April 3, 2008

Dear

Our congregation is now in the midst of exciting happenings in the area of lay caring ministry. We recently attended a seven day training course in Orlando, where we learned how to implement the Stephen Series, a program of lay caring ministry for the congregation. Our instruction included both how to train and supervise lay people in caring ministry.

Now we need to find men and women of our congregation who are willing to answer Jesus’ call to serve as Stephen Ministers, which begins with 50 hours of stimulating and useful training in Christian caring skills. This training will be led by trained Stephen Leaders and will include a variety of topics such as listening, Christian assertiveness, maintaining boundaries in caregiving, and grief. The training is distinctively Christian and focuses on God as the one who cures as we care.

When the Stephen Ministers have completed their training, they will be commissioned and ready to begin their ministry. Working under supervision, these Stephen Ministers will be available to meet weekly with persons experiencing such problems as these, and many more:

· Bereavement

· Single parenting

· Job loss

· Terminal illness

· Long-term hospitalization

· Natural Disasters

Stephen Ministers commit to at least two years for training, service, and regular supervision. Many enjoy their ministry so much that they choose to serve beyond the two years.

While being a Stephen Minister requires commitment of time and effort, it also brings joy and fulfillment. It may be one of the most rewarding challenges you will ever embrace. In addition, you will use the skills you learn not only in your caring ministry, but also in your everyday relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Think and pray about this opportunity. If you decide you would like to be a Stephen Minister, please contact us right away and we can talk about how you can get started. If we agree that you would be well-suited to be a Stephen Minister, you will then begin training for this exciting ministry in May.

We are excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of those who undertake this ministry and in the lives of those who will receive care from our Stephen Ministers.

Stan Dull, Yvette Jackson, Karen Klomp, Cathy McGinnis, Nancy Smith

P.S. You will also grow spiritually when you serve as a Stephen Minister. When God calls you to service, he also gives you the faith and the gifts you need to do his will.