What’s going on with Stephen Ministry at St. Francis?

“The heart of Stephen Ministry is ‘Christ caring for people through people. A Stephen Minister is someone who comes alongside another and extends, in a tangible way, the hand of Christ during a time of crisis. Stephen Ministers are people of mercy…people of meekness…people of humility…people who, through their exercise of the “quiet” gifts, are encouragers and helpers during times of loss and despair.”

St. Francis is now an enrolled parish in the Stephen Ministry Organization, and I was fortunate to be able to attend the week long training for Stephen Ministry Leaders held in February in Corpus Christi, Texas. Over the past 25 years of practicing law, I have attended innumerable conferences, and the Stephen Ministry Leaders conference was without question the best conference I have ever attended.

On February 19, 2006, St. Francis, in conjunction with our close cousins in the faith at Aledo United Methodist Church, began its first 50 hour training course for prospective Stephen Ministers. This training covers the Christian caring skills needed to provide high quality, Christ-centered care to others who are suffering. Some of the topics include listening effectively, dealing with feelings, confidentiality, using the resources of Christianity, being assertive and a number of topics dealing with specific life crises.

Four long standing members of our parish responded to the call to this training. Wow! That is not a word I use lightly…I have been a member of a number of very fine Episcopal parishes over the past 29 years and I am in awe of the level of commitment demonstrated by this parish in such a short time!!! St. Francis parishioners who are attending this Stephen Ministry training and committing to two years as Stephen Ministers are: Bud Chenoweth, Claire Gibson, Polly Koch, Carol Ozee and Victoria Prescott. Please keep us your thoughts and prayers are we take part in this training for caring ministry…and join me in thanksgiving that such a fine and faith-full group has stepped forward to implement this important ministry at St. Francis.

On June 4th, Pentecost, these parishioners will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers to carry out ministries of caring within our congregation and community, for people experiencing such problems in life as hospitalization, grief, depression, loneliness and many other life crises. Working under the guidance and supervision of Fr. Jay, these Stephen Ministers will extend the capacity of our parish to care for others.

Maybe you’re feeling that nudge to become involved in Stephen Ministry, but your spring is already full of commitments? Please prayerfully consider the next training, which will be offered in the fall. If you have any questions about Stephen Ministry training and care-giving, please contact me at 817/313-8104 or . I would love to hear from you!

Peace,
Victoria

St. Francis is enrolled in the Stephen Ministries. Stephen Ministries started in 1975 and is now in over 10,000 churches, encompassing virtually every denomination. For more information, see their website here.

UPDATE, June 4, 2006—STEPHEN’S MINISTERS COMMISSIONING: Today, our Stephen’s Ministers are being commissioned. Victoria Prescott, Polly Koch, Claire Gibson, Carol Ozee, and Bud Chenoweth have completed their training and are ready for service. One aspect of the commissioning is our response as a parish to support and use them in ministry. If you would like to consider using the ministry they have been trained for, please contact the Rector or Victoria Prescott. Information explaining this important ministry is available in the Narthex.