Health Ministry

Health Ministry in a local congregation is an intentional ministry focusing on both healing and health, combining the ancient traditions of the Christian community and the knowledge and tools of modern health care. At St. Anne's, we have had a committment to health ministry for years, and are fortunate to have a full time Parish Nurse to lead this ministry.

To assist the congregation and community in reclaiming the Gospel mission of health and wholeness.

The parish nurse ministry is shaped by Christ's concern for all aspects of the human condition and directed to the service of the whole person; mind, body and spirit. One of the goals is to create a wholistic health ministry thereby assisting members of the congregation and community in achieving the fullness of life promised in the Gospel of John 10:10. Our stewardship of our healthy bodies enables us to have the energy and vitality to love and serve others.

Since ancient times, health care and the spiritual care of the Church community were managed by religious orders. As time went on, the health care focus gradually shifted to the medical field and the church seemed to concentrate on spiritual healing only. Today the idea of an association between medicine and the Church may seem an unlikely combination, but it is supported by scripture and tradition which address the theological basis for a spirituality of wholeness.

Healing is not meant to be confused with curing but is the restoration of wholeness, the process of becoming whole in body, mind and spirit. Parish nursing is not so much about what the parish nurse does, as about what God is able to accomplish through the parish nurse and others who are part of the ministry of healing. In a parish nurse ministry, the word parish always refers to the historic meaning of "parish" - the community surrounding a church. Thus, it is an outreach, as well as a congregational program.

* Functions as a wellness advocate
* Visits members of the congregation in the hospital or at home
* Assists in finding community resources to meet health needs
* Develops and teaches short courses in health and health care
* Clarifies physician directions
* Reviews medications
* Offers prayers
* Initiates health and safety assessments
* Listens
* Promotes stewardship of mind, body and spirit
* Does NOT do invasive procedures
* Works with the Pastoral Care Team
* Worships with the congregation
* Maintains confidentiality