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Stories
of Diaconal Ministry of the Laity
Jesus said to the disciples, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher,
have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."
The LDA is committed to affirming lay people in their own Christian service. Diaconal ministry is a hands-on, serving ministry that is offered to people with special needs. Such ministry is a privilege of ALL who have been baptized into Jesus Christ, and is a ministry of the laity (laos "people") in a special way. We hope you will enjoy reading these Stories of Diaconal Ministry of the Laity, and be inspired and encouraged by them, in your own diaconal service.
Do you know someone who isn't a professional church worker, but who serves others with special needs? You are welcome to submit information or a story for consideration. Send your story to: Lutheran Deaconess Association, 1304 LaPorte Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383. (Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the use of a submitted story or idea, or its return to the sender. Be sure to keep a copy. Stories should be no more than 350 words, and may be edited for length. Submission by email or computer diskette is ideal.) e-mail address: deacserv@valpo.edu
Lucy's Diaconal Heart by Deaconess Evelyn Middelstadt
Lucy (Lucille) Schulke and I grew up together in rural Anoka Country, Minnesota, not far from Lake Woebegon. As children, we enjoyed many activities together, like raspberry picking and camping. As long as I have known her, Lucy's faith in God and dedication to service have been an inspiration to me. Many people have found themselves in the shadow for Christ's love through her simple acts of loving kindness . . .
I remember when Lucy worked with Betsy in a large five-and-ten cent store (does anybody else remember those?) Betsy was frail physically and lacking in social contacts. Lucy often invited Betsy to visit her on weekends, and took her on vacations.
Then there was J.P., her nephew, who failed to grow physically. Lucy was a support to her sister in trying to find the best medical help, and she also helped to care for J.P. in her own home.
Lucy's diaconal heart enveloped people both young and old. Women's Bible classes in the rural setting met in people’s homes and were often divided according to age. Lucy chose to meet with the older women’s group so she could provide transportation for them. As her many aunts and uncles aged, Lucy was faithful in visiting these elderly relatives -- even Aunt Lizzie, who at age ninety, was childless and often fussy.
Many children heard stories of Jesus from Lucy. Her career as a Sunday school teacher spans many years. She taught all grades, often offering to take the class that needed a teacher. Her former students recall the special things she did for them, like taking the fifth grade classes on annual weekend camping trips.
Lucy, her two brothers and five sisters, grew up on a farm where money was short and work was long, but Christian love prevailed. The large family, now numbering 105, remains close. Many members could tell about Lucy's kindness and concern for them. For many years the "home place," shared by Lucy and her widowed mother, was the setting for the annual Christmas Eve gathering. Nieces and nephews could always expect a hand-sewn gift from Lucy. As each new arrival was placed in Jesus’ loving arms through Baptism, he or she wore a baptismal gown made by Aunt Lucy.
As a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota, Lucy has found many avenues for her diaconal ministry: Sunday School teacher, Sunday School treasurer, AAL Branch secretary, Ladies’ Aid officer, church treasurer, women’s Bible class leader (for twenty years,) and support to the pastor.
Lucy is retired now. She spends summers in Colorado working in a store and enjoying the mountains. She "winters" with her sister in Texas. Her diaconal heart has not retired, however. In the midst of packing up to leave for the south, she took a day to celebrate Christmas with her widowed sister's family because "it helps them take the place of Mom." She also visited Cousin Emma, who just had a stroke. Whenever she is in Minnesota, she helps at the Bethesda Thrift Store, makes quilts for the needy and helps with "cookie day" at the local nursing home.
Lucy's diaconal heart gives birth to loving, steady, dependable acts. They are not flashy, and she does not get nominated for major awards. Yet, many have experienced the love of God through her humble, loving spirit.
Deaconess Evelyn Middelstadt is a “retired” deaconess/social worker who lives and works in Wichita, Kansas. She participates in the local deaconess area conference and the Lutheran Deaconess Conference. Evelyn has served on the LDA staff and helps regularly with the LDA’s formation program for extension students. She is passionate about civil rights and diaconal ministry of the laity.
The Servant's Dance by Deaconess Debra Rank
One thing I have learned about servanthood: it is a dance a careful balance of giving and receiving, of leading and following, of paying attention to the rhythms of life around you and responding in kind. A very special woman in Fort Wayne, Indiana is a master on the dance floor. Sue Bernard's "servant dance" took on many forms even in the short time that I spent at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church as a deaconess intern. Sue served as financial secretary and Sunday School Superintendent, led a women's Bible study group, and volunteered in the community. She was effective and visible as she danced. But it was the not-so- visible things Sue did that truly revealed her diaconal heart.
About once each week the church office telephone would ring, and on the other end of the line would be Sue, letting us know about someone who might need a prayer or a visit. She was so in tune with those in her church community, and so open to the promptings of the Spirit, that it seemed she could simply sense when another was in need. Her concern extended to Pastor and me as well. Often I would find a card left on my desk with a few encouraging words. In these times, Sue was quiet and caring as she danced her servant's dance.
Perhaps the most compelling example of Sue's servant heart was when she cared for "Grandma Jean." Grandma Jean was the mother of dear family friends of Sue and her husband. These friends lived out of town, so Sue undertook the responsibility of caring for Jean. She would spend hours with Jean, combing, her hair, talking about God . . . preparing her for the end. Sue arranged for others to spend nights with Jean so that Jean could remain in her home during her final days. When her care became more demanding, Sue worked with hospice workers and in-home care providers to ensure that Grandma Jean was well cared for.
In her giving and receiving,
Sue also opened herself to receiving care from others. She let go of some
of her church responsibilities and community involvement. She shared her
burden through conversation and prayer with others. In her servant dance,
she knew when to let others take the lead.
Grandma Jean passed away in July, 1998. Sue's help enabled her to live
most of her last weeks in the comfort of her home with care and dignity.
Currently Sue is dancing to the rhythm of a different need. Seeing the lack of quality and affordable child care on the west side of Fort Wayne, she spearheaded, and is now directing, an infant and toddler care center at St. Matthew's. In the face of doubt and financial challenges, Sue persevered, confident in her trust of God's will for the congregation. Today, "Matthew's House" cares for four infants and ten toddlers, allowing struggling parents to leave their young children in capable and Christian hands while they work to support their families. Ironically, Sue had recently "retired" from more than thirty years of providing child care in her home. What a blessing that even in her "retirement," she brings her gifts and years of experience to those in the community.
Yes, I believe that servanthood is a dance. Just watch Sue as she gracefully leads and humbly follows, as she responds to the rhythms of the differing needs around her, as she gives glory always to the Lord of the dance, Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Sue, for your servant's heart.
Deaconess Debra Rank was consecrated in April, 1999, and serves as a parish deaconess, Elkhart, IN.
Jean's Prayer Ministry by Deaconess Edie Eickemeyer
Have you ever gone through a tough time, perhaps feeling alone, when a card arrives to let you know that you are being remembered? That little greeting or note can make such a difference.
Here at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, GA an 88 year old member sends cards and greetings, by request, to some people who are on our Prayer List. Jean Koon has thought of this service as a way God can use her. She began writing cards in 1964 and has continued ever since. Jean adds a few words of cheer and mails off about one hundred cards each year. That number doesn’t account for the extra notes she sends on her own.
Jean’s gift of service doesn’t stop there. She regularly prays for all persons included on our Prayer List. We have a large church and our list is several pages long.
She is driven by a servant’s heart to share God’s love in what she thinks of as a very small way.
Deaconess Edie Eickemeyer was consecrated in 1967 and serves Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, GA.