The poems, all available free online (https://www.cruciformjustice.com/) and in his recent book, Lament and Hope, covered topics such as “the slow burn miracle of love”, how “Jesus is a Litmus Test for Orthodoxy” and “how love does not equate to a handout culture”.
Tag: rev jon swales
Deacons commit themselves to meditating on and studying God's holy word, not only for their own nourishment but also with others. There is no Lone Ranger in the kingdom of God, and the deacon is committed to seeing others grow; in fact, we grow together.
The deacon journeys with these seekers, answering questions and sharing about Jesus so that the lost become found and experience the peace, joy, hope, and forgiveness found in the Kingdom of Christ. The deacon rejoices with the angels when others come to faith and return from the far country, and they will guide these individuals, perhaps even families, through the waters of baptism and into visible inclusion in the corporate family of faith.
The deacon serves through preaching and intercession; she acts as a bridge in corporate settings between the people and the divine by speaking forth the Word of the Lord in the public reading of the Gospel and lifting up the needs of the people in intercession.
The emissary of King Jesus can often be found kneeling at a kerbside, extending compassion to those desperate for solace, or delivering a message of hope to weary souls behind prison walls. This humble servant whispers the name of Jesus to those submerged in deep trauma, their wrists bearing the scars of profound emotional anguish. It is also spoken reverently at the graveside of those who have tragically taken their own lives.
Confronting the structures of domination demands advocating for sustainable, equitable alternatives that prioritize human well-being and environmental stewardship. As followers of Jesus, who challenged oppressive systems and championed the marginalized, we are called to embody the values of his kingdom. This entails actively dismantling systems of exploitation and advocating for a world where justice, compassion, and stewardship of creation reign supreme. In doing so, we align ourselves with the transformative vision of the kingdom of God, where every person is valued, and the well-being of all creation is upheld.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 