This month will be three years I have been ordained as a vocational deacon in the Anglican Church. I am grateful to reflect on that calling this time of year, especially with the Feast of Philip the Deacon and Evangelist being in the same month.

The call of the Lord to move from ordination as a pastor in one denomination to a vocational deacon in the Anglican tradition has been quite the journey. Even in the past year it has been an increase of available ministry, and some of it in the spirit of Phillip the evangelist. He is the one who witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch, taking the gospel to another continent in that action.

At the end of the month I will be a part of an ordination service for another vocational deacon coming into this holy order. It is a sacred honor to recognize those called of God as hands are laid on them and the Spirit is imparted for the ministry ahead.

A Collect for Philip on his Feast Day (Oct. 11):

Holy God, no one is excluded from your love, and your truth transforms the minds of all who seek you: As your servant Philip was led to embrace the fullness of your salvation and to bring the stranger to Baptism, so give us all the grace to be heralds of the Gospel, proclaiming your love in Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.