BEING A DEACON TODAY: Exploring a Distinctive Ministry in the Church and in the World by Rosalind Brown. Morehouse Publishing, 2005. 139 pp. (BV680.B77)

Several at St. Philip's have sensed God's call to the diaconate, one of three orders of ministry in the early church. Since in Southern Arizona there are recently ordained deacons, others in training now, and still others considering this ministry, the Renouf - Nelson Library acquisition philosophy is to support diocesan diaconal education. BEING A DEACON TODAY is well written, informative and must reading for all in the diaconal arena, priesthood and lay leadership of St. Philip's.

David Stancliffe, Bishop of Salisbury, describes the book in the Forward as "a work of theological substance and practical importance to those who are seeking to explore diaconal ministry." Articulate reading of the Gospel and projecting warmth toward both the faithful and the marginalized are expected of deacons. They also must focus on where diaconal ministry is needed, in the Church, the world and the margins, all three.

Praying, loving and remembering are the deacon's vital impulses. The author values memory as "central to biblical faith and life...not just memory that recalls, but memory that inhabits, so that our future draws on and is shaped by it." Kierkegaard observed "that we live our lives forwards but understand them backwards." Brown says: "Deacons are called on …to interpret the past so that people can build a future with God…" (P. 112) …The Library Committee