September 8, 2025

All Are Welcome at St. Barnabas

Inclusion and Faith in Action

Video Transcript

All right, if anyone ever tells you that you're too old, too young, wrong gender, wrong sexual orientation or wrong color to do what God has put in your heart and mind to do, they do not have the mind of God.


St. Barnabas is proud to join with the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the Episcopal Church in supporting Pride Month and in welcoming all persons to come join us as we worship God.


In our church everyone’s welcome. All are children of God.


Today is the day we commemorate and celebrate Pride. It’s been increasing over the years, people being willing to acknowledge in public pride—and we praise God for that. God loves us all, no matter our sexuality or lack of it.


This cup is for all. Share it.


Yes, I am proud to be a Pride supporter.


Fear separates us; love combines and unifies us. Love of all is what we want here in the Episcopal Church.


We send love to all peoples, and we reject all hate.


All are welcome at St. Barnabas. We are an inclusive congregation. Please come.


As an elderly lesbian, let me tell you: hold your heads up high and know that God loves you.


Everyone is welcome at St. Barnabas. God loves us, God loves you. God bless all God’s children.


As a priest in the Church—and I hope I’m speaking for all Episcopal churches, but I know I’m speaking for St. Barnabas—we accept all people in this church, whatever their sexual orientation, whatever their color, whatever their background.


We accept all people. It’s our baptismal covenant. All people are called by God.


At St. Barnabas we reject hate. We promote love. We reject exclusion. We promote inclusion. Everyone is welcome at St. Barnabas and in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and in the Episcopal Church.

Led by Father Dr. David Madsen and Father Michael Plekon, Ph.D. and Fr. George Keith, the Pride reflection video was produced by Patrick Grannan and features heartfelt words from the St. Barnabas congregation, expressing their shared belief that God’s love embraces everyone.

April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
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
Show More
April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
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
Show More

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