The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
January 2007

Deacons Gather for Conference

Utah participants in the deacon workshop are shown with their instructors. From left are Dan Herron and Susan Fischer from St. Stephen’s, Claudia Giacoma from St. Luke’s, Nancy Groshart from Good Shepherd, instructor John Willets, Steve Alder from St. Paul’s, SLC, and instructor Phina Borgeson.

A group of deacons from around the country gathered in Salt Lake City Dec. 8-10 to examine their ordination vows in conjunction with their baptismal vows.

In the conference called "Growing Our Ministries with God’s People," they also learned how to develop specific learning goals to enhance their ministries.

The deacons were greeted by Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish, who welcomed them to the diocese.

The conference was sponsored by the North American Association for the Diaconate. Presenters were two deacons, John Willits from Illinois and Phina Borgeson from Northern California.

Willets, a retired professor, noted that "we have to live in a world teaching and learning." Borgeson, in urging the development of continuing education plans, noted that "learning and ministry go together."

A total of 38 deacons from 19 dioceses attended. The largest delegations were from Olympia (6), Utah (5), and Colorado (4). Other dioceses represented were Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Alaska, Oregon, Los Angeles, California, Northern California, Northern Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Northwest Texas, Idaho, Oklahoma, San Diego and Kansas.

The Rev. Steve Alder of St. Paul's, Salt Lake City, served as local conference coordinator. The conference was held at Commander's House at the University of Utah.

Susan Fischer of St. Stephen's, who is in discernment about serving as a deacon, said she appreciated the "diversity and boldness of ministry, the joy and the passion," that was shared during the workshop. "We all learn from each other," she said.

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