STEPHEN MINISTRY AT PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 2011 ANNUAL REPORT The establishment of a Stephen Ministry program at Peace was one of our long term goals for many years. In October 2007 we began the program and this marks the completion of our fourth full year. Currently we have nine Stephen Ministers in our congregation. Our Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges, such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, loneliness, hospitalization, terminal illness or any of a number of life difficulties. Our Stephen Ministers are Larry Crowell, Ellie Koester, Becky Krogness, Cathy O’Shea, Helen Probst, Carolyn Smith, Bruce Thatcher, Joyce Voss and Ellie Woytek. Of our nine Stephen Ministers, five are also Stephen Leaders. Cathy O’Shea completed a seven day comprehensive training course to become a Stephen Leader last summer. Twice a month, Stephen Ministers meet for continuing education and peer supervision. Kathy Lamon, a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church who completed her training with us in 2009, joins us for continuing education and supervision group meetings. At this time we are looking for other members of the congregation to convene another class to train new Stephen Ministers. We have 2 applicants and would like to have one more to fill out the new class. Stephen Ministry helps Pastor Gary provide quality caring ministry for people as long as they have the need. We have assisted Pastor with Hospital visits when he was out of town. This year we have expanded our ministry to include the training of visitors in Caring for inactive members. In 2011, Stephen Ministers and Leaders gave more than 480 hours of their time providing Hospital visits and care to 11 care receivers. Additionally, approximately 870 hours of their time was devoted to training, supervision, preparation, and administration of the program. Stephen Ministers are NOT counselors, therapists, pastors or health professionals. They ARE listeners and supportive persons, as well as Christian friends, who have been trained in the theology of caring. Stephen Leaders, upon completion of an intensive one week training program, provide guidance, support, and affirmation to Stephen Ministers. Everyone touched by Stephen Ministry experiences spiritual growth. Care Receivers experience the healing presence of Christ through their Stephen Ministers at a critical time in their lives. Stephen Ministers grow in faith as they see God working through them to bring hope and healing to their care receivers. We ask for your prayers and support each day that the Stephen Ministry program will continue to grow at Peace. If anyone in our congregation has a need for a Stephen Minister, for any reason, please contact Pastor Gary, Carolyn Smith, or any Stephen Minister. For more information about PLC Stephen Ministry, visit our web site at www.plcnb.org and click on “Outreach”, then “Stephen Ministry”.

Return to Stephen Ministry>>                                     For information contact any  Stephen Leader Larry Crowell Becky Krogness Carolyn Smith Bruce Thatcher