Our Ministries
We all have a calling, and we all have a ministry. If you'd like to discuss finding what ministries fit you, please reach out and let us know.
Click the image below to view full coverage text of ministries.
Click the image below to view full coverage text of ministries.
Worship
Altar Guild
Every week, the Saint Barnabas Altar Guild assists the clergy and serves the parish community by maintaining the Altar, Sacristy, vestments, linens, vessels, candles, and supplies for all worship services and any other special events. The Altar Guild ensures that the proper colors are in place and that the Hymn Boards are current for each service according to the liturgical season and the service itself.
Serving on the Guild requires a commitment to be available when scheduled. While Altar Guilds in The Episcopal Church have traditionally been composed of women, here at Saint Barnabas, we welcome all parishioners to serve, regardless of gender or age. No special talents or knowledge of the church are required, only a willingness to serve when asked or needed. This is a wonderful way to be involved and learn more about the Episcopal Church. We welcome you to this quiet ministry dedicated to serving in the glory of God.
Contact: Michele LeBlanc, Altar Guild Directress at michele@phillipsgoodsoncpa.com or at mitchl1221@bellsouth.net.
Serving on the Guild requires a commitment to be available when scheduled. While Altar Guilds in The Episcopal Church have traditionally been composed of women, here at Saint Barnabas, we welcome all parishioners to serve, regardless of gender or age. No special talents or knowledge of the church are required, only a willingness to serve when asked or needed. This is a wonderful way to be involved and learn more about the Episcopal Church. We welcome you to this quiet ministry dedicated to serving in the glory of God.
Contact: Michele LeBlanc, Altar Guild Directress at michele@phillipsgoodsoncpa.com or at mitchl1221@bellsouth.net.
Acolytes
The Acolytes are the youth, age 10 through senior high, of Saint Barnabas who serve at the altar during worship on Sunday mornings. Responsibilities include carrying the cross and torches, tending our candles, and assisting the clergy in setting the table before the Holy Eucharist (Communion). During special services, an Acolyte may also serve as the “thurifer,” the person who carries incense in the procession.
All Youth of the parish are invited to participate in worship as Acolytes. Training and organizational sessions are held in the fall and spring, and can always be provided as personal instruction between plenary sessions. For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
All Youth of the parish are invited to participate in worship as Acolytes. Training and organizational sessions are held in the fall and spring, and can always be provided as personal instruction between plenary sessions. For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
Ushers
Ushers offer hospitality, service, and support before, during, and after the 10:30a worship on Sunday morning, and at all special services during the liturgical year. Comprising men and women of all ages, Usher teams rotate through a regular schedule.
Arriving fifteen minutes prior to an assigned Church service, an Usher team of two individuals provides those entering our church for a service with a friendly Saint Barnabas-style welcome and a copy of the service bulletin, offering old-timers as well as newcomers a greeting and a smile. Immediately before the service, one of the Ushers rings the Church bell.
During the service, the Ushers remain near the back of the Church to assist anyone needing help. We quietly open and close the rear Church doors to assist late-comers or those who must exit for emergencies. We also take a head-count of all attending so that the clergy know how many wafers to consecrate for the service. At the Offertory, Ushers bring the wine and bread wafers to the front of the Church and then take up the collection among the congregation. At the Communion, two of the Ushers provide from the center aisle an orderly procession of communicants to the Church altar rail.
Near the end of the service, the Ushers open the rear doors for the exit of the congregation after which they check the pews for discarded bulletins and replace the prayer books and hymnals in the pew racks. Two of the Ushers go to the sanctuary where they count the collection offerings and tabulate them.
For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
Arriving fifteen minutes prior to an assigned Church service, an Usher team of two individuals provides those entering our church for a service with a friendly Saint Barnabas-style welcome and a copy of the service bulletin, offering old-timers as well as newcomers a greeting and a smile. Immediately before the service, one of the Ushers rings the Church bell.
During the service, the Ushers remain near the back of the Church to assist anyone needing help. We quietly open and close the rear Church doors to assist late-comers or those who must exit for emergencies. We also take a head-count of all attending so that the clergy know how many wafers to consecrate for the service. At the Offertory, Ushers bring the wine and bread wafers to the front of the Church and then take up the collection among the congregation. At the Communion, two of the Ushers provide from the center aisle an orderly procession of communicants to the Church altar rail.
