DIAKONIA of the Americas and Caribbean
Leading the church in compassion and justice
An ecumenical group of Christian diaconal communities in North America, the Caribbean, Central America, & South America.
A member community of World DIAKONIA Federation, which furthers the understanding of the diaconate, provides a network of mutual relationships crossing church traditions and cultural boundaries, and provides a forum for discussion of diaconal issues including social justice and reconciliation.
2023 DOTAC Assembly: “Gather At The River”
August 14-18, Minneapolis, MN
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
To register, send an email to teddodd@live.com
You will be sent a Zoom link closer to the time of the event.
All sessions will last just slightly over an hour and
begin at 1 pm Central Daylight Time.
(Check an on-line time zone converter for local times.)
**December 3 International Day for Persons with Disabilities**
**Day 9 in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence**
Loving Creator, hear our cry for justice and compassion.
We are the forgotten, the hidden, the neglected.
We are an easy focus of anger and gratuitous violence.
We are targeted because we are women, different and seen as disposable.
Yet our bodies and minds were known and loved by the Creator before we were conceived.
We reflect the light of the Divine
So many forget we too were known and loved from the beginning of creation.
They project their fears and weaknesses onto us.
They wound and dismiss us.
Yet we continue to reflect the beauty of spirit that blazes from the heart of life.
We have the capacity to be merciful even as we are dreadfully wronged.
We pray for ourselves that we may embody love while demanding justice.
We pray for ourselves that we may embody understanding while requiring compassion.
Loving Creator, we ask that justice and compassion grow where hate and misunderstanding were once planted.
Amen.
*Rev. Deacon Nancy Ford, Anglican Deacons Canada*
December 2 -- 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
Today's prayer from United Methodist Home Missioner, Louis Porter.
Dear Creator,
Today we send out a special prayer
for those who suffer the effects of gender-based violence.
Help them to heal on the outside as well as on the inside.
We pray for girls and women of all ages, all races and all socio-economic backgrounds.
We pray for those who were born traditionally female
as well as those who discovered their femaleness over time.
Holy One, we pray also for those who cause violence on girls and women,
for they, too, need and deserve prayer, love and understanding.
We pray that you teach their minds and calm their souls
so that they will cease to choose violence and
learn other ways to express what is likely to be their own experience of trauma.
Loving Parent, we thank you for the people who tend to the wounds,
soothe the feelings and provide therapy for those who suffer from gender-based violence.
They are your hands and feet here on Earth.
Finally, we thank you for watching over all of us.
We feel your love. Amen.
*Louis Porter, United Methodist Home Missioner*
God of love, we come before you to give thanks for all the care for your creation.
You created all things with love and
put people in charge of caring for your works with zeal and attention.
We ask forgiveness from you, God,
for our sins that hurt and harm your creation.
We ask you to forgive us for our inaction in the face of gender-based violence
that creates pain and suffering for women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities,
and LGBTQIA+.
God, grant wisdom and courage to denounce violence and
create protection networks for all people for all people who suffer aggression.
We intercede for churches to create safe listening spaces and actions
that promote peace and justice through gender justice policies.
We intercede for governors to govern with justice in favor of all people.
God, grant us your company in the struggle for life. Amen
Diác. Carla Vilma Jandrey, IECLB
Lord in your mercy hear our prayers Amen
Prayers for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
Today two prayers for November 30 and December 1.
Thanks to Mindy Holland and Diane Kaufmann
Gracious God,
We pray for the victims of human trafficking. We ask Your presence, peace, and tender care to enfold them amid trials and pain.
We beseech Your guidance in identifying ways to free those who suffer and to guide them toward healing, hope, and new life.
We pray for systemic change toward preventing such actions, within our own nation and across boundaries. We pray for appropriate consequences and changed hearts for those who have participated in trafficking.
As Your Holy Spirit guides, may we work toward a world where no one is enslaved and all are seen as Your beloved, precious children.
As you led Your people out of Egypt, lead us into a future of freedom and mutual respect, rooted in Your loving shalom. As Jesus modeled, may we accompany our siblings in loving humility, seeking a truer, deeper peace for all.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. Amen.
*Mindy Holland, ELCA Deacon of Word and Service*
December 1 World AIDS Day
God of grace,
we acknowledge that HIV and AIDS have not gone away; that, in, fact, our actions and inactions have allowed this scourge to continue in our world and have provided stigmatization and exclusion with ways to perpetuate the curse of HIV.
Lead our hearts to the care of our neighbor.
God of abundance,
we know that You have already given us the resources and ability to share so that all might have equitable access to treatment, testing, and prevention of HIV, if we only respond.
Lead our hearts to the care of our neighbor.
God of healing,
we ask that you surround those living with HIV and AIDS with your loving kindness and healing presence. Show us how to be your hands in bringing this love and hope to those afflicted.
Lead our hearts to the care of our neighbor.
God of grace, abundance, and healing,
Hear our prayer. Amen
*Deaconess Diane Kaufmann, Lutheran Diaconal Association*
Lord in your mercy hear our prayers.
Lord hear our prayers🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
To register go to:
form.jotform.com/221875117654157
I’m sad it’s all during the week. As a chaplain I don’t have a lot of time off and so taking a whole week would wipe me out for family activities. Is there part time registration or online?
Is there any financial aid available?
All registered!! Excited 😁
Do you give scholarship for registration fee.
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