Each month, Abiding Presence will highlight a Stephen Minister, showcasing their unique journey and the inspiration behind their commitment to serving the community. This month’s feature is on Sheryl Stanton.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A:I am a native San Antonian, and so is my husband of 46 years, Bill. We raised both our children, Cody and Caitlin, here, too! My Lutheran faith was formed as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown San Antonio, where I was a third-generation member. I am a retired Dental Hygienist, and I loved my career of helping people and at times felt more like a psychologist than a dental health provider. My beautiful family is everything to me, and we have been blessed with two amazing granddaughters, Harper, 13, and Landry, 7.
Q: Tell us about your Stephen Ministry experience.
A: My passion for helping others led me on my journey to become a Stephen Minister. I love caring for people. Holding someone’s hand and listening as they journey through grief, family issues, health problems, or other crises, I find it sacred. I feel privileged to be part of a Stephen Ministry team that cares so much. I have learned and grown spiritually as a person through this ministry. It is an honor to serve this Stephen Ministry Team as Co-Leader with Gizelle Hendrickson, whose faith and compassion serve as an inspiration to all around her.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I love to volunteer! When my children were young, you could always catch Bill and me coaching baseball or softball. I served as a board member on McAllister Park Little League for several years, and did my best to promote kids’ sports. I spent many years volunteering my services at Haven for Hope Dental Clinic, and I am still amazed at the stories I heard there. I also volunteered as a facilitator at the Children’s Bereavement Center. I still help cook and serve meals there.
My love for children has now led me to volunteer as a mentor at Encino Park Elementary. When I am not volunteering, you can find me on the Pickleball Court. I play 3-4 times per week, and this has taken the place of tennis, which I played in leagues for over 30 years.
Bill and I also love to travel. We have been to many places in the United States, hiking, snow skiing, or following a Pinot Noir Trail. We also enjoy Europe and have ventured to London, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Greece, the Czech Republic, Holland, Belgium, and many other wonderful places.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about Abiding Presence?
A: When we had children, we decided to transfer our church membership from St John’s to Abiding Presence so that our children would have the opportunity to be involved in church life with kids from our community. We joined APLC around 1988 and have never looked back. I loved the community of people and quickly got involved, teaching Sunday School, joining Altar Guild and the Welcome Team, and the Texas Ramp Project.
Later, I helped with confirmation classes and got even more involved. I have always felt a sense of community here, whether in Women’s Bible Study, playing on Co-Ed softball teams, or playing volleyball. I love the fact that ALL ARE WELCOMED and GO SERVE!