NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?
Stephen Ministry
In John 16:33 Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble.” Our troubles may come as losses, job changes, physical or mental illness in self or a loved one, or just an accumulation of a lot of smaller stressors. In that same verse Jesus also says he will give us peace. That peace can often be felt by spending time with a trusted Christian friend, because verbalizing our cares and feelings can help us gain perspective.
If you are going through a stressful time, a Stephen Minister would be glad to come alongside and be that trustworthy Christian friend for you. Please reach out to Ann Guerra or Phil Wetz, or call the church office: Ph. 713-467-2234 to learn more and to be paired with a Stephen Minister.
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In addition, if you would like to discuss suggestions for organizations to explore working with in the areas of grief support; dealing with dementia; addiction counseling; issues related to aging; hospice care; or divorce care, feel free to reach out to Ann or Phil or call the church office.
2025 STEPHEN MINISTER ACTIVITY REPORT
Highlights from the Pines-based Stephen Ministry program in 2025 include:
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During the year, we held our monthly support and continuing education meetings with the Stephen Ministers from Ashford UMC. It has been a blessing to share fellowship , work with, and learn from Stephen Ministers from another church .
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The Pines Stephen Ministers supported and cared for nine assigned care receivers and countless “unofficial” care receivers.
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As part of our ongoing efforts to support families who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the Stephen Ministers distributed a series of four grief booklets published by the national Stephen Ministry organization to 16 Pines families and 7 non-Pines families. The Stephen Leaders pray on a monthly basis for these families.
The Stephen Ministers also sponsored several “continuing education” events and invited the Pines church family to many of the following:
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Conducted a remembrance of the respective ministries of Eleanor Loose and Anne Beall
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Sponsored a presentation by a representative from Amazing Place on “Dementia – Why Early Diagnosis Matters”
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Discussed our new community resource guide which lists a wide range of services available in our city
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Initial planning session for Stephen Ministry worship service planned for 1/25/2026
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Discussed TED talk on effective communications
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Celebrated 30 years of Stephen Ministry at Pines as well as Roger Mowell’s 95th birthday
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Sponsored a presentation by a representative from The Restoration Team on ministering to those impacted by a natural disaster
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Sponsored a presentation and discussion by Dr. Joy Kreider on “Beyond Resilience – Post Traumatic Growth” attended by 30 people
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Toured the new Amazing Place West facility in Katy and heard a presentation on dementia
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Planned and conducted the Blue Christmas service attended by 40 people