Reflections on the Last Four Years: The Order of Deacons

By: Rev. Gloria G. Hughes

The Order of Deacons, established in 1996 as an Ordained Order of Clergy in the UMC are "clergy leaders who are called by God, authorized by the church and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion and justice. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, nurture others in their relationship to God and lead church people to respond to the needs of others, neglected and marginalized of the world." GBHEM website

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Chair of this gifted, passionate, and faithful Order of Deacons the last four years. The WNCC Deacons are connecting Christs' Body, the Church,with the community and world in countless ways of service beyond the local church as well as leadership within our local churches. Some of the ways include: Service in Haiti, Rural Church at Duke, Crossnore School and Children's Home, Atrium Health, School Based Services, and much more, Deacons are living out their Christian discipleship in ways that embody the nature and love of Jesus to the world. 

Over the last four year, we have worshiped together led by Bishop Leeland and our gifted Deacon worship leaders, we spent a day in service together at the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, and experienced various Fresh Expressions of Church at Haw Creek Commons led by our own Deacons and Rev. Luke Edwards. We were gifted time to rest and be renewed as the Sabbath Living Team offered us a Sabbath Retreat, and have gathered each year during Annual Conference for fellowship and a way to honor those retiring, being commissioned, and ordained. 

I have learned a great deal these last four years and am most grateful for the sacred opportunity to serve as the Chair of the Order.  It is an honor to pass on the leadership of the Order to Rev. Monica Childers, a gifted Deacon and sister in Christ. 
Rev. Gloria G. Hughes