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Stephen Ministry The logo's most dominant feature is the cross of Jesus. It reminds us that Christ is at the center of Stephen Ministry and all Stephen Ministry relationships. The broken person behind the cross symbolizes how we are all broken people, broken by our own sin and imperfections. The whole person in front of the cross signifies the wholeness we encounter through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It is only through Jesus and his life, death on the cross, and resurrection that we, who are broken people, are made whole. The circle is a symbol of God's external and never-ending love for us. God's love surrounds us, holds us, heals us, with the cross of Jesus at the center of that love. For it was Jesus, God's Son, who allowed himself to be broken on the cross to save us from our sin and give us the opportunity to be restored to wholeness through him. The Stephen Series logo tells the story of a care receiver's journey from brokenness to wholeness through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It serves as a simple reminder that it is not the Stephen Minister who restores a person to wholeness. Rather, it is only through the cross of Jesus that a person can be made whole.
Why the Name StephenThe name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (as recorded in Acts 6).
Stephen Ministry at FUMCCFUMCC is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. This ministry helps us train and organize some of our members to provide quality and caring ministry.This ministry multiplies the amount of caring ministry that FUMCC can provide.These skilled caregivers are equipped to bring Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses of life. We all experience the challenges of life 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:
Do you feel the call to put your Christian love and caring into action? Stephen Ministry offers the chance to make a difference in a 1:1 relationship with people who have needs. To get more information about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Dr. Rev. William Green wgreen@fumc-cary.org 467-1861.
If you or someone you know would like to receive the care of a Stephen Minister or get more information about having a Stephen Minister, please call Chuckie Chinault, Referrals Coordinator for females at 919-306-0460, or Neil Chinault, Referrals Coordinator for males at 919-272-7575, or the church office at 467-1861. A Stephen Minister will visit with you once a week, listen to you, encourage you, and pray for you. Everything you say to your Stephen Minister is strictly confidential. Sunday Morning Stephen Ministry GreetersStephen Ministers are available to you after Sunday morning services. They are at the bottom of the stairs in the narthex wearing a blue badge. Contact Rev. Dr. William Green or a Stephen Minister if you attend Celebration service. They are there for immediate interaction if you have an issue which is troubling you and they will be happy to step with you to the prayer chapel or other private area. Stephen Ministers can offer prayer and confidential listening to help you through a difficult time. There are also Stephen Ministry cards located in the pew pocket that you may use for yourself, a family member, friend, coworker, or member of the community. The confidential telephone numbers of Chuckie and Neil Chinault, Stephen Minister coordinators, are located there. Stephen Ministers are interviewed and go through many hours of training before becoming Stephen Ministers. Our pastors may recommend Stephen Ministry service to a person. Stephen Ministers will be wearing blue badges throughout the services. Do not hesitate to ask any of these people to speak with you, at any time. We are there to serve you. CareNotes for Uncertain TimesThe stress level is very high for many of us during these times of uncertainty. Stephen Ministry provides CareNotes on many helpful topics. New topics are now available that deal with easing stress, overcoming anxiety, handling worry, money problems, and finding hope when times are tough. We also have many other CareNotes which discuss such topics: divorce, grief, depression, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, abuse, post-partum depression, family caregiving, aging, and job loss. Displays are in the large narthex and at the foot of the stairs in the Templeton building. Please stop by, check the titles and see what is helpful to you, your family, or a hurting friend. Have you or a loved one recently suffered the loss of a loved one? Stephen Ministry would like to suggest Kenneth Haugk's set of four small books entitled "A Time to Grieve: Journeying Through Grief." These four books discuss the different stages of grief. These books are available, free of charge. Trained Stephen Ministers are also available to help you through this difficult time of your life. Please call Chuckie Chinault, Referrals Coordinator for women at 919-306-0460, or Neil Chinault, Referrals Coordinator for men at 919-272-7575, or the church office at 467-1861 for more information. We are there to support you.
Stephen Ministers: The After People
Frequently friends will ask, I know you’re involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is? I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
... after you’ve washed and returned 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 always 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, coworkers, or relatives and provide comfort and support for as long after as we are needed.
Adapted from a presentation made during a worship service by Enie Bourland, a lay Stephen Leader at Houstons First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Copyright 2003 by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, Missouri.
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