It's not often that #distinctivedeacons are specifically mentioned in an advert, but this is a rare example for a post that looks very exciting! National Missioner to the Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda (One full-time or two half-time posts, lay or ordained, flexible location) This new post, generously funded for two years by … Continue reading NATIONAL MISSIONER FOR THE SOCIETY: distinctive deacons welcome to apply
Author: GillK
Gill has been a missioner in Nigeria, Romania and various parishes in England. She was ordained a 'distinctive' deacon in 1991. In this capacity she was warden of the College of St Philip the Deacon in Exeter diocese, and founder member of the CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons https://cofedeacons.org. She has also written the story of her own call, Deacon by Design. https://www.waterstones.com/book/deacon-by-design/gill-kimber/9781910719794
She's passionate about the diaconate and, now retired, continues to support those who are called to this ministry.
The DIAKONIA World Federation of Diaconal Associations and Diaconal Communities embraces diaconal ministry in different denominations and in every continent, and it's good to be reminded that we in UK are part of a much bigger, international picture. Their website contains news from all over the world, advertises their international assemblies and posts a monthly … Continue reading DIAKONIA PRAYER OF THE MONTH
Have you ever wished there was more understanding and appreciation of the diaconate? Have you ever wanted more clarity in explaining what exactly your ministry is? Have you ever wished for more support? Would you like, or would you have liked, more of a diaconal input in your training and formation? Then our 2020 conference DEACONS ON THE MOVE 2020 is definitely for you!
When I was first made warden for the diocesan College of St Philip the Deacon, I worked on a document with the DDO and the bishop of Plymouth outlining not only my own job description but also an introduction to the college. That was seven years ago. Since then my diocesan steering group, to whom … Continue reading INTRODUCTION TO THE EXETER COLLEGE OF ST PHILIP THE DEACON
Here's a fascinating interview from Episcopal Cafe with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church in the USA about deacons. He is absolutely spot-on, and it's worth reading the whole thing as it's enormously encouraging. But there is a very different voice from a deacon who actually has a life and living in the … Continue reading DIAKONIA: INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP CURRY
Many thanks to Deacon Alison Handcock for flagging this up! Two cheers for Southwark and their championing of Distinctive Deacon vocations as well as priesthood. Only two cheers because they are still wanting 'a priest' champion. Bold type is my addition. Diocesan Champion for Ordained Vocations Job Description The Diocese of Southwark encompasses urban South … Continue reading DIOCESAN CHAMPION FOR ORDAINED VOCATIONS: Diocese of Southwark
An honest, thought-provoking article by Benjamin Mann for the Catholic Exchange. It's primarily for those who are exploring a call to Catholic priesthood but is relevant to everyone discerning a vocation. It is quite traditional and correct to speak of “discerning a vocation” – particularly to consecrated life or the priesthood, though also in regard … Continue reading YOUR VOCATION IS NOT ABOUT YOU
Right everyone, here's something really important for us DDs. Rev Ian McIntosh, head of ministry formation for Ministry Division, has sent me his first draft of formation criteria for Distinctive Deacons for IME 1 (only). (IME stands for Initial Ministerial Education, and is for the phase of training that happens on theological courses or theological … Continue reading NEW FORMATION QUALITIES FOR DISTINCTIVE DEACONS IME 1
Epiphany It might have been just someone else’s story, Some chosen people get a special king. We leave them to their own peculiar glory, We don’t belong, it doesn’t mean a thing. But when these three arrive they bring us with them, Gentiles like us, their wisdom might be ours; A steady step that finds … Continue reading EPIPHANY
And so the love that brought Christ from heaven to earth raised Stephen from earth to heaven… Love was Stephen’s weapon by which he gained every battle, and so won the crown signified by his [Christ’s] name… Strengthened by the power of his love, he overcame the raging cruelty of Saul and won his persecutor … Continue reading FEAST OF ST STEPHEN, DEACON AND MARTYR
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 