Stephen Ministers commissioned in February 2009: (L to R) Stephanie Eskins-Gleason, Rebecca Page, Carol VanEvera, Danny Wechtenhiser, Eugene Nkomba, Laura Petrosian, and Beth Hwoschinsky

Stephen Ministers: (L to R) William Sander, Gayle Rippe, Stephanie Eskins-Gleason, Danny Wechtenhiser, Rebecca Page, Judy Conroy, Carol VanEvera, Jim Hendrick, Jane Perry, MaryMoon Allison, Chuck Allison, Eugene Knomba, Peter Hwoschinsky, Laura Petrosian and Beth Hwoschinsky

St. Timothy's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals both in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties and challenges in their lives.

A Stephen Minister ...

• is a caring person who takes the time to listen, and walks beside someone who is facing a crisis or life challenge and is hurting

• recognizes this as a completely confidential ministry

• has gifts for caregiving, and has been carefully selected to serve in this role

• has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care

• is Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages

• will "be there' for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need

• is trained to recognize when to refer someone to helping professionals.

A Stephen Minister is NOT ...

• a counselor or therapist

• a problem-solver

• a casual visitor

Stephen Ministers care for people facing difficulties. We all experience challenges in life -‹ times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty like:

• Loss of a loved one

• Family frustrations and challenges

• Loneliness or discouragement

• A chronic illness

• Low self-esteem

• Hospitalization

• Separation or divorce

• Spiritual crises

• A terminal illness

• Families of chronically or terminally ill

• Unemployment or job crisis

• Aging

• Financial setbacks

• Relocation

• Recovery after an accident or disaster

• Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility

• Retirement

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please call Fr. Brad Rundlett at 703-437-3790. Stephen Leaders are Jim Hendrick, Peter Hwoschinsky, Ralph Tildon, Sarah Vierra and Fr. Brad Rundlett. To request a Stephen Minister's assistance, contact any of the Stephen Leaders or email:st.stephen@saint-timothys.org