2017 DIAKONIA Assembly - the host committee begins to meet

Deaconess Lisa Polito (left) and Deaconess Diane Marten (right)

As you may know, the next DIAKONIA Assembly will be in Chicago. The venue is set, and the theme is set. And now begins the work of the host committee which will meet this coming Wednesday, 28th January. This initial meeting will be a chance for people to get to know each other, as the committee comprises people from a number of diaconal associations. Diane Marten has agreed to serve as the chairperson, which is wonderful news.

Diane is a Lutheran Deaconess Association deaconess, recently retired. She earned a bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University in 1972 and a master's degree in counseling from Chapman College, Orange, California. Following her master's degree, she provided hospital chaplaincy, private counseling and grief work for children. Her congregational ministry focused on music, youth and Christian Education. Diane also has extensive experience working with infants at risk of developmental disabilities.

In her last position, she served on the staff of the Lutheran Deaconess Association in Valparaiso from 2001, where she served as Director of Education and Fromation. Her main responsibilities were to recruit deaconess and deacon students and then to work with them during their formation process. She worked on staff with Lisa Polito. She retired this past summer. Diane has attended DIAKONIA Assemblies in Halifax and Durham, and she has also attended DOTAC meetings.

Diane is a talented person possessing not only good organizational abilities but also excellent interpersonal skills. DIAKONIA is most fortunate to have Diane serve in this important leadership role as Chairperson.

Please pray for Diane in her role as Chairperson, and for the newly formed Committee, and especially as they meet this coming Wednesday.