The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; *
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; *
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
Name’s sake.
Dear Friends,
During the Lenten season we hear and read Scripture about the pain and suffering that Jesus accepted and endured on his path to becoming our friend and savior; Christ the Messiah. Lent is a time we turn inward with intention, and we seek the courage and grace to walk upon ground in our hearts, minds, and souls that is wounded and in need of healing. Some of us find that we are walking upon that ground through other times and seasons as well. Despair, crisis, hardship, shame, grief – these are realities that each of us carry. Often we don’t know where to turn, and we might feel that we have to swim in these deep waters alone; however, that is not true.
God does not promise a “pass” from these difficulties in our lives; instead, God promises the presence of His son, and promises us one another. I believe that God is pleased and heaven rejoices when we reach out for companionship in our sorrow, grief, and anger in life.
A Stephen Minister may be the companion for whom you have been waiting. Stephen Ministers are “one-on-one” Christian companions who listen confidentially, and are spiritually present during another’s time of need. I have found such companions so helpful and transformative in my own life.
If you are feeling that a Stephen Minister might be helpful to you, please contact one of the following:
The Reverend Dr. Rowena White Rowena@stmarkscathedral.net
The Very Reverend Thomas Nsubuga Thomas@stmarkscathedral.net
Rosemary Lafargue robolafar@comcast.net
Pat Viser pat@viserproductions.com
Many Blessings and Godspeed,
Alston Johnson
Dean – St. Mark’s
The Carpenter's Nail 