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| Rev. Anne Thatcher |
In early August I attended a Stephen Ministry Leader’s training in Pittsburgh. You may or may not be aware that St. Martin’s is a Stephen Ministry congregation and has been since 2006. What does that mean and why is this important? We are a large parish and while Jarrett and I would love to be able to visit all of you, and be present each time you have a significant life event, we are not always able to do so. In addition, while we may be there at the beginning, we know that life changes can take a considerable amount of time to work through. Ongoing support during that time is very important.
This is where Stephen Ministry plays a role. Our Stephen Ministers go through fifty hours of training in how to be a Christ-centered, listening caregiver for anyone who is experiencing changes in life: grief, loneliness, engagement, divorce, disability, pregnancy, marriage, job loss, or any other significant events. Each Stephen Minister is confidentially assigned a care receiver who has asked for support. The two meet together or talk on the phone on a regular basis as determined by the needs of the care receiver. Some pairs meet for a few months, others may meet for a year or two depending on the support needs of the care receiver. This caring relationship is confidential, between the Stephen Minister and their care receiver only. Stephen Ministers do not replace the role of the clergy; rather they support and provide additional presence to members of St. Martin’s community. We currently have twelve Stephen Ministers and we are in the process of training three more.
We are blessed to have this robust ministry at St. Martin’s. This ministry is here for each and every one of you. To learn how to become a Stephen Minister—or receive care from one—contact me (Rev. Anne). My door is always open.
Blessings,
Rev. Anne
athatcher@stmartinec.org
215.247.7466 x105
