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Vol. 10: No. 10
August 3, 2022
New Episode of
The Reformed Deacon:
Disabilities and the Church
In this episode of The Reformed Deacon hosts David Nakhla and John Voss talk with Rev. Stephen Tracey, pastor of Lakeview OPC in Rockport, ME on a topic that might seem overwhelming to churches, and as such, may be overlooked, “Disabilities and the Church”.
This is a powerful and very helpful episode and should be required listening for every Christian—certainly for elders and deacons. It will open your eyes to some of the challenges the disabled and their families face in relationship to the church—some you may never have thought of before.
In his three simple steps to minister to, and with, those with disabilities, Rev. Tracey suggests, "Be a welcoming church, be a welcoming church to anyone, and do what you can."
Listen where you get your podcasts.
More About Lakeview OPC
Lakeview OPC in Rockport, ME has been sending families and volunteers to Joni and Friends New England Family Retreats. In 2020 Joni and Fiends made a short, but powerful movie about Lakeview’s involvement to encourage other churches in the New England area. Mark Vannoy is a ruling elder and we are very grateful to Mark and Esther for their willingness to open their home and their hearts. Many of the people in this movie are members and friends of Lakeview. Take a look at this brief, six-minute video to learn more about Lakeview.
Last chance to sign up for the Deacon Check-In!
Whether you’ve been a deacon for 40 years, four months or somewhere in between, I think you’d agree that it’s important to feel supported in your diaconal work. That’s where the “Deacon Check-In” program comes in. A quick fifteen-minute phone or Zoom call to check in and pray with another deacon could be just what you need to energize you in the ministry to your church. Maybe you don’t need a boost just now, but another deacon might. Proverbs 27 tells us that, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” The OPC diaconate collectively has lots of experience in many different areas. Take this opportunity to share from your experience and another deacon will share from his. If you’ve signed up previously, no need to sign up again, we’ll pair you up with someone new. But if you haven’t, let us know you’re interested by signing up using the button below.
Editor: David P. Nakhla
Administrator, CDM
david.nakhla@opc.org
(215) 935-1007
Trish Duggan, Communications Coordinator, CDM
trish.duggan@opc.org
Allison Hill, Administrative Assistant, CDM
allison.hill@opc.org
The Mercy Minute, a quarterly newsletter of the Committee on Diaconal Ministries, is intended to keep OPC deacons informed and encouraged in their labors. It may include opportunities for networking or training, describe the work that a local diaconate or presbytery diaconal committee is engaged in, or bring attention to a need in the OPC.
