Stephen Ministry

The mission of Stephen Ministry is to help congregations equip God's people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical ministry. People sometimes experience challenges and trials which are not easily overcome alone. Stephen Ministers provide encouragement and support through the rough spots in life.


Stephen Ministers receive specialized training by Stephen Leaders and other qualified professionals to help others during times of trial such as grief, unemployment, loneliness, financial challenges, health concerns, family crisis, or any of the other myriad disturbances in life. In addition to their initial training, all Stephen Ministers receive on-going education and peer-to-peer supervision.


Stephen Ministry in our congregation uses these trained and supervised lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to others.  Stephen Ministers are not counselors or social workers and their role is only to listen and to care, not to give advice or direction.


Since 1997 the Community Church has trained over 60 Stephen Ministers and we currently have over 30 individuals, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, serving as active Stephen Ministers.


Our Stephen Ministry program helps to coordinate a Grief Support Group, typically held in the February time frame each year. 


Our Stephen Ministry Leaders are John Pasnau, Gary & Deborah Etcheson, Glenda Hage and Elaine Chance. If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, whether because you wish to become a Stephen Minister or you want to talk about some of the resources available, please contact any of the above people or call the Church office 480-471-7239.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

In 2011, the concept of a Verdes Prayer Shawl Ministry was introduced. Upon investigation, it was discovered that this was a growing trend in churches throughout the country. A small group was formed and has grown from there.  The shawls are knitted or crocheted in many different colors and patterns, and are given to those who are experiencing grief, surgery, cancer treatment, illnesses, or just in need of comfort. They are mailed and/or hand delivered to homes, hospitals, and Hospice of the Valley by Rev. Dr. Cathy Northrup. Labels are printed and stitched into each shawl.  Since the inception, we have given over 500 shawls to those in need of comfort.


Additionally, there is a display rack on the chancel in the sanctuary that is changed out regularly. If you are interested in joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Cobe Frobes at 928-606-5558. The group meets on the second Friday of each month.  



Verdes Alcoholics Anonymous Chapter

The Verdes Alcoholics Anonymous Chapter meets at the Community Church of the Verdes on Mondays from 8 - 9 am in Founders' Hall.   We are glad to welcome this important ministry.  Participants may enter and exit the building through the Administrative Office door.  If you have questions, or need further information, please contact Pastor Cathy Northrup at cnorthrup@verdefaith.org. 

The Pad Project

The Pad Project team makes washable sanitary pads for girls around the world, enabling them to stay in school and be better educated for a brighter future.  Our Pad Project group meets on Mondays in the Sunday School Room in Founders' Hall.  We welcome volunteers who have a couple of free hours on Mondays and like to sew!  If you have questions, please contact Jean Brabec at 303-868-3898, or arjabrabec@gmail.com. For more information please visit  www.toolittlechildren.org.

PAL - Parents of addicted loved ones

What is PAL?

 

We are parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings and relatives of loved ones who are affected by the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.  We meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Please contact Greg or Weezy Smith at lift5800@gmail.com or 317-679-9122 for details.

 

We learn proven methods that allow us to set boundaries with our addict or alcoholic so that we may find joy (and reduce the chaos) in our lives regardless of the choices made by our loved ones.

 

We are not an AA or Al-Anon group.  We encourage cross talk so that members may offer suggestions to those who are struggling with decisions and need guidance. 

 

We are fortunate to have group members that have experienced positive results in their own lives by incorporating ideas shared in our meetings. We understand the stigma that is attached to alcoholism or drug addiction.  We empathize with family members that are reluctant to share their stories with others in fear of being judged as poor role models.

 

We offer a confidential sanctuary where concerns may be shared with others who are travelling the same road. We offer hope to those who believe there is no hope left. 

 

We understand that everyone experiences this journey at their own pace and we will be just as supportive of you whether you choose to do what is suggested or not. 

 

We believe that the power of prayer, shared experiences and education will provide us with the hope of living a life free of chaos.