Stephen Ministry

Grace Lutheran Church's Stephen Ministers provide confidential, high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

During coronavirus, we worked with other community agencies to help those most in need. For example, we worked directly with United Way to distribute boost boxes to disabled seniors in 2020. During the months of September, October, November and December, 250 boxes each month were distributed in the Southern Maryland area to individuals identified by United Way and the Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living. Homemade cards of encouragement were included in each box. 

Clothing (when needed) was taken to Judy Center families. Throughout that designated time period, 8 families received support. 

The four points of the Caregiver’s Compass show four key characteristics of an effective caregiver. Stephen Ministers strive to be compassionate, full of faith, skilled, and trustworthy. 

In our own congregation, Grief Share booklets are given to congregation members and others, referred to the Stephen Ministry program, who experience a loss.

During the pandemic and unable to meet in person, Stephen Ministers continued to provide care through letters, emails and phone calls, making appropriate referrals when needed. 

Prayer requests occur on a regular basis and Grace's Stephen Ministers remain committed to a life of prayer and lift those requests up in prayer as they are received.