Being a deacon involves a lot more than passing the offering plate. Let's discuss all aspects of being a deacon.
CRC
Jack
Andrew
Bev
Wendy
The Diakonia Remixed report goes to Synod in a few months - have you read it? Been talking about it at your council or classis meetings? It's a good time to start preparing so that when it's time for the discussion!
We're called to devote ourselves to prayer. This year let's take that call seriously and intentionally pray for our communities knowing that God is moving, his kingdom is coming, and we have a calling to fulfill.
It's Christmas Day! How did your deacon team share the joy and hope of Christ's birth with those in your congregation and community? What did you try to do to make this season reflect more truly the greatest gift we've ever received - Jesus - God become man?
We talk about losing youth in our congregations. We talk about having less and less people wanting to be part of council. I wonder - why don't we start talking about youth on council. How young is too young?
We, as deacons, are called to a ministry of mercy. With the recent economy financial poverty has become more prevalent. The movie "The Line" shares the stories of people living at or below the poverty line in the US, and inspires us to rid ourselves of wrong assumptions and judgements.
The Diakonia Remixed: Office of the Deacon Task Force commissioned a diaconally-themed song "Everybody Get Diakonian!" and it is now available for you to listen to OR to remix for the chance to WIN $200 and a Deacon's Handbook!
The final report from Diakonia Remixed: Office of the Deacon Task Force is available for reading! Want the link? It's here!
Wondering what some of the hot reads have been on the Deacon Network? Wonder no more - here's a list of the top blogs based on interest and rating!
This webinar is designed to assist you in understanding the role and purpose of a deacon, where your skill and interests fit with this calling, how to best help people who are struggling, and to identify who are the deacon’s partners in ministry.
Just in case you didn't get a chance to attend the webinar today with Donn Hansum of Volunteers in Action, here's a link to the recording of "Getting Started as a New Deacon."
Our diaconal responsibilities may sometimes feel repetitive or the nature of needs we're facing may be daunting. There comes a time when a break from the typical is helpful to refocus our energies and inspire us in new ways. Diaconal Ministires of Canada is hosting two "Day of Encouragement" events - and it could be exactly what you're looking for right now!
On October 17th at 9am EST there is a webinar feature for deacons (or anyone really)! This is a great opportunity to gain practical information about what a deacon is, does and how to partner and serve well in your community! All the information is here...
There's the old joke about how the Bible says that the man is always supposed to make coffee - HE BREWS - but I'm not making a joke when I say WE'RE ALL DEACONS! Are you surprised? Worried? Eager? Confused?
It's easy to assume everyone knows who the deacons are, or what they do in a congregation, however that's not the truth! And when people are confused about what a deacon is, or who to contact when there is a concern, your ministry will not fully attain all its potential. Here are 5 things you can do to be known in your congregation:
In order to serve well as deacons we need to be in tune to the needs of the congregation and community in which we serve. How good are your observational skills? Take this awareness test and find out! (You don't have to be a deacon to take the test!)
Tonight one of my friends asked me how I was doing. I replied "good" in an optimistic voice and continued on with what I was doing. Another friend walking behind me replied, "you know, it's okay if you aren't good". I paused and had to acknowledge that she was right. I had given a programmed response. Are you as quick to lie and prevent authentic conversation?
It's summertime! As this is often a "slower" time in ministry, it becomes a great time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead!
Deacons who serve well work hard at connecting with members of the congregation, organizing ministry, and finding appropriate resources. This final installment on deacons and people with disabilities suggests ideas for ministry and provides some resources to implement those ideas.
Deacons are catalysts for change and it's only natural that that would include working for justice in our churches for people with disabilities. Join us for Part 3 of our 4 part series exploring the connectedness between Disability Concerns and Deacons.
To minister well with people who have disabilities, we need to understand the wide range of disability and the ways in which all of us can unintentionally exclude people with disabilities from the life and ministry of our churches.
People with disabilities are often marginalized in our communities and our churches. Join Mark and myself over the next four weeks as we explore how what disabilities are, what they might look like in our midst, and how Deacons can be a catalyst for justice for people with disabilities.
When we become task focused we can lose sight of what God is calling us to, or asking of us - as individuals and churches. What would it look like for us to stop staring at the trees, but rather see beyond the immediate and discover our unique ways of serving.
The Office of the Deacon Task Force, Diakonia Remixed, is back again with their preliminary report! They are looking for feedback before June 30th. Check out the work they have been doing and share your thoughts about the changes they are recommending. Are you curious about what it says?
Join us as we identify the main roles of the deacon, discuss how deacons can be more effective with benevolence needs, as well as learn how to encourage good stewardship of time, talent and finances in the congregation.