The Stephen Ministry Team is pleased to announce the commissioning of Pat Hirt as a new Stephens Minister. Pat completed over 50 hours of training and will be commissioned on Sunday, March 11th at the 10:30 service. Please join us in celebrating her accomplishment and welcome her as part of the Stephen Ministry Program at First Lutheran.

Stephen Ministry is one to one distinctively Christian care and support for those experiencing life changes, crises and difficulties, serving members of our congregation, as well as member of the community. Stephen Ministers listen, understand, accept and pray with you while expressing God’s love and healing. Stephen Ministry is extremely confidential and all sharing and concerns are upheld with utmost respect and privacy.

Need Care and Support?

If you are experiencing a crisis or difficult time in your life and wish to receive care by a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Gigie Sijera-Grant at 410-465-2977 or ggrant@firstlutheranec.org. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Divorce Care

First Lutheran's Stephen Ministry is sponsoring DivorceCare. Those at any stage of a divorce ~ from initial separation, recently divorced, or divorced for many years ~ may find that DivorceCare can help with the healing process.

This biblically-based seminar and support group features a video covering many of the experiences people go through before, during and after divorce. Each week's video is approximately 1/2 hour long and focuses on issues such as depression, anger, forgiveness, financial survival and loneliness. These topics are presented by renowned divorce experts and feature real people telling their personal stories.

Discussion of the video is facilitated by leaders who have experienced divorce themselves. The sessions are co-ed, allowing for multiple viewpoints and providing balance. Additional information is available at www.divorcecare.org.

First Lutheran's next session begins on April 11,2012. This small, confidential, supportive group meets from 7:00-9:00 PM each Wednesday for 13 weeks. Space is limited and registration is required. Please contact the church office at 410-465-2977 to request a registration form and additional information.

Called to Serve?

If you are a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and feel that you may be called to serve as a Stephen Minister, please complete the application in the link below and return it to First Lutheran Church, ATTN: Pastor Gigie Sijera-Grant or email it to ggrant@firstlutheranec.org. The Stephen Ministry training requirements are: 50 hours of learning skills and concepts, participation in supervision meetings, a minimum of 2 years of service, commitment to preserving confidentiality and continuing education.

Stephen Minister Application