Diaconal Arrival- The Reverend Tim Murray

Greetings to the people of the community of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Barrington, from Deacon Tim.  On Saturday, October 31, Bishop Jeff Lee laid a hand upon my head and prayed the words of diaconal ordination.  Assured of the people’s consent.  Having confirmation that the formation requirements were fulfilled.  After examining my commitment to ordained diaconal ministry.  The following day, All Saints Day, I began serving in ordained diaconal ministry with St. Michael’s. At the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, during the Eucharist services we will participate in my liturgical welcome as a deacon of St. Michael's.

In the days and months ahead, I look forward to exploring with you in what ways servant leadership as a vocational deacon is both like and different to lay leadership.  We will explore that there are various ways of serving as a vocational deacon, with my ministry being both similar to and in some ways unlike what you may have experienced with other deacons.  I expect we will ponder questions about servant ministry (Adiakonia@) as lay persons, as an ordained deacon, and as priests (even bishops).  We will wonder how one might be both of the world and of the Church simultaneously, bearing witness to the needs, hopes, and concerns of the world to the Church.  We will pray together.  We will be nourished in worship and the sacraments.  We will go forth into the world, proclaiming and participating in the Gospel Good News of Christ and the power of the Spirit.

Yours faithfully,
Deacon Tim Murray