CCPC Ministries
The goal of the Board of Deacons is to provide support and care when the congregation is in need, the sick, the friendless, and to any who may be in distress, grieving life’s hardships. They also celebrate life’s joys and successes. They may also assume other duties such as serving as liturgist and serving the Lord’s Supper.
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month with the purpose of sharing congregational needs and learning about events in the CCPC and the community. Each member and friend of CCPC is assigned to a deacon, who maintains contact with the individuals in his or her cluster. The cluster list is updated continuously so include new members and long-term visitors.
The deacons coordinate the prayer shawl ministry, which distributes prayer shawls or lap rugs to those in need of comfort and support. Members and friends of CCPC knit and crocheted beautiful, soft shawls and lap rugs that the deacons pray over before delivering to individuals in their clusters. People who have received prayer shawls/lap rugs have expressed their appreciation for how meaningful this ministry is to them.
The Deacons |
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Class of 2012
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Class of 2013 |
Class of 2014 Shirley Cooke Melodie Dziduch Nancy Honeyford Peggy Oates Evonne Tang |
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If you are interested in delving into spiritual topics along with a small group of seekers, we would welcome you to join us. We meet at 7:00 on the first and third Sunday evenings at Doris Kobe’s home, September through May with a modified schedule in the summer. The group selects a book to read aloud and discuss. We spend the last fifteen minutes in prayer and meditation, focusing on prayer requests from the congregation as well as on world concerns. Doris Kobe leads the group and welcomes your questions.
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Emergency Response Committee (ERC)
The purpose of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) is to assist CCPC in providing for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of its members and friends in case of a local or regional emergency situation. We believe an effective communication system is the key in any emergency. Our volunteers are on nine different teams, such as the Communication Team. Our mission is to serve where possible with our resources. In event of a community crisis, we review our ability to serve. ERC is on-going and meets quarterly to review the church plans for addressing immediate needs and for long-range planning.
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The deacons coordinate the prayer shawl ministry, which distributes prayer shawls or lap rugs to those in need of comfort and support. Members and friends of CCPC knit and crochet beautiful, soft shawls and lap rugs that the deacons pray over before delivering to individuals in their clusters. Those who have received these have expressed their appreciation for how meaningful this ministry is to them
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The Health and Healing Ministry meets on Tuesday mornings 9:30-12:00 in the parlor, September through May, with a modified schedule for summer months. There is time for laughter, sharing, exercise and prayer followed by a worship service that includes the laying on of hands. If you are interested in learning more about being healthy and in feeling better, this group is a good place to start. Doris Kobe leads the group and welcomes your questions.
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Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one, distinctively Christian care to individuals who are experiencing difficult circumstances. People seeking a Stephen Minister include those who are dealing with issues such as separation/divorce, job loss, long-term or chronic illness, aging, depression, grief, death and loneliness.
Stephen Ministers meet regularly for supervision and continuing education session to ensure that the best possible Christian care is being given. Because this is a confidential ministry, information share by a care receiver with a Stephen Minister remains in strictest confidence. The names of care receivers and specific details are not discussed, even in supervision.
Stephen Ministers are matched with care receivers of the same gender. The program is only for adults. There is no charge associated with any of the caring services provided by Stephen Ministry, nor are Stephen Ministers or Leaders paid.
The Stephen Ministers work under the supervision and guidance of Rev. James Brassard and Stephen Leaders Anita Pesses and Margaret Hallau.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is:
- A caring Christian who offers support to others in time of need
- A listening Christian who is a confidential partner in another’s life experiences
- A trained Christian caregiver with skills developed through an intensive, 50-hour training course and monthly continuing education sessions
- A dedicated Christian commissioned by the CCPC congregation to provide in-depth, one-on-one confidential caring
- A Christian actively sharing God’s gifts
- A Christian gifted with emotional stability, spirituality, a caring manner, dependability, and trustworthiness
A Stephen Minister is not:
- A professional counselor or psychologist
- A social worker providing routine services, such as transportation or meals
- An expert in law, finance, church doctrine, healthcare, etc.
What training do Stephen Ministers receive?
The Stephen Ministry training program prepares committed men and women to become Stephen Ministers. They are equipped to care for the many needs of our congregation and community. Their initial 50 hours of training includes topics such as feelings, listening, assertiveness training, confidentiality, crisis theory and intervention, telecare, use of prayer and the Bible. They learn about ministry to people in specific situations such as divorce or the loss of a loved one.
What commitments do Stephen Ministers make?
Following training, Stephen Ministers are commissioned by CCPC into active, caring ministry. Each Stephen Minister makes a two-year commitment to provide Christian caregiving to individuals experiencing a period of transition in their lives. In addition to the Stephen Minister’s involvement with a care receiver (an average of one one-hour visit each week), this commitment includes regular participation in twice-monthly peer supervision sessions and monthly continuing education. Equally important, Stephen Ministers make a commitment to one another, providing care and support and working together to provide a Christ-centered community in the CCPC congregation.
What is the role of the Stephen Leaders?
Stephen Leaders are lay persons or ministers who have completed an intensive 7-day Stephen Leader’s Training Course and are commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry in our congregation. These leaders can help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister, tell you how to become a Stephen Minister, tell you about Stephen Ministry training and the next class, and answer other questions about CCPC’s Stephen Ministry. They also train and supervise the Stephen Ministers. Margaret Hallau and Anita Pesses are CCPC’s Stephen Leaders.
How does someone obtain a Stephen Minister?
People seeking the support of a Stephen Minster are matched with a caregiver after a confidential interview with a Stephen Leader, who discusses possible matches with Rev. Brassard. If you believe someone you know could benefit from having a Stephen Minister, or if you are interested in learning more, please contact Rev. Brassard, Anita Pesses, or Margaret Hallau.
How can you support CCPC’s Stephen Ministry?
In support of our Stephen Ministry, please:
- Pray for our Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders as they provide Christian care to others
- Pray from those who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation
- Ask for and receive care from a Stephen Minister when you are in need of support
- Consider serving as a Stephen Minister
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