Here we grow again!

In April, the congregation of St. Barnabas received a $10,000.00 grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan to help build a first floor addition to the church. The Episcopal Church's national, domestic philanthropic entity, The United Thank Offering (UTO), also awarded St. Barnabas a $25,000.00 grant for this project in July 2009. Built in 1954 at a time when handicap accessibility was not commonly required, the building needs to be amended to include first floor meeting space and restroom facilities. "Bishop Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., has been very supportive. He approved our grant request to UTO, and we are very grateful for his support," said Nancy Harris, Senior Warden.

Long time parishioner and Treasurer, Jerry Kaufman, said, "We have needed to do this for a long time. We are growing as a congregation, as are our needs. This is an exciting time in the life of the church. The parish sought bids from local subcontractors who will perform the work. This will have the added by-product of helping to stimulate the Chelsea area economy," said Kaufman.

"St. Barnabas is an open and affirming place, and we want our facilities to reflect that all are welcome here," said parishioner Linda Sankovich. Author of the grant proposals, Sankovich is thrilled that the project is getting local and national Church support. "We sought money from UTO because that organization is especially interested in funding projects assisting those with handicaps," said Sankovich.

The short, ground-breaking ceremony, including a Litany written by David Glaser, was held on Sunday, September 20, 2009.