Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Using resources from Stephen Ministries St. Louis, Stephen Minister training equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting. Initial Stephen Minister Training is 50 hours of classroom training followed by continuing education, support and guidance. After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists and is totally confidential. To learn more about Stephen Ministry at Vista, visit stephenministries.org or contact Dottie McIntyre by calling Vista at 520-825-1985, or email to admin@vistaumc.org.