“See, I am making all things new!”

It is an exciting time at St. Barnabas.  We will be celebrating new ministries and well as re-dedicating current ministries on Sunday
We are delighted to welcome Thomas Hobson Williams as our new Minister of Music.  Hopefully you read about him in The Encourager or on the website (http://www.stbarnabas-sbnj.org/2014/01/welcome-to-our-new-minister-of-music/).  Thomas is a very talented musician and we look forward to working and growing with him as we make a joyful noise to God in praise and thanksgiving.
We are also blessed to have Chizoba Nwanko join us as a Deacon-in-Training, which is like a seminarian, but for one in the diaconal program through the Diocese of New Jersey.  Chizoba has completed 18 months of her 3-year program and she will be with us for the next 18 months, when (God willing and the people consenting), she will be ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons in May of 2015.  It will be an honor to participate in Chizoba’s formation and preparation for ordained ministry. 
Interesting side note – both Thomas and Chizoba come to us from Christ Church, New Brunswick!  Their rector is already looking for recruits to complete the trade; I told her it is better to give than to receive.
Living into the quote from Revelation, it is our privilege to celebrate and rededicate the Ministry of Racial Diversity, which was formed 8 years ago.  The members of the Ministry are dedicated to working with the congregation to proclaim the anti-racist Gospel and heal our society from the sin of racism through honest conversation and responsible social action.  The MRD invites all members of the congregation to participate in their upcoming activities in February and during the season of Lent.

While we highlight these ministries, I give thanks for all of you who offer your time, talent and treasure to the various ministries at St. Barnabas.  Thank you for all your efforts as we continue the important work of learning, experiencing and sharing God’s transforming love in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

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