|
|
Stephen Ministry The logo's most dominant feature is the cross of Jesus. It reminds us that Christ is at the center of Stephen Ministry and all Stephen Ministry relationships. The broken person behind the cross symbolizes how we are all broken people, broken by our own sin and imperfections. The whole person in front of the cross signifies the wholeness we encounter through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It is only through Jesus and his life, death on the cross, and resurrection that we, who are broken people, are made whole. The circle is a symbol of God's external and never-ending love for us. God's love surrounds us, holds us, heals us, with the cross of Jesus at the center of that love. For it was Jesus, God's Son, who allowed himself to be broken on the cross to save us from our sin and give us the opportunity to be restored to wholeness through him. The Stephen Series logo tells the story of a care receiver's journey from brokenness to wholeness through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It serves as a simple reminder that it is not the Stephen Minister who restores a person to wholeness. Rather, it is only through the cross of Jesus that a person can be made whole.
Why the Name StephenThe name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (as recorded in Acts 6).
Stephen Ministry at FUMCCFUMCC is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. This ministry helps us train and organize some of our members to provide quality and caring ministry. This ministry multiplies the amount of caring ministry that FUMCC can provide. These skilled caregivers are equipped to bring Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses of life. We all experience the challenges of life when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:
Do you feel the call to put your Christian love and caring into action? Stephen Ministry offers the chance to make a difference in a 1:1 relationship with people who have needs. To get more information about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Rev. Alice Kunka akunka@fumc-cary.org 467-1861.
If you or someone you know would like to receive the care of a Stephen Minister or get more information about having a Stephen Minister, please call Sue McVeigh, Referrals Coordinator at 460-1332 or the church office at 467-1861.
Sunday Morning Stephen Ministry GreetersCareNotes for Uncertain Times Have you or a loved one recently suffered the loss of a loved one? Stephen Ministry would like to suggest Kenneth Haugk's set of four small books entitled "A Time to Grieve: Journeying Through Grief." These four books discuss the different stages of grief.
Trained Stephen Ministers are also available to help you through this difficult time of your life. Please call Sue McVeigh at 460-1332 or the church office at 467-1861 for more information. These books are available, free of charge, from your assigned Stephen Minister. We are there to support you.
Stephen Ministers: The After People
Frequently friends will ask, I know you’re involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is? I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
... after you’ve washed and returned the last casserole dish.
... after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
... after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
... after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
... after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
... after the doctors have said, There’s nothing more we can do.
... after the door has slammed shut for the very last time.
... after the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.
... after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined.
... after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, Welcome to your new home.
... after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
... after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
... after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
... after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the After People. We are ready to come alongside you or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives and provide comfort and support for as long after as we are needed.
Adapted from a presentation made during a worship service by Enie Bourland, a lay Stephen Leader at Houstons First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Copyright 2003 by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, Missouri.
Stephen Ministry Commissioning ServiceOn July 13, 2010, eight new Stephen Ministers were commissioned with family and friends in attendance. They have completed 50+ hours of training, from January through June, 2010. We warmly welcome them to the Stephen Ministry family.
Rev. Dr. Alice Kunka and Pat Cherry-Joyner led the service with music provided by Femme Forte, led by Patti Cook, with Jodi Adams at the piano. Carolyn Wertz created the programs. A reception for the new Stephen Ministers, family and friends was held immediately after the ceremony.
New Stephen Ministers (l-r) Jonathan Finch, David Hedberg, Tom Herndon, Leon Robbins, Nancy Dixon, Tammy Campbell, Carol Cook and Susan Barrier
New 2010 Stephen Ministers with other Stephen Members who attended the Stephen Ministry Commissioning service
Our Stephen Leaders L-R Pat Cherry Joyner, Alice Kunka, Teresa Peters-Snead, Sue McVeigh, Libby Sinodis, Ruth Conner, Carolyn Corn. Missing is Neil Chinault, Leader and teachers: Rev. Rick Wilkerson, Rev. Barbara Mann, and Chuckie Chinault.
Directory of Resources for Older Adults in Wake County The new Directory of Resources for Older Adults in Wake County is available for your use. One copy has been distributed to your Sunday School class. As you notice needs in the congregation, your own family, friends and community, this may be a valuable resource tool for you. Subjects include:
Many people will not seek help unless it is noted and addressed by another. Be the good Samaritan to those around you.
Provided by: Stephen Ministry and Health Ministries
Links |
|
