Deacons in the Episcopal church serve as a bridge between the church and the world.  Their presence in the liturgy symbolically brings the needs of the world to the church; and their diaconal work of service in the world outside the church represents the love of Christ for the world.  Many deacons are non-stipendiary (unpaid) in their parochial activities, and support themselves with secular jobs, much as Paul did with his tent making.  There are as many kinds of diaconal ministries in the world outside the church walls as there are ordained deacons.  One deacon worked as a police officer, served liturgically in a local parish, and was  chaplain for the city’s police force.  Another a worked in a jewelry manufacturing plant, served in a local soup kitchen, and was liturgically assigned to a parish.

Our Deacon Bruce was ordained in 1990, and has been with us since the summer of 2009.  He is retired, having worked as an engineer in a large manufacturing company, and a teacher in a large university’s evening adult oriented degree program.  Bruce has an earned doctorate in from Indiana University where he specialized in blue collar folklore.
At St. Elizabeth’s, Bruce meets with a mid week prayer group, has begun a monthly men’s group before Sunday services, serves in the liturgy; and assists at weddings and funerals, and other parish and liturgical activities.  a recovering alcoholic, Bruce convenes a “peer support group” at a homeless “wet” shelter once week, and a similar weekly group in a local prison.

Bruce is married, has four children, four grandchildren, and one great grandson.

Occasional pieces in this column come directly from Bruce’s personal experiences. 

Deacon Bruce Nickerson's latest column can be read by clicking this LINK.