Bluffton United Methodist Church
Christian Care
The Stephen Ministry
Formally certified trained volunteers provide a regular long-term personal care through sympathetic and understanding listening. Stephen Ministers care for those in the congregation, as well as others, who are going through a difficult time in their lives, through a one-hour confidential visit once a week.
What is a Stephen Minister?
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A child of God who walks beside a hurting person.
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A caring Christian who really listens.
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A member of our congregation who has been trained in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
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A person who is ready to focus on your needs.
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A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say–even your identity–confidential.
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Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.
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A Stephen Minister is NOT
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A counselor or therapist
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A problem-solver
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Someone who runs errands or helps with chores.
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A casual visitor
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Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through a crisis or help you at a difficult time. Stephen Ministers provide care to people who are
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Grieving the death of a loved one
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Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
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Lonely or discouraged
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Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
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Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
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Homebound or incarcerated
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Transitioning into retirement
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Dealing with the aging
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Facing a life transition
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Experiencing a spiritual crisis
Contact the Stephen Leaders at Bluffton UMC
Mary Ellen Parks, 843-368-1852
Janet DiMartino
Bill Stutesman, 214-435-0243
GriefShare
is one of the many activities that
the Stephens Ministry supports.
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How GriefShare works
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It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.
This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.
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GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.
To sign up for the GriefShare class please visit: https://www.griefshare.org/groups/155220
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If you should have questions, please contact
Mary Ellen Parks, 843-368-1852.
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Stephen Ministry also hosts an event with Grief Share called Surviving the Holidays.
Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?
Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:
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How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
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What to do about traditions and other coming changes
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Helpful tips for surviving social events
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How to discover hope for your future
BUMC has a very active Prayer Chain
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It is composed of several members who are dedicated to pray daily for any prayer concerns that they have been sent. Additional members of the Congregation are always invited to join in this most tender and wonderful task.
Your job, when notified, will be to personally pray for the affected persons. You will find yourself growing closer to God as you more frequently talk to Him in prayer. The prayer list is printed in the bulletin each Sunday for those who want a full updated copy to pray over. After all PRAYER WORKS!
