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Dear People of St. Barnabas,

You may have noticed that the liturgy changed up a bit last Sunday with a new set of Prayers of the People and a new Eucharistic Prayer for the 10:30 a.m. service. This coming Sunday, we will add to the change by incorporating the Contemporary Version of The Lord’s Prayer for the 10:30 a.m. service. The 8 a.m. Rite I service will continue to use the traditional version.  For those of you worshipping at the 10:30 a.m. service, there will be no demerits for sticking with the traditional version, though I heartily encourage you to give the contemporary version a try. 

To provide more information about the differences in the prayer version, I offer you a few tidbits:

• Though the texts for the prayers have been put together from Jesus’ words found in Matthew and Luke, there is no mention of the term “The Lord’s Prayer” in the gospels. 
• It is important to consider that translations from the original Greek text vary, meaning that different English words might be used in translating the same Biblical Greek word. 
• The early translation of the prayer into English used the language of the day that included the personal addresses of “thee” and “thou,” hence the use of the word “thy” as a possessive adjective. Obviously, we no longer use Elizabethan English in common parlance.

There are two other notable differences between the prayer versions. The first is the language around sin and forgiveness. The word “trespass,” found in the traditional version, seems rather tame. Some forms of the prayer use the word “debt.” On a superficial level, the word “trespass” conjures the vision of a youngster jumping over a fence to trespass on someone else’s property. Though I don’t appreciate the word “sin” with inherent depravity, the word seems to have deeper resonances that “debt” or “trespass.” In last Sunday’s sermon, I quoted the preacher Barbara Brown Taylor who has some definite thoughts around the language of sin and forgiveness:

“Abandoning the language of sin will not make sin go away. Human beings will continue to experience alienation, deformation, damnation and death no matter what we call them. Abandoning the language will simply leave us speechless before them, and increase our denial of their presence in our lives. Ironically, it will also weaken the language of grace, since the full impact of forgiveness cannot be felt apart from the full impact of what has been forgiven.”

I suggest to you that acknowledging our sin and brokenness does not mean that we were born with the taint of sin, but that we humans are prone to stray from God’s call to follow the way of life as Jesus taught. By acknowledging our sin, we can better know forgiveness and the rivers of grace waiting to flow in and through us. Clearly, much thought and volumes of ink have been spilled in debate over the topic of sin and sinfulness.

The other noticeable difference between versions is in the language around temptation.

Matthew 6:9-13 reads:

“Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.” (NRSV)

The prayer found in Luke 11:2-4 reads:

He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” (NRSV)

For the season of Ordinary Time that will stretch through to the season of Advent, I hope that this change regarding The Lord’s Prayer will help us flex our liturgical muscles to appreciate the expansive beauty of our Episcopal worship tradition.

Finally, I would like to share a fabulous article from the June issue of the PNW Bainbridge magazine that focused on the good work of Tim Shelly, St. Barnabas’ Kitchen Manager. The article begins: “In the early morning mist of Eagle Harbor, before the first ferry horn signals the start of the island’s commute, a single light often glows in the commercial kitchen of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.” Click here for the full article.

Summer blessings,

Dianne+

The Rev. Dianne Andrews

Interim

revdianne@stbbi.org


July 19: Bible Study Brainstorming

The Adult Faith Formation team has heard the many requests from parishioners to start a Bible study group at St. Barnabas, and we're ready to do something about it. Come join Michael Fitzpatrick and the team at The Bridge on July 19 at 9:30 a.m. for a fun conversation that involves a little Bible adventure followed by a practical discussion on how to get a Bible study started. Please come and help us ignite this latest opportunity for spiritual growth and education!


July 26: Finance Update
with Finance Committee Chairperson Borgan Anderson

Earlier this year, the St. Barnabas community collected household goods and hygiene products for our neighbors at Kitsap Homes of Compassion. See the note below from KHOC Executive Director Scott Williard extending their appreciation for these items.

Vespers Next Sunday
July 19 at 6 p.m.

St. Barnabas Schola Nova invites you to Vespers on Sunday, July 19 at 6 p.m. Please join us for a contemplative, sung service as we explore the theme of wisdom. We hope to see you there.

Vespers continues the third Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. during the summer.

August 16 | Feast of Mary, Mother of Jesus

If you are a treble singer interested in participating, please contact Music Director Sheila Bristow at sheila@stbbi.org. 

Summer Stories for Children & Youth

Children and youth of all ages are invited to join Mrs. Etienna for Summer Stories during the 10:30 a.m. service beginning this Sunday, July 12. We will all take part in the Liturgy of the Word together in the Sanctuary, then gather at the back of the church after the Gospel reading to move to the parlor. There, we'll enjoy a story together during the sermon, allowing kids a little freedom to get wiggles and giggles out during the service while engaging with some fun books. Kids will rejoin their parents just before Holy Eucharist. Stories are engaging for children and youth of all ages, and older youth may be inclined to help with younger ones. Hope to see you on Sunday!

