Dear Ones,

It is with great joy that I announce the Rev. Barb Reszko’s placement as a Regional Deacon for six months. This new role is a faithful step forward in how we live out our ministry in the Diocese of Ohio, especially the servant leadership to which our deacons are called.

The Regional Deacon’s ministry is rooted in building relationships by spending time in community, listening with compassion, and reflecting deeply on what it means to serve in Jesus’ name. Barb will work with faith communities and local partners in the North Central Mission Area to help us see and respond to the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world around us. Some examples include serving with Old Trinity, Tiffin and its new Community Kitchen and supporting lay-led outreach at St. Paul’s, Bellevue.

The creation of the Regional Deacon role is another representation of how we can work together to be innovative in building community and increasing vitality in our congregations. It exemplifies the Diocese of Ohio’s vision: Connected in Beloved Community, we seek to be faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable sharers of the transformative love of Jesus.

Barb is a life-long Episcopalian with dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Divinity from the University of Chicago and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, as well as a Diploma in Anglican Studies at Bexley Seabury. She has 15 years of experience as a mental health therapist specializing in trauma treatment and is trained in EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic psychology, Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-informed Care. It is with deep appreciation that I recognize Barb’s commitment to bi-vocational ministry as she faithfully lives into her calling to serve both the church and the world around her.

I’m so grateful for the willingness of Deacon Barb and our participating faith communities to lead in this way, and I’m excited to see how the Holy Spirit moves in their work together. Please join me in celebrating this new ministry and Barb’s work among us.

God’s Peace,

+Anne

The Rt. Rev. Anne B Jolly

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio