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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Filling 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…