Diaconate

The Diaconate — a group of men (deacons) and women (deaconesses) who are nominated, trained, elected and appointed by Hillside leadership and members — exists to contribute to the building of a repentant and rejoicing community through loving, faith-oriented relationships where practical, visible needs are being met while hearts are being changed through encounters with Jesus and one another. We express in practical ways Christ’s command to all believers to love our neighbour as ourselves.

The Diaconate is a ministry of mercy that reaches out to people in Hillside's congregation or community who are in crisis or in challenging circumstances and offers help in assessing their needs and working together to find solutions. Unlike elders, who are responsible for teaching the gospel, administering healing prayer and overseeing the church, the Diaconate focuses on deed ministry by extending mercy and compassion.

God’s mercy moves him to relieve suffering and misery. Mercy is the impulse that makes us sensitive to hurts and lacks in others and makes us desire to alleviate them. Our purpose is to show God’s love and mercy by trying to help people out of difficult circumstances and to be facilitators of the work God is doing in their lives.

How We Help

Church and community members can receive help in many ways. Below are a few examples:

• Financial assistance for basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, medical, etc.)
• life-issues coaching (financial, employment)
• Church Care groups provide support in hard seasons of life.
• Prayer, spiritual guidance and accountability
• Prepared meals in challenging circumstances
• Biblical stewardship and budgeting guidance
• Links to support services throughout the community

Get in Touch

The Diaconate serves those in crisis or in challenging situations within the Hillside church and community.

If you are in need of practical help, please call the Diaconate Helpline listed below, and they will get in touch with you within 36 hours. You will be asked some basic questions that we ask everyone who calls for assistance so that we can assess how to best help. The information you share with us will be kept confidential. Please keep in mind, due to limited resources, the Diaconate cannot take on all requests for assistance.

Diaconate Help: 613-256-2816
Email:  Bill Lowry - wlowry@sympatico.ca or Tony Welk - tntwelk@xplornet.com