Neece, who

has been in the process for Holy Orders for more than four years, is a

member of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Peachtree City.

He has served as children's minister, lay eucharistic minister, reader,

chalicist, prayer team member, licensed liturgical minister and men's

group member, as well as serving in other capacities. A veteran of the

United States Marine Corps, Neece is a student at St. Michael's Seminary

and is nearing completion of a diploma in Anglican studies.

"Other

than his born-again experience, his wedding, and the birth of his children,

this will be the most significant event in David's life," said the

Rev. Canon David Epps, rector of Christ the King. "A deacon, in the

Catholic tradition, is not a lay position as in most Protestant communions.

A deacon's ministry is one of liturgical and pastoral service and involves

charitable works of mercy."

Epps explained

that a deacon in the Charismatic Episcopal Church is considered a member

of the clergy and is to assist the presider at the eucharist, make intercessions

for the people, invite and exhort people to pray, preside at celebrations

where there is no priest, administer certain sacraments, bless objects

and people within certain liturgical celebrations, proclaim and preach

the Word of God, and assist the bishop in Episcopal and cathedral services.

"The deacon

may be asked to conduct inquirer's classes, prepare families for Holy

Baptism, read the Gospel at liturgies, and preach," Epps continued.

"At the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, the deacon is to prepare the

altar, carry the Gospel in the procession and assist in incensing and

sprinkling. The deacon is often the person who ends the worship services

with the dismissal. Pastoral care of the aged, sick and the dying is a

prominent activity of deacons."

Neece and his

wife, Joanne, have two children, with another expected within a few months.

Epps said the

service of ordination is expected to be attended by clergy from across

the state and is open to the public.

Christ Our

Shepherd Lutheran Church is on the corner of Ga. Hwy. 54 and Peachtree

Pkwy. in Peachtree City.

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