Letter to the Editor, Church Times 16 March 2018 Patterns of ministry in the C of E From the Revd Gill Kimber Sir, — Nigel Holmes (Letters, 9 March) writes of Readers’ being “encouraged to move seamlessly to ordained ministry unless they wished to stay lay”. He is, I think, missing the point. Dr Sentamu’s … Continue reading DEACONS AND READERS: letter to the Editor
Category: Blog
Born and raised in Newport, South East Wales, I have been brought up in the tradition of the Church in Wales, with both my mother and father being key figures in several church communities. It was not until I was 18 and left home to study at university that I found my spiritual identity. Through … Continue reading NOT CALLED TO PRIESTHOOD: Deacon Sarah Gillard-Faulkner
Deacon Jess Foster (Birmingham) has recently returned from a multi-faith visit to Israel/Palestine. Walking along the canal today I passed a man who was intent on taking a photo. He stood for quite some time focussing and refocussing a professional looking camera, gazing at a spot over the water. After passing him I glanced back … Continue reading THE SUBJECTIVENESS OF SEEING: Deacon Jess reflects on a multi-faith visit to Israel-Palestine
There are so many of us who go through 'desert experiences', where we feel dry and hard, when spiritual life doesn't feel quite real, where we are struggling with grief or loss of illness. It can be a scarey time, particularly for those of us in ministry, who know that somehow we have to continue … Continue reading GOING THROUGH A DESERT EXPERIENCE
Mothering Sunday At last, in spite of all, a recognition, For those who loved and laboured for so long, Who brought us, through that labour, to fruition To flourish in the place where we belong.
Practical wisdom from Diaconal Ministries Canada. This post starts with their absolutely brilliant definition of the diaconate! Deacons serve by leading and equipping the church to minister to its members and the world in a rich diversity of ministries, awakening compassion, demonstrating mercy, seeking justice, and collaborating with God’s Spirit for the transformation of persons … Continue reading HEY DEACONS – LISTEN UP!
I was at St Boniface on Sunday leading Satellite worship, and afterwards as we put away wires and equipment, our friendly neighbourhood electrician said to me 'see that multi-socket over there, the one for six plugs? It makes me so happy.' I stared at it. It looked a perfectly normal socket to me. 'What makes … Continue reading When a multi-socket is a thing of joy
There's a Whatsapp group for Anglican distinctive deacons, called GoDeacons, which is proving a very helpful way for deacons to keep in touch with each other. If you're a lone deacon in your diocese, or if there are very few of you, the whatsapp group means you can keep in easy touch with other deacons … Continue reading WHATSAPP FOR DEACONS: a helpful way to keep in touch
I'm ridiculously excited to announce our national conference for Church of England deacons, DDOs, vocations advisers, diaconal ordinands and enquirers! Our speaker will be Rev Professor Paul Avis, one of our leading theologians, who will explore 'a Flagship Ministry: Deacons and the Church's Mission.' It will take place on 27 October this year. All the … Continue reading NEW NATIONAL CONFERENCE: DEACONS ON THE MOVE! Book your ticket now!
Nothing really to do with deacons. Just because he's one of my favourites. You can listen to the poem too if you click on the heading. George Herbert Gentle exemplar, help us in our trials, With all that passed between you and your Lord, That intimate exchange of frowns and smiles Which chronicled your love-match … Continue reading GEORGE HERBERT, priest and poet
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 