Pastoral Care

Deacons

By virtue of their ordination vows, Deacons are called to model the love of Jesus Christ, to witness to God’s Grace in their lives, and to evidence forgiveness, kindness, gentleness and thanksgiving in their lives. Deacons, as officers of the Church, will pray for each other, will keep confidences, and will promote the peace, purity and unity of the Church.

The Deacons will hold as their primary responsibility the ministry of care, support and sympathy. Deacons will visit the sick, the homebound, those in hospitals and nursing homes, those who are grieving, and those in distress.

Stephen Ministers

"As disciples of Christ, we exist to let people know that they matter to God... by showing them that they matter to us... in order that they may let others matter to them" -Presbyterian Church wall in Houston, TX

A Stephen Minister is a supportive Christian friend who walks beside a person experiencing a difficult time in their life. By meeting and talking one-on-one, the Stephen Minister provides a safe, confidential place for exploring feelings, spiritual questions, hopes and dreams, fears and challenges. There is no limit to the length or the depth of the relationship. Active listening skills, reflection, acceptance and love are a few of the gifts the Stephen Minister brings to the caring relationship. Whether expecting twins, dealing with a cancer diagnosis, struggling with how to best care for an aging parent or a rebellious teenager, grieving a loss or anticipating retirement, you do not have to do it alone. Jesus said, “Bear one another’s burdens.” (Gal. 6:2) Stephen Ministry is one way of doing this.

Stephen Ministers...

Receive 50 hours of training. A new class of Stephen Ministers is trained each year, meeting one night a week and several Sundays, from January through May.

Make a two-year commitment.

Meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and Thursdays of each month, once training is completed, for continuing education and support.

Keep all they hear in the strictest confidence.

Care for one person at a time meeting once a week for about one-hour.

Other Ways to Get Involved