Sandy visits Kaiserswerth

Sandy Boyce with Sister Gudrun, Sister Sonia and Father Raimund

part of the Diakonia cemetery at Kaiserswerth

The graves of Theodor Fliedner and his second wife Caroline

Sister Hilda, Sister Sonia and Sister Gudrun at Diakonie Kaiserswerth

Sandy spent a day in Diakonie Kaiserswerth with Sister Gudrun and Sister Sonia. This is the heart of the mother house movement for deaconesses in Germany, established by Theodor Fliedner and his wife Friederike, and supported by Theodor's second wife Caroline after the early death of Friederike. The deaconess order was a response to the social issues of the day, and also to enable single women to take up a ministry of service in the vocation of nursing.

Welcome to Frances!

This month, Frances Bartholomeusz has transitioned from candidate for MoW to candidate for Ministry of Deacon. It has been a long period of formation and discernment for Frances, and we are delighted that she has found her 'niche'. Frances has been working for several years as a hospital chaplain, with a wonderful gift of encouragement and gentle support.

Sharon Cutts - ordination

Sharon Cutts

What great news that Sharon was ordained as a Deacon on June 18th at 2pm at Wentworthville Uniting Church. Congratulations to Sharon!
Sharon continues in her role at Wentworthville UC. 
You can read Rev’d Charles M. Vesely’s sermon at Sharon’s ordination here. 

 

Meg Evans in Frontier Services News May 2011

It's great to see Meg Evans in this month's Frontier Services News (pages 17-19), with an interview about her work with Frontier Services in the Midlands of Tasmania. Meg of the Midlands - definitely has a catchy ring to it! A good read. Blessings to Meg in her ministry in the heart of Tasmania.

Welcome to Susan!

Absolutely delighted to welcome Susan Doughty to the world of diakonia as a new candidate for ministry of Deacon. Susan lives in Port Lincoln with her family. Please pray for Susan and her family in what will be a significant time of transition.

Wellspring Community national gathering

The national gathering of Wellspring Community was held recently in WA. Betty Matthews, retired deacon, was part of the organising committee and other deacons were involved, with Bev Fabb and Frances Hadfield leading worship
and Lesley de Grussa Macaulay leading a post conference trip. Jean Stirling, retired deacon from SA was in attendance. The gathering focussed on working towards a caring future. The first day focussed on Reconcilation with Mark bin Bakar from Broome being the key note speaker, and the afternoon spent visiting the site of the Pinjarra Massacre. In the evening Mary G (Mark's altar ego) entertained the gathering. The second day focussed on building a peaceful future through inter faith dialogue with speakers from a variety of faith traditions. Sustainability was the theme of the third day with Paul Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University as the main speaker. The gathering ended with a commissioning service for the new leadership of the Community.

Scott's in Cambodia

Rev Scott Litchfield is based in Cambodia, working as Country Team Leader with Interserve. He and his wife Rachael reflect on some of their experiences on their blogsite. Please pray for Scott, Rachael and their sons Tennyson and Elliot in a challenging situation, including mastering the Khmer language.