The following resolutions were unanimously passed by the St. Barnabas Vestry and Wardens at a regular vestry meeting in the fall of 2009.

Where ALL Are Welcome Statement of Affirmation
Being mindful of the Commandments given us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Luke 10:27; Book of Common Prayer, p. 324)

The community of Saint Barnabas by the Bay Episcopal Church in Villas, New Jersey re-affirms that as a Christian Fellowship, we welcome any and all persons seeking to know and serve our Lord Jesus Christ in their spiritual journey. We welcome all into our midst, without any regard to: age, sex, race, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental ability, spiritual background, past sins and addictions, or financial resources.

The Oasis Statement of Affirmation
As a welcoming congregation, we at St. Barnabas by the Bay Episcopal Church (Villas, NJ) are committed to inviting, supporting and welcoming all people as full members of our church family and worship life, particularly our brothers and sisters who have experienced
exclusion because of their sexual orientation or identity and are seeking a safe and affirming
spiritual home.

Pictured (left to right): Mike Sullivan , Jr. Warden ('12); Maureen Kersch, Sr. Warden ('11); Barbara St. Clair ('12); Dick Webber ('10); Leslie Flick ('11); Fran Moore, Clerk; Earl Moore ('11). Not pictured: Glenn Brunner ('12), Diane Pannelli ('10)

A Federal Privacy Act (HIPPA) prohibits hospitals from notifying non-family members (including clergy) about patients. If you know of any St. Barnabas parisioners who are hospitalized or if you know that you will be in the hospital, please call Pastor Debra at 464-2158 so that a visit can be arranged.

The St. Barnabas Cares Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to residents of Lower Township.  If you are in need of assistance, please bring a photo ID and proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, copy of a lease) to the pantry during our open hours:

2nd Tuesday of each month 6 - 7 p.m.
Every Monday 10 - 11 a.m.

Hunger never takes a break and we continue to need support. If you are able to make a food donation (non-perishable items only - examples: powdered milk, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce, instant oatmeal), please deliver items during our open hours or send an e-mail to the St. Barnabas Cares Food Pantry coordinator: Marijane Hammerle or contact Pastor Debra at the church office: 886-5960. 

Monetary donations are also accepted and can be mailed to St. Barnabas, PO Box 77, Villas, NJ 08251 (make checks payable to "St. Barnabas" and write "food pantry" in the memo line. Thank you to all our helping neighbors who are helping neighbors!