Distinctive deacons, enquirers and Methodist deacon colleagues from Yorkshire and beyond met for a two day conference at Wydale Hall on 13th to 14th February to reflect on the practical expression of diakonia and the ways in which this calling can best be recognised, encouraged and supported. The Revd David Mann (DDO) welcomed participants and introduced Anglican and Methodist deacons who shared inspirational stories of their work in contexts such as community development and support for asylum seekers, the homeless and the poor.
It was a privilege to welcome Bishop John Thomson who spoke about the formation of distinctive deacons as a calling with its own identity and expression which should not be subsumed into other paths. He began by handing out Red Bush tea bags as an illustration of increasing the yield. One cup becomes seven if boiled rather than infused. Bishop John underlined the need to love the world but to avoid being eaten by the context and to remain rooted in and connected to the church.
Methodist deacon the Revd Debbie Marsh concluded the event by sharing her own story of transformation from her life on the edge of society to her call to be a deacon and the way in which the authenticity of her own experience empowers her to enable others.
The Revd Liz Carrington