(image from Jesus Mafa) Pentecost Today we feel the wind beneath our wings Today the hidden fountain flows and plays Today the church draws breath at last and sings As every flame becomes a Tongue of praise. This is the feast of fire,air, and water Poured out and breathed and kindled into earth. The earth … Continue reading PENTECOST IN IMAGE, POETRY AND MUSIC
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.
Around 200 deacons are expected to attend the Diakonia Region Africa-Europe (DRAE) event at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh this summer.Part of the Diakonia World Federation, DRAE brings together deacons from 20 countries across Africa and Europe. They represent more than 16,000 people in 60 countries who are engaged in the mission of the Gospel. … Continue reading Deacons’ regional 25th anniversary celebration
Recently I have begun to ask myself whether the church should see the reading of the gospel as a sacrament. If a sacrament is the outward visible sign of an inward invisible and spiritual grace, then reading the gospel surely fulfils this criterion. The gospel is not only the good news of Christ: Christ is … Continue reading The Gospel as Sacrament
A seminar at On Fire Mission 2019 (image from WPTV.com) by Fr Richard Peers SMMS, Director of Education for the Diocese of Liverpool High Leigh, 30th April 2019 Not exactly as delivered but these were my notes: Sacramental Mission – discipling adults and children [Ensure there is an orange on each chair before the session … Continue reading 6 MARKS OF SACRAMENTAL MISSION
While this is not about council estate ministry, it seems a very helpful read for those who are from/involved in estate ministry and churches. It's also a healthy challenge to the middle class outlook in the CofE. Council Estate Academics: Take Pride in Your Roots Written by Dr Jessica Eaton 20 May 2019 I was … Continue reading COUNCIL ESTATE ACADEMICS: take pride in your roots
Let's hope she A. understands about the diaconal vocation and its issues and B. is supportive and affirming! The Church of England has appointed The Revd Helen Fraser as its new Head of Vocations, a key role in leading efforts to encourage more women and men to come forward for ordained ministry. An Associate Vicar … Continue reading NEW HEAD OF VOCATIONS FOR C OF E
With the huge emphasis on mission in the Church of England, and all sorts of courses on offer from different traditions, it's often forgotten that churches and parishes need to prepare for mission. There is much to be done, and few resources to do it. We deacons are in pole position to enable appropriate, gospel-centred … Continue reading FROM DEACONS’ TOOL KIT: PREPARING YOUR CHURCH FOR MISSION
Pope Francis says commission on women deacons did not reach agreement Gerard O’Connell May 07, 2019 Pope Francis with reporters aboard his flight from Skopje, North Macedonia, to Rome on May 7, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) In a press conference on the flight from Skopje to Rome, Pope Francis revealed that the commission he set up … Continue reading ROMAN CATHOLIC WOMEN DEACONS? NOT YET
Methodist deacon David Clark shares his vision of a renewed diaconal movement serving the world. He would welcome your comments. Becoming a diaconal church Over the week-end of March 22nd to 24th this year, I was privileged, as a Methodist deacon, to be invited to lead the annual conference of some two dozen distinctive deacons … Continue reading A DIACONAL CHURCH FOR A WORLD ON LIFE SUPPORT
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 