Deacons in the United Methodist Church are clergy leaders who are called to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion, and justice. In their congregations, deacons teach, preach, officiate at funerals and weddings, offer pastoral care, assist in administering Baptism and Holy Communion, lead discipleship development ministries and help lay people identify and claim their own ministries.

Outside the walls of the church, deacons advocate for the poor, neglected, oppressed, and discouraged; provide ministries of mercy; and invite Christians into these ministries. Our own Reverend Randy Knighten is gifted in all these areas of ministry. And after successfully completing a process that has spanned several years, he has been recommended for ordination by the Rio Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. His ordination will take place on June 9th at Annual Conference in Corpus Christi.

After ordination, Randy will be a “Deacon in Full Connection.” What a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations, Randy!

We are so grateful that Randy answered God’s call to ministry to be a Pastor of Outreach Ministries to bear fruit for those in need. We are grateful he shares his gifts with the Saint John’s community. In anticipation of his ordination, Randy will preach at both services this Sunday, June 4th.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee cordially invites you to a reception for Randy which will be held between services in the Great Hall at 10:15 am.

Please join us on Sunday to honor and celebrate Randy.

Grace and peace,