Get to Know Your Deeks
The Diaconate, Redeemer’s mercy ministry, provides assistance to those in our community with practical, visible needs, while supporting them spiritually. We would like to introduce you to two of our “deeks” (deacons/deaconesses): Lyla Mannoia & Cate Capozzi!Name of deaconess: Lyla Mannoia
Length of time I’ve attended Redeemer: 10 years
Length of time I’ve served on the Diaconate: 1 year
The service I attend: 10:30AM East Side
Most people don’t know that I: can be an introvert at times.
I grew up in: San Fernando Valley, CA
My New York neighborhood is: Battery Park City
My favorite way to spend a weekend: used to be walking around the city with my husband, Jim, and chocolate Lab, Missi. But that was before Loren was born in early September.
The most unique thing that has happened to me in New York City is: getting mugged, but that’s not that unique here!
I love New York because: of its energy, variety, culture, diversity, opportunities.
How the Lord has been preparing me to serve as a deek: The Lord continues to teach me about forgiveness – forgiving others and also accepting God’s forgiveness of me. Both are equally important!
Memorable experiences from my time as a deek: I was completely humbled by one client who needed financial help because the client unselfishly went out on a limb for someone else, particularly to live out the gospel. Even though the client could have managed his/her own finances better, I was so encouraged to see that there were congregants out there who took risks for their sisters and brothers in Christ!
Name of deaconess: Cate Capozzi
Length of time I’ve attended Redeemer: almost 20 years!
Length of time I’ve served on the Diaconate: 6 years
The service I attend: all the West Side services
Most people don’t know that I: met Mel Brooks when I was working in a movie theater that screened the original “The Producers.” He would come in and sneak in the back just to hear people laughing!
My New York neighborhood is: Upper West Side
My favorite way to spend a weekend is: listening to Jonathan Schwartz’s Saturday and Sunday afternoon shows on WNYC and “A Prairie Home Companion” Sat PM while hanging out at home with Paul, cooking something and futzing around the apartment.
The most unique thing that has happened to me in New York City is: One sunny summer afternoon I was in the Village walking down Second Avenue, when I saw three people walking toward me—two dressed as mice and one as a piece of cheese. Nobody blinked an eye or said anything or even turned their heads to look, as this unusual trio journeyed up the Avenue.
I love New York because: it’s the mission field come to us! I love its energy, diversity of people and cultures, not to mention that I love the food.
How the Lord has been preparing me to serve as a deek: I believe the Lord has given me a compassionate heart and an uncomfortable gift to be able to enter into someone else’s pain. I also served as a deek with another NYC church.
Memorable experiences from my time as a deek: I was in one of the first classes of deeks when none of us had a clue. We didn’t have a Director, a manual, nothing was computerized—we really didn’t know what we were doing but God honored it and used us in spite of ourselves.
If you have a financial or other practical need, please call the Diaconate Helpline, (212) 726-1334. To learn more about the Redeemer Diaconate, visit www.redeemer.com/diaconate
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