Have you ever noticed how turning a problem around and around in your head often gets you precisely nowhere? It's so easy to feel dwarfed by a problem when it's just an amorphous blob in your head - but talking about it gives it a beginning, middle, and end. And that helps you wrap your brain around it. "When I think of the process of engaging in talk therapy, I think of the analogy with writing," says Margulies. "The more you write, the more you know what you are trying to say - it clarifies your thinking. Similarly with talking and with talk therapy, one becomes more aware of what is making one feel anxious, sad, angry or frustrated. And then one is freer to decide how to manage these feelings or take action to alleviate them."

Even if you can't get to therapy, just talking about a problem with a friend can be helpful: Lay out the issue, and it will become clearer, more logical, and therefore more manageable.

This concept is part of the foundation of Stephen Ministry, a foundation made complete through the Christ-centered philosophy of the Ministry.  Per the Stephen

 Ministry organization, "Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay

 caregivers--called Stephen Ministers--to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting."  Creekwood became a Stephen Ministry congregation last year, and our volunteer highlight this week, Julie Huck, provides steady leadership and counsel to our trained Stephen Ministers.  Pastor John explains, "Julie Huck serves on our Stephen Ministry Leadership Team and also serves as our Supervision Group Facilitator for our Stephen Ministers. Our Stephen Ministers gather twice a month for peer supervision and discussion and Julie very effectively 

leads this group process. Julie was trained as a Stephen Minister in another church before moving to our area. Her experience and caring, supportive personality has been a great benefit as Creekwood has moved forward with implementing the Stephen Ministry program."  Our Stephen Ministers understand the value of talking, sharing, discussing, and Julie sees to it that this happens regularly for our caregivers.  Veteran Stephen Minister Judy Lark shared, "She is the most organized and efficient Stephen Minister I have ever worked with.  She has it all together!"

Julie is also involved in the Creekwood choir. Director of Traditional Worship, Mike Crawford, said, "Julie has been a faithful valued member of the soprano section of the Creekwood choir, always with a smile and positive attitude."  Her friend and fellow choir member Glenna Foster shared the following, "Julie is one of the  most gracious, kind and ready-to-assist-in-any-way people I know.  She is ready to pitch in for any cause and do a great job.  And, she has a wonderful voice for our traditional service choir.  She is a blessing to Creekwood!"  Want to join Julie in the choir?  Check this out. 

In addition to participating in the Celebration Sunday school class, you can also find Julie at our newly formed, yet-to-be-named, women's fellowship group.  You may have come across this new group at our small groups sign ups last month. They're still working through the meeting frequency and times, but the group has come together for fellowship among Christian women. Women of all ages are welcome to join. Contact Molly Trank for more information, or ask Julie for the down low!

Pastor John wraps up this highlight for us, " Julie is always smiling and brings a cheerful presence to any group she is a part of. She helps lead the 9 a.m. service with her musical gifts. People attending this service will notice her smiling face and her obvious enjoyment at being able to share her vocal gifts through our church choir.

Those who have gotten to know Julie, will agree that she is a wonderful, caring Christian and she brings considerable love and caring to our church."  We invite you to join us in thanking Julie for using her musical talent, along with her gifts of warmth and compassion, to enhance our worship experience.  And, to thank her for caring for those dedicated to caring for us.  One way to honor Julie would be to share the Stephen Ministry concept with a friend in need.  Do you know someone who would benefit from processing an experience or situation with a trained, Christian confidant? Stephen Ministers are thoughtfully and prayerfully partnered with their care receivers.   Contact  Pastor John Thornton for more information and to begin the process.    Learn more about Creekwood's Stephen Ministry here.