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Heavenly Father, You call us to be people of peace—steadfast, courageous, and grounded in your love. Even as we seek to walk the way of peace, our hearts are heavy for all who live in danger today. We pray for the people of Iran and the people of Israel. We pray for the service women and men of the United States. And we pray for every person, in every land, who finds themselves in harm’s way, whether by conflict, fear, or circumstance beyond their control. Hold them in your light. Guard their lives. Guide the leaders of nations toward wisdom, restraint, and compassion. And make us instruments of your peace—steadfast in hope, generous in mercy, and committed to the flourishing of all your children. Amen. Father Dave Madsen and Father Michael Plekon Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church Borrego Springs, CA
By Fr. Michael Plekon We have passed Ash Wednesday and are on our way through the season of Lent, heading toward holy week and Easter. Lent is many things, a time for doing good things, thinking the good thoughts God thinks, of forgiveness, sharing, love. It is also a school and this year we will be learning from a series of encounters Jesus has with individuals, all recorded in the gospel of John. Each of these is an intense meeting and exchange from which we have much to learn. We will look at three of these here and the rest in another article. First, Jesus confronts the Evil One, Satan, the devil. Well, of course, we would think that Jesus has to take on the public enemy number one! What is important to note is that the Evil One comes looking for Jesus, not the other way round. Isn’t that the case for us too? When we least expect it, there is the pull toward lashing out, wanting to hurt another, wanting to take care only of ourselves, perhaps even hoping to destroy someone we detest. Jesus is confronted with three temptations—turn stones into bread, throw yourself off the temple roof and hope the angels will save you, and finally, bow down to the Evil One and admit evil is stronger than good. Jesus says no to all of these. He’s not a magician, hoping to attract followers with his miracles. So stones are not turned into bread nor is there an effort to fly off the temple. And Jesus knows evil is no match for what is good, kindness trumps hate, we care for the stranger and those in need. We don’t just love our own little world of family and friends. Doing what is good, what God does, is a miracle, and we give others a new hope and life in this. By the way, the account of Jesus’ encounter with the Evil One is from Matthew’s gospel, from which we will hear all the rest of this year, later on.
Wendy Warren Quinn 1946–2026 Wendy Warren Quinn of Borrego Springs, California, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 79. She had recently been diagnosed with stage IV cancer and shortly thereafter contracted COVID and pneumonia. Wendy was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Glendale High School in California and attended Pomona College. Her first marriage was to Michael McFarland. In 1980, Wendy married James “Jim” Quinn, and they shared many years together until his passing in 2016. Her professional life reflected decades of dedication, precision, and service. Wendy spent much of her career as a legal and executive secretary, including long-term service with General Dynamics, Space Systems Division in San Diego, where she supported senior leadership and legal departments. Earlier in her career, she worked in municipal and corporate law offices throughout Southern California and served in roles requiring exceptional organizational skill and discretion. After Wendy’s retirement, she and Jim moved from San Diego to Borrego Springs, a place they came to love deeply. Wendy was an active and generous member of the community. She volunteered at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, supported American Legion Post 853, and faithfully took minutes for Borrego Water District meetings. She valued civic engagement and believed in quietly contributing where help was needed. Outside of her volunteer work, Wendy enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with friends. She especially loved her dog, Yoti, who was a constant companion. Wendy is survived by her sister, Betty Iversen, and her niece, Tracy Hasenkamp, along with extended family and many friends who will miss her steady presence and thoughtful kindness. A service to honor Wendy’s life is being planned, and more information will be shared soon. Wendy will be interred at St. Barnabas Church in Borrego Springs. Donations in her memory may be made to Animal Action League (Non-profit Spay & Neuter Clinic) ( animalactionleague.net ) and American Legion Post 853 ( ca853.org ).
Feb 11th Couple Skates
St. Barnabas parishioners were out in force at the Borrego Springs Rotary Mardi Gras fundraiser at Rams Hill Golf Club. The evening brought together community members in support of Rotary’s scholarship and service efforts, with many familiar St. Barnabas faces in attendance. A generous King Cake winner later shared the cake with Fr. Michael, who brought it back to St. Barnabas to be enjoyed during Sunday coffee hour. It was a simple and sweet extension of the evening’s community spirit.
On February 8, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church hosted a community screening of Diminishing Returns, followed by a question-and-answer discussion with the film’s director, Colin Whitman. While screening submissions for the Borrego Springs Film Festival, Jan Naragon encountered Diminishing Returns and arranged a local screening. The film later appeared in the festival in January, and director Colin Whitman returned to Borrego Springs on February 8 for a screening and Q&A at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
Feast of John Chrysostom Jan. 27, 2026 Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church: As the situation in the United States grows more fraught, The Episcopal Church is working to find new ways to care for God’s people in our immigrant communities. Many of you have asked how you can help. Please join me in making a generous donation that will allow us to provide emergency funding for ministry with migrants. Your gift will allow us to rush financial support to dioceses that are loving and caring for immigrants in these difficult times. GIVE TODAY Last week, we sent funds to our siblings in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota to support Casa Maria, a place for vulnerable neighbors to receive food and clothing and network with others. Your gift will help support ministries like this across The Episcopal Church. As we approach the season of Lent, I will invite us all into a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we turn toward Christ’s ministry of justice, reconciliation, and love during divisive times. Please watch for these invitations in the coming days. About 1,500 years ago, John Chrysostom, whose feast we celebrate today, had his own share of trouble with the forces of this world. In a famous homily, he said, “If Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though the waves and the sea and the anger of princes are roused against me, they are less to me than a spider’s web.” The anger of princes is raging around us, but Christ is with us, and God is calling us into the waves. Please give as you are able and pray for the witness of the church in these times, and for a hedge of protection around the people we serve who live in fear. Yours in Christ, The Most Rev. Sean Rowe Presiding Bishop The Episcopal Church
It should have been said at our annual meeting but wasn't. So as a priest at St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs, I want to lift up Fr. David and Naomi Madsen, celebrate their love and care for all of us, their relentless work in so many ways to nurture us as a community.