Near the end of the service, the Ushers open the rear doors for the exit of the congregation after which they check the pews for discarded bulletins and replace the prayer books and hymnals in the pew racks. Two of the Ushers go to the sanctuary where they count the collection offerings and tabulate them.
For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers administer the chalice during our 8:00a, 10:30a, and 6:00p Sunday worship, and at special services throughout the liturgical year. They serve in a regular rotation.
Eucharistic Ministers are expected to arrive early to worship, coordinate with other serving ministers, and to vest in an alb (white robe) and cincture (rope belt). In addition to regular Sunday attendance, Eucharistic Ministers meet semi-annually for worship, fellowship, and instruction of new members.
For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
Eucharistic Ministers are expected to arrive early to worship, coordinate with other serving ministers, and to vest in an alb (white robe) and cincture (rope belt). In addition to regular Sunday attendance, Eucharistic Ministers meet semi-annually for worship, fellowship, and instruction of new members.
For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
lectors
Worship Leaders read at the 8:00a, 10:30a, and 6:00p Sunday worship services and at special services throughout the liturgical year. Worship Leaders read on a regular rotation, and frequently serve as the Intercessor, leading the Prayers of the People. They are expected to arrive early to worship and to be prepared to read the appointed lessons and/or prayers. In addition to regular Sunday attendance, Worship Leaders meet semi-annually for worship, fellowship, and instruction of new members. For more information contact Etienna Wright at etienna@saintbarnabas.us.
Pastoral Care Team
Following the command of Jesus to visit the sick and the imprisoned, the Pastoral Care Team brings church to those who can’t make it to church. Team members visit, bring Communion, and pray for the homebound, hospitalized, and imprisoned members of Saint Barnabas’ church family. The Team also supports and ministers to these members’ families. In addition to the regular rotation of the homebound and imprisoned membership, the team also visits those who, unexpectedly, find themselves in the hospital. The Pastoral Care Team, along with all the parish clergy visit homebound parishioners every week, according to a regular rotation. For more information contact Leslie Alwell at dlalwell@bellsouth.net.
Wedding Guild
If you are looking for a ministry at Saint Barnabas that has no fundraisers, needs no donations, provides a valuable and fun service, the Wedding Guild might be for you. Called upon when a wedding is scheduled at Saint Barnabas, one or two guild members are available for the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding. They assist the bride, groom, and the wedding party to make them feel at home while at the church. They also assist the clergy with starting the wedding on time and, if needed, direct the formal seating. For more information, contact Jennifer Bolling at jmb5639@gmail.com.
Adult Choir
The St. Barnabas Adult Choir is one of our most integral in-church ministries at St. Barnabas. This dedicated group of volunteers add so much value to our worship service by sharing their time and talent with the congregation as they lead us all in lifting our voices in praise. The Adult Choir practices on Wednesday evenings and sings each Sunday at the 10:30 service, in addition to special services throughout the year. If you are interested in joining this ministry contact Director of Music, Shawn Roy at shawn@saintbarnabas.us.
Engagement
Adult Christian Formation
Each Sunday morning during the months of September through May, this class surveys a variety of topics pertinent to continued contemporary Christian formation. For more information, contact Fr. Michael Bordelon, fathermichael@saintbarnabas.us.
Children's Christan Formation
Children's Christian Formation (CCF) is about coming to church and to God to see what a Christian community is all about. We’re here to help children develop relationships with one another, with scripture, and with God. Through Children's Christian Formation we’re not only learning about God’s love, we’re learning about how we can better love each other and our community. We encourage all children in grades K-5 to join us for Children's Christian Formation.*
CCF Sunday School Schedule
9:00 - Gather in EYC Building
9:10 - Lesson, Crafts
10:15 - Snacks for kids and Parent Pickup
10:30 - Service
Contact Information
Etienna Wright, etienna@saintbarnabas.us
*Parents can attend Adult Christian Formation or stay with the children in Sunday School. Sunday School is held from the first Sunday after Labor Day through Pentecost.
CCF Sunday School Schedule
9:00 - Gather in EYC Building
9:10 - Lesson, Crafts
10:15 - Snacks for kids and Parent Pickup
10:30 - Service
Contact Information
Etienna Wright, etienna@saintbarnabas.us
*Parents can attend Adult Christian Formation or stay with the children in Sunday School. Sunday School is held from the first Sunday after Labor Day through Pentecost.
Becoming beloved community
Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) is a movement of the Episcopal Church to “…grow to love God and love the image of God that we find in our neighbors, in ourselves, and in creation. It provides a positive, theologically and biblically based ideal that orients the work of racial healing, reconciliation, and justice.”
