The Diakonos opened their skit at the 2014 Annual Conference Session with a rap identifying
themselves as various members of Iowa Annual Conference leadership and the respective duties
they have at the Conference and at Annual Conference Session.
Twenty–seven youth and six adults served as pages assisting at the 2014 Annual Conference
Session.
After the opening song the Diakonos then proceeded to convene their own “session,” recognizing
members from the floor for points of privilege, each of whom offered thanks, borrowing from
the regular Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, “Thank You” skit.
Fun was poked not only at the voting process, but also the food at the Annual Conference
Session, the temperature in the hall, close-captioning, texting, for taking the job of the pages, and
Facebook, for keeping people occupied during the Conference.
Steve Braudt oversees the Diakonos program. He opened his address to the Conference by
referencing Mark 9: 35 with the message that those who be first will be last and service.
Diakonos must apply for the service program, he said, writing an essay and obtaining the
recommendation of their pastor.
The program is now international, Braudt said, and introduced Clara from Germany, who had
written in a testimony about attending regular church service now, where she did not do so at
home.
Braudt then read personal testimonies of other Diakonos from their experience in the program.
Blake: “I am growing in my faith. I like to serve others.”
Amber: “I have grown intensely in my faith.”
Annie: “Being a Diakonos has been such a blessing.
Diakonos Shari opted to stay home from her family’s vacation to serve at Annual Conference
Session as a Diakonos.
Braudt encouraged the Conference to support the young people as they “walk, run and create
stuff.”
An offering was collected for the Diakonos after the presentation.
