This week marks the 8th anniversary of Deaconess Liz Borth’s commissioning as a Deaconess, so during worship this weekend she will share information with you about the work of the Concordia Deaconess Conference, and the many dedicated deaconesses all over the LC-MS. We would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about Deaconess Liz and the great blessing she has been to Trinity ministry, to our community and to countless individuals who have been blessed by her service as Deaconess to Trinity Downtown.
Deaconess Liz Borth
Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Borth has been officially serving as Trinity’s Deaconess since 2007, and her kindness, compassion, and love has been felt by many over the years. Her commitment to others is rooted in her deep faith in Jesus, and she uses His servant example to guide her work. But what exactly does a Deaconess like Liz Borth do every day in that navy blue business suit? What needs to be done!
“My typical day is totally unplanned,” Liz explains. “I make a to-do list and rarely check off everything. It is normal and typical to be interrupted by people. My work is for and with people, so that makes perfect sense! I love to counsel, talk, and be ears and support for the people who need to talk right now. So, hospital visits, distress calls for filling emergency needs, widowers who are concerned that grief goes on too long, teens struggling in conflict with their parents, young women trying to understand their boyfriends, kids wanting to give me a hug — it’s all a very typical day. I teach a Bible study to a group of up to 15 women every Tuesday morning. I meet with Pastor Martin to discuss ministry we share. I make a weekly visit to a 99-year-old member of our congregation to play Bingo and give her a hug. Some of the nursing home residents think she is my mom!”
In the Lutheran Church, a Deaconess is a Commissioned Minister of Religion and is called to follow the example of service set forth by Jesus Christ. A Deaconess ministers to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people through acts of mercy and human care. Her Christian service is guided by the Pastor’s leadership and includes constant outreach to people. For Liz, becoming a deaconess was not part of her original career plans.
Before she became a certified Deaconess, Liz spent more than twenty years as a medical laboratory technologist in Chesterfield, Missouri. During this time, she earned her B.A. in Business Administration, intending to move into a management position. After experiencing rejection for management positions in her field, Liz realized her own path to success wasn’t working. She prayed for the Holy Spirit to take over and guide her. That very week, her pastor shared information promoting a Deaconess program, and Liz began her journey toward becoming a Commissioned Minister of Religion. She studied part-time for eight years at the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and earned her Master of Arts in Religion. She then completed additional studies at Concordia University in Chicago to obtain a Deaconess Certificate.
“I finished my formal book education for diaconal ministry in 2005 and then God led me to Trinity for my one-year internship in 2006,” Liz says. “Thankfully, this is where He intended to plant me and Trinity seemed to think it was a good idea to listen to Him, and I received a formal call in July 2007.”
In retrospect, Deaconess Liz realizes that she spent much of her life participating in the kinds of Christian outreach that are now part of her official duties.
“This is the only church where I have served as a Deaconess,” Liz explains. “Prior to a full-time called position with the church, I spent most of my adult life volunteering as a Vacation Bible School teacher, Sunday School teacher, choir member, LWML member, Youth Group leader, church high school softball coach, and Board of Youth Director.” Liz has led church fellowship activities, organized church parades, and even helped decorate a Rose Bowl Parade float. “When I told one of my home church members I was applying for Deaconess Certification, she asked what I would do that I don’t already do. The answer is: nothing! You see, it’s not what I do, but what I know.”
IDignity Event
Officially, Trinity has assigned Deaconess Liz to Women’s Ministries. She teaches bible classes, organizes social groups, and works with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. “I try my best to give every woman the knowledge and opportunity to serve in our community and our church,” she explains. “I also help our entire congregation find ways to serve the poor and needy in our community. I find it works best if I get involved as a participant and then share what the organization is offering.” This approach has included involvement in many local outreach programs, including IDignity, Compassion Corner, Bethany Christian Services, homeless transitional housing, Women’s Choices (True Life Choice), and Redeeming Life Maternity Home. Deaconess Liz also serves as the Stephen Ministry leader and coordinates the church library.
Church member and friend Lisa Warren has felt Liz’s support over the years. “She has meant so much to my little family and has helped us through some really tough times. I honestly don’t know how she does everything she does.”
Despite her full plate, Deaconess Liz also finds time for Trinity’s children.
“Although it is not in my job description, it is in my heart to love on children,” she says. “I choose to share God’s Word on Sunday morning with the children of our congregation during the sermon time at 8:00 and 11:00 on the first and third Sundays. I have helped with VBS from 2006-2010 and then again this year. So, my joy for children is rather evident.”
Interim Pastor Jim Martin has noticed that joy during his time at Trinity.
“There are three things I’ve learned about Liz: Her huge heart for helping, her lavish love of kids, and her continuing commitment to Deaconess Ministry. At the core, what I sense in Liz is a deep love for the Lord and for people, a servant’s heart, and a commitment to working together with others.”
Deaconess Liz is grateful for each day, and at peace knowing that God is in control. She is grateful to have been called to Trinity and prays that more Deaconesses will be placed in paid positions in Lutheran churches in the future.
“I never have one day go by that I cannot say ‘Thank You Jesus!’ and really mean it. He is in complete control and I am daily (sometimes hourly) reminded of His ever presence. The most mature and absolutely comforting adjustment I have made in my life is to give everything to Him. It is incredibly freeing to know that He has it all in order and in control for me. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. So true. My favorite verse that keeps me happy is in Jeremiah: I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to give you hope and a future.”