Stephen Ministry: March 2021
What seems a lifetime ago but actually is exactly a year ago, four new trainees gathered in the Shockey Lounge to begin their 26 weeks of training to become new Stephen Ministers. We all know what happened the middle of March and for many months we were advised by Stephen Ministry in St. Louis not to continue our training classes because of confidentiality issues. Thus we were in a holding pattern until October 1, 2020.
By Sunday February 28, 2021 they will have completed 18 of the modules and will have been commissioned during our Zoom Coffee Hour at 10:30AM. Once commissioned they are able to have Care Receivers.
The four new Stephen Ministers are: Heather Lerch, JoAnn Lawrence, Kate Rauscher and Jillian Rodgers (trained on behalf of Moorestown United Methodist Church). Below are statements of why each felt called to serve in this manner.
Heather: “Sue Kuhn was speaking during service and I had begun to contemplate becoming a Stephen Minister when my then 3 year-old looked at me and said, “Momma, you do.” That set in motion my journey that has included self-reflection, fellowship connections to other Stephen Ministers and a continued hope to be able to help those in need of Christian love and support.”
Kate: “About 20 years ago a series of challenging events began in my life, which have continued up until present times. I have always felt the presence of the Holy Spirit helping me to live a rewarding life despite my setbacks. I feel so much gratitude to our Lord for all I have and for always being there for me, so I wanted to give to others in need through serving in the Stephen Ministry.”
JoAnn: “My mother’s death left a large hole in my life and my Stephen Minister walked with me through the grief and pain of her loss. When my father died 14 years later, I was again reminded of God’s love and that He was walking with me. I want to share this incredible love with others. We are not alone; we walk side by side in God’s love.”
Jillian: “I felt called to Stephen Ministry to learn new ways of receiving and sharing the love of Jesus, through connection with others. I’ve gained an even deeper trust that God is working through all of us, all the time.”
Please keep all of our new Stephen Ministers in prayer.
In Christ,
Rev. Peggy Marks
Stephen Leader