Connections
The Deaconess Movement
Beyond The United Methodist Church
DOTAC Regional Conferences are held every four years, as planned by the Central Committee. They provide opportunities for fellowship, learning, celebration, and decision making. The number of voting delegates for each member association and sisterhood is determined by a ratio of its membership.
Since the first conference in 1968, every effort has been made by the members to become acquainted with one another. The diaconate in each church varies in terms of its relationship to the denominational structure and in types of service. Many denominations now include men, as well as women, in the diaconal ministry of their churches. Fundamental to all, is personal commitment to Jesus Christ and the decision to articulate this commitment through a quality of life and a vocational task responsive to the needs of persons and society within the life of the church.
The 2006 Regional Assembly of DOTAC
What Does the Lord Require of You?
Do Justice - Give Kindness - Walk Humbly
An exploration of diaconia in the real world of the Caribbean and in our lives.
July 1 - 7, 2006 (includes travel dates)
Cost - $395 (US) (does not include hotel room)
The Cascadia Hotel
Port of Spain, Trinidad
Program includes: Caribbean Cultural Presentation and Expo
Visits to island diaconal projects
"…what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
19th DIAKONIA World Assembly
Reflections By Donna Taylor, deaconess applicant
The 19th DIAKONIA World Assembly, meeting in Durham, England July 20-27, 2005, has dismissed, but, for me, it has not ended. I continue to process and reflect upon worship experiences, presentations from the regional world organizations (DIAKONIA Asia Pacific, DIAKONIA Region Africa Europe, and DIAKONIA of the Americas and Caribbean), and theological perspectives given by Bishop Stephen of the Church of England.
The Assembly theme was "Diakonia at the Margins: Challenge and Hope". At present, my reflections are revolving around the following key thoughts:
- Diakonia (service to the world) is the foundation of Christian life and ministry: it is not an add-on
- Diakonia belongs to and happens with God
- Christ lived "on the margin", between God and humanity
- As deacons and deaconesses, we are "walking sacraments"
Thinking ahead, the challenge to those of us engaged in Christ-centered servant ministry appears to me to be two-fold: first, to listen for and accurately discern the on-going call of Christ to service; and, second, to find effective ways to bring Christ's healing and hope to those in need. To do this, we must model peace with justice and be prophetic voices in the church. My hope is continually renewed and remains in Jesus Christ, the Savior of all, who calls us and equips us to be instruments of God's transforming love.
Even as I write this, I thank God, again, for leading me (via the Internet!) to the Deaconess Program of the United Methodist Church and into the larger world community of God's people committed to diaconal service. It is such a joy to be connected with other deaconesses, working to extend God's kingdom of peace, justice and love to every person who lives on this earth.
The next World Assembly is in four years. I hope to see YOU there!
