Ingomar Spirit Newsletter June-July 2014 | Page 6

Is God Calling YOU? Making Life Better. OUR VISION: We believe that God is calling our church to make lives better and transform the world by valuing each person and guiding them into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. OUR MISSION: The mission of our church is to reach people with the good news of Jesus and together become fully devoted followers of Christ. The Stephen Ministry educational training course will again be offered at Ingomar Church beginning late 2014 or early 2015. This 50-hour course offers exceptional preparation for providing compassionate care to those who need support and encouragement. OUR PLAN: We believe we can achieve all that God has in store for us by perfecting five practices – each of us individually and together as one church. Most asked questions: Our Five Practices: WELCOMING – Radical Hospitality To unapologetically invite, welcome and care for those who are friends, acquaintances and strangers. WORSHIPPING – Passionate Worship To actively and personally engage in worship experiences that honor God, refresh our spirits, provoke change and transform our lives. LEARNING – Intentional Faith Development To encourage and foster lifelong spiritual growth through small group and personal study experiences. SERVING – Risk-taking Mission & Service To make the world a better place through the active and personal engagement of every person in the church. GIVING – Extravagant Generosity To give freely, joyfully and faithfully in response to God’s love for us and as an expression of our love for God. 6 Is God is tapping you on the shoulder? Perhaps now is the time for you to become a Stephen Minister. Q. We already have many Stephen Ministers. Why do we need more? A: Some of our previous members have moved and are no longer able to participate. Others have been serving for many years and are in need of a respite. Preparing new Stephen Ministers enables us to continue the ministry, and helps to prevent burnout of those already serving. Q: The class is long. I’m not sure I can spare the time. A: If God is calling you, He will help you find the time to be a part of this valuable ministry. The time commitment is minimal (less than that of a Disciple class), yet the satisfaction that comes from helping others is immeasurable. Application forms are at the information tables or in the church office. If you have additional questions, contact Ginny Haiges through the church office, or any of the other Stephen Leaders (Margie Martinelli, Ted Willke, or Linda Huffman). Having a rough day, a rough week, a rough month? If you know someone who needs a Stephen Minister, please refer him or her to Margie Martinelli, 412-364-3613 x 206. It might be a fellow church member, a neighbor, a friend, or even yourself. One on one, confidential Christian care for those experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, job loss, disability, problems with their children … anyone needing someone to talk to, pray with and lean on.