Page 6 - May Spire 2013
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Caring & Women’s Ministries
6
W
e all have seasons in our
lives in which we are
especially mindful that we need
God to be present: transforming,
comforting, and challenging
us. Perhaps it occurs when our
circumstances change. A job is lost. A
spouse falls gravely ill. A divorce looks imminent. A
new child is more stressful than anticipated. A home
becomes too much to handle, and a move is required.
Sometimes, we need a brother or a sister to walk with
us, and remind us who we are, and to whom we belong.
Here at NPC, we call these brothers and sisters Stephen
Ministers.
One of the most beautiful slices of ministry that I have
experienced here at NPC has been the training of a new
class of Stephen Ministers. Every Wednesday night since
January, a group of 21 trainees has gathered with leaders
to intentionally learn how to serve individuals in our
church family. We talk about ways to bring Christ into
many different life circumstances. We learn how to listen
with open hearts. We talk about different forms of crisis.
We practice prayer.
On May 19th in worship, we will be commissioning 21
new Stephen Ministers. Each have been through 50
hours of specialized training in Christian caregiving, and
join a team of already active Stephen Ministers here at
NPC. They are each ready to provide confidential one-
to-one Christian care to people experiencing a crisis or
going through a difficult time. Stephen Ministers meet
weekly with their care receiver for around an hour to
listen, care, encourage, pray and provide emotional and
spiritual support for the person. Caring relationships last
for as long as the person’s need persists.
I ask for you to pray for these soon-to-be-commissioned
Stephen Ministers. Pray that God would bless their
ministry and work through them to bring hope and
healing to those they are serving. Please also pray for
the continued ministry of our other active Stephen
Ministers.
Perhaps you are reading this article and wondering
whether God might use a Stephen Minister in your
circumstance, or in the life of someone you know, to
bring healing and wholeness. If you do feel that tug,
please reach out to me. I would love an opportunity
to talk more with you about receiving care through
a Stephen Minister. You can reach me at the church
office, or via email:
Pastor Brandi Drake,
Pastor of Caring & Women’s Ministries
“Bear one another’s burdens. In this way you will fulfill the law of Christ ”
Galatians 6:2
MONDAY Women’s Lunchtime Study:
Join us Mondays at
noon in the Parlor. Contact Beth Peelle at 203-856-7092 or
.
Women! Tuesday Morning Happenings:
Join at any time!
6:15 am: April 2-June 9
in the Parlor. We are working our way
through the Beatitudes.
9:30 am: April 2-May 21
in Horton Hall. This group will spend
six weeks on the topic of prayer.
Register online or contact Lori at
or 203-655-1451 ext. 44.
Women’s Ministry Studies
Meets Mondays in the NPC Parlor
7:15 p.m. for refreshments
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. for program
June 17 and 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
August 5, 12, 19 and 26
September 9
Register online (
)
or at a meeting.
Information about the DC series at
