"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
AFUMC offers the Stephen Ministry program that provides spiritual and emotional support for those experiencing a variety of life crises. A Stephen Minister, who is a lay care giver with extensive training in listening, in use of prayer and scripture, and in use of emotional support, comes alongside as a special kind of friend for someone in need. Needs might include a personal loss, an illness, a change in marital, financial or work status, or any of a variety of other traumatic events that may have occurred. Contact any of the following about the program: Jeannie Morelan 256-498-5896, Elise Brasseale 256-586-5792, Joe or Laura Creel 256-586-6710. (See below for further explanation of Stephen Ministry.)
STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ARAB FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Is life more than you can handle alone right now? Are you adjusting to a new job, a change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, a recent move ~ or just experiencing a lonely or difficult time in your life? Could you benefit from having someone who would listen and care and walk with you through this difficult time?
THERE IS NO NEED TO STRUGGLE ALONE! Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. God does not intend for you to struggle alone. Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you on your journey to wholeness.
WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTER'S CARE: Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people who are:
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Grieving the death of a loved one
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Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
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Lonely or discouraged
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Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
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Unemployed or in a job crisis
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Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
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Moving or relocating
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New to the congregation or the community
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Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child
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Homebound or institutionalized
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Transitioning into retirement
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Dealing with the crisis of aging
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Facing a life transition
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Experiencing a spiritual crisis
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Victims of a disaster or accident
WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER: A Stephen Minister is ...,
- A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
- A caring Christian friend who really listens;
- A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care;
- A person who is ready to focus on your needs;
- A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say~and even you identify~confidential; and
- Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.
A STEPHEN MINISTER IS NOT .....
- A counselor or therapist
- A problem-solver
- Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or
- A casual visitor
OUR STEPHEN MINISTERS are ready to provide you with the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through a crisis or help you through a difficult time.
WHY STEPHEN MINISTRY?
Because the Bible tells us to:
"Love one another as I have loved you" John 15:12
"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" Galatians 6:2
"Encourage one another and build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11a
"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
ARE YOU IN NEED.... of a caring, Christian friend who will listen, empathize, encourage, pray, provide confidential care, and patiently support you as you work through a crisis or difficult time?
or
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE,....perhaps a friend, neighbor, co-worker, colleague, or relative, who could benefit from this type of care?
THEN CONTACT..... one of our Stephen Leaders listed below. They can tell you more about our Stephen Ministry and how you or your friend can be matched with a Stephen Minister.
Elise Brasseale 256-586-5792
Joe Creel 256-586-6710
Laura Creel 256-586-6710
