Methodist deacon David Clark tells us I became a deacon at 71 – moving into the Methodist Diaconal Order after many years as a Methodist presbyter – because for many years my work had been on the boundary of church and society, in my case in education. [I wonder what that says about the theology … Continue reading FROM PRESBYTER TO DEACON
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.
Archbishop John has created some controversy with his decision to invite Readers to consider whether their ministry is really diaconal. One of the first Readers to benefit from his decision is Pat (Patricia) Wood. Here she shares her journey with us, from Reader to Deacon. She makes the distinction between them very clear! The Revd. … Continue reading FROM READER TO DEACON: Pat Wood
This year Exeter deacons and diaconal enquirers met at Buckfast Abbey for our annual day of reflection. Our theme for the day was 'The Praying Heart of the Deacon'. It was a very blessed time, not only because of our beautiful surroundings, but also because of the wisdom and grace that RC Deacon Ed Channing … Continue reading DEACONS: CALLED AND EMPOWERED TO SERVE
This beautiful poem by R S Thomas was read to us today during our annual Deacons' Day of Reflection. It encapsulates the liminal place that is dear to us deacons: neither outside nor in. THE PORCH Do you want to know his name? It is forgotten. Would you learn what he was like? He was … Continue reading NEITHER OUTSIDE NOR IN
Please pray for us tomorrow.
The World Deacons Executive changes to consensus This guest post on change to consensus is from Rev (Deacon) Sandy Boyce of the Uniting Church in Australia. Sandy is President of the DIAKONIA World Federation – http://www.diakonia-world.org The change to consensus by the Executive of the DIAKONIA World Federation has been a huge positive. Change from a traditional … Continue reading A DIACONAL APPROACH: using the tools of consensus
https://youtu.be/SPVuLOXh8vE 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 herself awakens … Continue reading A FEAST FOR PENTECOST
I'm beyond encouraged to receive messages of support from both our Archbishops, for our conference in October. Archbishop John says: I am thrilled that, within the Church of England, there is a rediscovery taking place of the joys of Diaconal ministry. Certainly in the Diocese of York we have seen an increasing number of people … Continue reading ARCHBISHOPS COMMEND DEACONS’ CONFERENCE
May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those … Continue reading GOD BLESS US WITH DISCOMFORT: a deacon’s prayer
I'm absolutely delighted to post this paper from the Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, on the case for the distinctive diaconate. Recently Bishop James held a two-day conference on the diaconate in his diocese, and is committed to its necessity to the missional task of the church. +James' paper is a masterly overview … Continue reading BISHOP OF CARLISLE: the case for a Distinctive Diaconate
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 