Thursday, October 5, 2023

A special invitation from two of our Stephen Ministers:



Eleven years ago on a fall Sunday, I was sitting in the church pew awaiting the beginning of the service when I saw the notice inviting folks to apply for an opportunity to be trained to serve as Stephen Ministers. After prayerful consideration, I filled out the application and awaited the call. I felt strongly that this was a great opportunity to fulfill three of those commitments that we all make when we join the church; Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness. Long story short, I became a Stephen Minister and then trained to become a Stephen Leader. I have had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who are committed to this ministry and to humbly serve those who I have been assigned as their Care Giver.

Every day we all encounter life’s challenges. Most days we have the resources either from within us or from our support system that allow us to meet those challenges and move on. However, there are times that we encounter situations that leave us overwhelmed and unable to move forward. We feel stuck. These are the times that we can use someone who can walk beside us, pray with us, listen to us and respond with empathy. That is what Stephen Ministers are trained to do. Are you looking for an opportunity to use your gifts, service, and witness in a ministry that quietly serves your church and community in a meaningful and substantial manner? We need you! 

Please visit us between services at the table in the hallway and come to the information session in C200 at 11:00AM on 9/15.

Yours in Christ,

Jeannine Boss

I can speak from a rather unique perspective, since I not only am a Stephen Minister, but I also have a Stephen Minister. Serious family health concerns were stressful. Finally, a friend asked, "Do you need a Stephen Minister?" It was a "Well, duh," moment. Of course I did. We met for about an hour a week and simply being able to express my concerns to her, knowing our relationship was completely confidential, lifted a weight from my shoulders.

In my own Stephen Minister role, I have walked with several women over the years. I am humbled that they put their trust in me, while always keeping "We are the caregivers, but God is the Cure Giver" at the forefront of my ministry.

If you feel you might be called to become a Stephen Minister and would like to know more, or if you feel that you would benefit from a relationship with a Stephen Minister, please join us.

Blessings,

Lynn Alfers

Stephen Ministry Information Session

10/15 @ 11:10AM

Come to the information session and learn more! Visit the Stephen Ministry page for info, or meet them at their table in the hallway on Sunday.

Stephen Ministry is a program of that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. We are currently looking for those with a compassionate heart for service to join us in the ministry.

Children's Sabbath

Children's Sabbath engages places of worship across the country in focusing prayers, worship, education programs, and action on learning more about the urgent problems facing our nation’s children. By exploring sacred texts and teachings that call us to love and protect children, Children’s Sabbath encourages communities to respond with outreach and advocacy, and, most importantly, inspire new, year-round action to improve the lives of children.

Watch for more ways to learn and be involved this month!

Trunk or Treat!

It’s going to be a spooky good time! This event is open to the community, so invite your boos! We want your trunks, your treats, and your tricks! We need people to host trunks at the event, as well as donations of candy. 

Check out the website to find out how you can be part of this frighteningly fun evening.

New Wellspring Series

We all ask questions. Why is the sky blue? What happened to all the dinosaurs? What was the best thing before sliced bread? But some questions are more important than others. How do I forgive someone? What is God like? What is my purpose in life? How do I share my faith? Join us in Wellspring as we discover answers to your most important questions. Learn more HERE.

Volunteer to Mentor @ Caldwell Elementary!

You can find out all the steps to become a mentor by clicking here.

CLOTHING DRIVE

Thank you for continuing to donate for the Feeding Friends & Families pop up closet. The need is overwhelming! We continue to needs gently used clothing, coats, and shoes. We need NEW socks and underwear. There are items we cannot accept (bedding, toys, jewelry, etc.). Thank you for your generosity! You can stop by Missions Headquarters (B101) any time to help sort and pack items.

NEW Caregiver Support Group

A caregiver provides support to others in need, very often to a loved one. Our Caregiver Support Group meets to support caregivers in their own needs. This group is open to any caregiver who wants to join the meetings, regardless of church membership. Learn more here.

Blessed Journey (formerly Last Changes)

Tuesday, October 10, at 1:30 PM in room E215-225

SPECIAL SPEAKER

Sheri Shulenberger is a Licensed Professional Counselor who studied at the University of North Texas. She sought this education after personally witnessing the power of play therapy with her own daughter.  Sheri is passionate about her specialized training in SandTray therapy. For more than a decade, Sheri has worked in a variety of mental health settings treating adults, adolescents, and children.

Blessed Journey is a group for adults of any age (not just seniors!) who want to learn and to share information about living our lives fully in relationship with God, aging with grace, and dying with hope as we begin a new journey. We meet at the church and on ZOOM. Newcomers are welcome at any meeting. Contact Tom Kirwin or 214-293-7344 for more information or the ZOOM link.

Children's Choir will sing in the Sanctuary for Children's Sabbath.

Visit our Children's Page to learn more!