grounded in Jesus' command to love one another (John 3:34) and in Paul's instructions to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2)

Stephen Ministers at the First Congregational Church are. . .

Committed Christians who:

• express to others God's care through their lives;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• receive regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• serve for at least two years;
• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Stephen Ministers provide caring Christian support to . . .

• the hospitalized
• the terminally ill and their families
• people who are homebound
• those with a job crisis
• inactive members of the congregation
• those facing life transitions
• the aging and elderly
• those with disabilities and their families
• the separated or divorced
• the lonely
• households experiencing birth or adoption
• new members in church or community

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

To become a Stephen Minister or to receive a Stephen Minister's care . . .

contact your current Stephen Leaders, Rob Hoyt, Donna Romjue, Libby Weiss, Robert Maxwell and Loren Legg.