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Upcoming Stephen Ministry Events!
Congregation Care Retreat, March 27
A Congregation Care Ministries retreat for Stephen Ministers and members of the Care Team will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Quad Room. The activities will include a celebration and appreciation luncheon for those who care for others. There is no charge, but reservations for the retreat and luncheon are appreciated. The luncheon speaker will be ventriloquist, L. A. Hudson and "Friends" who will present a humorous talk about the "Trials and Tribulations of being a Care Giver." Contact Janet Shieldes at jbshield@swbell.net to RSVP.
Continuing Education Event, April 18
Tammy Taylor, Director of Community Education for Hope’s Door, will be the speaker at the Stephen Ministry Continuing Education program on Sunday, April 18, at 6 p.m. in the Quad Room. Her topic "Family Violence Intervention Programs" will include the clues to watch for physical and/or emotional abuse in families and how to assist the abused person (spouse, child or elder) to be in a safe place as well as locating help for the perpetrator. Members of the congregation are invited to hear Ms. Taylor's presentation. For more information, contact Sandi Froese at swfroese@sbcglobal.net.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential lay ministry grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love, care, and support they need.
A Stephen Minister is...
A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
A caring, Christian friend who takes the time to really listen.
A lay person who has received 50 hours of training on how to provide distinctively Christian Care.
A Stephen Minister is NOT...
A counselor or therapist
A problem-solver
A casual visitor
"Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us"
1 John 4:11 - 12 NRSV
Stephen Ministers help those who are...
Hospitalized
Terminally ill
Bereaved
Lonely
In a job crisis
Disabled
Homebound
New church members
In a spiritual crisis
Looking for a caring, Christian friend
How exactly does the referral process work?
A person - either you, a relative, or a friend - is hurting and in need of Christian care. The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care from a pastor, friend, (only after the person in need has granted permission) or the person themselves. The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry. With the person's permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with them and the Stephen Minister provides Christian care that is strictly confidential. | 
