Our Ministries

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 color for various church liturgical seasons are hanging. They also keep the silver and brass polished and maintained for all services. The Altar Guild is present behind the scenes during the Sacraments of baptisms, funerals, and weddings in preparation for these special events. It is an integral part of the celebrations of worship at St. Barnabas’ and vital to its ministry.

St. Barnabas’ BBC Ministry organizes events and conversations to bring focus to Racial and Social Justice. It is through these conversations and learning experiences that we gain understanding that will help us to build a Beloved Community. All are welcome to join us. Contact Cindy Richards or  Carter Bowersox for more information.

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, including leading the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the People. 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 Emmanuel Dining Room in downtown Wilmington provides meals every day of the year at no cost to needy persons. St. Barnabas’ participates in this outreach by preparing one meal each month on the 15th of the month. On the 14th of each month, volunteers prepare a standard meal and deliver it to the Emmanuel Dining Room. Volunteers then serve the meal to up to 300 persons on the 15th of the month. Additional help is always needed to maintain this ministry.

The purpose of the Evangelism/Parish Life Committee is to bring people into a relationship with God in Jesus Christ through one-on-one faith-sharing and by increasing awareness of the parish in the community through our website, newspapers, and other creative techniques. By sharing our faith with our parishioners, we want to enable and encourage them to share their faith with others (family, friends, etc.) Parish Life is part of the Evangelism Committee and some of the ministries and events that are part of this include Coffee Cafe’; Parish Picnics; Ladies Luncheon Group; Men’s Lunch Group; and Bridge Group.

Part of Friendship House’s transitional housing program,  Clark House is an 8-bedroom home that provides a comfortable place for men in the transitional housing program. Located at 1307 N Rodney St. in Wilmington. Meals are served every day from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  On the third Friday of each month, parishioners of St. Barnabas make and deliver meals for about 14 men.   Participants in this ministry are Maria Monzon Perez, Lori Kramer, Janice Itzel, Debbie Fink, Craig Brosi and Dick Leaning. For more information, contact Maria.

Whether you are recuperating from surgery, have a new baby, or have been ill at home, this ministry provides meals to help you get through. The meal consists of a main dish, salad, and dessert for at least 2 people. If you would like to participate in this valuable ministry, 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.

Readers are parishioners of all ages who read the Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament lessons at each service throughout the year. Most of the time, a Reader does the reading for the service that they usually attend. A Reader may read either one, two, or all of the readings depending on the service. 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 the church office at 302-994-6607.

The Prayer and Praise Chain are dedicated parishioners who pray for those who are ill or in need and offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving. New requests for prayers are sent by e-mail to the member about every week to ten days. The request are sent from either the church office or directly to the Prayer and Praise Chain leader. If you would like to participate in this valuable ministry, please contact Leslie Walker.

Stephen Ministers provide pastoral care to parishioners in need of assistance dealing with issues such as illness, grief, divorce, or other losses. Stephen Ministers complete extensive training before being commissioned to serve in this capacity. Anyone desiring to learn more about becoming a Stephens Minister, please contact the church office, one of the clergy, or Leslie Walker,

Share Jesus’ love and teachings with the children of St. Barnabas’.  Our Sunday School teachers are all volunteers and while a Sunday School lesson is not available each week, childcare is always available during the 10:00 a.m. service.  If you are interested in helping with this important ministry, contact the church office at 302-994-6607.

In addition to their ministry during worship services, ushers and greeters provide help setting up many activities for fellowship. Some of these activities include: movie nights, picnics, concerts and coffee hour.  For more information on this very important ministry, contact Pat McDonald.