“Sharing many passions”

Diaconal Ministries Canada provides many resources for deacons in the Christian Reformed Church. At the very top of the resource list are the Diaconal Ministry Developers (DMDs). These passionate and creative individuals are encouragers and coaches for deacons. They are experienced in diaconal work and are available to help deacons understand their role and work…

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NEW! Devotions for Deacons #6

Here is the sixth 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 third of 3 to focus on deacons and compassion. Each devotion…

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A New Year: setting goals as deacons

The beginning of 2015 may feel like a new start after the break for Christmas. Of course there is some continuation of existing ministry patterns and activities; however, some of those activities may follow the established agendas of past leaders or they may cause your diaconate to lose focus because of old dilemmas and diverse…

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Offering More

What started as a one-time fundraiser some 40 years ago has become a very popular annual tradition that church members look forward to every Thanksgiving. Hebron CRC in Renfrew, Ontario held their first Thanksgiving Day auction as a fundraiser for the Calvinette (now GEMS) program. It was so popular that congregational members suggested that it take…

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NEW! Devotions for Deacons #5

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

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

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

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?

“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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