Questions? Email Etienna, etienna@stbbi.org.

Centering Prayer

Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

Centering Prayer: body prayer, chanting, twenty minutes of silence, followed by contemplation of reflections from Meister Eckhart.

Click here for full details about how the challenge works, to access the Guidebook and Passport, important dates, and other helpful tools and information!

How does our Beloved Community garden grow? Let's find out when you share your journey along the way! We are looking for folks to write a paragraph or two for this weekly newsletter about what they are exploring and experiencing in this summer challenge. While we have a few contributors lined up, we still need a few more. Please contact Linda Maier, linda.r.maier@gmail.com, if you are willing to share your experience over the next couple of months.

Witnesses on the Way to Growing a Beloved Community

While travel is not exactly on the list for our Summer Challenge program, it certainly accomplished some of the same goals for me and my family. I came home from an overseas trip that “challenged my thinking” and left me “considering the perspectives of others.”

On a family vacation in June we traveled to another country where the language is very different from English. My family and I understood very little of the native tongue and spoke even less. It seemed like people talked very fast and it was difficult to understand what was being said, even more difficult to respond.

In addition, the ways in which people organized their lives, how they traveled and the rules of the road, their ways of doing business, how people dressed and constructed their homes were all very different from our own. We felt like fish out of water. Sometimes people looked at us like we were stupid when we didn’t know what to say or do.

It was humbling to not be able to express ourselves intelligently, to be unable to read the traffic signs or the directions on the train ticket kiosk or even find the bathroom. We didn’t know we needed our receipt to check out of the grocery store. We got lost many times trying to find our way and ended up going around some of those round-abouts multiple times. Traipsing around on foot in the 100+ degree weather when we were used to days topping out at 75 degrees was exhausting.

We came home with renewed empathy for those who immigrate to our country, who leave all that is familiar behind and start over, learning a foreign tongue and foreign ways in a foreign land. The good news is, participation in the Summer Challenge can deliver a similar experience without ever leaving town! It actually feels good to stretch our thinking to include the unfamiliar, to welcome what is different, to be curious about how others choose to live. Enjoy the trip!

—Jeanne Powell

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. | Suquamish Tribal Museum Guided Tour: 
Gain cultural insights to the Suquamish Tribe! Every wondered about the history and unique cultural attributes of the local First Nation/indigenous people? Come join a 1 hour guided tour of the Suquamish Tribal Museum at 11 a.m. on July 22! Please contact Phil Fergusson to reserve your space on the guided tour: philfergusson@hotmail.com. Museum entry: $6 per person.

Saturday, July 18, Day Trip | Seattle Indian Days Powwow | Magnolia Park: 
A cultural event sponsored by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. It takes place on the Daybreak Star Cultural Center grounds and features: over fifty Indigenous vendors with incredible jewelry, apparel, prints, etc.; dancing; live music; and food. The event is free and part of the citywide Seafair events. Interested? Contact Etienna Wright, etienna@stbbi.org, to coordinate carpooling and logistics.

July 27-29 | Suquamish Canoe Days | Suquamish:

Help celebrate with the Suquamish Tribe as they welcome the annual Salish Sea tribal trek by canoe! This is both a fun local event held in Suquamish and a unique cultural experience. Tribes from the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) paddle in traditional canoes to the various tribes in our inland waters. Each landfall is at a tribal center and the local tribe hosts a celebration. Be advised that the popularity of this event can make parking and spectator access challenging. If you would both like to ensure better access to the event and gain more insight to the cultural elements, consider volunteering! Register online to volunteer.

REGISTER TODAY!

Even Here, God Abides:

Finding Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty

St. Barnabas is excited to host a special event on Saturday, August 8 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Join us in Tierney Parish Hall as Rev. Debie Thomas leads us in a workshop titled Even Here, God Abides: Finding Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty.

God is always with us. This is a core truth of Christianity. But it can be a tough truth to hang onto when we feel unsettled and uncertain. How can we trust in a loving God during seasons of transition, disillusionment, pain, or loss? What does authentic hope look like in the dark? During this time together, we will consider the generative role that uncertainty plays in the life of faith. What gifts of wisdom, resilience, and creativity might it offer? Through scripture study, meditation, journaling, prayer, and guided conversation, we will look for the God who is always here—even when "here" is a challenging place to be.

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today by clicking the button below! St. Barnabas asks for an honorarium of $10 per guest to reserve your seat at the workshop. Scholarships are available! Finances should never prevent participation in church events. Contact info@stbbi.org and we will submit your registration at no cost. 

Joint the St Barnabas Book Club in July for a discussion of Rev. Debie Thomas's A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting A More Spacious Christianity.

