Health Ministry

Jesus told his disciples to go forth, teaching, preaching, and healing.  We think of healing is the process of integrating the spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional and social aspects of our lives to create a sense of harmony with self, others, the environment, and God. Healing may be experienced in the presence or absence of disease or injury.

 

Our Health Ministry Team is comprised of volunteers from the church who wish to express their faith by sharing their time and talents with others in the congregation. One of the most requested talents is someone who is a “good listener”.

 

The activities of the Health Ministry are always evolving based on the interests and needs identified by the congregation.  Some of the current activities are:

 

Caring Companions - Are members of the congregation who commit to speeding a period of time once a week with a member of the congregation.

 

Health and Wellness Education – Information is shared with the congregation using bulletin boards, announcements before worship, in the newsletter and on the website, with “Second Hour” programs, and guest speaker programs.

 

Faithful Foodies – Volunteers within the congregation provide temporary assistance with our own “Meals on Wheels” type program. When a need arises volunteer cooks are contacted. They respond by providing meals that meet the specified dietary needs of the recipient(s).

 

Prayer Shawl Knitters - Every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 Noon knitters ranging in skills from expert to novice and “want-to-be knitters” gather to create Prayer Shawls.  The knitting group prays for the health and well-being of the future, unknown recipient.

The shawls are distributed by members of the congregation to anyone in need of comfort. So far more than 500 have been created, prayed over, and distributed to individuals across the country, to service men and women, and to friends living abroad. Small white prayer shawls are made to wrap babies being baptized.

 

Visitation Trained members visit in homes, hospitals, and other cafe facilities. It takes special training and a level of sensitivity to enter a place where someone lives or is receiving care without having him or her feeling like you are intruding on them.  The identified Visitors receive this training as well as on going support as they engage in this important ministry.