Community Shepherd Groups at SSE

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It is Holy Week, a time for prayer, reflection, and lots of church services, in normal years. In Holy Week 2020, we find ourselves separated in space from one another due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. This public health crisis does not change the hope we have grounded in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The support and care for one another in Christian love and compassion remains strong, too – perhaps even more vital right now.  

 We are initiating Community Shepherd Groups, a small-group structure at Saint Stephen’s that sustains personal encounters and creates opportunities to share with other parishioners during this time of physical isolation. This is a “small experiment” in get connected to the needs, concerns, delights, and prayer requests across our parish as we move forward together.  

 

How does it work? Points of contact (or “shepherds”) have been identified for 54 groups of 10-12 households. Those leaders will engage with family contacts and create space for sharing stories, especially as they relate to these areas: 

  • What concerns do you have?  

  • What hope or delight have you felt? 

  • What needs or assistance do you require? 

  • What prayer requests do you have?  

 

The church is providing contact information (phone numbers, email and physical addresses) to the shepherd for their specific small group, so that they can reach out to you. The goal of this experiment is to make personal encounters in a time when face-to-face gatherings are restricted. Shepherds will check in with clergy regularly for updates and to receive additional resources for prayer support that they can pass along to you for comfort, growth, and joy.  

 

Through the SSEC Community Shepherd Groups, we hope to reach out to each person who has found a bit of God’s grace within the ministries and spaces of Saint Stephen’s. Until we gather again in person, this is a critical piece of sustaining the bonds of love and care that make our parish the warm, welcoming place it is.  

 

Thank you for your continued prayers. If you want to know how else you can offer support at SSEC, you may call me directly (205-567-6399) or email me at katherine@ssechurch.org. You and yours are in my prayers. 

 

God’s blessings and peace to you, 

Katherine+ 

Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Liturgy 

A Prayer for Hope 

 

When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide. That we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will. Amen. 

 

 

Stasi Bara