confidentially with individuals in the
community, while receiving ongoing
training.
The Stephen Ministry was
developed in 1975 by a Lutheran
pastor in St. Louis, Missouri, who
found he needed help in serving the
needs of his congregation and saw
Left to right after the Stephen Ministry Commissioning
this as a wonderful way for lay men
Service are Peter Boericke, Christopher Dunn,
Helen Ference, the Rev. John L. Odhner, one of the
and women to get involved and be
local leaders of the Stephen Ministry, Debra Leicht
of service. Today more than 11,000
and Mara White. (Photo courtesy of Jane Blair)
congregations from more than 150
denominations use the program to train, organize and supervise the Stephen
Ministers.
The extensive program is based on Christian principles but each approved
and participating congregation is encouraged to adapt and apply its own
doctrines. An example of what is used from the Writings in Bryn Athyn is:
“God loves each and every human being; and because He cannot do good
to them directly, but only indirectly by means of other people, He therefore
breathes into people His Love.” (True Christianity 457)
For more information about the program go to www.stephenministry.org or
contact Nina Dewees at 215-947-6225 x200 or Nina.Dewees@brynathynchurch.
org.
the rev. douglas m. taylor
In a message published in the March issue of the New Church Newsletter of
the Hurstville Society in New South Wales, Australia, the Rt. Rev. Brian W.
Keith announced the passing of the Rev. Douglas M. Taylor:
“I am saddened and joyful to announce that the Rev. Douglas Taylor
entered the spiritual world this morning (Monday, February 22). He can now
fully rejoin Christine and renew their life together, and most probably reenter the active ministry he loved.
“Doug was our oldest minister, at 90 years. He was ordained on June 19th
in 1960. He first served Tucson (Arizona) for three years, then returned to
Australia, serving as pastor to the Hurstville congregation in Sydney for 11
years. From there he was called as assistant pastor in Bryn Athyn for four
years. Then he became the first Director of Outreach, serving for 11 years.
And then, at age 64, he returned to Sydney and served as pastor for four years
before finally retiring.
“Doug, baptized into the New Church in 1955, had a passion for sharing
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