stephen ministry
In an afternoon service at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral on September 8, a new
class of Stephen Ministers was commissioned and welcomed to the Bryn Athyn
Society’s Stephen Ministry team: Tamar Austin, Jodi Carr, Sherri Cooper,
Kirsten Cronlund, Rachel Martin, Sandy Pellani and Sig Soneson.
The first group of people trained in the Stephen Ministry in Bryn Athyn
– 21 strong – was commissioned a year ago. They have been ministering
confidentially with individuals in the community, while continuing regular
training.
The Stephen Ministry was developed in 1975 by a Lutheran pastor in St.
Louis who found he needed help in serving the needs of his congregation
and that this was a wonderful opportunity for lay men and women. Today
more than 11,000 congregations from more than 150 denominations use the
program to train, organize and supervise trained Stephen Ministers.
The extensive program is based on Christian principles, but each
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)
The certified Stephen Ministry leaders offering the training in Bryn
Athyn are the Rev. John Odhner, Nina Dewees and Nita Holmes. For more
information about the program go to www.stephenministry.org or contact
Nina Dewees at 215-947-6225 x200 or [email protected].
back at the book room
Rob Nash has been hired to return part time as manager of the Cathedral
Book Room – a position he had held for several years. Kesley Coffin had done
a great job as manager for the past year, but left for a full-time job. She did a lot
to develop the online presence of the Book Room. (www.newchurchbooks.org)
As Bryn Athyn Pastor, the Rev. Eric Carswell, put it: “I am pleased that Rob
Nash has been chosen to fill this role, so we will again have his warm, friendly
presence in the Book Room.” (Contact: 267-502-4922; e-mail bookstore@
newchurch.org)
development is advancing
Jessica Carswell has joined the Development team as the new Director of
Institutional Advancement. In this new role, she oversees the fund-raising
efforts for the Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools, Bryn Athyn
College and the General Church of the New Jerusalem.
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