Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is with deep sadness that I write to share the news of the death of Rev Dr Glenn John Barnett early this morning, Friday 22nd December 2017 at his home at Port Lincoln. He was 70 years of age.

Glenn suffered a spinal injury following a diving accident at Port Lincoln when he was 15 years of age. He often shared his story of coming to faith with young people, describing how the love of God healed his struggle in adapting to life as a quadriplegic. His ministry has always been unique for this reason. Glenn’s disability enabled people to approach him with their own struggles and his ministry has been deeply pastoral and sensitive. 

His keen intellect made him a strong theologian and this was reflected in his teaching ministry. He was blessed with charismatic gifts that provided him with a special awareness of the working of the spiritual realm and his prayer for healing and release was part of his pastoral and counselling ministry.

Glenn was ordained as a Minister of the Word in July 1984 at Trinity College in the Queensland Synod and appointed to Bundaberg Uniting Church. He lectured at the Lay Education centre, Alcorn College, during this placement.  

In 1986 Glenn returned to South Australia to take up a placement in the Barunga Range Parish of the Frome Presbytery, and was based at Port Broughton. 

In 1989 he moved to the Orroroo Parish for a short time, until ill-health forced him to take semi-retirement and he relocated to Port Lincoln, joining the Port Lincoln Uniting Church (now Unity Hill Uniting Church).
 
Glenn continued to be active in serving the wider church, as a member of the Council of the Eyre Presbytery and appointed their representative at Synod.

During his semi-retirement, Glenn gave part-time supply to the Streaky Bay and Wudinna Parishes. He was ministering at Wanilla UC during the devastating fires of 2005, and helped with the disaster relief at that time. In 2006, Glenn planted the Koinonia Faith Community based in his home at Port Lincoln.  The Western Mission Network was formed under the guidance of Glenn and his wife Avriel and he has served as a mentor for a number of ministers located on the Eyre Peninsula.

In recent years Glenn’s health has been unpredictable. His wife and nurse Avriel has been his constant companion and help. We praise God for their unique marriage and ministry life together, as we join together in prayer for Avriel, and all who will grieve this loss.

Glenn was an avid artist. In an interview conducted by Mouth and Foot painting artists, Glenn’s one word description of himself was ‘Christian’. “My faith determines my life in every area,” he commented.

Details of Glenn’s funeral will be made available when known.

Grace and peace,

Rev Sue Ellis

Moderator
Uniting Church SA