The Stephen Ministry

*Click here to read a Stephen Minister's story of Caring for a dying care receiver

*Click here to read an inspiring story of Faith, Hope and Love...from our Stephen Ministry.

The purpose of our Stephen Ministry at Grace Church is to change the world, one person at a time, by bringing Christ's love and healing to those in need. We also provide an opportunity for Christian lay people to use their gifts in God's service as compassionate caregivers, following Christ's commandment to "love one another as I have loved you."

The Stephen Ministry is a gentle Ministry that moves with compassion quietly among our congregation and community. We are lay people, committed to the well-being of our congregation. We are there primarily to support the pastoral work of our Church leaders. Stephen Ministers are trained to provide loving, faith-based care to people facing any one of the countless crises and challenges of life, or who are simply going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend. We know that it is often hard for people to come forward and say they need help or just want someone to talk to. We know that if people have the courage to do this, they need to feel safe. This is why Stephen Ministers have a commitment to maintain the confidentiality of a caring relationship at all times. Our job is simply to be there for you and to walk beside you through troubled times.

• A child of God, like you, who walks beside a hurting person;

• A Caring Christian friend who really listens;

• A member of our congregation who has been specially trained to provide distinctively Christian care;

• A person who is ready to focus on your needs;

• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say, and even your identity - in confidence; and Someone who will faithfully show up for you, meeting you on a weekly basis for as long as you need.

• Lonely or discouraged Facing death

• Caring for a family member with a terminal illness

• Grieving the death of a loved one

• Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization

• Unemployed or in job crisis

• Disabled or caring for a sick or disabled family member

• New to the community or congregation

• Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child

• Homebound or institutionalized

• Transitioning into retirement

• Dealing with the crises of aging

• Facing any life transition

• Going through a painful separation or divorce

• Experiencing a spiritual crisis

• Victims of a disaster or accident

• A counselor or therapist;

• Someone who will "fix" your problems;

• A person to run errands or do chores;

• A casual visitor

"Love one another as I have loved you"
John 15:12
"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"
Galatians 6:2
"Encourage one another and build each other up"
1 Thessalonians 5:11a
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
Romans 12:15
"Serve one another in love"
Galatians 5:13
"Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble."
1 Peter 3:8
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32

With the broken person behind the cross and the whole person in front of the cross, it symbolizes that we are all broken people, and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole.

Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you on your journey to wholeness.
Our Leadership Team is:
Susan Shay: Team Leader and Referrals Coordinator.
e-mail: susan@reedshay.com Tel: (707) 963 1846: (707) 363 1199 cell.

Jim Haslip: Training and Education Coordinator.
e-mail: jhaslip@comcast.net Tel:  (707) 967 0876

Alexandra Haslip: Communications Coordinator
e-mail: Alexandra333@comcast.net Tel: (707) 967 0876

Michael Erhard: Deacon:  Tel (707) 967-1052: (415) 260 7652 cell

We are continually working on ways to expand and improve our programs and services to you, our Grace community, and our wider community here in St. Helena and Napa Valley. So please call one of us with suggestions, or any questions you may have. Also if you, or anyone you know may need a Stephen Minister, please do not hesitate to call the Church, 707 963 4157 or one of us directly. ALL REFERRALS ARE CONFIDENTIAL