On the 22 June 2006, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres announced the formation of the Company of Deacons, to be based at Saint Peter's Bourne.
Bishop Richard also announced that Nicholas Ferrar (1593 - 1637) has been adopted as patron of deacons in the Diocese of London.
Ferrar was the son of a London merchant and ordained to the diaconate in Westminster Abbey in 1626.
He established a community of prayer and Christian service at Little Gidding in Huntingdonshire which was dispersed by roundhead soldiers, perhaps under the pretext that Charles 1st had taken refuge at Little Giddings during 1646.
Why not join us?
The Company of Deacons is open to all distinctive deacons in the Diocese who are able to adopt a simple Rule of Life and participate in meetings two or three times a year.
The Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Revd Peter Wheatley, is our Episcopal Visitor.
Why Nicholas Ferrar?
Bishop Richard said, "Ferrar is an example of diaconal ministry lived out faithfully and courageously in our own country at a time of considerable religious and political uncertainty. He established, in T.S. Eliot's famous words, a place "where prayer has been valid", a haven in a turbulent world, where Christian worship and service brought true happiness to those who committed themselves to it.
"Little Giddings and Ferrar have much to say to us here and now.
The formation of the Company of Deacons is an exciting sign of the re-invigoration of the distinctive diaconate in London, which I believe is much needed to respond to the spiritual and physical needs of our city."
Currently, there are 17 licenced distinctive deacons in the Diocese.
Please keep them in your prayers.
Bishop Richard also announced that Nicholas Ferrar (1593 - 1637) has been adopted as patron of deacons in the Diocese of London.
Ferrar was the son of a London merchant and ordained to the diaconate in Westminster Abbey in 1626.
He established a community of prayer and Christian service at Little Gidding in Huntingdonshire which was dispersed by roundhead soldiers, perhaps under the pretext that Charles 1st had taken refuge at Little Giddings during 1646.
Why not join us?
The Company of Deacons is open to all distinctive deacons in the Diocese who are able to adopt a simple Rule of Life and participate in meetings two or three times a year.
The Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Revd Peter Wheatley, is our Episcopal Visitor.
Why Nicholas Ferrar?
Bishop Richard said, "Ferrar is an example of diaconal ministry lived out faithfully and courageously in our own country at a time of considerable religious and political uncertainty. He established, in T.S. Eliot's famous words, a place "where prayer has been valid", a haven in a turbulent world, where Christian worship and service brought true happiness to those who committed themselves to it.
"Little Giddings and Ferrar have much to say to us here and now.
The formation of the Company of Deacons is an exciting sign of the re-invigoration of the distinctive diaconate in London, which I believe is much needed to respond to the spiritual and physical needs of our city."
Currently, there are 17 licenced distinctive deacons in the Diocese.
Please keep them in your prayers.
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Next meeting
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Tuesday 4 December, 2007
7.00pm Company of Deacons Festal Eucharist and Dinner St Peter's Bourne |
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About Ferrar:
Little Gidding
A brief outline of his life (PDF)
Links to Patron and Episcopal Visitor:
Bishop of London
Bishop of Edmonton
For more information try:
Wikipedia
Whatsoever was earthly of Nicholas Ferrar is laid here.
A man from childhood to the grave of strictest innocence;
Of balanced judgement, of virginal purity,
Of old world piety, of deep humility
Who after studies shaped at Cambridge,
Perfected by travel, built upon these a life of religion;
And drawing after him, friends and family
By fasting by prayer and by vigils unceasing
Improved his days and nights, More akin
To angels than to men, too soon for us
In light eternal he finished his course
Thus brought nigh to the angels and to God.
A man from childhood to the grave of strictest innocence;
Of balanced judgement, of virginal purity,
Of old world piety, of deep humility
Who after studies shaped at Cambridge,
Perfected by travel, built upon these a life of religion;
And drawing after him, friends and family
By fasting by prayer and by vigils unceasing
Improved his days and nights, More akin
To angels than to men, too soon for us
In light eternal he finished his course
Thus brought nigh to the angels and to God.
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