Stephen Ministry
has always been a dream for Pastor Mike. In 2002 Pastor Mike asked
Joanne Rose Eichacker to consider takeing Stephen Ministry Leader training.
Joanne did, and became our first Stephen Ministry Leader. She subsequently
trained 4 Stephen Ministers, Scott Williams, Sally Williams, Willa Richey
and Pastor Mike Townsley.
In 2004 Rick and Ramona Heller took the Stephen
Leader training and joined our Stephen Ministry team. They have been
a valuable resource. Ramona has had experience in caring before having
been the head of Iowa County Hospice for some time.
Joanne moved out west in 2005 and now Rick and Ramona are
our only leaders. In 2006, Terry Beltz, Marcus and Lynn Beebe completed
their 50 hour training to become Stephen Ministers! Scott Williams is now taken a sabbatical from Stephen Ministry.
What Stephen Ministry Does
Stephen Ministry is a wonderful caring ministry. We have helped many people through lifes tough times. Such as:
- job loss
- depression
- death of a child
- pregnancy
- divorce
- job stress
- family crisis
- marriage stress
- death of a spouse
- post pregnancy blues and depression
- just feeling overwhelmed by life
- or?
Stephen Ministers are not counselors.
They are Christian Cargivers. They have been trained to
help you get through hard times. We have a great Stephen Ministry
Team at Clover Ridge UMC. If you feel you would like to
investigate having a Stephen Minister come along side to listen and
support you in Christian love, contact Ramona Heller at
ramona.heller@pearson.com