Winder First UMC now offers Stephen Ministry, a lay caring ministry that provides Christian support to individuals in various types of crisis, such as serious illness, death of a family member, divorce, and other family and personal crises. Stephen Ministers are trained volunteers who meet with individuals regularly to provide Christian support and care on a one-to-one basis. Stephen Ministers do not replace pastoral care, but instead provide extra support in times of need. The caring relationships last as long as necessary.

STEPHEN MINISTERS: THE “AFTER PEOPLE”
Stephen Ministers are there:
…after you’ve washed and returned the last casserole dish.
…after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
…after the last child honks the horn, waves, drives away—and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
…after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
…after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
…after the doctors have said, “There’s nothing more we can do.”
…after the door has slammed shut-for the very last time.
…after the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.
…after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined.
…after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
…after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and the loved one is led away.
…after the baby has arrived, putting even more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
…after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times but you still need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the “After People”. We are ready to come alongside you (or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives) and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as we are needed.

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