Get Involved at St. Barnabas

This team volunteers each Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to provide welcome and information to our guests and attendees, guiding us all into the life of community.

Contact: Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

Everyone in the parish is invited to come for these fellowship meals, which are important celebrations in our community and bring the parish together.

Contact: Tim Bowyer tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

The following meals are scheduled throughout the year:

Quarterly Sunday Parish Meals:

- Parish Meeting (January)|
- St. Barnabas/Pentecost Day (June)
- Rally Day (August)
- All Saints Potluck (November)

Seasonal Events:

- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
- Lenten Dinners

Volunteers commit to planning and cooking food, preparing the space, and cleaning up following a meal. Ideally, 5-8 volunteers are needed. This service brings volunteers together as part of a dynamic team and extends the joy of taking part in hospitality to the whole church community.

This group provides refreshment after a funeral or other occasion and is vital to a family in a time of grief. The death of a loved one is an overwhelming time, and a reception in the Parish Hall allows families and friends to gather, share stories, and comfort one another. Volunteers set up, host, and clean up. Typical receptions include coffee and tea, finger sandwiches, cookies, and fruit and veggie trays. Many helping hands are needed for this ministry of love.

Contact: Sharon Miller – themillersoftx@gmail.com

This team ensures the kitchen is poised for all of its good uses. The Kitchen Team is trained to understand the kitchen thoroughly and commits itself to being available to help groups make use of it. They follow a regular deep-cleaning regimen, handle inventory, and ensure things are in working order, assisting with the organization of meals.

Contact: Elizabeth Loggie - celoggie@gmail.com

Saturday morning opportunities to work/clean our buildings and grounds, serve our neighbors, join in fellowship, and get to know folks as we work alongside one another, beautifying and improving the campus. A Team Leader is needed to take each planned workday.

Contact: Joe Simmons – hogjoe@gmail.com
Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

The columbarium lies at the center of the grounds at St. Barnabas, a place of quiet, shade, beauty and repose. This committee assists parish leadership with tending the columbarium, makes arrangements with family to reserve and assign niches, assists with services and interments, and plans for any columbarium expansions.

Contact: Bill Agnew – wdagnew@sbcglorbal.net
Wolf Benner - cmwbenner@gmail.com
Shalmir Benner – shalbenner@gmail.com
Bill Snyder - wpsnyder3@austin.rr.com

Individuals and couples enjoy gathering with other parish members for a meal in a home or at a restaurant. The groups are shuffled twice a year to allow folks to know a wider range of folks within the St. Barnabas Community.

Contact: Lorri Kendrick – lorriken@gmail.com

For young adults, families, and singles who want to fellowship with one another. All are welcome for a meal, gathering, or event.

Contacts: Emily Bowyer – emily@stbarnabasfbg.org
Chris Acton – chris@stbarnabasfbg.org
Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

If you want to learn to sew, or you already know how to sew and would like to gather as a group, then this is an opportunity for you!

Contact: Bette Jacob – bcjacob13@yahoo.com

Are you interested in the arts? Do you have a desire to see the arts incorporated more intentionally in the life of our parish?

Please consider joining the St. Barnabas Arts Guild, a new “art and faith” initiative. Among other things, we aim to host several events celebrating the arts and their connections to theology and community, to encourage our fellow parishioners to participate in the arts, and to invite local artists to share their work.

We’ll begin with the visual arts, writing, music, and culinary arts and grow from there!

Reach out to Tim Bowyer at tim@stbarnabasfbg.org to ask questions or get involved.

Meeting through the Fall and the Spring in the Parish Hall, this is an intentional time to connect, to heal, and to find peace and freedom in body and mind. The core intention is to actively work out our prayers in our bodies—releasing tension, anxiety, pain, and grief while finding rest, joy, peace, hope, and love through embodied prayer.

For everyone, whether new to yoga or veterans, we hope you will find this a welcoming space for community, wellness, and spiritual practice.

Hosted and instructed by Michele Papan, Alison Pounds, and Laurie Avery-Cohen.

For inquiries, please reach out to Alison Pounds at alisonpoundsyoga@gmail.com.

An adult Sunday School class focusing primarily on contemporary Christian practical theology through reflection upon a variety of texts and video offerings. All are welcome. Meets in the EFM room in the Christian Education Building (CEB).

Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Tom Carnes – tcarnes@thomaspcarnes.com

This class stands in the tradition of the church year, celebrating the holiness of the ordinary days of family life, career, home, community, and service. We engage in generous dialogue around the lectionary readings each week, so everyone can take part without any preparation. All are welcome.

Meets in the parlor of the Christian Education Building (CEB).

Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Tim Bowyer – tim@stbarnabasfbg.org

Members of this class welcome all St. Barnabas women to join. Members take turns facilitating discussion over books about faith, spiritual growth, and practices.

Meets in the St. Jerome Library.

Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Nan Mosely – nan.mosely801@gmail.com

An adult Sunday School class reading, engaging, and discussing various books of the Bible. All are welcome.

Meets in the AA room of the Christian Education Building (CEB).

Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Gayle and Cyndie Williams – cyndiewilliams@mac.com

A distance learning four-year lay seminary program in partnership with the Diocese of West Texas and the School of Theology of the University of the South (Sewanee), which includes critical biblical scholarship, church history, theology, and ethics, with an emphasis on theological reflection as a life skill, practical theology, and Christian vocation. The course has weekly seminar meetings in the evening during the academic year, in a small group setting led by mentors.

Meets once a week in the Christian Education Building (CEB).

Contact: Tom Carnes – tcarnes@thomaspcarnes.com

We will explore differing life roles, experiences, and points of view as we study the scriptures and talk meaningfully about the things we care about. We hope this gives us a fresh opportunity for growth, asking different and open-hearted questions and dialoguing with each other.

Meets Wednesday mornings in the Christian Education Building (CEB).

Contact: Stephen Kinney - swk.kinney@gmail.com

A group of St. Barnabas women who commit to a life of prayer, service, and a close walk with the Lord. They offer prayers every day for a list of prayer requests, share the message of God’s love with others, actively participate in monthly meetings, and provide service to the rector and parish. Prospective members attend 10 weekly discernment classes before being admitted.

Contact: Leslie Washburne - (830) 998-5002 or leslielykes@hotmail.com
Carol Schreider - (830) 997-5762 or carol@stbarnabasfbg.org

A group for girls ages 7 -18 who want to grow in God’s love through prayer and service to others. They will have the opportunity to develop their prayer life, attend monthly meetings, and support the church through service. New members are admitted after participating in an 8-week discernment class.

Meets on second Saturdays each month.

Contact: Leslie Washburne - (830) 998-5002 or leslielykes@hotmail.com

Periodic events and speakers inviting focused study and engagement of differing formative ideas. These events are open to the community. Look for announcements and look online to be aware of these special occasions.

Created to help the church learn to be a safe and encouraging place for individuals living with mental health challenges. Developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this eight-session study explores key topics and examines meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote well being. It requires no previous training or expertise—just a willingness to engage in dialogue with others. This course addresses difficult topics and may not be appropriate for a young audience. It is recommended for people above the age of 17.

Meets: periodically based on interest and availability

Contact: Kerri Wolcott – wolcottfam@gmail.com

The nursery provides a warm and welcoming environment for children to know God’s love while parents engage in adult education and attend services at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Paid Nursery staff as well as volunteers provide their calm presence and childcare as they lead activities and assist with the needs of young children each Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and at some parish events.

Contact: Emily Bowyer - emily@stbarnabasfbg.org

Godly Play “makes meaning through story, wonder, and play.” This educational program introduces children to Biblical stories in a rich and meaningful play-based and liturgical curriculum that utilizes wondering questions, a Work Time that involves both play and creativity, concluding with a Feast.

Four types of volunteer opportunities:

- Storytellers and Doorkeepers serve as co-teachers in the classroom with the children.

- The “Shepherd” provides security, keeps attendance and welcomes children through the hallway door

- The Feast Person provides the "feast” or snack for each class.

Meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Emily Bowyer – emily@stbarnabsfbg.org

Moving through different books and devotionals, youth at St. Barnabas engage in study and prayer and enjoy refreshments together each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Each year, the youth participate in confirmation class and Youth Sunday, a Eucharistic service involving youth in each role of the service and featuring graduating seniors’ reflections for a homily. Youth also engage in service and fellowship gatherings throughout the year. One to three volunteers are needed as teachers and mentors.

Meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Chris Acton – chris@stbarnabasfbg.org

A ministry to mothers and young children during the week, MMO offers care and education to children ages 12 months to 4 years old (measured by September 1 each year). Held Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the virtues of competence, creativity, character, and compassion are taught and modeled by a dedicated staff. Children are given opportunities to grow in their relationships with nature, with each other, and with God. (Optionally: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Contact: Nancy Lopez-Taylor – nancy@stbarnabasfbg.org

A Mom’s Morning Off program, Camp Barnabas is held in June on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is for children one year old through kindergarten. Activities are theme-based and include Bible stories, music, play time, crafts, and games.