The St. Barnabas BBC is working to bring racial healing and reconciliation to the wider community. We have completed Sacred Ground, a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race that is grounded in faith, and conducted a Healing and Reconciliation Service. We are currently exploring service and educational opportunities for interested parishioners that will help to increase our understanding of the factors that have resulted in today’s divisions, in a framework based on faith, hope, and love.
We hope you will join us in this important ministry as programs and service opportunities are developed. If you want to become involved with the BBC committee at St. Barnabas, or have ideas for programming or service, contact Janet Pecot (jtpecot@msn.com).
Resources related to the Episcopal Church and Social Justice:
Becoming Beloved Community
Sacred Ground
Telling the Truth, Proclaiming the Dream--Stories of Leadership, Racial Injustice, and Healing from Deputies, Bishops, and Leaders of Color in The Episcopal Church
Seeing the Face of God in Each Other-Developed by staff of The Episcopal Church, this curriculum focuses on anti-racism
The St. Barnabas BBC is working to bring racial healing and reconciliation to the wider community. We have completed Sacred Ground, a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race that is grounded in faith, and conducted a Healing and Reconciliation Service. We are currently exploring service and educational opportunities for interested parishioners that will help to increase our understanding of the factors that have resulted in today’s divisions, in a framework based on faith, hope, and love.
We hope you will join us in this important ministry as programs and service opportunities are developed. If you want to become involved with the BBC committee at St. Barnabas, or have ideas for programming or service, contact Janet Pecot (jtpecot@msn.com).
Resources related to the Episcopal Church and Social Justice:
Becoming Beloved Community
Sacred Ground
Telling the Truth, Proclaiming the Dream--Stories of Leadership, Racial Injustice, and Healing from Deputies, Bishops, and Leaders of Color in The Episcopal Church
Seeing the Face of God in Each Other-Developed by staff of The Episcopal Church, this curriculum focuses on anti-racism
Episcopal church women (ECW)
The ECW supports and inspires all women in the church as they strive to express in word and deed their love of God, family, and neighbor. Worship is the inspiration of all of our missions. Our goals will not be accomplished unless we remember to keep Christ at the center of all that we do. Through service to our parish we reflect our love of God.
We develop projects which will benefit our parish, our ECW, our neighborhood, and our community. We aim to nurture all women of the church who are welcome as members of the ECW. Our meetings are a place where relationships are developed; where women’s roles in the church are not only recognized, but honored; where each woman’s talents and gifts are affirmed, whatever they may be; and where women can grow individually and collectively. Every woman of Saint Barnabas is a member of ECW.
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at 6:00p. Childcare can be available upon request. Contact: Sharon Falgout at sharonfalgout59@hotmail.com for more information.
We develop projects which will benefit our parish, our ECW, our neighborhood, and our community. We aim to nurture all women of the church who are welcome as members of the ECW. Our meetings are a place where relationships are developed; where women’s roles in the church are not only recognized, but honored; where each woman’s talents and gifts are affirmed, whatever they may be; and where women can grow individually and collectively. Every woman of Saint Barnabas is a member of ECW.
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at 6:00p. Childcare can be available upon request. Contact: Sharon Falgout at sharonfalgout59@hotmail.com for more information.
episcopal youth community (EYC)
St. Barnabas has a dynamic EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) program for middle and high school students. The program is designed to build genuine community among our young people that will foster in them well-grounded relationships with God in Christ, one another, and the world around them. EYC is open to anyone from 6th grade through the 12th grade. EYC meets weekly for activities designed to foster team building, leadership skills, communication, fun, and faith. In addition, we have retreats on the local and diocesan level, and we take trips as we are able, some of which are purely fun and others seek to encourage and enable a mission minded youth community. EYC meets the first Sunday after Labor day through Pentecost.
For 6th to 12th graders, EYC is held on Sunday evenings in the EYC Building and Ramsay Hall.
4:00pm - 5:30pm - Fellowship, Games, and Christian Formation. For the 2022-2023 school year, we will be utilizing the Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints curriculum.
5:30pm - 5:55pm - Dinner in Ramsay Hall
6:00pm - 7:00pm - Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Contact: etienna@saintbarnabas.us
For 6th to 12th graders, EYC is held on Sunday evenings in the EYC Building and Ramsay Hall.
4:00pm - 5:30pm - Fellowship, Games, and Christian Formation. For the 2022-2023 school year, we will be utilizing the Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints curriculum.
