The Ministry of Deacons (April Lion's Roar)

I am very excited to announce an addition to St. Mark’s.  The Reverend Deacon David Stickley has been appointed to St. Mark’s by Bishop DeDe.  David is appointed for a one-year trial period starting 1 April.  Please see David’s biography in this Lion’s Roar to learn more about him.  Deacon Dorothy Pierce will continue her ministry with All Saints’ in Johnson City.

Deacons are a specific order of ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.  As noted above, Deacons serve under the direction of a Bishop and are appointed by a Bishop.  Deacons are ordained to a special ministry of Word and Service.  Deacons proclaim the Gospel, set the Table, and dismiss us in the Sunday liturgy.  They typically also preach, teach, and offer pastoral care along with the priest of a parish.

Deacons are a bridge between the church and the world.  A Deacon is to interpret the church to the world and to interpret the needs of the world to the church as well as to assist the church in responding to those needs.  This is why a Deacon is almost never employed by a congregation but generally has some vocation out in the world during the week or has retired from a career.

Deacons are first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (the book of Acts), chapter 6.  Deacons were appointed to assist the first disciples with a special ministry to the poor, the widow, and the orphan.  One of the first deacons was Stephen.  Stephen was later stoned for his faith in Jesus (see Acts 7).  He is remembered as the first Christian martyr.

The specifics of what David’s ministry with us at St. Mark’s will look like is still being worked out.  This includes potential office hours and how David might best use his gifts for ministry with St. Mark’s.  I look forward to having Deacon David with us at St. Mark’s.  Please join me in giving him a warm welcome.

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