We can feel overwhelmed by a world of fear and chaos. Or, we can be open to hearing the message of Jesus who says the reign of God has come into our midst - where peace and justice meet, with the promise of a whole new future for our world graced and animated by the Holy Spirit.
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.
Children of God Never mind your weakness; it is the very thing that qualifies you. Never mind your feelings of inadequacy; it is God’s work, not yours. Simply make yourself available, and let go of any need to impress others, or prove yourself worthy, or achieve “success.” What matters is that God has chosen … Continue reading NEVER MIND YOUR WEAKNESS …
Discerning the Diaconate http://www.here-i-am.org.uk/features/diaconate.html (2011) This short paper is designed to help Vocations Advisers, DDOs and Bishops’ Advisers in their discernment of candidates with a vocation to the distinctive diaconate. It surveys some of the current thinking about the diaconate within the Church of England, but it does not attempt to be the last word … Continue reading ANGLICAN CATHOLIC VOCATIONS INITIATIVE
'1st service as deacon this morning, 1st chance to wear my alb and the all seasons stole which was co-designed by the artist Yvonne Bell and myself.' Congratulations to John McWilliams and all those ordained a vocational deacon last week. May blessings and joy be yours!
From Diaconal Ministries Canada Go TO the people Live among THEM Learn from THEM Love THEM Start with what THEY know Build on what THEY have: But of the best leaders When their task is done The people will remark "WE have done it ourselves."
"Don’t blow your own horn! If you want to start a big movement, then go ahead and make a big splash; if you want to be renowned, then go ahead and sound off. But if you want to see God’s kingdom advance, stand before the cross and be quiet. God’s kingdom will not come into … Continue reading STAND BEFORE THE CROSS
It's good news that the Anglican and Methodist churches seem at last to be moving towards real unity and interchangeability of ministers. But where does this leave deacons of both denominations? Has any thought been given to our vocation and ministry? David Clark has sent off this letter to the Church Times. Regardless of whether … Continue reading ANGLICAN-METHODIST UNITY – WHERE WILL DEACONS STAND?
For Deacon Corinne Smith, St Michael has a special place in her experience: My birthday is the Holy Guardian Angels, so angels have always been very special for me. St Michael has followed me all through my life, from my first church when I was a little girl, up to my ordination at Michaelmas and … Continue reading A DEACON’S SAINT
Celebrating the Feast of St Peter and St Paul with this wonderful sonnet by Malcolm Guite. Peter is my mate - I was deaconed at Petertide 26 years ago. I love this icon too: it was the one we chose for the Anglican holiday club which we were able to hold in an Orthodox parish … Continue reading EACH DENIAL IS UNDONE BY LOVE: a sonnet for St Peter
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 