The Encourager - St. Barnabas Parish Newsletter

November 14, 2026 | Edition #46 (Nov. 14-15)


Having trouble viewing this email? Click Here!

Parable of the Talents

Annette Gandy Fortt

 

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

November 15, 2026

Holy Eucharist - Rite II | 9:30am

Celebrant - The Rev. Dr. John Rumple


Coffee Hour (November 15 Host - Erion) -- Join Us following the reading of the names!


Special Note: 3rd Sundays are food pickup days for Glen House Food Pantry. You can bring your donations to church on Sunday and we'll deliver. Please check the current list of needs below.

News and Upcoming

2027 Stewardship Campaign

is happening now!


Please take a moment to read the letter from Fr. John Rumple and consider prayerfully your pledge for this church in the upcoming year. In-Gathering Sunday is now on Sunday, November 22 - the Last Sunday after Pentecost.

Growing Together Into Our Future

In-Gathering Sunday - now November 22


Stewardship Letter

Dear Friends in Christ,

There are certain church traditions so ancient that no one remembers exactly when they began: standing for the Gospel, passing the peace, and receiving a stewardship letter every autumn reminding you that next year will cost more than this year. Unfortunately, only two of those are liturgical traditions.

So yes, this is a stewardship letter. I am going to ask you to make a financial pledge to St. Barnabas for 2027. But before I do, I want to tell you why I think this matters. Read the full letter here

"Be Encouraged!" Gathering

Next Gathering Tonight

- Friday, November 13th


Please join us on the 2nd Friday of each month for a time of reflection, conversation and prayer, focused on encouragement. We'll share a simple potluck meal at 6:30pm, and then meet in the Library from 7-7:45pm. read more

Internment - Alyson Carlsen

Monday, November 16 | 1pm


The internment of Alyson Carlsen takes place on Monday, November 16th at 1pm.


The family invites those who are able to attend to join them in the Memorial Garden.




Community Life

St. B Ramble

Saturday, November 14 at 10am


A leisurely walk together in God's beautiful creation is a great way to ease into a busy weekend! All ages are invited!


Our next Ramble is Saturday, November 14, 10am at Lincoln Marsh in Wheaton. Meet in the parking lot at Pierce Av and Harrison Av

Please note: This is the last Ramble until February


backgroundforTaizeCC81.jpg

Taize Worship

on Friday, November 20 @ 7:30pm


3rd Friday of every month, a service of meditation, reflection, music, and prayer.

The worship tradition in this service began many years ago in the ecumenical French monastic community called Taizé... read more

The Barnabas Project

Tuesday Nights on Zoom at 7-8pm

The spiritual practice of copying scripture is simple to start but powerful in the ongoing practice!


The Barnabas Project meets to encourage this spiritual practice. Participants copy scripture from the lectionary at home, send in a photo to our projectionist, Sandy Clapp sandesb12@aol.com, and then meet via Zoom on Tuesdays from 7-8pm for sharing and discussion. For more information click here

Men's Bible Study

Saturdays 8-9:30am on Zoom


We are currently reading Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. The books brings a lot of historical context to the stories of Jesus in the Bible, providing insights for modern readers. We meet every Saturday morning on Zoom. If you are interested in joining us, the Zoom link is in the link below or you can see James Keables.

Glen House Food Pantry

Next pickup: Sunday, November 15th


On the 3rd Sunday of the month, bring in food items to donate to Glen House, formerly called the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry. Click the link below to view the "Top Needs" from Glen House.


Thanks to all who donated to our October food drive for the Glen House Food Pantry, I know we still collect food on a regular basis, but October was St. Barnabas’ month to really push donations! And we did. Our food drive collected 147 pounds of food in 2026, vs 104 pounds last year. That’s over a 40% increase! Thank you all!


You do not need to make a special trip for your donations, just bring them to the church and we'll deliver!

Sleep Out Saturday

For Sleep Out Saturday this year, St. Barnabas youth and friends participated in educational and social activities at church, then attended the rally at COD. The youth have a fundraising page to help support rent assistance of Bridge Community Clients. Our goal is $500. Our current donations total $35. If you would like to make a donation, please use the link below. Thank you!

