About us

We welcome you!

St. Barnabas is an Episcopal Church and part of the Anglican Communion. This means we are both sacramental and mission oriented. We are a Total Ministry, or Ministry of All the Baptized, congregation, where all are encouraged to participate as each is called by God to do. This means some are called to help with worship, music, teaching, pastoral care, hospitality, greeters, ushers, intercession (prayers), altar guild or as readers in addition to ordained ministry.

We have two generations of ministry teams at this time. In the first team, Rev. Doris Case and Rev. Myra Colvin are priests (they are both currently retired) and Jan Varady is commissioned in pastoral care. In the second team, David Glaser and Bill Stech are studying to be priests, Nancy Scott will be commissioned for pastoral care and hospitality, and Kathy O'Connell as Christian education coordinator and administrator. Training is provided through the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.

We believe God is with us and in us. We work to further His mission in the world

by caring for the poor and hungry

by welcoming and affirming all people including LGBT people as full participants in the body of Christ and the life of the church

by seeking and serving Christ in all persons, regardless of their station in life

by striving for justice and peace among ALL people

Because we believe that Jesus calls all to God’s table, we extend that welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other category used to divide us from God. We recognize that the fullness of God is revealed in the diversity of God’s people and that our exclusions hinder not only our relationships with others, but our relationship with God.

Because we see faith as a journey, we invite you to come with us and be a part of it. God invites everyone everywhere into His world and so do we. We believe that Jesus calls his church to be a compelling force for good in the world and that we have been created to be a part of something larger than ourselves.

If you think God is calling you to be a part of a community that is trying to make a difference in our world, that wishes to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, but doesn’t presume to have all the answers, come and journey with us!

We use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. For your convenience, we use printed bulletins. Hymnals are located in the pews. You are welcome to stand, sit or kneel as you feel comfortable. We take an offering, which helps support the church and our outreach to the community. We appreciate any gift you make.

How to get here

We are located at 20500 Old US 12 in Chelsea, Michigan.
Here's a Google map. From this link you can get directions from where you are. Our phone number is 734.475.8818.

Taking Communion

All are welcome to come forward to receive communion. You will be offered the Host (wafer) and also the cup. If you don’t wish to drink from the cup, you may dip the wafer lightly in the wine when the cup is offered and then consume it. We offer both wine and consecrated grape juice; please let the server know if you prefer the grape juice. If you do not wish to receive communion, cross your arms across your chest and the priest will bless you.

We strive to make our church and altar area fully accessible. You can receive Communion either kneeling or standing at the rail. However, if you need to have communion brought to you in your seat, please let an usher know.

We welcome children

We have a children's corner in the back pew with stuffed animals, lectionary coloring pages and crayons. The children may also borrow these items during the service and sit with their families if that's more comfortable.

Sunday School is taught by Bill Stech and Kathy O'Connell. Sunday school starts after the Gospel reading and includes exercises based on the readings of the day. Parents are welcome to sit in on the class. Summer break begins at Pentecost (roughly mid-June).

During communion, we offer both grape juice and wine. The children can partake of either. We can arrange this before service; please see Kathy O'Connell.