Stephen Ministry
For those of you who are interested in finding out more information about training or have any other questions, please call Cathy Smith at 610-793-7779 or Elspeth Zaayenga at 610-594-6950.
A willing and generous parishioner has donated $1000 toward the $1000 challenge for Stephen Ministry. After this first gift our challenger offered to equally match each dollar contributed up to $3000. Any amount will help ($1, $5, $20, $50, etc.). Now our challenge is to come forward to meet and hopefully fulfill this new offer.
Donations of cash or check made out to Church of the Holy Trinity noted with “Stephen Ministry” is our mission. Let’s keep the ball rolling!
Wonderful News!
Caring ministry at Holy Trinity Church is expanding as four members of the congregation started training as Stephen Ministers in June. At the completion of their training in September they will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers. Then they will commence
in providing one-to-one care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life. Stephen Ministry training combines sound theological principles and contemporary psychology. The skills Stephen Ministers learn and practice prepare them to provide a very high
level of Christian caregiving. The training is intense because it explores some serious life issues but it is also a growth-producing and enjoyable experience.
Before becoming a Stephen Leader I went through the Stephen Minister training. I expected to learn a lot about caregiving but did not anticipate the personal and spiritual growth I experienced. As I look back perhaps what I enjoyed most was the close Christian
community formed with everyone in our training class as well as those to whom we ministered.
Members of the new training class are Kate Gouery, Toneh Williams, Judy McKay and Betty Engan. We are excited to have them as founding members of our Stephen Ministry at Holy Trinity.
Give your cares to the Lord and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22a
What does it take to be a Stephen Minister (and what do you receive in return)?
Perhaps you have though about becoming a Stephen Minister, have picked up a brochure, even talked to someone about the possibility of training. Maybe you are still wondering if this is right for me. Here are some guidelines that may help you in your decision making.
GIFTS
A Stephen Minister is a person with the gift of mercy who shows compassion and gives encouragement to and intercedes for those he or she cares for. Many Stephen Ministers say they receive much more from the caring relationship with their care receiver than they give.
COMMITMENT
A Stephen Minister devotes time, energy and resources to this ministry, In return a Stephen Minister has the chance to participate in meaningful ministry, make a major difference in another’s life and grow in relationship with God.
TRAINING
A Stephen Minister completes 50 hours of training before ever meeting with a care receive learning about listening, assertiveness, confidentiality, and other aspects of care giving. Afterwards, there is continuing education. Stephen Ministers find that their relationships become richer and deeper at home, at church and with their friends. Stephen Ministry is an experience of continuous learning, growth and joy.
DEDICATED SERVICE
A Stephen Minister serves whole heartedly in a ministry involving prayer, study, consideration and commitment and receives grateful thanks from his or her care receiver, the congregation and from our Lord.
ACCOUNTABILITY
A Stephen Minister is accountable to God, the congregation, other Stephen Ministers, and his or her care receiver. In return he or she receives support, encouragement and guidance in Small Group Peer Supervision.
If you feel you are called to the commitment, growth, training, service, care and joy of this wonderful ministry, please pray for God's guidance and consider this opportunity. A new training class is starting June 20.
The STEPHEN MINISTRY equips trained lay persons in our congregation to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals within our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Our ministers will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors and ministers can effectively meet by themselves. STEPHEN MINISTRY provides a biblical solution - equipping God's people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that our ministers continue to provide and reach out with God's love to those who are hurting. STEPHEN MINISTRY multiplies the ministry of the church. STEPHEN MINISTRY is Christ caring for people through people.
As we start our STEPHEN MINISTRY program here at the Church of the Holy Trinity we ask for your support and prayers in the coming year.
"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2