Our Stephen leaders: from left, Pam Hansen, Sara Irvin, Caroline Boyd, Kathy Stalter, Judy Budryk |
Our Stephen Ministers. From top left: Marge Freitag, Bev Hanna, Jim Collins, Barbara Dailey, Barbara LeGrand, Elke Marsh From Bottom Left: Faye Lotze, Kathy Stalter, Sara Irvin, Caroline Boyd, Judy Budryk, Anne Ryan (Missing from the photo: Kay Booth, Babs Conklin, Melanie Mansfield, Pam Hansen) |
HRC's Ministry began in 2000. It is now 8 years old. We have trained 37 Stephen ministers since that time. 16 are currently active.
Our ministry's mission statement
is:
Once a person in need consents to receiving care from a
Stephen minister, the Referral Coordinator matches up a trained Stephen
Minister with the individual. This Stephen Minister will meet with that
individual weekly one-on-one for about an hour giving Christian care to
that person. The Stephen Ministry
Connection Chart shows how this works in more detail.
Jesus is the model for this loving care. Stephen ministers
are trained to provide confidential support, and non-judgemental unconditional
love. These ministers listen, pray and accompany this individual through
this difficult time in their life. Some life experiences where a Stephen
Minister could help:
Frequently friends ask, "I know you're involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?"
I like to explain that Stepphen ministers are "After" People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
Our ministry's vision is:
How does the Ministry work?
Stephen ministers are called by God to extend Christian care
to those who are in the midst of trial and stress.
Stephen Ministers: The "After" People
...after you've washed 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 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, co-workers or relatives--and provide comfort and support for as long after as we are needed.