The following item witten by Jean Durocher appeared in the church calendar a few days after January 23 1982 Business Meeting: A vote of thanks to those who cast a vote for the women nominated for the deacon's board. May I say to those who have strong convictions regarding deaconesses, I respect and admire your stand. For several years, although nominated for the position, I declined because of my convictions regarding women on the board. However, although scripture and our precious Lord does not change, we grow and change in the Lord. After careful study, I noted that Phoebe (Romans 16:1) in the origianl is described as a 'Diakonos' (or deaconess) of the church in Cenchrea. Also several theologians agreed that deacon's wives (1 Timothy 3:11) probaly means deaconesses (spiritual wives or womone of the church). I firmly believe that many "little hills" that become mountains could be overcome by a woman's "gentle touch of influence." Perhaps in the future, Ruth McComiskey and myself will be pioneers of a change that is inevitable. Not only deaconesses, but also women ministers will serve the Lord. I only submit this so that you may prayerfully and thoughtfully consider and allow the Lord to lead us together into a rich and abundant ministry (Galations 3:28).