This series comprises program and subject files for the Deaconess Community of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). The bulk of the material dates from 1959-1978. These records were either generated or retained by the community during the course of daily administration of community matters, observances of a historic anniversary, and planning for the community's future. Record types include business correspondence, circular letters, minutes, reports, orders of service, program schedules, lists, questionnaires, news articles, invitations, Bible studies, a pictorial directory, brochures, bulletin covers, financial reports, topical papers, services of installation, and studies. The series is arranged alphabetically by sub-series. The sub-series are committees, deaconess seminars, diaconate studies, general subject, handbooks, lists, and Omaha unit. Subject matter includes, among others, function and structure of the deaconess community, long-range planning, recruitment, matters related to the deaconess community at Omaha, and ministry of deacons. Records of note include several versions of the deaconess community handbook, a guest book from the motherhouse in Baltimore, Maryland, records pertaining to the garb, Founder's Day, and observances of the 90th anniversary of the first deaconesses arriving to work at Lankenau Hospital. In the folder marked "Greater New York Alumnae Circle of the Lutheran Deaconess Schools," there is correspondence from 1937. This correspondence, while pre-dating the existence of the LCA's deaconess community, remains with the other records for this alumnae organization because there is only one folder of material related to the organization. The guest book from the Baltimore motherhouse also contains records that pre-date the creation of the LCA's deaconess community. This is a bound book and it would cause unnecessary damage to the book if pages were separated.
