Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church — Local services in Paradise Valley

I stayed here for a week with my kids though the family promise and let me just say it was a total mask over these people faces like so pretend and fake the first day they were really nice then they changed up being rude actually the first day we were in line for dinner and they served food on one side of the table and they had some bananas on the other side of the table my autistic son had gotten a banana from the table which no one was being served at he opened the banana and jane made him put it on the table where the food was actually being served and told him he had to wait to be served but she was so rude about it and hurt my child’s feelings because he legit didn’t bother any one but her mean self then we have a routine of getting up at 5 am but it’s apart of our program but these people would literally knock once then open the door and flick the lights on as if we were in jail very rude about it it’s like they couldn’t wait for us to get up and leave thomas had done it on our last day there very rude talking to me like an inmate not only did he open the door and flick the light I told him I was getting up and he responded I said get up very mean in a aggressive voice with the door wide open I couldn’t even put my pants on to open the door I had to hurry up and wake my 9 year old up to shut the door just so i could get from under the cover and dress myself one lady who served cupcakes one night licked the frosting off her finger and tried to give my daughter a cookie off the tray like yuck you just licked your finger then picked up a cookie using that same finger on another occasion a lady came in there with a big dog and had it around right where they were serving us food then had the dog walking around in the area we were dining in now don’t get me wrong we had maybe two sweet hearts who were kind to us but it definitely wasn’t jane I think that’s her name the head of the whole week there but yes they are very rude to people in need of help I wouldn’t really eat the food because they would use their hands to touch a lot of it for example if they couldn’t get a piece of watermelon on the plate they would use their hand like no gloves are last night there they ran out of water and made one of the kids get tap water like they knew they were running low on supplies but didn’t care to get them for us one things for sure this awesome lady made some awesome brownie cookies omg the best thing about the stay there but yeah majority of the staff there that week should have a talk with God and ask for forgiveness due to their lack of compassion for those of us going through a hard time in life they didn’t due things out the kindness of their hearts more so they just wanted to look good and...

"Barny's" as we call it, is an inspiring blend of ceremony, traditon, liturgy and somehow also the most forward thinking group of religious individuals one could find. I grew up in non-denominational churches where I mistakenly believed we were the few who had broken the bonds of outdated dogma and were free to truly live in the spirit among the real world. Barney's, despite its spectacular ceremonial spectacles and tradition has laid waste to those long held notions. There, critical thinking and open mindedness may accompany passion for God and his work. My non-denominational churches suddenly seem so very dogmatic in a way thats too subtle to see easily but that runs deep into the core. Beyond the ideological and theological successes of Barney's, it is the most gorgeous grounds a church has ever graced. The staff is incredible, we never feel bombarded, just genuinely cared for. The choir is international competition worthy, they never fail to choke me up with reverence. Reverend Jim Clark is the most compelling, grace oriented and balanced reverend I have witnessed. I could listen to him for hours but service is not drawn out, perfect time table. Reverend Erica has quickly become a good friend and made us feel appreciated rather than bartered with for attendance. We're young, my wife and I, we have a young son. There is a good smattering of age demographics though only a handful of young family's (29 & 31) like us attend. It is enough though, there are many farther into their 30's on up to 90. There are so many traditions, its so well organized but even not knowing ANYTHING and obviously being a new member (4 months now) we are treated like family and there is no pressure to follow suit with the traditional motions, though I'm enjoying learning them. They don't feel formulated, just gestures of love for God. I have been wandering for 13 years without a true home church. Finding Barney's felt like Moses being led out of the desert. Realize how long I've been looking for a church, in my wanderings, I've been to everything, countless dozens of churches. Never before now have I felt that old familiar flame well up to tell me I was home. That doesn't necessarily mean it's your calling as well but we are truly grateful to have discovered this church. At the very least, it is absolutely worth...

St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church is truly a beacon of warmth and community spirit. From the moment you step through the doors, you are enveloped in a sense of belonging and genuine hospitality that is unmatched.

One of the standout aspects of this remarkable church is its exceptional family programming. The activities and events are thoughtfully designed to engage and inspire all ages, creating meaningful opportunities for families to connect with one another and with their faith. Whether it’s the vibrant Sunday School classes, the engaging youth groups, or the enriching adult education programs, there is something for everyone. The dedicated staff and volunteers put their hearts into every program, ensuring a nurturing and enriching environment for all.

Moreover, the welcoming atmosphere at St. Barnabas is truly unparalleled. Every member of the congregation, from the clergy to the parishioners, exudes kindness and openness. Newcomers are made to feel like part of the family from the very first visit. The church’s commitment to inclusivity and community is evident in every service, event, and interaction.

The worship services are both inspiring and uplifting, beautifully blending tradition with a sense of contemporary relevance. The sermons are thought-provoking and resonate deeply, leaving you with a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

In summary, St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church is a haven of warmth, faith, and community. The exceptional family programming and the welcoming nature of the congregation make it a truly special place. It’s a church where you not only find spiritual nourishment but also a second family. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a spiritual home filled with love...