by Linda Cutshall, Director of Congregational Care

On June 27 during worship four newly trained Stephen Ministers were commissioned. We’ve spent the last 5 months reading and learning about topics around providing Christian care for individuals who are facing transitions in their lives. I’d like to introduce these friends to you and invite you to hear what they have to say about who they are and what they bring to listening, prayerful care or people.

Mary Douglas

I want to use the skills/gifts I possess. I’ve received feedback that I listen well and have a calming presence. For 20 years I’ve worked in employee relations so have helped with employee transitions, learned how to have difficult conversations and helped with conflict resolution. I appreciate all the training we’ve received and look forward to helping others. Scott and I and our 2 daughters have been at Bethany about 12 years.

John Schleen

I have attended Bethany since 2003, and have been involved in various ministries, including Nominating Committee, the 2005 Kenya Trip, and KAPP committee. I was drawn to Stephen Ministry because I especially enjoy one-on-one relationships - plus, my wife (Maria), a Stephen Minister herself, encouraged me that SM was a good match for my gifts.work at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as a Fiscal Specialist. In my down time, I enjoy all things outdoors: fly fishing, hiking, and gardening, to name a few...

Deanna Stelling

I am becoming a Steven Minister because I love the idea of sitting down regularly with someone who can just use a listener. I am a data coordinator who works with scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to keep their data clean and organized. I live in an empty nest (two adult children) with my husband Tim, who spends much of his time thinking up what to say when he has Children's Time at Bethany. I spend my free time walking, reading, (sometimes doing both at the same time), doing projects with stuff I find on Craigslist, and watching my garden grow. Need lettuce or snow peas, anyone?

Megan Ward

I feel most alive when I am walking alongside people and bearing witness to their stories, listening to them, seeing them, being present with them. I feel the Holy Spirit move in me in these times. And I feel that God has and is continuing to redeem the pain I’ve been through in using it for good. I have a background in volunteering with hospice and working in veterinary medicine. Currently I’m taking time off from veterinary work to be a stay at home mom to Emily. Along with my husband, Brad, we’re enjoying being first time parents. For fun I enjoy hiking, being outdoors, reading, playing the piano and spending time with friends.