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How do Justice and Faith Intersect?
“In Christ’s name, the deacons relieve victims of injustice.” This is the description that many of us hear each spring in the CRC ordination form as new men and women transition into diaconal work. “Injustice” is a word that, for many of us, brings to mind a variety of images ranging from the government and…
Read MoreFilling a Deacon Position Together: what are your thoughts?
Recently a Diaconal Ministries Canada staff person was visiting a number of diaconates. Those visits always provide challenging and thoughtful discussions. Here is one idea that came up: “Sometimes spouses share some of the responsibilities and functions of a deacon. At one Ontario CRC, deacons raised the idea of electing husband and wife teams to fill a deacon…
Read MoreNEW: Third Devotion for Deacons
Here is the third devotion for deacons in the latest set of devotionals from Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC). In our conversations with deacons across the country, DMC often summarizes the ministry of the deacon into 4 areas: community ministry, compassion, justice, and stewardship. The first 3 devotions focus on deacons and community ministry. Each devotion is…
Read MoreDeacons and Transitions
It’s that time of the year again. And it may feel like your diaconate is starting all over. Here are some suggestions to ease the transition for your new deacons and for your diaconate as you move forward together. 10 Important Transitional Issues to Consider: (follow the links for resources connected to each transitional issue)…
Read MoreThere is something for everyone at the Day of Encouragement!
How can you become more effective as you volunteer in your church and community? By meeting other people who are passionate for God’s Kingdom and their community. By sharing stories, worship, and experiences with others. By learning from experts in a workshop setting. By asking questions and engaging in dialogue. By enhancing current skills and…
Read MoreDoing it Differently: Empowering Deacons to Serve
Has your church found it difficult to get people to serve as Deacons and Elders? Our church definitely has experienced this phenomenon in the past few years. I think our record was more than 8 “no’s” before we got 1 “yes.” Now that’s pretty sad. One of the things we were discovering was that people…
Read MoreNEW! Second Devotion for Deacons
Here is the second devotion for deacons in the latest set from Diaconal Ministries Canada. In our conversations with deacons across the country, we often summarize the ministry of the deacon into 4 areas: community ministry, compassion, justice, and stewardship. The first 3 devotions focus on deacons and community ministry. Each devotion is available in…
Read MoreA Shared Vision
It has often been said that a few of the church’s members do all of the work! I began to ponder about how that unfolds. I wondered: Are we receptive and responsive for all to share their capacity and their gifts? Is there a “welcome” for all to contribute? Studies have shown that 1 in…
Read MoreNational Aboriginal Day: June 21
Join with churches across Canada to respond to the call for reconciliation with indigenous peoples. There are many resources available to help you learn about what reconciliation might look like, and there are opportunities to act, advocate and be involved individually and as a church. For background information on Aboriginal justice in Canada, and more…
Read MoreNEW! Devotions for Deacons
Since the last release of a set of devotions specific to deacons and written specifically for use in deacons meetings, there have been requests for another set. Today Diaconal Ministries Canada is publishing the first devotion in a new set. In our conversations with deacons across the country, we often summarize the ministry of the…
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