"Diaconal storytelling seeks to touch the hearer more deeply, to give space in the story for the hearers to find themselves, to unleash imagination and memory, to open the possibility for healing, for challenge, for transformation.

"It is also to help people tell their own stories of their pain and suffering, of their joys and triumphs, of deaths and resurrections, of God at work among them--to bring those stories back to the community for witness, celebration, instruction, and prayer.

~ Deaconess E. Louise Williams

Our guest, Deacon Brandon Kruger, shares his inspiring children's story, "Today, I Met a Deacon," which he created during his diaconal formation project at the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA).

Deacon Brandon also reflects on his ministry as a preschool teacher.

Then we explore the sense of community within the LDA and we delve into the enriching experience of being part of a multi-Lutheran community.

Plans to publish "Today, I Met a Deacon" are underway.

TRIGGER TOPIC: DEATH BY SUICIDE

In this episode, we speak with Kristen Baltrum, Executive Director and creator of "Annie & Millie's Place," an agency that advocates for shelter for those experiencing homelessness with their pets. We discuss how this work reflects the diaconal image of Doorkeeper.

Kristen discusses how her non-profit in Longmont, CO., serves those in need and their animals by moving back and forth between boundaries, setting boundaries, and advocating for the welcome of pets alongside owners in shelters and emergency housing.

We delve into the story of Kristen's sister, Annie, and how Annie's dog, Millie, was the only consistent Being during her struggles with homelessness. This unconditional love from Annie's dog inspired Kristen to establish "Annie & Millie's Place."

To donate funds, supplies or fostering: https://www.annieandmillies.org/

Mentioned:

"My Dog Always Eats First " by Leslie Irvine

Photos:

MART PRODUCTION

Ryutaro Tsu

Annie&Millie's Place

In this episode, we speak with Deaconess Katrina Martich, an engineer by trade, about how her life's work reflects the diaconal image of Light Bearer.

Deaconess Katrina discusses her journey, education, and vocational passions which have led her to serve the church, the community and Creation.

The Lutheran Diaconal Association's formation program helped her recognize her voice in shining light on the brokenness within Creation and our how our relationships with others and with creation itself are key to caring for the environment.

Deaconess Katrina, an Environmental consultant was consecrated a deaconess in 2019, lives in Spokane, Washington and is the creator of Living Connected - an initiative and project that calls congregations to transform the way it uses the six gifts of Creation.

KatrinaMartich.com

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation. Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadr

In this episode, we speak with Deacon Ben Ema about his work as a nurse practitioner and how it reflects the diaconal image of “Foot Washer.”

We talk about how nursing forms to the needs of others just like the towel that dries, wipes clean and gives warmth. Ben ponders with us on John 13:1-17 that informs his nursing and how it reminds us of Christ taking the daily and making it profound.

Deacon Ben was consecrated in 2016. He is a nurse practitioner at the Perdue North Central Nursing Clinics in West Lafayette, IN which are run and operated by nurse practitioners. He is a graduate of Valparaiso University & Purdue University.

Mentioned in the show:

Scholar.valpo.edu

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation.

Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv

In this episode, we speak with Deaconess Brenda Bauer about her lifelong ministry as a nurse and how it reflects the diaconal image of “Foot Washer.”

We talk about caring for people through a diaconal lens and avoiding tasks oriented care and pity. The conversation takes us to the reality of life and when the table turns and a deaconess is now in need of a faithful, diaconal servant.

Deaconess Brenda was consecrated in 1981 she developed a ministry called "Sole to Soul Footcare," she also worked in the public health sector, as a parish nurse and hospice. Deaconess Brenda is living with a degenerative neurological disease. She lives in Moorehead, MN with her husband.

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation.

Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv

In this episode, We speak with Deaconess Cheryl Plummer about how her work as a Hospice Chaplain in Michigan reflects the diaconal image of "Storyteller"

Deaconess Cheryl describes the three types of stories that her ministry curates beginning with her story, the client's end-of-life story and their spiritual story, which sometimes, includes Jesus' death story. We explore how God's story is intertwined in all three no matter the faith.

Deaconess Cheryl was consecrated by the LDA in 1989 and is also a rostered ELCA Deacon in the S.E. Michigan Synod. She is now now serving Corewell Health - Hospice Division in Royal Oak Michigan.

Mentioned in the show:

* The Ecumenical Theological Seminary https://www.etseminary.edu

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation.

Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv

Welcome to the LDA series on the five images of Diaconate.

The images of the diaconate were developed by scholar Antonia Lynn in an article she wrote in the book "The Deacon's Ministry.

The definitions we use here are interpretations of Lynn's work by LDA Emeritus Executive Director, Deaconess E. Louise Williams.

In this preview, we hear the definition of Storyteller.

To hear how members of the LDA Diaconate relate their current and past ministries to this image, tune into a full length interview at

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3x29dCPqFlAPBlz3KQvfhQ?si=59e5d07e4f644aa0

Photos by Bengray.com

Welcome to the LDA series on the five images of Diaconate.

The images of the diaconate were developed by scholar Antonia Lynn in an article she wrote in the book "The Deacon's Ministry.

The definitions we use here are interpretations of Lynn's work by LDA Emeritus Executive Director, Deaconess E. Louise Williams.

In this preview, we hear the definition of Footwasher.

To hear how members of the LDA Diaconate relate their current and past ministries to this image. Tune in to full length podcasts at https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lihQFYrjKSgWxPAis7kK0?si=cd12209199184356

Photo by Pixabay.com

Welcome to the LDA series on the five images of Diaconate.

The images of the diaconate were developed by scholar Antonia Lynn in an article she wrote in the book "The Deacon's Ministry.

The definitions we use here are interpretations of Lynn's work by LDA Emeritus Executive Director, Deaconess E. Louise Williams.

In this preview, we hear the definition of Light Bearer.

To hear how members of the LDA Diaconate relate their current and past ministries to this image. Full length interviews at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4EA68OKIRnQvpElCeE7kCK?si=6300d5637d3448d4

Photos by Bengray.com

Welcome to the LDA series on the five images of Diaconate.

The images of the diaconate were developed by scholar Antonia Lynn in an article she wrote in the book "The Deacon's Ministry.

The definitions we use here are interpretations of Lynn's work by LDA Emeritus Executive Director, Deaconess E. Louise Williams.

In this preview, we hear the definition of Table Server.

To hear how members of the LDA Diaconate relate their current and past ministries to this image. Full length interviews at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6XCRN83M0CNzXXNGiqYT7U?si=745e857f2ec14737

Photos by Bengray.com