Congratulations to FCC Norwood's newest Stephen Leader

Stephen Ministry Leader Commissioned

The Stephen Ministry, a Christian caregiving program, has recently grown at the First Congregational Church in Norwood, MA.  A new Stephen Leader, Chris Varney, was commissioned on Sunday, September 22, 2024.  The Stephen Ministry began at the church in 2018.  Since that time, eight church members have been trained as Stephen Ministers and have helped more than 15 people in crisis.

Varney joins a team of Stephen Leaders at the church, lay leaders who recruit, select and train church members to be Stephen Ministers.  In addition to the training, the Stephen Leaders provide twice-monthly continuing education and supervision support sessions for Stephen Ministers as they strive to offer the highest-quality Christian caregiving.

Stephen Ministers offer care and support for people experiencing life difficulties such as the death of a loved one, job crisis, aging, separation or divorce, long-term illness, or for those in need of the support of a Christian friend.  The Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in their caring relationship will remain private.  Stephen Ministers are also intensively trained in effective listening, relationship skills, and the utilization of community resources.

The First Congregational Church in Norwood expects the Stephen Ministry to continue to be a source of warmth, care and blessing at the church for many years to come, enabling the entire congregation to grow as a nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for and their needs taken seriously.