How can we help? First of all, we can
pray for our Stephen Leaders, our Stephen Ministers, and their care receivers. This ministry calls for both time and effort. At times they may feel tired, discouraged, or unconvinced they are giving any helpful assistance. The assurance of our prayers and appreciation will help them keep moving forward.
We can
become involved in this ministry in many ways. Some of us may recognize a call to use our special gifts in this ministry and may apply to be a Stephen Leader or Stephen Minister. Others may accept the care of a Stephen Minister. We can be ministers of referral, watching for people in need and suggesting a Stephen Minister’s care, especially now as the pandemic brings additional struggles and suffering for many people. We all can give our enthusiastic support by keeping Stephen Ministry always before us and by praying for and affirming those who have answered God’s call to serve in this way. Let us thank God for all that they will bring to this parish in providing care to others.
A tribute to our Stephen Leaders from a new Stephen Minister – I’d like to thank you all for the time, effort, and care you took teaching me during this Stephen Ministry training. Please know that your dedication to teaching Stephen Ministers is inspiring to me. I loved getting to know your differing styles and humor. Your insights and guidance have been invaluable to me. I like to think of this cohort of new Stephen Ministers as a “spice cabinet”- we all bring a different flavor to the work of God. You Leaders were the chefs helping us learn new recipes. Once again, I thank you all so very much for everything you have led us through - meetings without heat, without water, class canceled due to tornadoes, and a world pandemic. WOW! You all are mini Moses!!! May the loving wings of The Holy Spirit surround you all always. - Ann Sotolongo