Respectfully Submitted by Montie Slusher, Deacon
The following report of diaconal ministry has been prepared for the annual meeting of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. I preached or led 31 worship services in five area churches during the past year. Provided marriage counseling and one wedding and one funeral during the year. Attended 7 meetings of the Tanana Valley Christian Conference, and took part in the Good Friday Service. Assisted in other services as requested by priests or bishops.
A good part of the year was spent in study, research, and planning for teaching opportunities for the local church, diocese, and the Osher Life Long Learning Program (OLLI). Courses included Wisdom Literature (for Lenten Study in the local church and OLLI, Dead Sea Scrolls for OLLI, Church History for Diocese EAGLE Program and am now preparing material for Lent as well as classes on The Prophets for OLLI. In addition, I provided mentoring for candidates for ordination.
Lynn and I also had the pleasure of providing housing for our assisting bishop during his stay in Fairbanks as well as our new bishop as he searched for housing. These days provided us the opportunity to come to know them better as well as learn from them both.
