As The True Deaconess Spirit by Wilhelm Loehe reminds, “What is my want? I want to serve.” But even deaconesses need time to rest, and that is one offering the annual Concordia Deaconess Conference (CDC) provides for its members.
This year, the CDC was so graciously hosted and cared for by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio, on June 15-18. Oftentimes, it can be difficult for caregivers to slow down and become the recipients of such selfless care. Being at St. John’s was such a gift, as the people there cared for the deaconesses (and their guests) in many and various ways. This was done via meals, childcare, and providing spaces for worship and learning. Ultimately, this year’s conference site was perfectly equipped to naturally nurture these women so that they do not conform to the wicked and wily ways of the world, but instead are being continuously transformed by the renewal of their minds, most profoundly, In View of God’s Mercy: The Devotional Life in Christ. That was this year’s conference theme, and the theme verse was Romans 12:1-2. There were plenty of opportunities to worship in both of St. John’s sanctuaries for Evening Prayer, Matins & Deaconess Litany, a Hymn Sing, chapel, and the Divine Service. NOW District Deaconess Amanda Mumm (Immanuel in Twin Falls, Idaho) even led a breakout session on the topic: “Identity in Christ for the Postpartum Woman Who Struggles with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.”
This annual conference allows sister deaconesses to gather for community worship and fellowship, confession and absolution, celebration, conversation, and collective rest. The Deaconess Litany by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Korby encourages the women to give thanks to God for the opportunity to “unite our hearts to praise Your name” and in allowing them to meet together in person; He “make(s) us grateful for the companionship of other people…satisfy(ing) with Your own gracious gifts those of our sisters who work in isolated places.” What a blessing it was to bring nearly 100 deaconess sisters from all over the world together this year.
Here, they studied the book of Psalms together with Dr. Reed Lessing and were fed in Word and Sacrament ministry by CDC Spiritual Counselor, Pastor Adam Steinbrenner. The group met for their business meeting and enjoyed various social events. A truly special opportunity was the variety of the Breakout Sessions offered this year from sister deaconesses.
Thanks be to God for LCMS Deaconess ministry, the Concordia Deaconess Conference, and the Deaconess training programs at Concordia University Chicago, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Click here to learn more about Deaconess Ministry and the Concordia Deaconess Conference.