Stephen Ministry
For those who grieve,

Stephen Ministry at First Lutheran

offers two special events :

 Saturday, November 10 - One Day Grief Workshop

This workshop is designed to help individuals recognize the complexity of the grief experience. It offers ideas and suggestions for healthy coping methods. Open to all. Bring something reminiscent of your loved one. Male participants may substitute sharing time with an action-oriented activity led by our male Stephen Ministers. $10 for materials, includes breakfast and lunch. Fee waived for second person if sharing materials. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. , Fellowship Center

Thursday, December 6 – Bereavement Dinner

At this potluck dinner, participants will have a hands-on session in planning what old traditions to keep and new traditions to create as they face the holiday season while grieving the loss of a loved one. Many participants have found the grief rituals very comforting. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. , Fellowship Center .

 For more details, pick up a flyer in the Narthex. To register, fill out the form below and drop in the Stephen Ministry mailbox.

Name _____________________________________________

Phone __________________ E-mail _____________________

I would like to participate in the

_____ One Day Grief Workshop ($10 enclosed)

_____ Bereavement Dinner

For more information, call Pr. Gigie at 410-465-2977.

Stephen Ministry is a program that equips Lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care for those experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who:

• express God’s care through their lives to others
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care
• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
• serve for at least two years
• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service

Stephen Ministry meets the diverse needs of people. Stephen Minister provide support to individuals (and their families) who may be dealing with any of the following issues (and more):

• hospitalization
• terminal illness
• new or departing residents
• grieving a death or serious loss
• homebound and institutionalized
• prison term or release
• job crisis
• aging/elderly
• living with disabilities
• life transitions
• separation/divorce
• birth or adoption
• spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry; your concerns are held in respectful privacy. If you or someone you know need a Stephen Minister, please call Pastor Grant at 410-465-2977.

Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

How You Can Support Our Congregation’s Stephen Ministry   Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others. Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation. Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister – be sure to get that person’s permission first! Tell others in our community about the availability of our congregation’s Stephen Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide. Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care. Consider serving as a Stephen Minister. Support Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.

First Lutheran Stephen Leaders Pr. Gigie Sijera-Grant Emily Miller Christa Nuss Karah Anne Shaton Encourage one another and build one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Web site link: www.stephenministries.org