Speaker Series - Hope and Clarity in a World of Confusion

A learning, discussion, and speaker series addressing living a peaceful, fulfilling life in a complicated world.


Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 11am - Lydia “Phoenix” Hamilton

Lydia “Phoenix” Hamilton has a been a professor at Governor’s State University and the City Colleges of Chicago. We at St. Barnabas know her best for her extraordinary talents as a jazz, blues, and gospel vocalist. As a licensed Elder, Phoenix finds solace and inspiration within her church community of the United Pentecostal Assembly of God. Her passion for bridging the gap between music and communication shines as she guides her students on a creative exploration of these interconnected realms. Phoenix shared her story as a Black American Christian and her walk with God.



Past events:

Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 11am - The second speaker in our series was The Rev’d Deacon Garth M. Howe, speaking on Native American Interpretation of Scripture.

The Rev'd Deacon Garth M. Howe




Garth was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Diocese of Chicago in June 2017 and currently serves at St. Peter’s, Chicago. He previously served at Grace Church, Chicago. The focus of Garth’s diaconal ministry has been social justice issues, HIV/AIDS support, and leadership development. Garth is engaged extensively with the Diocese of Chicago, including as Trustee of Episcopal Charities, past member of the Deacon Leadership Team, and co-chair of Bishop Clark’s consecration committee.

Garth currently works as Community/Cultural Liaison Officer (fmr Vice-President, Domestic Relationship Management) for Church Pension Group (CPG). In his current role he directly supports the indigenous and diaconal Church. Garth's paternal ancestry is of the Lakota Sioux and Stockbridge peoples and is an enrolled member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe (Ft. Thompson, SD). Born and raised in Southern California, he moved to Chicago in February 2012 with his husband of 24 years, Michael. Garth has one daughter and a granddaughter who live in Leeds, UK. 

You can also join us for worship at 9:30 am and/or refreshments at 10:30 am! Welcome!

Our first speaker was Rabbi Steven M. Bob. speaking on the book of Jonah, Sunday, November 13, 2022.

Rabbi Steven M. Bob served as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard for 35 years. Rabbi Bob serves as guest faculty at Wheaton College and as an adjunct faculty member at Elmhurst University. He is a leader of the faculty of Olin-Sang-Ruby Union, and a leader in DuPage United and the Glen Ellyn Interfaith Prayer Breakfast.

He is the author of two books “Jonah and the Meaning of Our Lives,” (JPS 2016) and “Go to Nineveh” (Wimpf and Stock 2013). He is currently writing a new book on Ezra/Nehemiah.