Christ United Methodist Church - Farmers Branch

Christ Caring for People through People

A Stephen Minister is a trained lay member of the Christ Church congregation who will visit with you weekly, listen, offer resources and referrals if needed. They will pray with you and offer Christian love and support. "They are caring, supportive Christian people who have a desire to be with you in a time of need, grief or loss."

Stephen Ministry Seminar to be held August 11

Forgiveness...Is It Possible?
God's Surprising Gift to Us

Consider these questions:

- What is the meaning of forgiveness?

- How do we choose to forgive?

- How and why do we forgive?

- What are the effects of holding a grudge or seeking revenge?

- Can we find a way to balance our need for security with the potential to grant forgiveness?

- Can we let go of the past and create healing for the future?

These questions and more will be explored on Saturday, August 11 at this Seminar sponsored by Stephen Ministry. Smith Noland of Bent Tree Counseling Center will be our featured speaker, addressing the truths and lessons of forgiveness: from letting go of our pain to moving on with life.

Join us in the Tri-Rooms from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A continental breakfast will be served. To reserve your seat, please sign up in the Welcome Center or call the Church Office at 972-247-6136.

To forgive is to say, “It stops here. Now. With me.

What Stephen Ministers Do

• This is a special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need. Some areas of concern include, but are not confined to:

    - Divorce
    - Death of a family member or close friend
    - Marital separation
    - Change in health of family member
    - Change in residence
    - Change in schools
    - Blended families
    - Trouble with in-laws
    - Change in financial state
    - Gain of new family member
    - Change in social activities
    - Change in sleeping habits
    - Change in eating habits
    - Beginning or stopping work
    - Foreclosure of mortgage or loan
    - Change in work hours or conditions
    - Business readjustments
    - Pregnancy
    - Problems at work

• An on-going caring relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability, and confidentiality.

What we don't do:

• We don't tell you what to do. We don't try to control your behavior. We don't give advice of any kind.

Who to Contact for a Stephen Minister

If you would like to consider a Stephen Ministry relationship, or know of someone who would benefit from having a Stephen Minister assigned to them, contact Linda Ross at 972-416-7078 or Joni Walpole at 972-742-1983; email Linda at lindavross@verizon.net or call Kenny Dickson in the church office at 972-247-6136.