|
Loaves and Fishes:
Stephen Ministers Update: On the weekend of March 19th and 20th, Barbara Geiger and Susan Raihala were commissioned as Stephen Ministers and joined more than a quarter of a million people who have completed this training to serve others in Christian caregiving. More than one million people have been touched by God's love through a Stephen Minister since Stephen Ministry began in 1975. That is the mark of God's presence. The story of Stephen Ministry has many impressive numbers, but it is about reflecting God's light to others one person at a time. As we celebrate a beginning into this ministry with Barbara and Susan, we also thank those who were commissioned in our first class: Bill Cook, Lois Eley, Anna Wade, Karen Wenzel, Kristy Shetterly and Kim Crosen. Stephanie Bindemann and Becky Pickett also completed additional training and lead our peer supervision groups. Karen DeRosa and Zandra Woody are our Stephen Ministry Leaders. We thank all involved in this ministry for their outstanding commitment of time, presence and caring for others. Even if you have not joined a Stephen Ministry training class, you are an important part of this ministry! Our Stephen Ministers need your prayerful support as they confidentially meet with care receivers every week and participate in peer supervision to help each other. Our Stephen Leaders also need your help in identifying people who might benefit from a Stephen Ministry relationship. If you see a friend, coworker, neighbor or relative who could use some extra Christian care, tell that person about Stephen Ministry!
Stephen Ministers make a two-year commitment to train and serve in this ongoing, caring ministry. Please see Pastor Suzanne or one of our Stephen Leaders for more information. Our Stephen Leaders are Karen Lane DeRosa (550-0055) and Zandra Woody (748-9713).
Stephen Ministry Defines "Support": Support: To hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking, or slipping Support is something we all need. God gives us support through our Christian brothers and sisters. Let us all be sensitive to one another's needs and take the time to support each other through prayers, phone calls, friendly chats after church, and even visits. Also, remember that we have Stephen Ministers who are willing to give their support. For more information about Stephen Ministry, please call the church office. "When I said,'My foot is slipping,' your love, O Lord, supported me" (Psalm 94:18). Stephen Ministry Defines "Listen" : Listen: To hear with thoughtful attention Did you ever talk to someone but felt as if that person just was not listening? Stephen Ministers are trained to listen well. They will hear what you have to share. They will respond lovingly and non-judgmentally--rather than tell you what you should or should not do. Stephen Ministers are like a journal. They accept your words unconditionally. They don't change them or throw them back at you. If you need someone to listen to you as you work through a problem in your life, consider Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry Defines "Adjust ": Adjust: To adapt or conform to new conditions Have you or someone you know recently had to adjust to a new situation? A new baby. A new job. A new boss. A new house. A separation. A grown child moving out or moving back home. A seriously ill parent. A death. A best friend who moved away? Be caring and helpful to those around you who have to make adjustments in their lives. You can make a difference and really help them by encouraging them to talk to someone. Stephen Ministry Defines "Stress." Stress: Constraining forces or influences that can cause bodily or mental tension We've all felt it and know what it is. But sometimes the stress level reaches a point where things begin to break. Don't let your stress reach that point. Stephen Ministers are available to help you work through life's difficulties and to give you a safe, confidential place to vent your troubles. |
Caring Ministries