We remember Canada and the member associations in Canada
(the next post will feature other member associations in Canada and the U.S.A.)
* Order of Diaconal Ministries -Presbyterian Church in Canada
* Association of Anglican Deacons in Canada
* Deacons of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
* Diakonia of the United Church of Canada
Focus 1: DIAKONIA OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA (DUCC)
Diakonia of The United Church of Canada was formed in the early 1980s as an association of diaconal ministers. However, diaconal ministry has roots in our church dating back to 1890s and the formation of the deaconess communities of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Diaconal ministers are commissioned to a ministry of Education, Service and Pastoral Care. With ministers who are ordained to Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care, diaconal ministers constitute one of two streams of ministry in the United Church. In 2018, DUCCs gathered for a national biennial meeting in Winnipeg. The theme was taken from the DUCC Vision Statement “Courageous Risking.” The biennial national gathering was to be held May of 2020 in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, and the focus was to be “Faith Inspiring Power and Politics.” Instead we met by Zoom. Work has been completed on renewing the DUCC website. We share news in the community through regular mailchimp connections. Our database has received much attention and now in good shape. We have also participated in a recruitment video from the national church which highlights ministry options. DUCC is a member in Affirm United, a alliance of GBLTQ+ positive ministries.
Intercessions
We are thankful for:
the vast expanse of North America with its resources and varied landscapes; may they be preserved, enjoyed and used wisely;
those who were its original inhabitants – First Nations and Native Americans;
church-related organizations that strongly advocate for justice, and those that provide for new immigrants and refugees today, as well as for others who are poor and vulnerable;
ecumenical and interfaith engagements which are occurring in many communities that previously were mainly white and Christian.
We pray for:
churches facing new challenges, that they may continue to witness boldly to the gospel in evolving multicultural, multireligious and secular contexts;
indigenous peoples in their long struggles for survival, land and rights; and for ongoing healing and reconciliation with those who have come after them;
new immigrants, that they will continue to be welcomed in these countries, and that policies will serve the common good;
effectively countering systemic greed that exploits communities and natural resources;
government leaders that they would advance justice, human rights, and peace for all within these countries and in the rest of the world.