5:30pm - 5:55pm - Dinner in Ramsay Hall
6:00pm - 7:00pm - Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Contact: etienna@saintbarnabas.us
men's group
All men are invited to join in fellowship on 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm in Ramsay Hall. Bring something to throw on the grill. Sides and beverages will be provided. Don’t miss it! Get more involved at St. Barnabas, meet some new guys, and eat a really good meal! For more information contact Paul Morton at morton@louisiana.edu or Rob Stevenson at 1961mga@gmail.com.
parish life
The Parish Life Committee helps organize and host fellowship events in the life of the Saint Barnabas congregation, including our parish breakfasts, picnics, annual meeting, and receptions held before and after church events and special services. For more information contact Brooksie Thibodeaux at brooksie.thibodeaux0126@gmail.com.
Welcoming ministry
The Welcoming Ministry welcomes our visitors and newcomers to Saint Barnabas and offers them opportunities to become a part of our community, by providing them with an easy transition to of our parish. We do this by deliberately greeting and conversing with visitors and newcomers, offering a tangible sign of welcome from the lay people, and inviting them to planned social events.
Participants in the Welcoming Ministry identify and greet visitors and newcomers on Sunday and make themselves available to answer questions about Saint Barnabas. By coordinating efforts with our parish administrator, we deliver bread from Great Harvest bakery to individuals and families who fill out a visitor sheet or welcome card.
The Welcoming Ministry does not have an established meeting schedule, but gathers to train participants and to plan events. Our volunteers are comfortable meeting new people, and with being assertive enough to introduce themselves and initiate conversation. Individuals don’t have to be extreme extroverts, only interested in getting to know others. We also need individuals with time to deliver bread around town on a regular basis, typically once a month, and others who enjoy planning and carrying out social events.
This is a very gratifying ministry, placing participants on the forefront of our active parish. While incorporating others, we nurture a stronger sense of belonging by gaining familiarity with those around us.
For more information, contact Fr. Michael Bordelon at fathermichael@saintbarnabas.us.
Participants in the Welcoming Ministry identify and greet visitors and newcomers on Sunday and make themselves available to answer questions about Saint Barnabas. By coordinating efforts with our parish administrator, we deliver bread from Great Harvest bakery to individuals and families who fill out a visitor sheet or welcome card.
The Welcoming Ministry does not have an established meeting schedule, but gathers to train participants and to plan events. Our volunteers are comfortable meeting new people, and with being assertive enough to introduce themselves and initiate conversation. Individuals don’t have to be extreme extroverts, only interested in getting to know others. We also need individuals with time to deliver bread around town on a regular basis, typically once a month, and others who enjoy planning and carrying out social events.
This is a very gratifying ministry, placing participants on the forefront of our active parish. While incorporating others, we nurture a stronger sense of belonging by gaining familiarity with those around us.
For more information, contact Fr. Michael Bordelon at fathermichael@saintbarnabas.us.
LGBTQIA+ Folks and friends
All members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as allies to this community, are welcome to join Folks and Friends for monthly meetings consisting of fellowship and discussion. Currently, there is no recurring date which meetings will be held, however, if you are interested in taking part in this ministry, please contact Taylor Clement.
Outreach
Outreach
Following Christ’s directive, "inasmuch as you have done to the least of these, you have done it to me," the Outreach Ministry is charged with discerning the parish’s call in the community and providing the people of Saint Barnabas the opportunity to contribute their time, talent, and treasure inside and outside the parish.
Outreach Ministry Mission Statement
Outreach ministers to many communities and organizations as “an outward and visible sign” of the parish’s faithful Stewardship. The Outreach Committee invites everyone new to our community to join with us as we seek to make a difference in God’s Kingdom.
Monthly Outreach Events: Meal service Downtown or at Clearport Learning Center; Bingo at Lady of the Oaks Nursing Home.
For more information, contact Fr. Michael Bordelon at fathermichael@saintbarnabas.us.
Outreach Ministry Mission Statement
Outreach ministers to many communities and organizations as “an outward and visible sign” of the parish’s faithful Stewardship. The Outreach Committee invites everyone new to our community to join with us as we seek to make a difference in God’s Kingdom.
Monthly Outreach Events: Meal service Downtown or at Clearport Learning Center; Bingo at Lady of the Oaks Nursing Home.
For more information, contact Fr. Michael Bordelon at fathermichael@saintbarnabas.us.
