After 50 hours of extensive training, FUMC-Allen commissions 11 new Stephen Ministers on Sunday, June 10. Judy Allen, Beverly Allen, Melissa Cook, Shirley Dunn, Susan Guest, Beverly Jacobson, Ginny Sender Suzanne Silva, Peggy Sutherland, Kirsten Treviño, and Bonnie Wallace are all now members of a confidential Christian care-giving ministry, serving fellow Christians through personal trials such as birth, death, divorce, loss of jobs, life changes, grief, and sickness.

While God is always there in the caring and relating, Stephen Ministers serve as friends in Christ—there when difficult situations and decisions are faced, next steps are determined, and the journey is launched. They listen from the heart, offer encouragement, and celebrate life's victories, large and small, along the way. They are there to walk with those in need of a confidential relationship during difficult times.

Stephen Ministers are humble and empathetic people just like you and me that have been called to serve this congregation in a very unique and personal outreach. Their extensive training covers everything from the art of listening to setting boundaries. They are a dedicated group of compassionate, extensively trained individuals who are a vital support ministry at FUMC Allen. What makes them qualified besides their training is the fact that most are wounded warriors themselves. They all know too personally about divorce, loss of a loved one, a difficult child, illness, loss of a job, questioning faith. They know that they can't fix your issue but are willing to walk with you until you are strong again.

Contact: Rev. June Franck, .

For more information, Stephens Ministries.