Denis Light - Thank You
Faithful Servant

This week I’ve chosen to profile the often unsung work of Stephen Ministry in our congregation. Their caring work is done behind the scenes and confidentially. But the spiritual support that this dedicated team provides to their care receivers is huge. Stephen Ministers are lay people who provide one-on-one confidential Christian care to those facing a life crisis or challenge. To Denis Light we say, thank you faithful servant! -- Pastor Dave

Stephen Ministry Leader Brenda Kessler describes his devoted service:

Thank you, Denis Light, for serving as a Stephen Minister. Denis has decided to retire from Stephen Ministry after many years. Denis was one of 15 members in our first class when Stephen Ministry was first introduced to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 2003. After receiving 50 hours of required training, Denis was commissioned along with 14 other Good Shepherd members to serve as a Stephen Minister -- a well-trained Christian who serves in the name of Christ. A care receiver was immediately assigned to Denis. Denis met weekly first with one care receiver and then a second care receiver.

Denis, who with wife Elizabeth joined our Good Shepherd family in 2001, was a unique member of our first class of trainees. He was the only trainee who had previous Stephen Ministry training. Denis was first trained at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, a Missouri Synod Lutheran Congregation of 3,000 members in Oviedo, FL.

A bit about what brought Denis to our area and to bless our congregation with his gifts. Born and raised in England, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering.

Traveling the world for his work, he and Elizabeth (a native of Germany) met in Switzerland. Denis came to the United States to work for a private engineering firm in Howard County and served there from 1972-1979. He then worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development from 1980 to 1995, mostly in Africa and Egypt – no doubt learning much about the human condition in many cultures.

Denis retired at age 65 and the couple lives in Rockville. They have two children and recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Together Denis and Elizabeth have been active in Good Shepherd adult education, in worship and with our Seniors/Retirees group.

Denis brought such unique gifts to our Stephen Ministry Caring Ministry. Good Shepherd was blessed to have Denis serve in this capacity for almost eight years.

“Stephen Ministry has been an enriching experience,” Denis commented.

Stephen Ministry continues to grow at Good Shepherd!

Two classes have been trained to be good Christian listeners since our first team began serving our congregation in 2003. We will be starting another class in September and are accepting candidates. Classes meet at least twice a month for 2 1/2 hours each. Total class time devoted to becoming a Stephen Minister: 50 hours.

If you would like to be considered being interviewed to become a Stephen Minister, contact Stephen Leaders — Brenda Kessler, brendakessler@verizon.net or 301-963-5910; George Groninger, george020@comcast.net or 301-926-6363, or Don Wernly, d.wernly48@verizon.net or 301-330-5833.

Denis in Action at Good Shepherd

• Discussion with Pastor Ted
• Lunch following Farm Tour
• Denis and wife Elizabeth
• Stephen Ministry Team