Please join us for the 2023 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony and Reception, Saturday, 6/10/2023, 12:30 pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church Sanctuary, Oro Valley, Arizona or via Zoom.

We celebrate Megan Andrews, Lynn Davis, Barbara Peterson, Carol Ristau, Ronald Ristau, Susan Schmatjen, Joan Swanson, and Tom Willmore. Read their statements of faith in this post.

We also celebrate Growing in Faith Diakonia Program 2023 Foundation Year Students Certificates of Completion for the…

• Metro Phoenix Diakonia Community: Kathy Anderson, Debra Carter, Vanessa Jones, Leslie McCourt, Deborah Nelson, Deanne Olivas, Mark Schulz, Julie Skrzypek, Janet Swartstad, and Nancy Zine.

• Tucson Diakonia Community: Melanie Bowman, Jodie M. Burch, Rebecca Copp, Nancy Ireland, and Marty Leuking.

Megan Andrews

I began my Diakonia adventure 2 years ago not knowing if I would be completing it or not. Not only did I learn a lot about being a Lutheran, but I also learned a lot about being a Christian. When I was told the price of it, I said, “I can’t afford it” Then I was told about a scholarship. I felt God was pointing me in that direction. I could get a certificate in 2 years right around the time I was planning to retire from my teaching career. That would be great. I could then get a job (volunteer or stipend) and work for the best boss ever, GOD!!

Not only did I learn about Lutheranism, but I learned so much more about Martin Luther. He was an amazing man. We had a visitation class, and I went to visit a friend and gave her communion. Well about a year after that I found myself visiting the same friend. However, she was on her death bed and I gave her communion for her final time. She died that same evening.  I am so excited to be graduating. My friend (that I visited) began taking her Diakonia classes, but her health got in the way of her completing it. She was so very excited that I was taking it and would be so proud of me. When I am at that graduation ceremony I will think of my dear friend.

Lynn Davis

I entered the Diakonia program with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of my Christian faith.  I achieved that goal and so much more than I ever expected.  This has been such an enriching journey!  Yes, we studied the old and new testaments and learned about Luther.  The curriculum went on to take a detailed look into worship practices and places, prayer techniques, and ways to minister to those in need.  The last course was especially interesting.  We discussed ELCA social policy statements, including thought provoking topics such as world hunger, pollution, abortion, racism and much more.

The Diakonia program strengthened my understanding of my Lutheran faith, picking up where my confirmation left off, so many years ago.  I am now much better prepared to be a servant in my church community and to those outside the church.  I am grateful for the support of the instructors and the ELCA to have this amazing opportunity for spiritual growth.

Barbara Peterson

I enrolled in Diakonia to better understand my faith.  I was interested in learning about what inspired Martin Luther to challenge the Church in his efforts for reform.  I believe his efforts lay a foundation that we can follow to re-form our church to appeal to, and reach others that are uninformed about, or conflicted, or struggling with their faith.   I really liked the foundation classes that spoke to the basics of our faith.  The class on Worship also was inspiring and informative on why we worship the way we do.   

I am involved as a reader and communion assistant in our worship services.  I also participate in the bell choir and the women's Joy Circle. I feel church participation and Bible studies are an important way to connect to the groundwork of faith that will lead to service in the larger community we live in.

Carol Ristau

I considered attending Diakonia over the years, but I did not think it necessary. I was heavily involved in various church responsibilities, ranging from worship tasks and education, to serving on committees/council and engaging in social ministry. I knew how to “do” church well.

Fast forward. I was fooling myself. Although experienced in doing church, I lacked the framework for understanding the what and whys of being church. It is like trying to solve a puzzle without having all the pieces in place. Having developed a better understanding of church history and theology, the Lutheran faith, and my faith journey, I am more comfortable and confident when sharing my faith with others.

