Submitted by Sandee Franz

Stephen Ministry training is already more than half over. We are moving deeper into the meaning of some pretty heavy subjects. Depression, crisis, grief are subjects that are currently being studied. These emotions are some of the heaviest that we all, at one time or another, must deal with in our lives. In the past couple of weeks, we all have had to face the loss of our Pastor and Music Director in the coming weeks. These people are linchpins in our lives and their loss can create a myriad of painful feelings.

 So, we must care for and comfort one another. We must pray for one another. We must trust in God. His plan is ALWAYS better than ours. Below is a prayer I want to share with you by John Gugel, from Cries of Faith, Songs of Hope: Prayers for the Times of Our Life:

 Loving God, change is a part of life, people say. I know that, Lord, but change troubles me still. I feel as if I am in a high-wire act at the circus. I have let go of one trapeze and am flying in midair, reaching for the next one. I worry about outcomes. I wonder what will become of me. I fear what might happen in this interval between here and there. Catch me, gentle Savior. Let me trust your larger purpose for my life. Strengthen my resolve to follow where you lead. And assure me that when I have reached the destination, you will be there just as you have promised.