Caring Ministries

Why Stephen Ministry? Because Christ commanded that we care for each other:

• Love one another as I have loved you - John 15:12
• Rejoice with those rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. - Romans 12:15
• Encourage one another and build each other up - 1 Thessalonians 5:11a
• Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people.  Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people who are going through a difficult time. A Stephen Minister is a well-trained caregiver who listens, cares, prays, encourages, and offers the love of Christ during a time of need. Stephen Ministers understand that Christ is the cure-giver and Stephen Ministers are the caregivers. A Stephen Minister is there to walk beside a person facing difficulties such as divorce, serious illness, loss of spouse, job loss, and much more. You will find videos and more information at www.stephenministries.org.

Please contact Vicki Pappas or Naomi Chamberlain-Harris at [email protected] for more information or if you desire to receive care from a Stephen Minister. 

Members of the prayer chain offer daily intercessory prayers for those who are ill, dying, or distressed. We believe that God hears our prayers, and that they can help those we pray for. To add someone to the prayer list, please contact Vicki Pappas at [email protected].

• Are you cancer patient or a caregiver?
• Does someone you love or care deeply about have cancer?
• Do you want to talk with people who understand what you are feeling and experiencing with cancer?
• Are you a long-term cancer survivor who would like to share your knowledge, or support people who have cancer now?

If you can answer YES to any of these questions, please consider joining St. Anselm’s Cancer Support Group.

This group consists of people whose lives have been touched in some major way by cancer. We share our stories, offer tips and advice, suggest resources and coping mechanisms, report updates on how things are going, and provide mutual encouragement and support to each other while we travel our individual journeys with cancer.

The Cancer Support Group meets once a month, usually on the second Sunday of each month, after the 9 AM service in-person and via zoom. For more information or to receive the link, please contact Julie Rinkenberger, at [email protected].

The grief support group is comprised of those who have lost a loved one.  While most of the members have lost a spouse, there are those in the group who have lost a parent, a sibling, or a dear friend.  The group welcomes all.

There is a special bond in the group as all know what their friends are going through.  The grief does not magically disappear, but our members find that there is comfort in sharing the journey. And the observations those who are further along their journey can offer milestones in their grief process to help those whose grief is a bit more raw to prepare for what is ahead.

Some are hesitant to join the group because they are worried they can’t control their grief.  Any and all grief that is shared in the group is embraced, honored, and respected.  And if one chooses to attend and not participate, that is fine too. There are times when members of the group can help a member look back on their journey and help them to realize the movement and healing they have experienced.  These are joyous moments for us all.

This group meets monthly on zoom. For more information or to receive the link please contact the Rev. Naomi Chamberlain-Harris at [email protected].