Contact Nancy Lopez-Taylor – nancy@stbarnabasfbg.org

Held each summer, an experience of wild wonder, engaging God’s creation together at Enchanted Rock, learning to be in nature safely and observantly. Children will draw nearer to one another and the Creator.

The group spends Monday through Wednesday mornings at Enchanted Rock for guided activities and lessons before returning by lunchtime for pickup. The week culminates on Thursday with a “Show and Tell” Nature Exhibition for parents, grandparents, and friends at St. Barnabas.

Contact: Emily Bowyer - emily@stbarnabasfbg.org

The Brothers and Sisters of St. Barnabas lovingly support others in need to make a positive impact in their lives and encourage the congregation to participate.

Look for initiatives in announcements and contact:

Nancy Cook – ncook1001@gmail.com to be involved.

A group of St. Barnabas men who, twice a year, spend three days at the Connally Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections ministering to inmates through hosting a retreat. Don’t miss this opportunity to befriend inmates and to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with them. This ministry impacts the hearts and lives of the men in prison as well as their families with the goal that they would become loving and productive citizens in their communities.

Contact: Bud Parrish – bparrish1@yahoo.com

St. Barnabas has a Food Box on West Creek Street in front of the parking lot that makes food available to the underfed in our community. Volunteers are needed to keep the box stocked with assorted items, shop for food, and/or donate towards the purchase of food items. Look to bring items on 2nd Sundays of the month, Food Box Sundays.

Contact: Jacqueline Hines – jmhimes03@gmail.com

Equips women with positive strategies for facing this major life transition. Members support each other in learning to adapt successfully after divorce. We meet on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Leslie Washburne – leslielykes@hotmail.com

A group for mothers who have lost a child to find support through presence and compassion. We meet on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m.

Contact: Leslie Washburne – leslielykes@hotmail.com

A group for anyone grieving for study of resilient strategies and support.

Meets: Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Leslie Washburne – leslielykes@hotmail.com

A new Support group is beginning on Saturdays at St. Barnabas, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the CEB. (Beginning April 18, 2026).

Hosted by Leslie Washburne, this is for individuals working through living with chronic illness. This is a space to find support for all the grief, adjustments, and accommodations we make to find a "new normal" when facing life chronically sick. The group will find support in sharing, dialogue, and reading together. 

This organization cares for all neighbors in need by coordinating volunteers, direct services, and local resources. They provide crisis assistance, counseling, domestic violence support, and senior and family services. For more information, see their website at needscouncil.org or call (830) 997-9756.

A charitable medical, dental, and mental health clinic meeting essential health needs for Gillespie County and the surrounding area. See their website here at goodsamfbg.org or call (830) 990-8651.

The Grace Center of Fredericksburg provides shelter, offers guidance, and schedules free and confidential services to empower those who have been impacted by domestic violence and desire to escape the abuse.

For more information, see the website at thegracecenterfbg.org or call (830) 307-3383.

Works to introduce young people to life in Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith by forming meaningful friendships, making connections in the community, providing fun and life-changing experiences, and partnering with local churches. For more information, go to fbgtx.younglife.org.

Boy Scouts aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose. Meeting at St. Barnabas and programming trips and education, Troop 137 engages young men in growth and formation. For more information, contact Gayne or John at (830) 285-1011 or scoutmasterfbg137@gmail.com.

Active for over 40 years, the GCMA is a group of local ministers and ministry leaders engaging in community service, worship, and mutual encouragement. See gcmafbg.com.

Serving kids ages 6 to 18, we empower all young people to reach their full potential as responsible, caring, productive citizens through after school and summer programs. See bgcatxhc.org or call (830) 997-9833.

Providing childcare for infants to 3 year olds. With prioritization for economically disadvantaged families and those who have experienced trauma, all children are welcome. Contact: (830) 307-3140 or online at littleheartsfbg.org.

Provides support through resourcing and education for pregnancies, women, and families.

St. Barnabas welcomes the ministry and work of recovery. AA meetings are held in the Christian Education Building (CEB) nearly every evening:

Sunday: 8:00 p.m.
Mondays: 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays: No meetings
Friday: 6:30 p.m. (Al-Anon), 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 p.m.

Contact: Church Office - office@stbarnabasfbg.org

The Vestry is the elected leadership of the parish, defining, guiding, and supporting its mission by word and deed. They are responsible for selecting the rector, ensuring effective organization and planning, and managing resources and finances as the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its property. Vestry members are elected at each annual parish meeting and officers are appointed, including the Senior Warden – president for the Vestry, Junior Warden – responsible for facilities and grounds, and Chancellor – legal advisor for the parish.

The Finance Committee is appointed and meets regularly to give oversight and management to the parish’s finances.