Meals on Wheels
From the Meals on Wheels of America website:
Volunteers are the backbone of Meals on Wheels programs across the country. Not only do they prepare and deliver meals to homebound seniors in their local communities, they also provide the seniors with companionship and a warm, friendly smile when they arrive at the door.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities at Meals on Wheels programs, though specific openings will vary from one location to another. People of varied interests and abilities can help – whether they want to be hands-on or behind the scenes. Timing is also flexible, but most programs deliver meals before noon. For specifics about the St. Barnabas program, contact Mary Catherine Hager at marychager@gmail.com.
Volunteers are the backbone of Meals on Wheels programs across the country. Not only do they prepare and deliver meals to homebound seniors in their local communities, they also provide the seniors with companionship and a warm, friendly smile when they arrive at the door.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities at Meals on Wheels programs, though specific openings will vary from one location to another. People of varied interests and abilities can help – whether they want to be hands-on or behind the scenes. Timing is also flexible, but most programs deliver meals before noon. For specifics about the St. Barnabas program, contact Mary Catherine Hager at marychager@gmail.com.
Kairos Prison Ministry
The mission of the Kairos Prison Ministry is to bring Christ's love and forgiveness to all incarcerated individuals, their families and those who work with them, and to assist in the transition of becoming a productive citizen. "Kairos" is a New Testament Greek term that means "God's Special Time" and is often expressed in Scripture as "the fullness of time."Contact: Jim Lambert at jim@jimlambert.com.
The Food Pantry
A former rector at St. Barnabas challenged the congregation to, “Feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and love those who have no one but you to love them.” The Food Pantry is among the ways St. Barnabas is responding to that challenge.
Located on the west side of the church’s facility on Camellia Boulevard, in a small building just steps away from the memorial bell tower, the Food Pantry is available 24/7 to provide assistance to individuals and families suffering food shortages. It’s a self-service, take-what-you-need effort, re-stocked five days a week.
A Needs List is published regularly to alert congregants to what food, personal hygiene, or cleaning supplies are needed in an effort to solicit donations that allow the panty to most efficiently meet the needs of those who use it. Volunteers are needed Tuesday-Friday and Sunday to give a half-hour or so as Pantry Manager, primarily to re-stock the pantry shelves and make sure it’s ready to serve.
For information about volunteering, email The Food Pantry volunteer coordinator, Elizabeth Hamilton, at searq@aol.com.
Click here for the most recent Pantry News and Needs List.
Located on the west side of the church’s facility on Camellia Boulevard, in a small building just steps away from the memorial bell tower, the Food Pantry is available 24/7 to provide assistance to individuals and families suffering food shortages. It’s a self-service, take-what-you-need effort, re-stocked five days a week.
A Needs List is published regularly to alert congregants to what food, personal hygiene, or cleaning supplies are needed in an effort to solicit donations that allow the panty to most efficiently meet the needs of those who use it. Volunteers are needed Tuesday-Friday and Sunday to give a half-hour or so as Pantry Manager, primarily to re-stock the pantry shelves and make sure it’s ready to serve.
For information about volunteering, email The Food Pantry volunteer coordinator, Elizabeth Hamilton, at searq@aol.com.
Click here for the most recent Pantry News and Needs List.
Beacon community connections
At our 2023 Annual Meeting, three local, 3rd-party outreach ministries were voted on to receive focused efforts from our congregation. Our plan for involvement in these ministries is still in development.
Please visit www.beaconconnections.org for more information on their work.
Please visit www.beaconconnections.org for more information on their work.
healing House - hope for grieving children
At our 2023 Annual Meeting, three local, 3rd-party outreach ministries were voted on to receive focused efforts from our congregation. Our plan for involvement in these ministries is still in development.
Please visit www.healing-house.org for more information on their work.
Please visit www.healing-house.org for more information on their work.
grocery distribution for the unhoused
At our 2023 Annual Meeting, three local, 3rd-party outreach ministries were voted on to receive focused efforts from our congregation. Our plan for involvement in these ministries is still in development.
Please email Janet Pecot for more information on their work.
Please email Janet Pecot for more information on their work.
Get In Touch.
|
Vertical Divider
For more information about our church, please feel free to contact us directly at the information listed below.
Address: 400 Camellia Boulevard Lafayette, LA 70503 Phone:337-984-3848 E-mail: contact@saintbarnabas.us Little Lambs Mother's Day Out: Phone: 337-984-3887 Email: littlelambsMDO@saintbarnabas.us |
