A multi-faith friendship group called, Women Together, has received a prestigious award from the Three Faiths Forum for London and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London's Council on Faith. Founded by Rev Ann Norman, Erith Deanery Community Deacon and Associate Minister at Christ Church Erith (Bromley & Bexley), the group of Christian and Muslim Women who … Continue reading AWARD FOR DISTINCTIVE 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.
In Eastern Syria, the Syriac Orthodox church of St Mary, in the city of Deir Ezzor, has held their first prayer service in six years. 3000 Christians are estimated to have lived in Deir Ezzor before the 2011 uprising but many fled. People have gradually started returning as Syrian troops recapture the city, but it … Continue reading DEACON AT FIRST SERVICE IN 6 YEARS
Candlemas With certitude Simeon opened ancient arms to infant light. Decades before the cross, the tomb and the new life, he knew new life. What depth of faith he drew on, turning illumined towards deep night. Denise Levertov (1923–1997) image from National Catholic Register
Many thanks to diaconal ordinand Abi Davison (York) , who has created a new Facebook page for deacons: https://www.facebook.com/DistinctivelyDeacon/ Who are we? CofE Deacons Network·Tuesday, 30 January 2018 We are a dispersed group of Church of England Deacons who are looking to keep in touch, share resources and generally promote and support the growing vocation … Continue reading NEW FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DEACONS
The Revd Canon Michael Jackson 24 January 2018 9:25AM 2 Comments Having been ordained in 1977, the Revd Canon Michael Jackson from the Diocese of Qu’Appelle is the longest serving deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada. In this blog, he explores the permanent diaconate. Our liturgies invite us to pray for “all bishops, priests … Continue reading THE DIACONATE: RENEWING AN ANCIENT MINISTRY
Deacon Chris Saccali is the founder of Community Connect in Athens. Great ministry, Chris! Last Wednesday Community Connect Northern Suburbs met for the first time in 2018 at the Loida Scripture Home for the Elderly in Kifissia. Deacon Chris Saccali, the founder of Community Connect, and Mr Alexis Karelis, the President of Loida, spoke … Continue reading DEACON CHRIS IN ATHENS: Community Connect
The Bishop of Leicester, +Martyn Snow, has produced a paper for the Central Readers' Council of which he is Chair. It is out for consultation from January to March 2018 with final proposals coming to the CRC AGM in April 2018. What is interesting about this discussion document, is that it comes down very firmly … Continue reading THE FUTURE FOR READERS
Vincent is the earliest Spanish martyr whose name is known to us. It is said that he was brought to trial along with his bishop Valerius, and that since Valerius had a speech impediment, Vincent spoke for both, and that his fearless manner so angered the governor that Vincent was tortured and killed. A fearless … Continue reading VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR
Deacon Jess Foster muses on bread-making as a creative response to church decline, religious difference and community cohesion. Bread Church was prompted by a conversation in which someone outside the church mentioned to our vicar (a fantastic baker) how much she would like to make bread. It was not started to meet our need for … Continue reading A DEACON’S BREAD
This is today's posting on 'From the Deacon's Desk', a blog by Deacon Rick Wagner. Well worth following! https://fromthedeaconsdesk.wordpress.com/ Passion Defined Posted on January 16, 2018 • Posted in Daily Scripture reflection • January 16, 2018 As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path … Continue reading PASSION, WISDOM, ACTION
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 