The Order of Diaconal Ministries of The Presbyterian Church in Canada will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008. During those 10 decades, members of the Order have made an important contribution to the work of the denomination, including Christian education, pastoral care and social ministries. Diaconal ministers serve across Canada and around the world.
To celebrate its anniversary, the Order is asking for people who have experienced the ministry of a deaconess or diaconal minister to share their personal anecdotes and stories with the church. The submissions will be gathered together to complete a history of the century of service given by the Order.
There are currently 163 members of the Order, which includes both active and retired members. Although it is still possible to become a member of the Order, the last time a designation occurred was in 1997. Diaconal ministers used to be trained at Ewart College, but since Ewart amalgamated with Knox College in 1991, there has been less of an emphasis on this stream. Donna McIlveen, the Order's administrator, said the fact that women can be ordained as Ministers of Word and Sacrament influenced membership to a lesser extent.
Stories should be sent to The Order of Diaconal Ministries, c/o the Administrator, Donna McIlveen, 1711 County Rd. #2, RR #3, Prescott, Ont., K0E 1T0, or e-mailed to Joyce Davis at glendavis@auracom.com. – AM
