Holiday Photos 2008

Holiday Photos 2007

Fellowship Photos 2006

Holiday Photos 2006

Photos from 2006 Events

Volunteerism Photos 2006

Leadership 2006

Wedding Photos 2006

Photos from 2005 Events

Holiday Photos 2004 / 2005

Wedding Photos from 2005

Fellowship Photos from 2005

Leadership 2005

Altar Guild 2004 / 2005

2004 ECD Convention hosted by St. Barnabas'

Photos from 2002 Celebration of a New Ministry

Member Artwork

Photos from 1999

Hines Photo Gallery

Our Vicars since 1897

Our Bishops

In Memoriam

Our Profile and Mission Statement

St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church of the Deaf, a mission within the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, seeks to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to deaf people in the diocese and to promote the spiritual and earthly welfare of the deaf community by providing regular Sunday worship in sign language, opportunities for fellowship and Christian education.  The Vicar of St. Barnabas also serves as Episcopal Chaplain to Gallaudet University, providing opportunities for regular worship, faith discussion groups and priestly counseling to the Gallaudet community.  The members of St. Barnabas seek to serve and participate in the church community and the deaf community through our presence, witness, service and support.

St. Barnabas' Church actively participates in the Episcopal Conference of the Deaf, the organization of the Episcopal Church USA which oversees deaf ministries throughout the United States.

Why a Deaf Church such as St. Barnabas? 

Why have separate services in sign language? Why not use interpreters at services to integrate deaf people?

1. Sign language is the primary means of communication for a large section of the deaf community.

2. In a signed service, the emphasis is on the visual.

3. The pace of the service is measured for the use of sign language.
 
4. Deaf people fully participate without having to use interpreters.  

5. Members of the congregation serve in any capacity such as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Readers, chairs of committees and all other leadership positions. 

6. Having a Vicar who is skilled in sign language makes possible one-on-one personal counseling and general ease of communication with the congregation.

7. The content of the sermon is focused on and relates to the  Deaf community and Deaf culture.

Ministries 

We offer services from two locations: St. John's, Norwood Parish in Bethesda/Chevy Chase, MD and Gallaudet University in DC.

The Vicar of St. Barnabas' also serves as the Episcopal Chaplain for Gallaudet University and the Diocesan Missioner for Deaf Ministry.

Gallaudet University provides St. Barnabas' with an office and use of an ecumenical chapel where worship is held.  St. John's, Norwood Parish, provides St. Barnabas' with office space, shared sacristy, and scheduled use of St. Mary's Chapel for worship and Hines Hall for coffee hour.

We minister to each other and the Deaf community through Bible study, worship, discussion and a monthly newsletter.

Though we are serious about our faith, we enjoy the God given humor of life. We laugh and have a wonderful time together. Jesus said, "I have come to make your joy complete." We celebrate his gift of joy, as we serve each other.

History 

The history of St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church of the Deaf in the Diocese of Washington began with The Rev. Thomas Gallaudet, called the "Apostle to the Deaf" in America.

On February 27, 1859, The Rev. Dr. Gallaudet visited Washington, D.C. on a missionary trip from New York City and officiated a service in historic St. John's Church, near the White House, with six deaf people in attendance.

Numerous services in various churches were held in Washington by The Rev. Gallaudet who was assisted by different ordained missionaries, all being deaf, except one, who came to Washington to conduct services. Active missionary work began in the 1880's and regular services were started in 1897.

In 2009, St. Barnabas' will celebrate 150 years of ministry with Deaf people in the Diocese of Washington.
 
Downloadable Materials 

          St. Barnabas' Brochure

          St. Barnabas' Handbook 
 
          St. Barnabas' Sacristy Handbook  
               thanks to Phoebe Tharp, James Lindsay

          St. Barnabas' ByLaws  

          Bishop Chane's Sermon at 2004 ECD Convention

          St. Barnabas' 2007 Pledge Card
                to pledge, please print out, complete
                and mail in to:
                St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church of the Deaf
                6701 Wisconsin Avenue
                Chevy Chase, MD 20815
                attn: treasurer

        St. Barnabas' Expense Reimbursement Check Request Form
                print out, complete, attach receipt(s), give to treasurer  
                or put in treasurer's  box in office, or mail to above address

        St. Barnabas' -- About Our Name