St Barnabas is in the liberal catholic tradition and, on most Sundays, has two services of Holy Communion: one at 9am and the other at 10.30am. At 9am there are no hymns, but at 10.30 there are hymns and music provided by a variety of organists, supported on a regular basis by our occasional choir.
There are usually other services during the week as well, including an occasional Choral Evensong. Please consult our worship schedule under ‘Services’ or view the ‘Events Calendar’ under ‘Events’.
Being a liberal catholic church, we keep liturgy at the heart of our devotional life, so our main services include traditional as well as modern sacred music, and incense is used.
As well as linking with a number of charities, including the Ace of Clubs project for the homeless, Christian Aid, Welcare, and the Children’s Society, we try to serve the local community by running a community hall and putting on public events, which are open to all in the community. This year we have been very proud to work with Glass Door homeless shelter to provide a hearty meal and a safe place for homeless people on Friday nights throughout the winter. In recent years, the novelist Tracy Chevalier and the poets Ruth Padel and Michael Symmons Roberts have given public readings; the philosopher Mark Vernon and the sociologist Eric Kaufmann have led discussions on vital topics, and numerous concerts and recitals have taken place. in 2013 the comedian and script-writer Paul Kerensa joined us, and Professor Chris Rapley gave an informative talk about Climate Science.
We have strong links with most of our local schools. We conduct regular assemblies at Riversdale and Sheringdale primaries and on occasion at St Cecilia’s and Southfields Academy.
We also regularly host the Ismena Collective’s events with music and readings.
Our new hall was completed in 2010. It has been built to high specification with a number of environmentally friendly features, including a sedum roof and a ‘windcatcher’ ventilation system. The new entrance is from Merton Road, and a new stained glass window, developed from designs created by children from Riversdale and Sheringdale schools and produced by local firm Coriander, is visible from that road. You are welcome to enjoy the garden area around the building.
in 2014 we installed a new lighting system, and in 2016 completed major restoration of the interior so that the church can better serve the needs of the community and the worshipping community.
We have two members of staff: the Vicar, Revd Ian Tattum, and the Honorary Curate, Revd Joy Boyce.
For rolling reflections please visit the Vicar’s Blog.
For more about the Church of England visit www.churchofengland.org
For informed discussion about science and religion visit www.jameshannam.com
For Christian humour that is actually funny visit www.ship-of-fools.com
For thoughtful philosophy and comment visit www.markvernon.com
