Deacon is a role in the Christian Church is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. In many traditions, the diaconate, the term for a deacon’s office, is a clerical office; in others, it is for laity. The word deacon (and deaconess) is derived from the Greek word diakonos (διάκονος). For an informative article on the breadth of expressions of diaconal ministry, check out the Wikipedia article here. You may even be inspired to add to the UCA section!