Introducing Jayne Osgood, Deacon Intern

Hello good, good people of St. John’s!  My name is Jayne Osgood and I am very excited to join you as I move towards ordination as a permanent deacon.

I have met quite a few of you through our time together in six different Sacred Ground Circles. As many of you recall, St. John’s was moved to create its first Circle in the earliest days of COVID-19. I look back at what has transpired around us these past five years, and I continue to be deeply moved by your dedication to issues of justice and your justice activities beyond Sacred Ground. Indeed, these are urgent times calling us together as Beloved Community to work towards justice. Thank you for inviting me into your beloved community.

I have worked in education all of my life—as a teacher, principal, researcher, and curriculum developer, both overseas and in U.S. public schools. One might say that I have “chalk dust on the soul."  All along this professional journey, I have felt the need to bridge the experiences of education and the classroom with the world, and now I seek to serve as a bridge between the Church and the world.  The diocese explains the ministry of the deacon this way: “... bringing the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world into the Church’s prayers, and sending the Church out into the world to serve and to advocate—to make a difference.”  To work alongside you in this charge is a sacred opportunity that I cherish. 

My background:  I earned a PhD from the University of Virginia (in leadership, curriculum development, and international education), a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania (in educational instruction), and several other degrees on down the line. In 2023, I completed the two-year online program with Union Theological Seminary: Anglicanism and Social Justice. I was particularly taken by the semesters on poverty and racism.  Hmmm...  Did I mention that I am a continual student? 

I am an avid sports fan and very much looking forward to the fall collegiate and professional football season... and of course, the World Series! I am happiest being outside—walking, dining, or sitting. And I love breweries and wineries; reading, reading, reading; afternoon espresso shots; good food; friends; and laughter.