Stephen Ministry Update

Gifts for the New Year
A new calendar year often brings resolutions, fresh starts, hopes & promises. The magi traveled a long distance, with gifts in hand, believing in God's promises. Stephen Ministry at RPC is committed to encouraging those who journey with hope toward healing. Five new Stephen Ministers have joined in this hope. In January, Nancy Jane Carson, Gloria Fusillo, Gail Langeloh, Donna Parratt, and Ana Maria Pontes completed thirteen weeks of training. These women are among the seventy-one Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders who have been commissioned to share their gifts with the people of RPC and surrounding community. In addition to the commitment made to meet one-to-one with a person whose life journey has become rigorous, these five new Stephen Ministers will join in the bi-monthly Continuing Education program. Every other Tuesday evening, Stephen Ministers gather to collect insight and information presented by doctors, therapists, ministers, social workers, and other humanitarian specialists. Opportunities for reflection, spiritual growth, and fellowship are also provided. When asked about their experience as a Stephen Minister, this is the gift one individual received: "In a single word, rich. The relationship with my care receiver-the core of the Stephen Ministry-has been deeply fulfilling. But beyond that, I've been blessed by new friendships with my fellow Stephen Ministers and have learned invaluable life skills that extend well beyond the confines of the program."
If you're interested in more information about being a Stephen Minister or Stephen Leader, please contact Patrick McGunagle (967-3588 or gpm@aol.com) or Carol Love (967-9262 or cloveny@optonline.net).