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)

“Do not say,"Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise to ask such questions.” Ecclesiastes 7:10 NIV

Transitioning from high school to college is a bigstep. Not only does a teen have todecide between work or school but what job or what school. If he/she is moving away from home, talkabout personal responsibility, possible homesickness, and expectations for thefirst year away from home. Discussthe importance of developing friends and joining clubs or sports teams to helpadjust to the new environment.Explain how time management, proper sleep, and a healthy diet will helpkeep stress and anxiety low. Foryou as parent, know that your teen will come home a different person. He/she will be more independent after ayear of making his/her own decisions.Even while you struggle with the change, embrace the difference andhis/her first steps to adulthood.

“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29 NLT

Retirement is full of change so plan how to transition from job to no job and how to reinvent yourself with a new identity or purpose. Research shows that staying active keeps you healthy because of the intellectual stimulus it offers and the socialization it provides. Offer your talents/skills/hobbies to your church, local hospital, or community agency. To socialize join a hobby club, get a part-time job, or take a class in something new. If you are struggling with retirement, how is your spouse doing? It is an adjustment to both of you so discuss the changes, create together time, but keep some time for yourself. Make retirement healthy and positive by staying active and interested in your surroundings. If you see it as a burden or a negative in your life – it will be!

“…Rejoice. Change yourways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love andpeace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT

The boomerang generation refers to adult children who moveback into their parent’s home after a time away. This might be from aninability to find a job after college, a loss of a job, a divorce, a temporaryrelocation for job/military or economic reasons. The arrangement is anadjustment for everyone but it can be successful with careful planning.Practice good communication to eliminate any surprises. Set boundaries, rulesand limits for expectations and responsibilities so one feels mistreated. Ifsmall children are part of the move, be sure to understand who is responsiblefor needs and finances. It is a challenge because of expectations, lack ofprivacy and sharing control but it can work.

(Seasons forWholeness, Volume VI))

Health Ministry News

Lose It for Life

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.

September Health Focus: Hearing

We’ve all said it, “He hears when he wants to hear.” Sometimes people seem to hear and understand with out difficulty and other times they seem not to hear and understand anything. We often assume that it is selective listening but it is usually more than just ‘not listening’.