Dear Members of First Congregational and Garden Street United Methodist Churches,
Each of us has times when we are lonely, grieving, hurt, or in need of care. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes that when we suffer and are troubled, we find comfort through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:4–6)—and one of the ways we find this comfort is through other caring Christians.
Our congregations have a group of people skilled in caring for those facing challenges in their lives. These people, called Stephen Ministers, have undergone extensive training to develop and nurture their caring skills. Following a commissioning service, they began their caring ministry in our congregations. Our Stephen Ministers are working with people who are experiencing many different kinds of crises. They are NOT counselors but someone to talk with and process together, trusting that this relationship’s details are confidential.
Who might receive care from a Stephen Minister? Care receivers may be hospitalized, grieving the death of a loved one, separated or divorcing, homebound, unemployed, adjusting to the birth of a child, or experiencing many other kinds of life difficulties.
Think about your life and the lives of the people around you. Are you, or is someone you know, going through a time of crisis or challenge? The care of a Stephen Minister may be exactly what’s needed to help bring Christ’s healing.
If you have questions about Stephen Ministry at First Congregational or Garden Street UMC, feel free to reach out to me or any of the Stephen Ministers or pastors. Consider whether you know of someone who needs their care and offer to connect them to this ministry. And please remember our Stephen Ministry in your prayers.
Thank you.
Kathleen McGuinness, SM Referral Coordinator
