OSL Stephen Ministries
Taking the First Step
by Joan Bacon
—Martin Luther King Jr.
On January 7, I visited the first session of the 2020 Stephen Ministry Training Class. Nine people, eight from OSL and one from Wesley United Methodist, were there, under the direction of Pr. Tim Lemme. The class will meet weekly through March 31, for a total of 50 hours. While the participants can’t yet “see the whole staircase” of what Stephen Ministry involves, or the circumstances of the people they may serve, they are taking “the first step in faith” just by attending. And for that, we can rejoice!
Dr. King’s words apply to all of us, too. We take “the first step” into new jobs, relationships, parenting, or communities—all without the ability to “see the whole staircase.” Sometimes the staircase leads to deep joy or unexpected opportunities; other times it wanders in the wilderness, tunnels in depression, or passes through the valley of the shadow of death. If you find yourself on a difficult stretch of stairway, remember—you aren’t alone! God is with you at every step! And Stephen Ministers are available walk with you as, together, you walk by faith, contact Pr. Tim Lemme (tlemme@oslchurch.com or 336-2942, ext. 19) or Deb Harlan (dharlan@oslchurch.com or 336-2942, ext. 48).
