Special Congregational Meeting: Create Diaconal Internship Position?Sunday October 5 9:45am in Sanctuary or Online

Wartburg Seminary has asked us to receive a diaconal intern. A deacon is a lay position in the church whose ministry is not Word and Sacrament (that is, a pastor) but Word and Service, usually a specialized focus outward towards the community. They have asked us to host a diaconal intern to specialize in reaching out to neighbors struggling with homelessness, which seems a good fit for St John’s. The diaconal intern would spend approximately 10-20 hrs per week at St John's until May 2026 working with people struggling with housing and homelessness. She would preach and assist with worship only a handful of times, necessary for internship but not her primary focus. The remaining hours of her internship would be with LSS working in advocacy issues around housing. What this would mean for St. John's:

• Pastor Peter would give time as supervisor. Pastor Peter would train the diaconal intern to take over much of the work he does helping people who struggle with housing. There would be regular supervision meetings and training.

• An internship committee of 3-5 people who would meet with the diaconal intern monthly.

• We have received a special gift that will cover mileage and other transportation costs (to retreats, training). Wartburg has a grant that would pay a stipend. So, there will be no impact to St John’s General Fund.

  
  

What do you think? Bring your questions and input to the congregational meeting on Oct 5 at 9:45am!

Special Congregational Meeting

October 5, 2025, 9:45 – 10:50 AMSt. John's

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