Terry Woodnorth

Wendy is willing to present the webinar "Getting Going in Helping without Hurting" if it gets enough votes. See http://network.crcna.org/webinars/ and click on the "Proposed" tab.

I can think of two different approaches to take:

1 - Split article 25a into two articles, keeping the existing article for elders and add the new language for deacons.

2 - Create a new article 25a similar to what has been proposed above, with language that would be applicable to both elders and deacons.

I would prefer the second option. What in the task force's proposed wording should be changed that would allow elder and deacon terms to be addressed in the same way?

The new wording under discussion didn't intend to say (or imply) that elder and deacon terms must be the same, fixed (vs. flexible), nor that they must be longer or shorter than current practice. The intent was to empower councils to define the terms of office for elder and deacon as best fits their local situation. What in the wording makes you think they need to be treated the same? What implies that the flexibility you desire is not present?

We definitely need to include something similar to "as determined by council or consistory" or "as designated by the council" (the original wording) and we'll consider the "flexible" suggestion. Article 25c will need to be a separate discussion topic at a later time; we have plans to rewrite that entire section.

The "retain their titles and calling..." suggestion may be beyond the scope of this task force and our competency to address. I think that gets into an area that requires much more study and discussion that we're not prepared to tackle. In my opinion, I don't think that the Church Order currently prohibits the "assist council" concept.

Melissa's questions about terms for deacons gives the Office of Deacon Task Force the opportunity to preview some of their work.  Read the blog post:  Diakonia Remixed: Terms for Deacons

On the topic of the relationship between a crime and mental health, the following article may be of interest.

The Autism Defense - http://spectrum.ieee.org/telecom/internet/the-autistic-hacker

Gary McKinnon hacked thousands of government computers. His lawyers say his autism is to blame.

Adam, your response provides very helpful input to the Office of Deacon Task Force. But I'm not sure that I understand your comments regarding a "suggested calendar." Would you please clarify?

A devotional resource appropriate for deacons already exists. Amy Sherman has written "Sharing God's Heart for the Poor" and can be ordered at http://www.cepbookstore.com/p-6188-sharing-gods-heart-for-the-po.aspx. "This inspiring and convicting to action devotional booklet gives 17 short reflections on God's compassion for the poor and His desire to see His body actively love and serve the needy."

Grace, a good next step is to get the book "When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself" http://www.chalmers.org/when-helping-hurts/book.php and work through the "When Helping Hurts"

Ministry Training Webinars http://www.chalmers.org/when-helping-hurts/webinar/schedule.php or Self/Group-study Guide http://www.chalmers.org/when-helping-hurts/self-study.php with your fellow deacons.

On the topic of deacon devotionals, I just received the following notice from Diaconal Ministries Canada:

Coming Soon:   Devotions specifically for use in Deacons' Meetings are nearing completion.  Watch the DMC website at www.diaconalministries.com for more.

Diakonia Remixed: The Office of Deacon Task Force welcomes ideas on how we could address the challenge that Mark has given in his last paragraph. Areas to address could include training resources, assessment tools, the job description for deacons (in the ordination form and church order), etc.  Post your comments here or e-mail [email protected].

Mark: Expert guidance (or at least practical experience) may be needed to effectively answer your question "How will this affect people with disabilities?" when assessing poverty alleviation efforts. Do you have any guidance to offer?

Might Faith Alive consider publishing two versions of the new hymnal - one with and one without the creeds and confessions?

For those of you in or near Grand Rapids, you are invited to join one of these upcoming events.

A Conversation on "A Call for Intergenerational Justice: A Christian Proposal on the American Debt Crisis"

A panel discussion with Q & A, featuring Dr. Gideon Strauss, CEO, Center for Public Justice



Last week, the Center for Public Justice and Evangelicals for Social Action issued "A Call for Intergenerational Justice: A Christian Proposal on the American Debt Crisis".  



This event is co-hosted by Peter Vander Meulen, Coordinator of the Christian Reformed Church of North America Office of Social Justice and by Tom McWhertor of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee



Thursday March 10

Noon - 1:30pm

Erie Room of the Christian Reformed Church of North America Office Building



2850 Kalamazoo Avenue, SE

Grand Rapids

SE corner of 28th Street intersection, across from Meijer



Free and open to the public

Please bring your own lunch and plan to join the conversation

Questions? Contact Doreen Skillen at the Center for Public Justice, 410-571-6300





Opposing Views: America's Debt Crisis and 'A Call for Intergenerational Justice'

This event is hosted by the Acton Institute and features Dr. Gideon Strauss, CEO, Center for Public Justice and Jordan J. Ballor, Research Fellow at the Acton Institute.  Mr. Ballor has criticized the Call as demonstrating "very little principle" and consisting mostly of "leaps in logic based on unstated assumptions about the role that government should have" in providing social assistance.  The Action Institute invites you for a night of discussion about government debt, federal spending, and how faith communities should understand the responsibilities of social institutions in addressing the problem of poverty.



Thursday March 10

Derby Station

2237 Wealthy Street, SE

East Grand Rapids, 49506



6:00pm Grab a seat & beverage

6:30pm Discussion begins



Free and open to the public, but seating is limited, so the Acton Institute encourages you to arrive early.