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Congregational Care
Rev. Jonathan Evans, Associate Pastor, jonathane@fpcnaples.org
She sees the caring, listening, praying service of a Stephen Minister well suited to her Christian beliefs and social work training. At First Presbyterian Church, she has previously served as a deacon, Moderator of Presbyterian Women, and a choir member/accompanist.
S
tephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing various kinds of life needs and circumstances, in our congregation. Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who express God’s care through their lives to others. They receive 50 hours of training in important caring ministry skills and concepts and are commissioned as Stephen Ministers. They visit another person regularly in a confidential partnership and offer Christian support and care. Stephen Ministers back up our Pastors with visits to people who are hospitalized. Every Sunday there is a Stephen Minister at the table in Spencer Hall, available for talk and prayer. Beginning in this edition of Outreach we will be featuring monthly First Presbyterian Church Stephen Ministers in an effort to “Meet the Stephen Minister.” This pictorial preview represents an opportunity to introduce these Christian lay leaders who are
helping make a difference in our Church, and in the lives of those hurting individuals they serve. Stephen Ministry enhances First Presbyterian Church’s outreach by helping our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, and nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
Saralene Oldham Saralene was called to Stephen Ministry in October, 2012. In early 2013, she joined others from First Presbyterian Church at Stephen Minister classes. Shortly thereafter, she went through Stephen Series Leadership Training in Orlando. After retiring from her full time job with HelmsBriscoe in July of 2011, she planned to devote her time to helping others and giving back for the blessed life she has been given. She feels the care giving offered by Stephen Ministry allows her to do just that.
At First Presbyterian Church she served six years as a deacon, was on the nominating committee for Marilyn was called to Stephen Presbyterian Women this past year, Ministry in the Fall of 2011. She and is presently a member of the attended Stephen Series Leadership Personnel Committee. Training in Orlando, and Stephen Minister classes in Naples. Marilyn Currier