A Visit from St. Nick

Sunday, December 6th at 9:30am


St. Nicholas will visit our church on Sunday, December 6th during the 9:30 service! Member families have received an email with guidance. We will have some small bags available to include warmly any visiting children. If you invite friends for that day and they have kids, it would be appreciated (but not required) to let Elspeth know. Thank you!

Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along & Advent Chamber Music Concert

Saturday, December 12th, 4&7pm


Please join us for a festive family and community Carol Sing and Chamber Music Concert.  


4:00pm - Christmas Carol Sing-Along accompanied by the Kairos String Quartet! We’ll gather in the Undercroft (downstairs) for singing, refreshments, and fun!


7:00pm - Advent Chamber Music Concert with the Kairos String Quartet and Friends. This contemplative program will be in the church (upstairs), and will offer a time for rest, centering, and reflection as we observe the season of Advent.


You are invited to attend and support either or both events. Please spread the word, and bring family, friends and neighbors to share the love and joy. If you can help with refreshments, set up, or clean up, or donate to cover costs, please contact Cathy Kuna or Gavin Pugh.

Formation (Adults, Youth, Kids)

More information on Adult Advent Formation to come.

Youth Formation

11:15-12:15 in the Youth Room


Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth: there are angels, shepherds, no room in the inn, a manger, and Magi. But does this story show up in each of the four Gospels? If not why not? What is distinctive about the beginning of each Gospel? How do those differences help us to better understand Jesus and the Good News?

Kids' Formation - Advent 2026

Who: kids ages three through 5th grade

What: lessons from the Gospels paired with activities 

Where: the KF classroom at the bottom of the stairs 

When: four Sundays from November 29-December 20 , 11:15am-12:15pm

Why: to prepare to remember Baby Jesus and to prepare for King Jesus!


Questions? Contact Judi Horjus judihorjus@yahoo.com

Other News

Search Committee

Our rector search is officially underway, with resumes and candidates being considered right now.


Please continue to pray for the Parish, the Search Committee, the Vestry, and the new Growth Committee. May we be guided by the Holy Spirit in discerning and responding to God's call to us.

Altar Flower Sign-Ups

Check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Cost to donate an arrangement is $35 per Sunday.

11/15 - The Beine Family

11/22 - Bonnie Pollworth in memory of her mother Mary Berg


Coffee Hour Schedule

Check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex or click the link below. The time to gather together at coffee hour is truly at the heart of our St. Barnabas community. Email Anne McNamara to sign-up to host and coordinate scheduling changes.

Coffee Hour

We are working on putting together the 2027 coffee hour schedule! This time to gather together at coffee hour is truly at the heart of our St. Barnabas community. Hosting coffee hour can be as simple as making coffee and bringing some snacks like cookies or coffee cake. If you weren't on the schedule to host this year and would like to be included in the future, please let Anne McNamara know. Or, if you've been on the schedule but it isn't a fit anymore and would like to be taken off, please let Anne know. aimcnamara2@gmail.com  Thank you!"

Cub Pack 382 Adult Trivia Night

Saturday, November 21 | 6pm-10pm


Get ready for a night where your brainpower can help Cub Pack 382! Join us for an Adult-Only Trivia Night filled with fun facts, friendly competition, and a chance to support a great cause.


Bring your own beverages (BYOB) and prepare to bid on some exciting items in our Silent Auction. Tables seat eight, so plan a team or just show up and join one that night—because nothing brings people together like trivia and a little friendly rivalry!

Food and snacks will be provided.


This is strictly a 21 and over non-uniform event.

Scout Troop Christmas Wreaths

Ordered wreaths will be delivered on November 21


Anthony Slaven’s Scout Troop is selling Christmas wreaths this season to support his scouting journey and his troop. Thank you!

Outside/Community Events

About The Encourager and Announcements

processionalcrosstransparent.png

Submissions and Deadlines

For "The Encourager" newsletter & for announcements spoken during the service.


Use the links below to submit your information for Encourager articles and for spoken announcements during worship.


The Encourager goes out on Friday afternoons.


Spoken announcements (to be read in church during worship) must be submitted no later than Thursday at 8pm. You can also email your announcement to the office.

 
 

Important Links

1Deadline for submissions to The Encourager are due by Thursday at 8pm.

2Deadline for verbal announcements to be read is Thursday at 8pm. Please send directly to the church office or Fr. John.

 
 
Facebook  Instagram

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church | 22W415 Butterfield Road | Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 US

Constant Contact