Ann Barker was welcomed as the new Rector of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church on July 19. 

  For 19 years previous, she was the Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia. However, Barker has been involved in ministry for 20 and a half years. 

  For 12 years prior to becoming a priest, she was a magazine editor.

  Barker explained that her call to ministry was “gradual,” however, she has always been a member of the Episcopal faith. 

  She describes herself as a “cradle Episcopalian,” stating that she grew up in the Episcopal church. “I was born into it,” said Barker. “My parents always took us to church. We went to church every week during the school year. I sang in the choir from the time I was eight. I went to Sunday school every week. I went to youth group. I did everything that was possible for me to do.”

  After attending Candler School of Theology in Atlanta and Sewanee School of Theology, she was ordained as a Deacon in 1999 and then as a Priest in 2000. 

  As the Rector at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, some of her tasks include leading worship, doing pastoral care, facilitating education programs, assisting in organizing outreach programs and being involved with community life. 

  Due to COVID-19, Barker has not yet been able to meet with her congregation in person, but works to connect with them in other ways. “I’ve met some of them in person. But, I’ve been trying to call a few people every week,” said Barker. “At some point, we’ll probably try to have virtual meetings. But I wanted to start calling before we got that set up.” 

  As the congregation is not meeting in person, the church has begun offering virtual worship. “We began virtual worship, and folks have responded well to that,” she said. “We haven’t had that before because we didn’t have anybody in place.”

  In the coming year, Barker is hoping to bring a number of educational programs to St. John’s Episcopal Church. 

  “I’m really passionate about education and I really would like to bring a variety of Christian education programs to the church, like Bible Study, adult Sunday school, and children and youth ministries,” she said. “I’m excited about starting up some education programs and keeping the congregation connected.”

  She is excited to be in a church that is involved with the surrounding community. 

  “The church is very community oriented and their care for each other is really remarkable,” said Barker. “It’s exciting for me to be with a group that finds ways to get things done that are of service to God and to others.”

  Barker is a trained singer, and shared that she has “all kinds of taste in music,” and enjoys singing classical music, musical theatre and popular music. 

  “I’m hoping to sing with the [Henry] Community Chorus when it’s okay to sing again,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of Henry County and to becoming involved in the community.”

  In her downtime, Barker enjoys reading mystery books and doing crossword puzzles. 

  She has a son named Evan that lives in Smyrna.