STEPHEN MINISTRY

GRIEFSHARE
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:55 (King James Version)

What is GriefShare: GriefShare is 13 week (2 hour session), Biblically based, Christ-centered support group for people grieving the death of a loved one that is currently offered in more than 7,000 churches in 13 countries. It offers a place of support and healing for those experiencing grief, whether new or old. It is an ideal way for our church to reach out to help people heal from the pain of bereavement. GriefShare is led by lay volunteers. It brings people to Christ - in our church and in our community.

How GriefShare works: At each session, participants view a 30 to 40 minute video. Each video features Christian grief-recovery experts and stories of people who have healed from the death of a loved one. The video is followed by group discussino about what has been seen. The participants also share teh challenges they are facing and the victories they are experiencing. Participants are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session. Each is "self-contained," so you do not have to attend in sequence.

When and Where is GriefShare offered: GriefShare will begin in March, 2012 on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM.

There is a registration fee of $15, which will be used to purchase a workbook for each participant. To register for GriefShare, Please contact Sallie Gartside through the church office.

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Stephen Ministry is a Christian care-giving organization, founded in 1975 and based in St. Louis, MO. The organization provides training and resources to more than 57,000 caregivers in over 8,000 congregations worldwide.

Stephen Ministers at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, are trained to assist people in times of need. They comfort, listen to, pray for and with, and encourage those who receive their care. Stephen Ministry was introduced to LCGS in 2001. More than 60 persons have received the benefits of a Stephen Minister at LCGS.

Is your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering? Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move? Would you like to have someone in your life that really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness that you may be experiencing.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDS WITH WHICH STEPHEN MINISTRY CAN HELP?
  • Illness
  • Family frustrations and challenges
  • Loneliness
  • Chronic illness
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Separation or divorce
  • Being shut-in
  • Having a newborn
  • Families of the chronically ill
  • A low self-esteem
  • Terminal illness
  • Loss of a job
  • Financial setbacks
  • Struggling with faith in God
  • Aging
  • Facing life changes
  • Retirement
  • Miscarriage and Infertility
HOW CAN I REFER SOMEONE TO STEPHEN MINISTRY?
  1. Identify someone who is hurting and in need of Christian care (you, a friend, or a relative).
  2. You, a friend, a relative, or a pastor contacts Stephen Ministry about this need.
  3. The Stephen Leader contacts this person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
  4. With the care receiver's permission, the Stephen Leader assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the care receiver.
  5. The Stephen Minister provides distinctively Christian and strictly confidential care.
HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED?
Pray daily for Stephen Ministry. Make referrals to Stephen Ministry. Inquire about becoming a Stephen Minister.

If you think you would like to talk to a Stephen Minister, or want to learn more about these compassionate, confidential listeners, please call Pastor Cary at 410-838-8081.

 

1515 Emmorton Road
Bel Air MD 21014
410-838-8081