Reasons to be a Deacon in the Diocese of Idaho

The Greek word diakonia means service among others. It has its roots in the Christian Scriptures. They are called to represent the church in meaningful and transformation ways in the world. They are involved in the outreach ministries of the church, besides being servants and ministers in Education, Pastoral Care and Social Justice issues that affects the lives of the people.

The Venerable Eileen, image on the left, is the Archdeacon of the Diocese of Idaho, coordinating the formation and ministries of the Diaconal Ministry in the Episcopal Church in Idaho.

The Association for Episcopal Deacons is an association and website dedicated to supporting Deacons in their ministries.  By clicking on the links below you will find some specific resources that will provide you with more information on what it means to be a Deacon and resources for professional development and networking.

Association for Episcopal Deacons 
Starting September 11 Deacons Talking Series - New and expanded Meeting the first four Mondays of every month, online 5:00 pm MST

Deacons Talking on the Road to Emmaus

Life and Work of Deacons Conferences

Listen into our monthly interviews as we learn more from our Deacons about their personal call to ministry, who they serve and their passion for their ministries. More info to come.

In the Episcopal Church we are fond of saying “All are Welcome”.  Welcoming all is a radical idea.  By inviting the stranger we are changed and we grow.  Sometimes in our churches we forget that there are current parishioners who need our support so that they too feel welcome. People with disabilities may struggle with accessing our spaces, hearing what is said, reading our bulletins or understanding the messages spoken.   Below there are links to resources to help your church truly make our churches welcoming to all.

Universal Design in Worship
Church Campus Accessibility Access

The Diocese of Idaho Handbook for Deacons was created collaboratively by our Deacons.  This resource is designed to provide our Deacons direction and support in living out their ministries in their parishes. (Click Here)

Deacon Zoom Meetings (Click Here)
Each year Idaho Deacons meet regularly to collaborate, network and support one another in our ministries. Below are scheduled meetings for 2024-2025.

• July 16, 2024 (Zoom) 
• Sept. 12-13, 2024 (Clergy Retreat at Paradise Point)
• Nov. 9, 2024 (Convention Lunch)
• Jan. 22, 2025 (Zoom)
• March 14-16, 2025 (St. James Retreat Center)

Deacon’s Yearly Retreat and Education: March 14-16, 2025 at St. James Event and Retreat Center in Payette. The professional Development topic is tbd. More information to come.

This episode features Deacon Scott Ellsworth who had been a member of the Episcopal Church in Idaho for over 30 years. A wonderful, kind, loving person with joy that is real and experiential. Enjoy.