Altar Guild at St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church is composed of teams of women and men with two or three 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 colors for various church liturgical seasons are hanging. They also keep the silver and brass polished and maintained for all services and keep the candles filled with oil. The Altar Guild is present behind the scenes during the Sacraments of baptism, funerals and weddings. It is an integral part of the celebrations of worship at St. Barnabas’ and vital to its ministry.

St. Barnabas’ Communion Assistants are licensed by Bishop Brown to serve in the Episcopal Church in Delaware under the direction of the priest. The Communion Assistants assist with the worship and the Eucharist. 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.

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 arrangements for the Altar Flower Delivery ministry. Special arrangements are created for Christmas and Easter. 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. For more information, please contact the church office.

The  Eucharistic Visitors take communion to parish members who are unable to come to church. The Episcopal Church in Delaware and the clergy of St. Barnabas’ provide training for this important ministry.

Lesson Readers (Lectors) are parishioners of all ages who read the Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament lessons at each service throughout the year. 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. For more information, please contact Bud Cooling.

Ushers/Greeters extend a warm welcome to all who attend the  10:00 a.m. worship service as well as on holidays, such as Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Easter. They also help on special occasions, such as weddings,  funerals and concerts. They work in teams of men and women willing to devote their time and talent to St. Barnabas’. 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 a set schedule. If you are interested in this important ministry, please contact Pat McDonald.