December 22, 2025

A Charlie Brown Christmas Piano Concert

A Community Concert Marking 60 Years of a Holiday Classic

On Sunday, December 21, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church hosted its 4th annual A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert, welcoming more than 90 people from the Borrego Springs community.


The program was inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas, now marking its 60th year since its original 1965 broadcast. The special is known for its quiet message and its distinctive jazz score by Vince Guaraldi, which has become closely associated with the holiday season.


Pianist Steve T. Hunter performed piano selections drawn from the music of the program, using the familiar melodies to reflect on the central question raised in the story — what is Christmas all about? Hunter’s musical background includes classical training, jazz and blues performance, studio recording, and decades of musical theatre playing and conducting.


During the concert, Fr. Michael Plekon took the part of Linus, referencing the well-known moment from the story when Linus explains the meaning of Christmas. Fr. Plekon spoke about the Christmas message traditionally drawn from the Gospel of Luke, reflecting on the Nativity and its significance in a way that echoed the spirit of that scene.


The concert concluded with the audience singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” bringing the afternoon to a shared close of music and reflection.


Donations were collected during the event to support community members in need, continuing St. Barnabas’ tradition of pairing seasonal programs with local outreach and care. Now in its fourth year locally, the concert has become a meaningful holiday tradition in Borrego Springs, bringing together music, faith, and community.

April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
April 4, 2026
A low-cost spay and neuter clinic will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Animal Action League will provide low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. Available services also include vaccinations and microchipping. These services help reduce unwanted litters while supporting the long-term health, safety, and identification of pets in the Borrego Springs area. To make an appointment, call the Animal Action League office at (760) 366-1100 for English or (760) 366-1105 for Spanish. Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
April 2, 2026
A community Fasola (shape-note) sing was held March 29 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs. Singers gathered in the church, where the acoustics supported unaccompanied group singing. Shape-note singing, also known as Sacred Harp, is a participatory a cappella tradition. Singers sit or stand in a hollow square by vocal part, and songs are led one at a time by participants from the group. Music is sung first on the syllables fa, sol, la, mi, then with lyrics. The March 29 sing followed standard practice. Attendees brought tunebooks and called songs by page number. Leaders stood in the center to set tempo and conduct. No instruments were used. The group included both experienced singers and newcomers. The format allowed anyone present to join, regardless of musical background. Reach out if you are interested in attending the next event!
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April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
April 4, 2026
A low-cost spay and neuter clinic will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Animal Action League will provide low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. Available services also include vaccinations and microchipping. These services help reduce unwanted litters while supporting the long-term health, safety, and identification of pets in the Borrego Springs area. To make an appointment, call the Animal Action League office at (760) 366-1100 for English or (760) 366-1105 for Spanish. Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
April 2, 2026
A community Fasola (shape-note) sing was held March 29 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs. Singers gathered in the church, where the acoustics supported unaccompanied group singing. Shape-note singing, also known as Sacred Harp, is a participatory a cappella tradition. Singers sit or stand in a hollow square by vocal part, and songs are led one at a time by participants from the group. Music is sung first on the syllables fa, sol, la, mi, then with lyrics. The March 29 sing followed standard practice. Attendees brought tunebooks and called songs by page number. Leaders stood in the center to set tempo and conduct. No instruments were used. The group included both experienced singers and newcomers. The format allowed anyone present to join, regardless of musical background. Reach out if you are interested in attending the next event!
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