Saint Benedict Episcopal Church

The order of deacons is one which informs all orders of the primary work we are all sent to do by virtue of our baptism. To inform is to give character, or essence, as well as material form.

Deacons are a sacramental interpretation of a sacred ministry. The primary significance is not in the performance of their functions, but rather along with bishops and priests are signs of the apostolic character of the Church and Christ’s continuing headship in the Christian community. The deacon’s role in the liturgy - reading the gospel, bidding the prayers of the people and dismissing the body to go out into the world to make Christ’s redemptive love known is an outward sign of this sacramental interpretation.

Deacons help give identity and clarity to the image of the continuing ministry of Christ in and through his church.

Deacons help by giving focus to the ministry of the baptized. Similar to a camera lens which helps to focus the rays of light, the deacon provides that focus and the point where the light rays meet so that the object may be seen more clearly. With a clear focus there is vision.

Deacons discover, uncover and reveal. The ministry of the deacon is to seek out and discover who or what is outside the faith community – that is in need of Christ’s transforming love. The deacon is to uncover and identify the voiceless, powerless, and marginalized who need to both see and experience the Good News.

Deacons reveal, to the faith community, what they have discovered and uncovered, then invite them into action.

On April 12, I attend the HOPE Conference – Healing Our Planet Earth. I am still in awe of all that I heard and how very simple, yes simple, it is for each one of us to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and to reach the goal of 50% reduction within the next 10 years. Have you ever really stopped to think about things you are already doing: recycling, composting, washing with cold water, using “Green” products, sealing all the air leaks around your home. The list could go on, but we can do more. There are tools available for guidance and help for reducing the Green House gas emissions even on a greater scale: Pick a Sunday, one Sunday a month and carpool to church. What a great way to get to know our community. This is just one idea among many.  Check out the websites www.genesiscovenant.org  or www.earthministry.org.

I invite you into further conversation -  How can we as a church become GREEN!!  We are already doing some things, but let’s do more so that our children and grandchildren will have a place to live. 

Questions/Comments – Contact Deacon Gen Grewell.