The Diakonia program came at the right time in my life. My church community is transitioning into something new. My desire is to help the church grow and adapt to the changing times as we envision our future without losing our identity as a liturgical church. I was particularly inspired by the topics of evangelism and the church of the future. Evangelism was made less intimidating and easier to understand. The future of the church is one of hope. I was inspired by examples given of churches making positive impacts as they connect with their community in new and innovative ways for evangelism, worship, and outreach. This was really exciting for me! Diakonia, was an “eyes wide open” opportunity of “being” church in the world.

Ronald Ristau

Prior to hearing about Diakonia through an announcement on a Sunday, I was unfamiliar with the program. However, I was intrigued by the challenge and eagerly enrolled. Throughout the two-year curriculum, which included engaging classes, thought-provoking assignments, and insightful discussions, I gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding.  It was also helpful that the instructors were able to present the information in a understandable and enjoyable way.

One of the highlights of the program was the classes on the history of the books of the Bible. These classes afforded me the opportunity to delve deeper into the stories, examine figurative language, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the biblical text.

Another highlight of the program was the modern way services are being held. They don’t always have to be in a sanctuary, using a set pattern every week (aka liturgy), and using music written a hundred years ago.  The book Unbinding the Gospel was very enlightening.

As a result of my participation in Diakonia, I have grown in confidence and competence in leading prayers during Sunday worship. The assignments and opportunities to present various topics and ideas have helped me to improve my preparation and presentation skills.

I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience, consider enrolling in a Diakonia program. The program offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Bible and develop your skills and abilities for serving in your community.

Susan Schmatjen

My Diakonia journey is longer than most. I took year A partially in person and finished on Zoom in the 2019/2020 school year. I began year B in the fall of 2020. On September 28 of that year my beloved husband of 35 years passed away very suddenly. I dropped out of Diakonia and dealt with many other things until I got back to it in the spring of 2021.  I sat out for a full year while Year A happened. In the fall of 2022, I took up year B again. Each time I joined there was a new group of students and I learned to know and learned from each one of them. I found that I knew very little of the Old Testament and learned that it has much more to offer than I ever imagined. I found that I really enjoy Christian Visitation and hope to find more time for it. I wrote a faith statement that I continue to revise but keep close by in case I need to draw from it. Most of all I was constantly reminded that I was created by a loving God and saved by His Son’s death and resurrection. And I learned that no matter how inept or inadequate I feel I have the ability to share that knowledge with others who are in need of His care and compassion in their lives.

Joan Swanson

Diakonia classes have strengthened my faith.  Easy as that.  Things didn’t really start to gel for me until the 2nd year though. It’s all about what God wants from me, not what I want from God. I am becoming a better listener. My prayer life is taking shape and continues to evolve. I realize how important daily prayer and a daily connection with God is….regardless of what kind of day it is.

Tom Willmore

I started with “church History” on September 9, 2020, and ended my last class “Living Every day of Christian” on April 29, 2023. Over two years of study caused by the pandemic. This program is outstanding in every way, the best instructors, the best books, and study material. Even though, all my classes were Zoom, I was still able to be part of a class. If what you want from the classes is an understanding of the Lutheran Religion, an understanding of scripture, a study of Martin Luther the person, the ethics for the church, the way Christian in daily life, visitation, and practical ministry then,  these class are for you. I enjoyed the classes so much, that I went on to be a STEPHEN MINISTER, also be a facilitator for GRIEF SHARE, and a vice president of the New Song Church Council. Because of my classes, when I am asked a religious question, I can answer the questions. Someday I will have the opportunity to give a sermon at my church to the congregation.

Growing in Faith Diakonia Program 2023 Foundation Year Students Certificates of Completion

Metro Phoenix Diakonia Community

• Kathy Anderson

• Debra Carter

• Vanessa Jones

• Leslie McCourt

• Deborah Nelson

• Deanne Olivas

• Mark Schulz

• Julie Skrzypek

• Janet Swartstad

• Nancy Zine

Tucson Diakonia Community

• Melanie Bowman

• Jodie M. Burch

• Rebecca Copp

• Nancy Ireland

• Marty Leuking