Deacon Gill Newman (London): Today I had the privilege of deaconing at the priesting of my fellow ordinands. A year ago we were all ordained as deacons. Today I fulfilled my calling as a deacon for them as they fulfilled their calling as priests. It felt very moving. I had wondered if I might feel … Continue reading DEACONS’ JOY
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.
St John the Baptist is patron saint of interior change, of conversion. His message can be summed up in his own statement, "I must decrease, but he (Christ) must increase." This is the shortest, the clearest, the best summary of the Christian life in the New Testament. It is what monastic life … Continue reading BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST: 24 June
Although this was written in 1968 and is of its time, much of what it says seems remarkably prescient. Some of the points made by Roberts Ehrgott of the Episcopal Church in America still hold true for the diaconate today. The emphases in bold type are mine. This column by the Rev. Roberts E. Ehrgott … Continue reading DIACONATE: FLEXIBLE, MOBILE, ADJUSTABLE
From early 2017 to mid 2018, the diaconate steering group for Deacon Jessica Foster (comprising Paula Gooder [chair]; Martin Stephenson; Richard Sudworth and Jessica Foster*] met together to reflect on Jessica’s vocation as a deacon. Inevitably the group wanted to do this particular reflection in the light and context of a wider reflection on the … Continue reading LOOKING FORWARD TO A THRIVING DIACONATE
“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Lev. 19:34 (icon by Kelly Latimore)
RC Deacon Ed Channing, the speaker for our inspirational Deacons' Day of Reflection, also offers his 'take' on this teaching document from Pope Francis. Relevant to all ministers, whatever denomination, whatever ministry! TEMPTATIONS FOR DEACONS Rev Deacon Ed Channing I want to mention the teaching document "The Joy of the Gospel" of Pope Francis. Francis … Continue reading TEMPTATIONS FOR DEACONS
This is the second talk given by Roman Catholic Deacon Ed Channing at the annual Deacons' Day of Reflection in Exeter diocese recently. The praying heart of the deacon Between altar and marketplace Rev Deacon Ed Channing I want to talk about public and liturgical prayer. This is the ministry of sanctification, or of the … Continue reading THE PRAYING HEART OF THE DEACON
As I watched the Queen's birthday parade, and the proud young ensign chosen to carry the colour, it struck me what an image this is for our diaconate. The church of God is constantly at war with the forces of evil. At all times, as St Paul urges, we need to be ready for combat, … Continue reading TROOPING THE COLOUR OF THE DIACONATE
Columba You called me and I came to Colmcille To learn at last the meaning of my name Though you yourself were called, and not the caller, He called through you and when He called I came. Came to the edge at last, in Donegal, Where bonfires burned and music lit the flame As from the … Continue reading ST COLUMBA’S DAY
For me, Reader ministry was about bringing insights and perspectives from everyday life as a lay person into the liturgical and preaching life of the church for all ages. Now I'm a Deacon I get the opportunity to: represent the Church visibly and sacramentally in the marketplace and to bridge the gap between church and … Continue reading FROM READER TO DEACON: Alison Handcock
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 