This book club meeting will have two separate meeting dates and times!

Monday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Friday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m.

Our beautiful campus is starting to even look better! Thanks to the efforts of the following people joining the work party, July 2nd: Mary Anne Smith, Sheila Cronan, Peggy Eichenberger, Trip Duncan, Elaine Percival, and Pat Todd. The next work party to complete the jobs will be on Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Come join in fellowship and the satisfaction of playing a key role in keeping our campus looking great!

Please contact Property Warden, Phil Fergusson, if you'd like to join us. philfergusson@hotmail.com

P.S. This is a good intergenerational/family event! All are welcome to help!

Vestry Meeting Highlights

21 June 2026

Rev Dianne led off the meeting with discussion centered around the reading:

"Being on the open ocean is a profound, two sided experience. It evokes a striking mix of deep, meditative freedom and exhilarating vulnerability. The vast empty horizon puts human scale into perspective, instantly shifting your mind away from the noise of daily life and into the present moment." This was discussed in reference to our dear St. Barnabas community.

Mo Godman comprehensively updated the Vestry on the many roles of the Pastoral Care Ministry. This included the Senior Ministry at senior living facilities, pastoral visits, note writing, prayer chains, rides, Reiki healing, prayer shawls, and more. Rides are available for St. Barnabas members and attendees, by other St. Barnabas members, through Island Volunteer Caregivers (IVC). If parishioners are interested in volunteering with rides or any aspect of the Pastoral Care Ministry please contact Mo Godman. 

Kirk Eichenberger discussed St Barnabas finances. An important Bridge session at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, 26 July will be devoted to informing the parish about the treasurer's report. 

The New Rector Call Committee is proceeding with their work pursuant to the diocese accepting the Parish Profile. The position has been widely circulated through the Episcopal Church. The Vestry stands by to support the Call Committee in their important work. 

Each Vestry member will continue on a rostered basis to help deliver announcements as the VPOD (Vestry Person of the Day) at both the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services. 

Finally, by Vestry support, two new Visitor Parking spots will be designated in the upper parking lot to welcome guests and newcomers. 

With faith and all good wishes,

Trip Duncan

The St. Barnabas Prayer Chain consists of a group of pray-ers who believe in the power of prayer and who devotedly pray for others. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, or if you would like to join those who receive information about those for whom we pray, email Prayer Chain Coordinator, Drucy Burnet Hodge, drucy15@msn.com. Parishioners remain on the prayer list for one month, non-parishioners for two weeks. The long-term prayer list is periodically reviewed and revised. 

*St. Barnabas Members

We are so fortunate to live in a state in which citizens are encouraged to vote, and are supported in that process. This is not the norm in many parts of the country, however, and voting can be especially difficult for people of color. Over the past decade, Bill and I have been working with The Center for Common Ground, a non-partisan voting rights organization which aims to reach disenfranchised black and brown voters in states with a history of voter suppression. Reclaim Our Vote is the CFG’s volunteer campaign focusing on engaging and educating BIPOC voters. Our work has been with postcarding and supporting other volunteers in this effort. Postcards are hand-written following a unique script developed with community leaders and specific to the concerns of each community. Voters are given the information they need to confirm their registration and vote successfully.

We have found this work to be incredibly eye-opening, and incredibly gratifying. Sending the message that “your voice and your vote count” feels empowering and respectful. The act of handwriting a card offers a thoughtful opportunity to make a small connection. And we become acutely aware of the work that is required to protect our fragile democracy.

If you are interested in postcarding with us, we would be very happy to help you get started! You can write as many postcards as you wish (people often start with 20); we will provide instructions, the cards, the scripts, the addresses, and ask only that you provide the postcard stamps. If you decide that this is something you would like to continue to do, we’ll help you get signed up with ROV so you can easily manage it all yourself!

Please contact us at bill.becky.rov@gmail.com for more information.

Let Your Voice Bloom

with Peter Schindler

Parish Choir member Peter Schindler is an experienced singer, music director, and teacher. He would love to share new, fun techniques on how to release your breath and let your voice bloom! No music experience is required, and solo singing is optional. You may attend any or all of the classes, held on Thursday nights from 7-8 p.m. in the St. Barnabas choir room.

August 13 | Animal Noises and Jungle Cries

August 20 | Connecting Your Breath and Voice

August 27 | Yes, You CAN Sing!

Hope to see you there! Feel free to contact Sheila or Peter for more information.

Sheila Bristow, sheila@stbbi.org

Peter Schindler, pbscoaching@outlook.com

Click here to learn about the Summer of Palestinian Visibility at St. Andrew's, Seattle!

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Outside of office hours, contact the office at info@stbbi.org or 206/842-5601.

For pastoral care emergencies please contact Reverend Dianne Andrews, Interim, 206/817-6530, revdianne@stbbi.org.