Stephen Ministry
Author: Mary Jane Hendrickson Published: April 9th, 2012
A Stephen Minister is a caring Christian lay person, trained to walk with a person during a time of need. A Stephen Minister’s goal is to listen and understand with a Christ-grounded, objective, non-judgmental heart, giving the hurting person an open, yet confidential, environment in which to examine and wrestle with the problems.
A Stephen Minister is —
- A caring Christian who offers support to others in time of need.
- A trained Christian who has received 50 hours of intensive coursework in how provide distinctively Christian care.
- A dedicated Christian commissioned by our congregation for confidential, in-depth Christian caring. He/she participates in monthly supervision and continuing education. A commitment is made to serve for at least two years.
A Stephen Minister is not—
- A counselor or therapist
- A casual visitor
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34
Category Stephen Ministry |
Author: Mary Jane Hendrickson Published: March 12th, 2012
Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
We all experience challenges in life—times 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—-
- Loss of a loved one
- Hospitalization
- Divorce or separation
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Unemployment or a job crisis
- A terminal illness
- Aging
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- A chronic illness
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- And many more
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
For more information about RECEIVING CARE, please contact: Rev. Tom Foster, Minister of Pastoral Care, 503-228-3195 ext. 233
Stephen Ministers are ready to care.
“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galtians 6:2
Category Stephen Ministry |
Author: Mary Jane Hendrickson Published: February 27th, 2012
Our congregation was invited to attend Stephen Ministry’s continuing education, the evening of February 14, with the focus on Abuse & Domestic Violence.
Twelve Stephen Ministers plus guests attended, including a representative from The Youth Ministry Committee and from The United Methodist Women. We heard an excellent presentation by Stacey Womack and her husband Jerry, from ARMS. Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services is a faith-based, interdenominational, local organization.
ARMS provides educational counseling and awareness to individual faced with domestic abuse. It encourages beliefs and behaviors that heal and promote healthy life styles.
A copy of the ARMS handout from Stacey Womack is located in our church library on the Stephen Ministry shelf. It covers —
- What is domestic abuse?
- What to do and not to do when domestic abuse is the issue
- What about the abuser? Working with abusers
- Types of domestic abuse
- How prepared is your church to serve victims of abuse?
- Twelve reasons why couple’s counseling is not recommended when domestic violence is present
Contact Information:
Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services
PO Box 663
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-846-9284
The UMW representative later informed us that Domestic Abuse is one of several national social action issues of United Methodist Women and has been chosen to be the primary focus for the Oregon/Idaho Conference UMW for 2012. It will be the theme of their Fall Conference Meeting next October in Caldwell, Idaho. October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Everyone attending felt that Stacey & Jerry’s presentation was very informative and helpful. Also each person was given 2 long-stemmed red roses as a reminder of God’s love.
Category Stephen Ministry |
Author: Mary Jane Hendrickson Published: February 4th, 2012
February 14, Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00pm, Stephen Ministry will focus on the pervasive and devastating issue of abuse and domestic violence.
- Nationally, one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.
- Nearly three out of four (74%) of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence.
- Approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
- Nationally, the health-related costs of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year.
But there is hope and there is help. Locally, there are several excellent agencies and groups which offer abuse victims a life-line in the midst of their darkest emotional and physical pain. One such group is ARMS.
Come meet Stacey Womack, Executive Director of ARMS. Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services is a faith-based, interdenominational organization. It provides educational counseling and awareness to individuals faced with domestic abuse. The ARMS program encourages beliefs and behaviors that heal and promote healthy lifestyles. As founder of ARMS, Stacey Womack is a notable leader, author and speaker of abuse recovery and we are pleased to have her with us.
Stephen Ministry welcomes you to join us in Room 160 (downstairs by the MAX entry), Tuesday evening, 7:00-8:00 pm this February 14.
Category Stephen Ministry |
Author: Mary Jane Hendrickson Published: February 4th, 2012
“When I finally had the resolve and courage to leave my abusive husband for the eighth and final time, I was feeling scared and alone.
My husband was such a “nice guy” that I feared no one would believe me. I didn’t know where to turn for help. The first night I attended an ARMS class named “Her Journey,” I knew I had found a safe haven in which to heal with other survivors who understood.
The information and the relationships with other abused women has been a Godsend to my healing, hope and faith.”
A Current Participant of MY JOURNEY
See the article “You Are Invited, for meeting Stacey Womack, Executive Director of ARMS. You may also contact ARMS at 503-846-9284.
Category Stephen Ministry |
Published: January 13th, 2012
Stephen Ministry will be hosting the Library Book Table during coffee hour in Collins Hall on the 3rd Sunday of the month beginning Jan 15 through May 20.
This is the first time our Stephen Ministry books & resources will be on display for the convenience of our congregation during the coffee hour.
Our book collection & local resources will help you find information and positive steps in coping with difficult life issues, such as the death of a spouse, parent or child, coping with aging, breast cancer, suicide, and abuse.
These practical guides are based upon classic research, clinically tested advice, and personal journeys. Our collection includes some books written specifically for children.
Stop by to see us, check out a book or chat with the team on January 15, February 19, March 18, April 15 and May 20!
Category Library, Stephen Ministry |
