Rev. Rhoda J. Barnes accepted her call to ministry under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., Trinity United Church of Christ.  While at Trinity United Church of Christ, she served as a Deacon for seven years, and  a member of the Sanctuary Choir for fifteen years. Rev. Rhoda serves Covenant United Church of Christ as the Assistant to the Pastor and Director of Pastoral Services under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Ozzie E. Smith, Jr.  Her journey began at Covenant United Church of Christ in 1998 when she began her Field  Studies/Experiential Education from McCormick Theological Seminary.  Her project of choice was the development of the Junior Deacon Program for teens, ages 13 to 18.  These teens would become servant-leaders of the church.  They also serve as youth preachers on Youth Sunday four times a year.  As of July 24, 2011, a total of 103 teens  have achieved this awesome accomplishment  of serving the church in this capacity.  One teen was ordained posthumously. A certificate of Ordination was given to her mother.

Rev Rhoda is a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary where she received a Master of Divinity Degree in the year 2000.  Immediately after graduation, she began Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at South Suburban Hospital, Hazel Crest, IL, under the supervision of Rev. Dr. Gale Kennebrew.

Prior to attending seminary, Rev Rhoda was employed by Northwestern University Medical School for over 35 years, serving as a Secretary, Administrator, then Manager of the Brewer Trophoblastic Disease Center.  She retired from Northwestern University Medical School in 2003, shortly after her ordination to ministry by the United Church of Christ.

Rev Rhoda serves as pastoral liaison to several ministries at Covenant United Church of Christ,  The Junior Deacon Program, Membership, C.A.R.E. (Covenant Acknowledging and Reaching out to Everyone), Diviertete con el Espanol (Having Fun with Spanish), Employment, Total Praise, and Jubilee Adult Dance Ministries.  She is also the pastoral liaison to the Ministry Council.   She has experienced great joy in the ministry that God has called her to serve.

Rev. Rhoda honors her husband, Mr. Ernest Barnes and their 34 years of marriage.  Her beloved husband made his transition from Earth to Glory, August 19, 2010.  She is Mom to Jerald and Granny  to Jared and Jordan Barnes.   She is politically and socially aware and invested.  

 
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV