Stephen Ministry – The Intercom, December 2019

I am a life-long Protestant, but something I share with Catholics is an affinity for Mary. One of the reasons I am drawn to Mary is because she pondered things (Luke 2:19). I, too, am a ponderer. Granted, Mary had bigger things to ponder than I have, given her Child’s divine conception, unusual birth experience, and the subsequent appearance of shepherds, angels, and wise men! Still, I identify with the pondering part of her nature.

To ponder means to think carefully about something, to mull over, weigh, wrestle with; to consider quietly and deeply, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. When I was first invited to be a Stephen Minister, I did not say yes right away. I had just retired, and friends cautioned me not to say yes to everything that came along. But the main reason I hesitated was that I needed time to ponder the idea. As I pondered away, I felt God’s Holy Nudge to say yes. That decision has helped me serve others in very meaningful ways, grow in my faith, and develop new friendships.

If you have been pondering Stephen Ministry and feel God’s Holy Nudge to find out more, contact Pr. Tim (tlemme@oslchurch.com or 336-2942, ext. 19) or Deb Harlan (dharlan@oslchurch.com or 336-2942, ext. 48) right away! The next Stephen Ministry class series begins on Tuesday, January 7, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., and continues each Tuesday evening (plus one Saturday) through March. Classes cover important ministry topics and relationship/communication skills that are useful to everyone and essential to becoming a Stephen Minister.