Wednesday, June 27, 2001
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Wednesday, June 27, 2001 |
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Neece to be ordained as CEC deacon in Friday ceremony Charles David Neece of Newnan will be ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Charismatic Episcopal Church Friday, June 29, at 7 p.m. at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City. The ceremony will be conducted by the Right Rev. John W. Holloway, Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Neece, who has been in the process for Holy Orders for more than four years, is a member of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Peachtree City. He has served as children's minister, lay eucharistic minister, reader, chalicist, prayer team member, licensed liturgical minister and men's group member, as well as serving in other capacities. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Neece is a student at St. Michael's Seminary and is nearing completion of a diploma in Anglican studies. "Other than his born-again experience, his wedding, and the birth of his children, this will be the most significant event in David's life," said the Rev. Canon David Epps, rector of Christ the King. "A deacon, in the Catholic tradition, is not a lay position as in most Protestant communions. A deacon's ministry is one of liturgical and pastoral service and involves charitable works of mercy." Epps explained that a deacon in the Charismatic Episcopal Church is considered a member of the clergy and is to assist the presider at the eucharist, make intercessions for the people, invite and exhort people to pray, preside at celebrations where there is no priest, administer certain sacraments, bless objects and people within certain liturgical celebrations, proclaim and preach the Word of God, and assist the bishop in Episcopal and cathedral services. "The deacon may be asked to conduct inquirer's classes, prepare families for Holy Baptism, read the Gospel at liturgies, and preach," Epps continued. "At the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, the deacon is to prepare the altar, carry the Gospel in the procession and assist in incensing and sprinkling. The deacon is often the person who ends the worship services with the dismissal. Pastoral care of the aged, sick and the dying is a prominent activity of deacons." Neece and his wife, Joanne, have two children, with another expected within a few months. Epps said the service of ordination is expected to be attended by clergy from across the state and is open to the public. Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church is on the corner of Ga. Hwy. 54 and Peachtree Pkwy. in Peachtree City. |
