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Stephen Ministers are lay people in Plymouth who
care. They receive an initial 50 hours of training in topics
and skills related to caring ministry, are commissioned by the
congregation, are connected with the persons to whom they will
be ministering, and provide ongoing care to people experiencing
a wide range of life needs or crises, including the hospitalized,
the terminally ill, the bereaved, the elderly, the disabled,
the handicapped, those in job crisis, those in families affected
by alcohol or chemical dependencies, the lonely or depressed,
expectant mothers or fathers who live far from their own parents
and many more.
Those who minister receive regular support and supervision of
their ministries. It is important to note that all conversations
which Stephen Ministers have with those who receive their ministries
are confidential. Invariably, their caring skills enhance other
important relationships and they discover that their whole lives
are enriched.
This special ministry is available to you at any time when being
befriended by a Stephen Minister would be supportive, whether
for a few weeks or several months. Or, you may desire to apply
for one of the training courses which are offered periodically
and lead to being commissioned to serve in this deeply rewarding
ministry.
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Trusting in God’s promise to
make a way when there is no way apparent, believing that Good
Friday does not have the last word even when it seems life as
we know it has come to an end, knowing that God’s healing
comes through human compassionate presence, we provide pastoral
care at Plymouth Church in presence, word and deed. We pray
for loved ones whose names are
lifted up during worship on Sundays and we follow up with those
who lift up the names... ministers who are on staff visit the
bereaved and the sick and those in crisis... volunteers deliver
flowers on Sundays and meals as needed... Stephen Ministers
provide companionship to the lonely and those facing times of
transition... we all welcome the homeless into our space and
our hearts through the Interfaith Hospitality Network... we
gather to grieve and mourn together, sometimes in a group setting,
sometimes on a one-to-one... we celebrate births and new life
in all its forms... Our cup overflows as we dwell in the house
of the Lord our whole life long. |
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ChristCare small
groups provide an opportunity for deepening one's relationship
with God and with others who are also seeking spiritual growth
and fellowship. Many different types of ChristCare groups exist
(parents of young children, prayer and meditation, women's group,
soup kitchen volunteers, etc.)
The various ChristCare groups all engage in the following four
activities: 1) Bible study, 2) prayer and worship, 3) fellowship,
and 4) volunteer service. The degree to which a group emphasizes
one of these four activities depends on the topic or focus of
a group. For example, a group might focus on prayer and meditation
but from time to time they still engage in the other activities.
Groups typically meet every other week for around 90 minutes
and are made up of 4 to 12 people.
Current ChristCare Groups
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Church & Society I, led by Laurie Rose
1st and 3rd Wednesday - 7-8:30 p.m.
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Church & Society II, led by Tim Mendelsohn
1st & 3rd Wednesday - 7-8:30 p.m.
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Parents of Youth, led by Mary Bright
1st and 3rd Sunday - 5-6:30 p.m.
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Frantic Fathers, led by Simon Williams
2nd and 4th Tuesday - 7-8:30 p.m.
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ChristCare Youth I, led by Jeannie Clarkson
Alternating Sundays, 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
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ChristCare Youth II, led by Cassie Wolff
Alternating Sundays, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
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Women's Bible Study, Leader T.B.A.
2nd and 4th Monday - 1-2:30 p.m.
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Readings on Faith & Fellowship, led by Megan Bhatia
2nd & 4th Sundays, 9:30 - 10:15 am
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