May 2008 - STEPHEN MINISTRY

Philippians 2:4-5
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.

I am both humbled and elated to introduce you to our first group of Stephen Ministers. God has richly blessed us in those who have heard the Spirit’s direction to enter in this ministry. For the past four months, Cheryl Rose and I have had the privilege to gather for two and a half hours each Thursday night to learn and to teach the gift of caring for others in the love of Christ Jesus.

Those who will be commissioned for Stephen Ministry on Sunday, June 1 include: Denise Philippi, Bev Haberman, Norma Peterson, Audra Lehman, Joyce Graves, Carol Winick, Andy and Jenny Parker, Sheryl Ryan, Keith Dralle, and Cheryl Rose (see their photos in the May Tidings). I sense in these people strong spirituality and sense of purpose that only Christ can bring. We celebrate and learn more about Stephen Ministry at all three services the weekend of June 1.

The decision to pursue Stephen Ministry, I believe, was an important decision of our congregation’s leadership. I am eager for this ministry to begin as we care for our members and those outside of our congregation. The power of Christ present in us is already obvious in these people. Eleven trained ministers will only begin to serve the vast needs.

Continue to pray for the next group of trainees. Cheryl and I look forward to another class this fall. The new Stephen Ministers are eager to talk to you about the training and the sense of Christ in their lives in this new endeavor. I pray daily for more to step forward for this ministry.

The Stephen Ministry logo consists of a cross and circle, together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing the brokenness in our lives as a result of our sin. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is through the cross of Jesus that we again are made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God’s unending love for us.

Please learn more about Stephen Ministry at www.stephenministries.org