cares

Everyone goes through difficult times and may experience feelings of confusion, extreme stress, or loneliness. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love can help in those times. Stephen Ministers to individuals who may feel that life is more than they can handle right now as they try to adjust to changes in their lives and who would like to have someone to talk to who really cares about them.  

is...

· someone who walks beside a hurting person.

· a caring Christian friend who really listens.

· a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.  

is not...

· a counselor or therapist

· a problem-solver

· a casual visitor

helps meet

the needs of

individuals

who are...

· hospitalized

· terminally ill

· bereaved

· in a job crisis

· new members of the church

· disabled

· homebound

· lonely

· in a spiritual crisis

is trained

Stephen Ministers are dedicated to providing quality one-to-one caring. Each Stephen Minister completes a 50-hour training course. After the initial 50 hours of training, Stephen Ministers also faithfully participate in supervision and continuing education sessions twice a month. Continuing education sessions help Stephen Ministers grow as Christian caregivers and enhance their caregiving skills.  

is trustworthy

If you are facing a difficult time with illness, grief, divorce or other crisis, our Stephen Ministers are available to walk with you through those times. They provide a reliable, trustworthy, faithful, listening presence and always maintain confidentiality.  

Current Status:

The second class of Stephen Ministers was commissioned in July 2007. Lake Shore now has five Stephen Ministers trained to carry out their caring ministry. Continuing education classes and peer supervision meetings are on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday evenings.

For More Information:

Please contact Gene or Maggi LeClair with any questions or referrals.