Deacons show Christ to hurting world (UMC)

Just loved reading this article about the diversity of ministry of Deacons in the United Methodist Church. (Original article by Polly House in Interpreter Magazine here).

Rev Nick Nicholas is a deacon from Philadelphia, and serves as coordinator of United Methodist church with Volunteers in Mission (VIM). His secondary appointment is as a deacon for missional service at Arch Street United Methodist Church, where he reads Scripture, assists with Communion "and whatever else they need a deacon to do in either community or leadership," he says.

Rev Nick Nicholas

"As coordinator of VIM, I work with volunteer mission groups from churches. Through my jurisdiction, they can find out what mission sites are available nationally and internationally – anything from rebuilding on the East Coast after Hurricane Sandy, to cleaning up following the recent floods in the Midwest, to helping in Alaska with the Yukon River cleanup. We are still needed and helping in Louisiana from Hurricane Katrina."

Rev Margaret Crain

The Rev. Margaret Ann Crain, is a deacon and Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at Garrett. As a seminary professor, Crain has watched students as they discern their call to ministry.  
The Board of Higher Education and Ministry says, "Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, nurture others in their relationship to God and lead church people to respond to the needs of the most needy, neglected and marginalized of the world."
Outside the walls of the church, deacons share the good news in word and in their advocacy for the poor, neglected, oppressed and discouraged; provide ministries of mercy; and invite Christians into these ministries.
Some deacons also serve as chaplains, denominational staff or administrators, among other roles.

Children's ministry, with Rev Cindy Yanchury

The Rev. Cindy Yanchury is a deacon at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan, Minn. She has served on the church staff as minister of faith formation for 14 years, and was ordained a deacon in 1998. She oversees the ministries with children from birth through fifth grade, plus ministry to the children's families. "We help people grow in their faith, touching the heart as well as the head. We don't only educate our people; we also move them to step outside and get involved in loving and helping people."

Go to Global Board to discover more about deacons in The United Methodist Church.