Stephen Ministers December 2021

by Penny Brill

It is almost impossible to realize that we are once again closing out another year of extraordinary challenges and sacrifices due to the Covid pandemic. Another year of fear, isolation and concern for the year ahead. I look out my window at a beautiful, crisp day. People walking their dogs, jogging, just enjoying being outside. It seems normal.

In times like this (they have happened before) our best encouragement is our faith and hope. Our love for humanity, even for those who doubt the things we trust and believe in. God created us all as humans. Period. Love your neighbor as yourself. He made no other distinctions.

Sometimes it just seems too much to accept the restrictions that our life today puts on us. The loss of the kind of social contact and interaction we have always taken for granted. When you feel overwhelmed, you do not need to struggle alone. That is what Church and Stephen Ministry are for. To be there in anyone's time of need. Support, caring, listening are just a phone call away. It is hard to see sometimes that there is compassion and strength and hope available to you. What Stephen Ministry is not equipped to offer, we can assist and direct you to those who can help.

In this season of Advent, how can we not hope for the promise our Savior brings. The birth of a baby, born to save us all. Holidays offer their own expectations, and mourning for those who are not here sharing them with us. This is the time to reach out to others, check in on those we know may be struggling. Remember when in your time of need, how powerful a caring call or card meant to you. How a simple human touch, made your pain easier to bear.

There is hope, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Call on your faith and if that seems too hard, reach out to the church for the support of a Stephen Minister.

You are blessed and loved,

Penny Brill

"...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

~Isaiah 40:31

Stephen Ministry:

Christ Caring for People

Through People