Boardman resident ordained as deacon

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Christopher Zeke Coughlin of Boardman was ordained as a transitional deacon by Bishop Mark Hollingsworth, the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland June 5.

A transitional deacon is a man or woman who is ordained a deacon with the intention of becoming a priest. Coughlin’s sponsoring parish was St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, where he began the discernment process.

For the past two years, Coughlin has served as seminary intern at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Boardman, and most recently as its youth ministry coordinator.

One of his primary goals as youth ministry coordinator is to encourage spirituality among the youth. Under his leadership, the group participated in its first mission trip where they spent a week involved in home repair in an area of economic hardship. Six members of the youth group traveled to Harlan, Ky., in June 2009 to participate in this project, sponsored by Christian Outreach with Appalachian People.

The group has held several “lock-ins” at the church and has participated in a number of local community service projects, including assisting with food distribution at the Three Loaves Food Pantry in Salineville.

Coughlin will preach his first sermon as a deacon at St. James’ Episcopal Church Sunday at 10 a.m.

St. James’ Church is located at 7640 Glenwood Avenue in Boardman. For information, contact the church office at 330-758-2727 or e-mail office@stjamesboardman.com.