© the diakonia™ program 2011 Metropolitan Chicago Synod welcomes new diakonia graduates in a dedication ceremony held on June 23, 2012. Doug Liston Ordained at Northern Illinois Synod Assembly June 15, 2012, Rockford IL -  One of our own, Doug Liston (Rockford Graduate 2005, now Pastor of Joyful Harvest, Johnsburg), was ordained at the NISynod Assembly. On Friday night an ice cream social was held in his honor by the NISynod diakonia Steering Committee and he was presented with a commemorative green stole in celebration of his ordination and his may years of faithful service on the NISynod diakonia Steering Committee. He acts as the Executive Director for the diakonia program nationally. We wish him God’s blessings as he continues on his faith journey and look forward to what else God has planned for him in the coming years.  Milwaukee Celebrates their 5th Anniversary Graduation June 16, 2012, Milwaukee, WI -  The Milwaukee synod celebrated their 5th diakonia graduation this year.  20 new graduates from three sites graduated at a service held at Christ the King Lutheran in Delafield.  Milwaukee now has 82 people who have graduated from the program.  Bishop Jeff Barrow preached for the graduation, the Rev. Sandy Chrostowski led the Affirmation of Baptism, and the Rev. Gary Grindeland presided over the eucharist. National Board News March 2, 2012, Chicago, IL  -  The national board is considering expanding the diakonia program to more deliberately include students from denominations.  Diakonia has welcomed both teachers and students from other denominations in the past who have expressed interest but the program has primarily worked with the ELCA.  Over the next year, members of the national board will initiate meetings with some of our communion partners to determine if this is a workable idea. Diakonia Graduate Ranks Top 1,500 Plus The diakonia Program continues to impact the lives of new graduates, their congregations and surrounding communities. With 2012’s combined graduation classes, the ranks of diakonia graduates has grown to over 1,500 plus strong.  Equipped and eager to serve, these new graduates join their fellow graduates dedicated to spreading the Gospel and making a difference in the lives of those they touch. Upcoming Events • May 11, 2013 - Northern Illinois Synod graduation, 2 pm, St. John Lutheran Church, Joliet, IL • May 31st-June 1st - New York Synod Assembly • June 7 & 8, 2013 - Florida Bahamas 2013 Retreat and Graduation: Salem Lutheran Church, Orlando, FL • June 15th 2013 - New York Synod Graduation • June 15, 2013 - Indiana-Kentucky Synod graduation, 2 pm Augustana Lutheran Church, Hobart, IN • June 15 – Greater Milwaukee Synod graduation, 2pm  Our Savior's Lutheran in Milwaukee, WI • June 22, 2013 - Metropolitan Chicago Synod graduation, 2 pm Holy Trinity, Glenview, IL • June 29, 2013 - New Jersey synod graduation, 2 pm location to be determined • August 3, 2013 - Metropolitan Chicago Synod retreat, Laying on of Hands for Healing • October 12, 2013 – 9 a.m. steering committee meeting, Metropolitan Chicago synod, Grace River Forest • October 19, 2013 - national board meeting • November 9 or 16, 2013 - Northern Illinois Synod diakonia retreat     News & Events There is always something going on at diakonia Greater Milwaukee  Synod welcomes new diakonia graduates in a dedication ceremony held on June 16, 2012. New Jersey Synod welcomes new graduates in a dedication ceremony held in June, 2012.  Northern Illinois Synod welcomes 15 new diakonia graduates in a dedication ceremony held on May 12, 2012. Florida Bahamas Synod welcomes new graduates in a dedication ceremony held on June 9, 2012.  Pennsylvania  Synod welcomes new diakonia graduates on June 9, 2012.