Stephen Ministry - Southminster Presbyterian Church

Sunday, May 19 - Compassion and Assistance will hold their annual "Share your Perennials' and house plants event before and after each service on those Sundays. Plan to start potting plants you wish to bring on these dates. Questions: Contact Dorothy Douglas.

Wednesday, May 15 - Community Meal. Come and enjoy Sloppy Joes and cole slaw along with drinks and dessert at the Community Meal from 6 - 7 p.m. Bring a friend or neighbor and enjoy friendship and food.

Friday, May 31 - Catch the Building Spirit with Habitat for Humanity! You can help at North Smith Drive in West Carrollton by preparing lunch, serving in the information/first aid tent, or helping build (must be at least 18). Register at: Dayton Habitat. Eat at Bob Evan's from May 17-19 and Southminster will receive 15% of the sale to support Habitat! You must have a flyer to participate. For more information or to volunteer, contact Stephen Albright at 513.932.4231 or salbrig@yahoo.com. Download the Bob Evans flyer

Saturday, June 22, 9-3, The Principles and Practices of Blessing Based Spiritual Nurture, facilitators Pastor Jackie Nowak and Dr. Donald Rogers, Blessing Center Board member. More info and sign-ups on our Events page.

July 15 - 19, 9 a.m. to noon - VBS Everywhere Fun Fair! Suggested donation $10 per child. Questions to barbara@sminster.com To register a child or volunteer as a shepherd, click here!

Stephen Ministry

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Stephen Ministry is a distinctively Christian caring ministry dedicated to those who are facing life altering challenges and who may feel the need for a supportive listening presence to walk with them through that time. (Galatians 6:2 - “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ".)

WHO ARE THE STEPHEN MINISTERS?

We are a group of caring and dedicated people who have received extensive training and practice in listening and supporting a person in need. We are humbly committed to sharing our gifts to provide Christian care to those who would benefit. Corinthians 12: 4-10). Southminster's Stephen Ministers are:

Sharon Boyko
Pat Elliott
Marilyn Kemper
Barbara Lambright
Marj Lawson
Frank Nagy
Peg Sperry
Sandy Stevens
Lois Thorp

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM STEPHEN MINISTRY?

We each face times of trouble when we are stressed, confused, grieving, lonely or hurt. A Stephen Minister can be of great comfort during these times, and can be available to you during chronic illness, hospitalization, divorce or separation, job loss; or to support you through stressful changes such as a new baby, work-related challenges, moving, retirement, etc.

Oftentimes embarrassment can prevent someone from seeking support. A Stephen Minister can help you get through your uneasiness so you can come to understand your problems and feelings and begin to work through them. Your Stephen Minister will be compassionate and understanding, patient and non-judgmental.

HOW ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

Stephen Ministers are committed to confidentiality in every aspect of this ministry. Only your Stephen Minister and/or a Stephen Leader, the Pastor(s), and YOU will know of this ongoing support.

HOW DOES STEPHEN MINSTRY WORK AT SOUTHMINSTER?

If you or someone you know is facing a tough time, and you feel a Stephen Minster might be of help, you can contact a pastor (Jackie Nowak) or any Stephen Leader (Frank Nagy, Lois Thorpe, Marj Lawson (temporarily on leave)). At that time you or the person of concern will be contacted promptly and matched with a Stephen Minister. The potential Care Receiver may receive a follow-up call from a pastor or Stephen Leader to verify the need and to get contact information, which is then passed along to a Stephen Minister. Your Stephen Minister will then contact you to set up an acceptable meeting time and place, and the caring, supportive relationship is established. This arrangement will last as long as the need is felt and will conclude only by mutual agreement between the Stephen Minster and YOU.