1. What is the Anglican Church?
2. What do we believe?
3. But wasn’t the Anglican Church formed so Henry VIII could annul his marriage?
4. How should I address the clergy?
5. What is the mission of St. Barnabas Anglican Church?
6. What is the difference between a Parish and a Congregation?
7. Who was St. Barnabas?
8. Who is welcome?
9. Can I bring my friends?
10. Are children welcome to come?
11. What is a typical service like?
12. Will there be an offering? Will people look at me if I don’t contribute?
13. Where is St. Barnabas located?
14. What are the sacraments?
15. How often is communion?
16. What should I wear?
1. What is the Anglican Church?
The Anglican Church is a Christian denomination with a deep history. The word Anglican means, “of England”, and Anglicanism has its deep roots in England. Though there were Christians on English soil from the first century, the Church was formally founded in 587 by St. Augustine of Canterbury. The Church has been through many eruptions and revolutions, and in the mid 16th century the English Church separated from the Church in Rome. It can be understood to be both Catholic and Reformed.
2. What do we believe?
Like all Christian dominations, we believe in God, who is a mystery beyond naming, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the son of Mary, and the human incarnation of God on Earth, come to teach us the way of love. We believe in his life, his teaching, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension into the mystery of God the Creator. Finally, we believe in God, the Holy Spirit, the giver of life. God is Three, and One. Our worship is centred on the Holy Bible, while we honour the traditions of our ancestors, and believe in the use of human reason to work towards a complex understanding of the universe and our lives within it.
3. But wasn’t the Anglican Church formed so Henry VIII could annul his marriage?
Great question, and not exactly. The leaders of the Church of England used the creation of the Anglican Church as an opportunity to initiate reforms and changes that the Roman Catholic Church opposed. Independence from Rome became inevitable.
4. How should I address the clergy?
By first names, please! In written form we can be addressed as The Reverend Emilie and The Reverend Barbara.
5. What is the mission of St. Barnabas Anglican Church?
Our mission is to be the body of Christ in the neighborhood, the Brow of the Hill, and in all of New Westminster. We want to share the Good News that all are beloved sons and daughters of the one God. We live this out through our worship life, and in our various ministries, including our Community Lunch, Thrift Store, Emergency Food Pantry, Support Groups, and more.
6. What is the difference between a Parish and a Congregation?
A congregation usually refers to the people who attend church; we prefer to serve our parish. A parish is the area each specific church is responsible for, which allows us to focus our love and ministries on our friends, neighbours and city, rather than just the people actively attending our church services.
Saints are our Holy Ancestors. St. Barnabas is a very popular Saint within the Anglican church Communion. His name means “Son of Encouragement”, or “Son of Consolation”, and he was an early Christian companion of Paul who helped bring the church to new communities. This St. Barnabas has been a part of the New West community for 125 years!
8. Who is welcome?
Absolutely everyone. Seniors, families, members of the LGBT community, non-practising Anglicans, or anythings, the sad and lonely, the joyous, people with all the questions, people with no answers, anyone curious, people from all walks of life! Our church and hall are both equipped with wheelchair accessible ramps.
Anyone and everyone, believer or non, Anglican or other, long time Christian or wondering searcher – everyone is welcome in God’s house.
9. Can I bring my friends?
Absolutely! We love meeting new people. You and your friends might also be interested in some of our activities during the week.
10. Are children welcome to come?
Please! We are a family-oriented church; everyone is welcome. We include a children’s story during each service, and thereafter children are encouraged to remain for the rest of the worship. Should your children need a break, please feel free to get up, take a walk, have a stretch, or make yourself more comfortable at any time. Gurgling babies, nursing mothers, wiggling toddlers, and wondering teenagers . .. we love them all. And we love all joyful noises.
11. What is a typical service like?
Our community is small, and warm and friendly. Our church is neither “high” nor “low”, but hosts a typical Anglican service including scripture readings, a sermon, hymns, moments of prayer and a children’s story. Service usually lasts about an hour, sometimes a little bit longer if it is a holiday or a special event. Every Sunday we celebrate the Holy Eucharist (communion). Afterwards, tea, coffee and light snacks are served in our hall, along with fellowship.
12. Will there be an offering? Will people look at me if I don’t contribute?
We invite all people to contribute financially to our parish life. You are in no way obligated to give money, and no one will be paying attention, if you donate or not. Your time and talents are just as valuable (if not more so!) as a financial contribution, and should you feel inclined to lend your services to one of our volunteer opportunities, we would welcome you with open arms and huge smiles!
>13. Where is St. Barnabas located?
You can find us at 1010 5th Ave, in New West. Street parking is available on 5th Ave. Or, we’re accessible via transit, on the following buses:
From New Westminster SkyTrain Station: Bus 123 (Brentwood Station), or Bus 112 (Edmonds Station).
From 22nd St. SkyTrain Station: Bus 128 (Braid Station), Bus 101 (Lougheed Station), or Bus 155 (Braid Station, via Hospital).
14. What are the sacraments?
The sacraments are an outward sign of an inward and invisible grace, a symbol of an invisible reality. We celebrate Baptism, Eucharist (Communion), Marriage, Confirmation, Anointing for Healing, Right of Reconciliation (Confession), and Ordination.
15. How often is communion?
The Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is celebrated every Sunday and Wednesday with both bread and wine, and optional communion hosts and grape juice.
16. What should I wear?
More than your birthday suit, but less than black tie formal. We like to take pride in our church dress, but we accept everyone’s style. Just come!