December 29, 2025

New Years Welcome to St. Barnabas 2026

By: Fr. Dave Madsen

If you’ve ever stood in the Borrego desert at dawn, you know how the light arrives quietly, not demanding anything from you, simply offering itself.


That is the kind of welcome we hope to offer at St. Barnabas.


Here in this wide landscape, many people come to sort out their lives, to breathe again, or to listen to something deeper. 


If that’s where you find yourself as a new year begins, you are not alone. And you don’t need to have a map in hand to walk through our doors.


You are welcome here — with your questions, your doubts, your hopes, and your story.


The desert has always been a place where people wander, wonder, and discover unexpected acceptance. 


It’s a place where God has a way of meeting people not because they are certain, but because they are searching. 


We try to be a church shaped by that same way of being spacious, honest, and grounded in love.


One of the gifts of the Episcopal tradition is that it doesn’t require everyone to think alike or believe alike. 


Like the desert, it makes room. Our common prayer holds us together even when our perspectives differ. You don’t have to fit a mold to belong.


Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family.”


In the desert, family often looks like whoever shows up with you at an oasis, where crossroads meet.


I say this as someone who has spent much of his life on the edges of religious communities — interfaith, curious, comfortable with mystery. And yet, in this church, I have found acceptance and a home. 


The edges, I’ve learned, can be holy ground.


If you’re standing at the edge of mystery — or simply looking for a place where you don’t have to pretend, this is your invitation. 


Your presence matters here. So do your questions.


As the new year unfolds, I hope you find renewal and belonging — and if you wander our way, a little desert church would be glad to welcome you in.


Father Dave Madsen+



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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