What is Parish Nursing?

Parish Nurses are registered nurses committed to the healing missions of the church. They team up with other ministry and volunteers to help fellow parishioners find support in crisis or with day to day struggles. They work with parish staff to assist parishioners in their search for wellness and a better quality of life.

Why a Parish Nurse?

Before the advent of modern medical technology, churches were actively involved in tending to the needs of the sick as part of their ministry. The Parish Nurse Program revitalizes that function while taking advantage of the advances in knowledge and skills which have taken place in scientific medicine in recent years. The Parish Health program helps reclaim for the church its role of ministering to the sick. Our Savior's Lutheran Church recognizes the important relationship of body, mind and spirit to health. The Parish Nurse Program reflects this relationship and helps the church fulfill its mission of meeting the needs of its community in spirit of Christian concern for others.

What do Parish Nurses do?

The role of the Parish Nurse varies depending upon the needs of the parishioners The Parish Nurse promotes the healing ministries of the church and a sense of community by serving as:

Health Counselor: The Parish Nurse meets with parishioners to discuss and listen to concems that are troublesome whether physical, relational or personal (spiritual).

Health Resource Person: The Parish Nurse serves as a referral to other health and social agencies in the community and supplies information to promote healing and wellness

Health Educator: The Parish Nurse presents and arranges educational programs dealing with health topics and may organize screenings for hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, etc.

Health Support Facilitator. The Parish Nurse forms and supports discussion groups dealing with topics related to the parishioners' physical, emotional and/or spiritual health.

When is the Parish Nurse Available?

Due to parish needs, the Parish Nurse hours are flexible and vary slightly from week to week Please call the Parish Nurse Office for the times the nurse is available at the church or to set up a home visit (605) 336-2942

The Parish Health Committee

The Parish Health Committee is made up of volunteers who are concerned about the parish health and are committed to seeing that the healing ministry of the church is carried out. Members of this committee sponsor health-related activities through existing programs, develop and conduct new programs and activities and serve as leaders in looking at the overall body, mind and spirit "health" of the congregation.

Members of this committee are: Nathan Anderson, JoAnne Hanson, Ken Iseminger, Judy Dedrickson, Teresa Buell, Fran Rietveld, William Rossing and Pastor Don Lehmann. This committee is connected to the Board for Parish Life, and assists the Parish Nurse in dreaming entry into the congregation and accountability. Please share with them your questions, ideas and/or concerns.

Luke 9:1-2 (NRSV)

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

... And we are all Disciples of our Lord.

Last updated Saturday, November 9, 2002