The Convocation was an important gathering that was both celebratory and reflective. It offers a model of how creative thinking, fellowship and worship can contribute to the wider ministry of the whole Church, whilst creating new and positive relationships. It may be said that in the understanding of Diaconal ministry, the Methodists are ahead of many denominations.
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.
After her passing, all the widows stood beside Peter, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. She had developed a ministry especially among (v.39) the widows, who in a system with no social security, often found themselves in severe financial straits.
The kingdom grows in secret places. The seeds sown in the dark still rise toward the sun. The mercy offered in silence still reshapes the world. So may we walk quietly, bless widely, and love deeply. And may we trust that what is small is never lost to God.
Deacons commit themselves to meditating on and studying God's holy word, not only for their own nourishment but also with others. There is no Lone Ranger in the kingdom of God, and the deacon is committed to seeing others grow; in fact, we grow together.
A joyful reminder of our global Christian family celebrating the resurrection of the Lord!
“A rood I was raised up; and I held high The noble King, the Lord of heaven above. I dared not stoop. They pierced me with dark nails; The scars can still be clearly seen on me,
Here is the source of every sacrament, The all-transforming presence of the Lord, Replenishing our every element Remaking us in his creative Word.
The beauty of this Guild is that it's very simple to set up. It also means that our older members are not just 'receivers' from church members, but also 'givers', able to provide much-needed intercession. The Guild gives them an identity and a purpose, and is connected to the life of the whole parish.
The deacon journeys with these seekers, answering questions and sharing about Jesus so that the lost become found and experience the peace, joy, hope, and forgiveness found in the Kingdom of Christ. The deacon rejoices with the angels when others come to faith and return from the far country, and they will guide these individuals, perhaps even families, through the waters of baptism and into visible inclusion in the corporate family of faith.
The deacon serves through preaching and intercession; she acts as a bridge in corporate settings between the people and the divine by speaking forth the Word of the Lord in the public reading of the Gospel and lifting up the needs of the people in intercession.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 