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Stephen
Ministers:
The After People
Frequently
friends will ask, "I know you're involved in Stephen Ministry.
Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?"
I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are "After People."
Stephen Ministers are there:
* after you've
washed and returned the last casserole dish.
* after the divorce
papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
* after the last
child honks the horn, waves, and drives away--and the house suddenly seems
incredibly empty.
* after you arrive
home following the funeral service and the emotions you've held at bay come
crashing in on you.
* after the doctors
have said, "There's nothing more we can do."
* after you realize
that the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more
slowly than you ever imagined.
* after the nursing
home director shakes your had and says, "Welcome to your new home."
* after the baby has
arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
* after you find the
pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
* after your family
and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk
it out.
Stephen Ministers are the "After
People." We are ready to come
alongside you--or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives--and provide
comfort and support for as long "after" as we are needed.
Call Jerry Layman or
Helen Drennen if you are thinking about an
"after person" in your life.
Stephen Ministers offer healing prayers the
third Sunday of each month. During the distribution of the Holy Eucharist,
Stephen Ministers are available in the Narthex to pray with you and for you.
Our Stephen Ministers will also be available to anoint you as a part of these
healing prayers. The oil used in these healing prayers
was consecrated by our Bishop, Gerald Mansholt, at the Central States Synod’s
annual Chrism Mass.
If you wish to be seen by a
Stephen Minister, or you would like to become a Stephen Minister, please contact
the office for further information. | 
Gloria
Dei Lutheran Church
