Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church (USA)

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PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ."  Philippians 4:6-7 

Pastoral Care Ministry shall be responsible for planning and oversight of the pastoral care of members of the congregation, assuring families and individuals affected by illness, death and crisis that they are supported by the Church.  It will facilitate the church's responsibility . . . To provide for the growth of its members and for their equipment for ministry through personal and pastoral care. (form of Government G-10-0102 e.)

If you have questions regarding Pastoral Care at MPPC, please contact Rev. Tom Herrington at 884-4612 or therrington@mppc.net or Mary Ann McDermott, Pastoral Care Ministry Assistant, at the above phone number or mmcdermott@mppc.net.

The following sub-committees make up the Pastoral Care Ministry:

• Stephen's Ministry
• Cancer Club
• Bereavement

STEPHEN'S MINISTRY

 "...they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit . . . and the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. . ." Acts 6:5-7

 One on One Ministry by a trained, caring friend, to those experiencing; Loneliness, Loss of Spouse, Retirement changes, Unemployment, Discouragement, Childbirth, Divorce, Grief, Terminal Illness, Being shut-in, questions about God & faith. 

What is The Stephen Ministry?

• A special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need.
• A structured program of training and preparation for a caring relationship.
• An opportunity to reach out to others -- the lonely, the depressed, the inactive, the bereaved, new people in town, those hospitalized or convalescing, the divorced, the aged.
• A meaningful way for our church to use more fully our many talents in sharing one another's

Who are the Stephen Ministers?

• Lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing the concern and care of Christ's community to people in need.
• People who come from all walks of life, age ranges and backgrounds.
• Caring and sharing Christians desiring to offer their help and support to others in time of need.
• Trained Christians who have developed their helping skills through intensive coursework.
• Dedicated Christians commissioned Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists.  They are not experts in law, medicine or church doctrine, nor are they social workers with access to extensive physical services.  But neither are they superficial "visitors" who merely "drop in" from time to time.

Will Stephen Ministers replace the Pastoral Care Ministry of our Pastors?

Absolutely not! The Stephen Ministry instead will expand their ministry by providing more workers in the Body of Christ.  Care giving is certainly a pastor's job, but the pastor often does not have enough time to minister effectively to all of the needs of the congregation and to provide this kind of care to another.  In so doing, Stephen Ministers allow the pastors to greatly multiply

How are the Stephen Ministers trained?

Stephen Ministers receive about fifty hours of training, based solidly on Biblical testimony and drawn from the best tools of the health and psychological sciences,  before beginning their care giving work.  The training topics are really "Practical Theology."  Some of the topics are:  The Art of Listening, How to Use the Bible with Others, Confidentiality, Ministry to the Dying and Depressed Older Persons, Grieving, etc.  Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education in a variety of related subjects. 

If you have questions regarding receiving the services of a Stephen's Minister, please contact Rev. Tom Herrington at 884-4612 or therrington@mppc.net or Mary Ann McDermott at the above phone number or mmcdermott@mppc.net.

CANCER CLUB

For Cancer Survivors, Their Families, Friends and Caregivers

 Where  Hope  Happens!

Check your Pelican for upcoming dates, speakers & topics. 

Questions: contact Karen Johnson (kjohns29@bellsouth.net) or Tom Herrington (therrington@mppc.net)