This week, we are featuring a staff member at All Saints’ Church to encourage our community to stay connected and find ways to get involved. This week, we’re featuring Desiree Barker.
We asked her a few questions to get to know her and her ministries better.
How did you come to All Saints' Church?
We were attending a church in Burke when we moved down here from Fairfax. For several years we continued attending there until my daughter met a friend at school who sang in the All Saints’ Children’s Choir. So, we visited All Saints’ and the rest is history.
How would you describe your two roles at All Saints' Church?
I serve as the Parish Administrator and my position supports the running the office and the upkeep of the building. I work closely with the clergy, staff, and lay leaders to facilitate various things like scheduling spaces, making sure the office is running and has the supplies needed for the various ministries to function and making sure the building is maintained. I am very grateful to our clergy, staff, vestry, and volunteers – without their support and hours of service, I could not do what I do!
I also serve as the Adult Discipleship Director. It is a ministry that is very close to my heart and one I have been a part of for many years. I lead a wonderful team of volunteers who help plan, teach and lead adult courses and groups throughout the year. Our hope is that adult at All Saints’ will continue to grow in their faith and we try to offer a variety of ways for them to do that.
What is your favorite thing about each?
As Parish Administrator, I have the joy of interacting with our clergy, staff, vestry members and other volunteers and parishioners every day.
As the Adult Discipleship Director, I have the privilege of teaching and being a small part of the spiritual journeys of our adult parishioners.
You also do Spiritual Direction- what is Spiritual Direction and how were you called into it?
Spiritual Direction is a ministry of listening and accompaniment. Spiritual Directors listen with you to what God may be saying through His Holy Spirit. They offer feedback and direction to help a directee draw closer to God and walk out his or her calling. It is not pastoral counseling, and it is not life coaching, but it can be a helpful part of the spiritual journey.
How can the church be praying for you?
It can often be a challenge to serve in both roles. Thankfully, I serve with wonderful people. Please pray for continued balance and for continued stamina to serve well in both areas.
Where do you see God working in the ministries you lead?
God continues to be faithful in both areas! He has provided several interns this summer and they have been a great help with both short term and long-term projects. He is also raising up the next generation of leaders to serve All Saints’ in the years to come.
What are the biggest challenges these ministries are facing?
Administratively, we can always use more regular volunteers. COVID and the danger it presented, especially to our senior parishioners has significantly reduced our office volunteer pool. There are some days that can be very hectic and an extra pair or hands or two can be a real gift!
Adult Discipleship needs more willing and capable leaders to continue to offer the depth and variety of offerings we would like to have. Pray for the Lord to raise up the right leaders to disciple and teach His people.
What is the most exciting place you've visited?
London! I was able to travel there for an Alpha conference some years ago. I loved the history, culture and vitality of the city and would love to go back for a longer stay.
Any podcasts you're currently listening to?
Ruth Haley Barton’s Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership – it is a great way to continue to learn and engage in thoughts that keep my mind focused on my own growth and mindful of the strengths and needs of the leaders that I serve with.
Besides the Bible, what is the most formative book you've read?
This is a very hard question for me! I am an avid reader. I always have several books going on various topics at the same time. I love to read fiction to relax. I read spiritual classics and topical works to grow in my faith and I read history and biography to learn new things. But, if I must choose one, I think it would be an anthology called Devotional Classics edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith. I read that when I first returned to my faith as a young adult. The words of so many great writers on important topics in the Christian life started to form me and draw me deeper into the works of Christian writers and thinkers down through the centuries.
What do you like to do for fun outside of church?
I love the creative process and art in many forms. I write creatively and for ministry and I enjoy exploring multiple art forms. I can spend hours in art museums enjoying all kinds of art from ancient to modern. When we travel, I like to tour churches and cathedrals to enjoy the art and architecture of sacred spaces. I am an accomplished knitter and, as I mentioned before, an avid reader. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, particularly my daughter and her family (which includes my two wonderful grandsons).
If you would like more information about Adult Discipleship or serving in the office you can email Desiree.