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
Category: Blog
“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
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
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
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 