Community Life

Time for fellowship at St. Barnabas in the tradition of the coffee hour has long been an important part of our church life. For many decades people have been coming together over a hot cup of coffee to catch up on one another’s lives. Our coffee hour ministry—which works in teams to provide refreshments at the gatherings after each service—has grown in membership as more and more parishioners stay after the service each week to socialize. Although the more formal welcome table is also set up during this time, coffee hour team members offering homemade cookies and coffee serve as another arm of the welcoming ministry. As a volunteer to serve on a coffee team, you will collaborate with a group (or perhaps a duo for 8 a.m. service) to provide nourishment in the form of cookies, fruit, charcuterie, quiche, baked goods, etc. Your commitment would involve a willingness to arrive early and stay a little late after the service once every month. This is a great ministry for folks who take joy in cooking and feeding others, and who love collaboration!

Contact Jannie Best

This ministry welcomes visitors and new parishioners, helping everyone who comes to St. Barnabas to feel welcomed and to get connected with the community. This ministry holds periodic brunches for newcomers and visitors to provide the opportunity to connect, and to help folks get acquainted with St. Barnabas clergy, ministry leaders, and with one another. Building on these great beginnings, the parish has embarked upon a more formal welcoming ministry—The Newcomer’s Ministry—using the Episcopal program Invite Welcome Connect (IWC), a ministry endorsed by the Rt. Rev. Philip LaBelle, our newly elected diocesan bishop, and by the retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. This past spring, the IWC program was introduced to our church to help us deepen the ways we offer connection and belonging. This reflects our growing awareness that people need more than friendliness; they need a way to feel included, seen, and become rooted in community—with a true sense of belonging. Belonging grows through relationships, invitations, and shared life and must be a team effort embraced by the entire congregation. Our participation in IWC reflects our commitment to becoming even more intentional about this work.

Contact Trip Duncan

An energetic group which assists with numerous activities throughout the year for members of both the parish and the Bainbridge Island community, such as: Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras celebration), Carols and Cocoa at Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day activities, and much more! At various times throughout the year, the parish also hosts special events such as the Bishop’s visit, presentations by guest speakers, special lectures, and other parish events that call for more than a regular coffee hour or reception. This committee plans and provides food and beverages for those occasions.

Contact Lisa–Marie MacKenzie

As a whole, the congregation seeks to care for one another through life’s ups and downs. Such care includes a hearty prayer ministry as well as home delivered meals in times of need, Eucharistic visits, and listening hearts. The rector, deacon, and clergy associates offer visits, sacramental care, and pastoral counseling, as needed.

Contact the Church office by phone 206.842.5601 or email

Is there someone for whom you would like us to pray? Would you like to pray for others in our community? The St. Barnabas Prayer Chain consists of a group of volunteers who believe in the power of prayer and who willingly and consistently pray for others. Drucy Burnet Hodge coordinates our chain, receiving requests for prayers, and sending those prayers out to the pray-ers. If you would like us to pray for you or someone you love, please contact Drucy. 

Prayer requests can be as simple as giving a first name and asking for prayers, or more specific prayer requests. The level of detail is up to the individual making the request, and while requests are sent to all those who commit to praying, they remain otherwise confidential. If you would like to join us in praying for the people on our Prayer Chain, please email Drucy and ask to be added to the list. 

Contact Drucy Burnet Hodge

Secret Prayer Partners (SPP) has been formed as a way to bring the women of St. Barnabas into closer fellowship and spiritual awareness of each other’s needs. This happens through prayer, friendship, and correspondence throughout the year while keeping our own identity a secret from our SPP until the year’s end party and gift exchange. SPP runs from February through January each year.

Contact Sue Thompkins description

At the Shakespeare discussion group we chat and share opinions on a given play—usually once a month, although no meetings in December, April, June, and July. No quizzes, grades or papers! Shakespeare writes about life; his themes are universal and always relevant to our lives and beliefs. If this is something you might enjoy, we’d love to welcome you into the group if that’s what you’d like. Have questions? Leader Mo Godman’s contact information is just below.

Contact Mo Godman

The St. Barnabas Supper & Brunch Club is a long–standing adult–oriented social fellowship program. Groups of eight to ten people meet for a shared meal where there is time to appreciate each other’s company. We enjoy the gifts of food and drink and learn to know each other, moving from acquaintances to friends. Signups are in August/September. The program runs from October (excluding December) until the end of May. Perfect for anyone looking to get or stay connected to friends in the church community.

Contact Stephanie Neill

The table is staffed by volunteers during coffee hour in the parish hall following 10:30 a.m. services each Sunday. The Welcome Table is where we:

• Meet and get to know visitors
• Connect people with ministries of interest to them
• Provide information and sign-up sheets for parish events
• Answer questions about St. Barnabas to both new and established members alike
• Take requests for name tags

This is a great ministry for the extroverts among us!

Contact Kathleen Jennings