NEW! Devotions for Deacons #5

By Marcia Mantel | December 31, 2014 |

Here is the fifth 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. This devotion is the second of 3 to focus on deacons and compassion. Each devotion…

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Beyond a Bed: tools for deacons who want to walk alongside

By Marcia Mantel | December 9, 2014 |

A deacon is in the waiting room of a community walk-in clinic. There is a woman beside her, slumped in her seat. She is dozing lightly; she looks exhausted. After a number of minutes, the woman seems to abandon hope of a nap. She stretches, sighs and sits up. The deacon beside her begins a…

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Focus on Stewardship: Hope CRC in Thunder Bay

By Marcia Mantel | November 20, 2014 |

Hope CRC in Thunder Bay, Ontario recently shared how they weave the theme of stewardship throughout their month of worship in September. Deacons actively encouraged and challenged different leaders and groups to be intentional about stewardship: 1. Council was asked to think of ways to incorporate stewardship discussions into their visits in September. 2. The praise team was…

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NEW! Devotion for Deacons #4

By Marcia Mantel | November 4, 2014 |

Here is the fourth 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. This devotion is the first of 3 to focus on deacons and compassion. Each…

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How do Justice and Faith Intersect?

By Marcia Mantel | October 21, 2014 |

“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…

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Filling a Deacon Position Together: what are your thoughts?

By Marcia Mantel | October 9, 2014 |

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…

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NEW: Third Devotion for Deacons

By Marcia Mantel | September 30, 2014 | Comments Off on NEW: 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…

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Deacons and Transitions

By Marcia Mantel | September 19, 2014 | Comments Off on Deacons 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)…

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There is something for everyone at the Day of Encouragement!

By Marcia Mantel | September 15, 2014 | Comments Off on There 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…

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Doing it Differently: Empowering Deacons to Serve

By Marcia Mantel | September 9, 2014 | Comments Off on Doing 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…

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