SOL #10 – 3/10/12 Closure



Our church has a Stephen Ministry program and I am one of the leaders.  For those who don’t know what Stephen Ministry is all about, I’ll try to briefly explain it.  Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances.  In other words, we are available to listen and care for people who need help.  It’s a ministry that I have been devoted to for the past 11 years.   

When I took the training class in 2001, I developed a very close relationship with Liz, which continues to this day.  We were commissioned as Stephen Ministers and the following year were asked if we would like to go to Leadership training to become Stephen Leaders.  At the time, I had too much going on, but Liz decided to take the training and nine years ago she become a Stephen Leader.  I followed in her footsteps the following year and we have been working together since then.

Over the years our relationship grew – we shared our joys and sorrows, our thoughts and ideas, our concerns and troubles, we became walking buddies, we worked to make our Stephen Ministry program the best we could have.  This week was a difficult one – we had closure.  Oh, not with our friendship, but with our leadership of Stephen Ministry.  Liz decided, after nine year of leadership, to retire and take a leave of absence from the program.  We’ve talked about this for several years, both saying one more year and then we’ll turn it over to someone else.  Liz’ time has come – we had a party to thank her for all she has done for Stephen Ministry, for all the classes that she has taught, for sharing and helping Stephen Ministers with their care receivers. 

I still have another leader to work with, but it won’t be the same.  I know I will still ask Liz for her opinions and help, but I will miss working with her.  Closure is a way of moving on, but it also leaves a void and longing.  I know our friendship will continue to grow and blossom.  

Comments

  1. MichelleMarch 10, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    As much as change stinks, it's also an opportunity for something new and fresh. I know you will continue to lean on Liz, talk with her and walk with her. But think positively about the possibilities - enjoy this year and see what happens.

    What I think is most profound is that any time during life's circumstances, we think about all these ideas, but you took the chance to write about it. To gather your thoughts. To put the words down. Isn't that a calming experience? I hope it made you feel a little better. And now that I think about it, it gives me the opportunity to think about it - I don't know that I would have "said" all the I wrote in a conversation, but in writing my comment I have time to think about my response. Writing is good for so many reasons!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LynnMarch 10, 2012 at 7:18 AM

    Judy you are so right on when you say closure is a way of moving on...and the "next" can be a bit scary. It's that "change" thing- the unknown.
    You still have what sounds like a wonderful friendship with Liz and that- that is priceless!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 10, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    Several years ago, I was going through a very difficult time in my life and my pastor recommended a Stephen Ministry buddy for me. Your time, work, and friendship are so appreciated to those who just need an extra hug, smile, and listening ear.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JamaMarch 10, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    Judy, you have expressed your positive attitude about s difficult transition in your life. Liz has been and will continue to be a blessing to you, and you to her. And in expressing your emotions about closure, you are a blessing to me, too

    ReplyDelete
  5. elsieMarch 10, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    Judy, this sounds like a wonderful ministry. You have written about this in such a powerful way. What new opportunities are in your future? It will be exciting to find out.

    ReplyDelete

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