“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” -James 5:14

Were you aware of Parish Nurses before attending First Church? Many members and friends have shared that they have never witnessed this role as a significant part of a church. Although not a new concept, Faith Community Nursing is a new professional specialty. It is based on the Christian philosophy that we care for others as an expression of God’s love.

Faith Community Nursing dates back to the time of Florence Nightingale who cared for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. The concept of nurses meeting the physical, social, and economic needs of the homebound was introduced in 1893 in New York’s Lower Eastside by Lillian Wald. Later, Lutheran minister Granger Westberg was credited as a pioneer in the concept of “wholistic health” which combined caring for the body and the spirit. He founded the National Parish Nurse Movement in 1984 in Illinois, where nurses began practicing within churches.

The concept soon spread across the US and internationally, and Faith Community Nursing is now a nursing specialty. Often referred to as Parish Nurses, faith-based nurses are active members of a church staff, clinic, senior center, or long-term care facility. The parish nurse fosters physical, emotional, spiritual, and social harmony, leading to spiritual and physical healing.

First Church is blessed to provide the services of two registered nurses who meet the needs of our members and friends in our community. The Parish Nurse Ministry promotes health while helping deepen relationships with God, family, and the community. Caring for an individual’s spiritual life is integral during nursing visits, support groups, and educational offerings. The Parish Nurses also work closely with the pastors, staff, and volunteers while supporting other First Church ministries.

The Parish Nurse Ministry includes:
• Providing ongoing health assessments and promotion of positive health behaviors.
• Providing health and well-being counseling and advocacy services.
• Visiting church members in their homes or facilities.
• Developing educational seminars on health-related topics.
• Facilitating support groups such as GriefShare to help deal with the loss of a loved one.
• Providing information on community resources.
• Offering guidance and support that fosters positive health practices and spiritual beliefs.

Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to remember that we are all your children,
and none are to be excluded from your fold whether they have
a physical illness, mental illness, or disability. Please give us the
heart to serve them all and the wisdom to appreciate them all.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

by Lisa Byrer, Parish Nurse