We would like to show you a little more of the diaconal work in daily practice. We do this by letting a different deacon speak each time. This time it is Sjaak de Korne, deacon in Goes.
Deacon Sjaak de Korne (65) is married to Nelleke, father of four children and grandfather of seven grandchildren. The children have all left home. Until his retirement in April last year, he worked as an operator/forklift driver for an international company in agricultural and grass seeds.
How did you experience being called to become a deacon?
In December 2009, we had become members of the Maranatha Church in Goes (see photo above) from the Reformed Church in s-Gravenpolder. In March 2011, I was already on the shortlist. My first reaction was: but that's impossible! When I had recovered from the initial shock, I realised that being nominated is one thing, but being elected is quite another. However, when the votes were counted, it turned out that I had received a large majority of the votes. I saw that as something special. We truly saw the hand of God in our transition to the Maranatha Church. To reject the matter at that point would have felt to me like saying: God, you have shown us the way until now, but now I am going to take matters into my own hands, because this seems to be going wrong.
What is your personal contribution to the diaconate?
I can usually give a fairly clear opinion when a decision has to be made. If something needs to be done, I am often decisive. Come on, it has to be done, so let's get started! And because I am now retired, I can often take over a task from the other deacons for activities that take place during the day.
How do you complement each other in the diaconate? For example, do you have different talents that you can use in diaconal work?
Indeed, we complement each other quite well. For youth deacon, someone younger who clearly has a feel for the target group. For the position of treasurer, someone who has their own business. As secretary, someone who works with a keyboard and reports on a daily basis. Dealing with money is not my strongest point. Perhaps I shouldn't mention that here. Nor are skills with modern media. A few years ago, our grandson asked, “Mummy, Grandad must be from before the laptop era, right?” Within the diaconate, I am more the contact person for the senior citizens' afternoons, the sister circle and things like that.
What types of diaconal assistance do you provide?
It varies greatly. I am thinking of emergency financial assistance and sometimes longer-term financial support, for example in the event of problems following a divorce. We arrange a great deal of practical assistance for members who need it (sometimes urgently). We collect funds for causes from the list of the Diaconate deputation, but also for causes that members of the congregation are committed to, such as Mercy Ships, Living Waters and Youth with a Mission. Assisting in finding accommodation in difficult cases. Helping to arrange physical assistance for members who are in urgent need.
Do you ever find yourself unable to answer questions for help?
Yes, for example, finding accommodation for a parent with children after a divorce. Although we have already seen the benefits of the Diaconal Platform Goes in previous cases like this. We are one of the twelve religious communities within the municipality of Goes that are represented in it. This obviously expands your network considerably.
How do you involve the local authority?
The collections for the diaconate are self-explanatory for most people. Requests for assistance can be easily communicated in the neighbourhood of the member concerned, throughout the parish via the various app groups, or even via the aforementioned Diaconal Platform.
What is your most memorable diaconal experience?
That's a bit difficult to answer, because there are several wonderful experiences. I am particularly reminded of the situation of members who were forced to move due to the demolition and renovation of their residential area. I made a few phone calls and sent a few messages, and in no time at all, a team was ready to clean, paint, wallpaper, decorate and help with the move. Neighbours and local residents were amazed and asked what was going on, as everything was done so quickly and in such a structured manner. Yes, I certainly think that's wonderful. And perhaps especially because of the testimony that it apparently gives.
You are also a member of the CDC. Why would you recommend the training evenings?
As deacons, we are in most cases ultimately lay people, although there are certainly deacons whose daily work overlaps with their role as deacons. The training evenings offer the opportunity to learn and hear things that you do not know from your work but that you need to be able to apply in your role as a deacon.
The Clerical Diaconal Committee (CDC) has been established by the classis and is responsible for training deacons and those involved in diaconal work in the churches within the classis. The training organised by the CDCs addresses current issues or specific topics from the classis. More about the CDCs at www.cgk.nl/kerk-naar-buiten/diaconaat/de-diaken/
