The Adult Faith Formation team works with the Rector and other clergy to develop and manage parish programs designed to support each parishioner in their journey of faith. This activity is guided by the following values:

  •             Providing an open atmosphere for spiritual exploration of the Christian faith
  •             Encouraging spiritual growth based on scripture, tradition and reason
  •             Accepting the individuality of spiritual journeys and expressions

For further information regarding classes, programs and events please check the Parish Calendar and News & Events section of website for more information.

ADULT FORMATION

In our baptismal covenant, we are called to “proclaim by word and example the Good news of God in Christ, to “seek and serve Christ in all persons,” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people.” To answer this call, it is important to be deliberate about exploring our faith and utilizing the wisdom and resources that feed our souls. All Christians benefit from life-long faith formation.  Much of that comes in the form of regular church attendance, through the Bible readings and sermons we hear, the prayer we offer, and the Holy Eucharist we share. But there is much, much more to be grasped in deepening our understandings of the Way of Jesus and the great arc of Christianity. Adult Faith Formation programs form an integral part of the life-long learning that makes up our journey of faith.

Our approach is one of mutual inquiry and appreciation for the views and understandings of each of our attendees. Through interaction with the prepared materials, we hope to answer questions, spark deeper questions, extend knowledge, and delight in the numerous ways that faithful people engage their faith. In so doing, we hope to become better at our baptismal covenant and to deepen our friendships with each other.

Contact:  Linda Maxson | 206-842-5012

SUNDAY FORUMS

During the program year, monthly Sunday Forums are offered during the coffee hour following the 10 AM Eucharist. Programs last approximately 45 minutes and are announced in the Friday email and bulletin inserts.

LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS

During Lent, the Rector offers a 6-week formation program on Wednesday evenings. Volunteers provide a simple soup supper followed by the program with lots of time for “table talk,” sharing and exploration of our faith.

THE EPISCOPAL WAY OF CHRISTIANITY 

This 5-week series explored the Episcopal approach to church history, the Bible, the Baptismal Covenant, Sacraments & Liturgy and Spiritual Practices. Fall 2024 presentations included:

“Reading Scripture in the Anglican Tradition”

“Overview of Spiritual Practices”

“Fasting as a Spiritual Practice

“Anglican Prayer Beads”

“Lectio Divina (holy reading)”

“Praying the Daily Office”

CENTERING PRAYER & CONTEMPLATIVE MINISTRIES

“Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence… a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.”  Thomas Keating

St. Barnabas hosts a Centering Prayer gathering every Tuesday at 9 am in the Sanctuary. Our time together features an opening body prayer, a chant, 20 minutes of silence for Centering Prayer or other meditation, a reading (currently reading the Gospel of Thomas) followed by an opportunity for reflections and comments.

All are most welcome, even if you have no experience with Centering Prayer or Meditation. Come, sit in the envelope of silence and absorb the Presence. Your presence is your gift.

Contact: Rev. Patricia Robertson

LIBRARY

The Gowen Library at St. Barnabas provides the parish and community access to adult and children’s religious and spiritual literature. Our librarians have recently undertaken the monumental task of reshaping the library, culling and recataloguing all books to keep our library up-to-date. Our amazing volunteers are in the final stages of moving our entire catalogue online for our parishioners to reference from anywhere at anytime, and the library will soon be open for books to be checked out once again. The library is currently open to peruse during office hours, Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday mornings.

Contact: Yvonne Rolston or Melanie Roth