Health Ministry
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, whois in you and whom you have received from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV)
What is Health Ministry?
Health Ministry is part of healing and pastoral care ministry at Atonement. The parish nurse provides care of the body, mind and spirit to individuals and families in the congregation and community.
Health Ministry holds the spiritual dimension of health to be central to its practice. Parish nurses promote health and well being of individuals, families, the congregation and the community.
A parish nurse is a registered nurse who is committed to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Parish Nurse’s Role
Health Educator: Provides health information through a variety of educational activities.
Health Counselor: Discusses health issues and problems withindividuals and families and makes appropriate referrals to a varietyof ministry, health care professionals and community resources.
Health Advocate: Empowers individuals as they journey throughthe medical system. Assists in connecting people to the appropriatehealth care providers and community agencies. Listens and supportsindividuals, families in various health care situations.
Health and Healing Group Facilitator: Identifies, recruits and coordinates small group activities to enhance the health of body, mind, and spirit.
Integrator of Faith and Health: Helps people to understand the relationship between faith and health.
How a Parish Nurse Can Help
You may have a health concern, a new diagnosis or a desire toimprove your health. The parish nurse is there to enhance, complementand support the care you receive from your health care provider,pastors and family.
Parish nurses are there for you in all the stages and circumstances of your life
We can take your blood pressure, discuss your health concerns, pray with you and lend a listening ear.
Verses to bring you health and healing
- “…I came that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)
- “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV)
- Dear friend, I pray that all may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you , even as your soul is getting well.” (3 John 2 NIV)
- “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV) “…and pray for one another that you may be healed.” (James 5:16 NIV)
Atonement Parish Nurses
Jami Dean RN
Jennifer DeJong RN
Connie Hoffman RN
Polly Kloster RN
Michelle Richardson RN
Kristen Schultz RN
Linda Scott RN
Denise Thiner RN
Barb Hanson RN, Minister of Healing and Pastoral Care
We care about you and what you are experiencing. Please let us knowhow we can help. We want to help you integrate your faith and health sothat you may live as Jesus wanted you to.
Please stop by the health ministry office or call 237-9651 and ask Barb Hanson or email bhanson@atonementfargo.org.
August Health Focus: Transitions
Our health focus for August 2010 is life transitions. Lifenever stays the same. Check back weekly for new updates regarding lifetransitions. See the complete article below.
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Sending your first child off to school can be scary foreveryone. As a parent, try to put your fears aside and look for the positives:your child is beginning an adventure that will teach him many new things.Before school starts, go to the school and arrange a tour if possible to takethe fear out of the new surroundings.Remind him/her that others will be nervous about school and there willbe many new friends to meet. Talk about the exciting things he/she will be doingduring the school day and make it an adventure for both of you. If you haveworries about his/her health, be sure to meet with the school nurse to discussany health conditions or medications that might impact the day. Soon both ofyou will be looking forward to hearing about each other’s day. (Source: Seasons of Wholeness, Vol.VI) Health Ministry News
Life never stays the same. There are several stages with unique challenges that make each one memorable. As new parents you add new responsibilities and a baby to your life while trying to establish yourselves as a couple. This new role means sharing your spouse with someone else so make sure you talk to each other, have a date night, and share your struggles. Adjustment is easier when you know what challenges exist...
The Total Solution–Spiritual, Emotional, Physical– For Permanent Weight Loss. Have you ever said, "If I could change just one thing, the weight will go away?" Was it true? Did it work? Did it last? If not, it’s probably because there are many variables that affect weight loss. And those variables are as different as you are.
See previous Health Focus articles >>
More Health Ministry
Learn more about this new Atonement ministry!
The counseling center exists to offer hope and healing to the Atonement family and also to our community. If you are tired of sitting on “good intentions” and are ready to move to the next level, we are here to help
A fund established at Atonement to increase assistance for our members experiencing financial hardship due to medical crisis.