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General > STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION
STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION
EASE THE BURDEN OF STRESS.....
Following in Stephen’s Footsteps…… Stephen Ministry Class Begins  l-r,Dan Utter, Vince Byers, Sandy Mostrog and Laverne White along with Bill & Vi Berry, Mary Clack, Betty Johnson and Jim Smith began their initial 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training on October 31st. The class of seven from Woodlands Presbyterian and two from Community of Joy Lutheran are being trained by the Stephen Leaders from both congregations, Richard and Pat McPheters, Liz Miller, Cheryl Worch and Pastor Ross Worch. Topics that have already been studied include: The Person of the Caregiver, Feelings: Yours, Mine and Ours, Art of Listening and Distinctively Christian Caring. The skills learned and practiced in class will prepare them to provide a very high level of Christian caregiving for members of our congregations and the community. The training is intense because it explores some serious life issues, but it is also a growth-producing and enjoyable experience. Over the coming months, please hold up in your prayers our Stephen Leaders as they teach and the trainees as they learn new concepts and skills to share the love of Christ with others. -Pat McPheters God’s Love in ACTION – STEPHEN MINISTRY..... A time for celebration. Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men, said Jesus. At once they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:19-20). Today we celebrate the commissioning of those who have heard the call and left their nets to follow him. After their initial 50 hours of training, they stand poised, ready to begin their caring ministry in our midst. We give thanks to all our Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders and pray God continues to bless In their ministries. YOUR MINISTRY… YOU play an important role in our congregation’s Stephen Ministry program. Here’s what you can do: • Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry. • Accept free care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone. • Tell a friend, neighbor, co-worker or relative who is hurting about Stephen Ministry. You all experience challenges in life—times when you could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministry is confidential. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care you or a friend need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as loss of a loved one, hospitalization, loneliness, aging, discouragement, chronic illness, spiritual crisis, terminal illness, relocation, recovery after an accident and many more. YOUR Stephen Ministry is God’s Love in Action! The essence of Stephen Ministry is incarnation. God becoming a human being in Jesus Christ, and Christ caring for people through people. Stephen Ministry offers a solidly biblical and Christian approach to caring ministry within a theological framework. If you could use this type of caring, contact Dr. Farley. Stephen Ministers serve members and friends of our congregation with love. They provide a listening ear, a Christian presence. If you or a friendneeds this type of personalized care, contact Dr. Farley or one of our Stephen Leaders. Our Stephen Ministers have all received 50 hours of training in the area of care giving and compassion - they are here for you. If you or a friend need a little compassion, contact Dr. Farley or a Stephen Leader. God reveals our gifts for ministry to us through experiences we have in our lives. God builds us up in our faith to help others who are going through similar experiences. There are eleven Stephen Ministers and three Leaders serving our congregation who share their gifts with people who need care. If you are in need, contact us. Stephen Ministry Leaders
Stephen Ministers
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