Grace Lutheran Church

Ministry of Health

The Health Ministry Team is launching a new program designed to provide support to members with health concerns by having congregational members with expertise or talents in a specific health care area, serve as health coaches to these members. The program will be called Phoebe's List. Bev thanked those who have volunteered to visit our members who are unable to attend church. She indicated this is an important way for our congregation to share the compassion of Christ and keep these folks connected to the Body of Christ.

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod celebrates 20 years of Parish Nursing.

"When is a story more than a story?", an article from a nursing journal.  The article talks about stories being one of the oldest forms of human communication.  Much of what we know about man before there was written language, came to us in stories handed down from generation to generation.  In many ways, as a culture, we have lost our ability to tell our stories.  Or it could be that the problem is it's hard to get anybody to stop and listen.

The nursing literature indicates that patients and their families who are suffering and/or experiencing health challenges use storytelling as a way to make sense out of what they are experiencing, especially at the end of life.  One place you can see how this is utilized is an online service called "CaringBridge: where people share their journeys through life-threatening situations."  You can check it out at www.caringbridge.org and select the Read Personal Stories link.

Often we find ourselves tongue-tied when it comes to striking up a meaningful conversation with those who are suffering.  It appears that, since storytelling seems to be very helpful to these people, it seems the best thing to do is to be a good story listener and open a conversation with a statement as simple as, "So tell me about your life..." or "Tell me about...(the person who died)," etc.  The key is not so much in what you say, but to show that you sincerely are interested in the story by showing your attentiveness with eye contact, leaning toward the person, not being in a hurry.

I encourage us, then, as a congregation to become good story listeners.  More than likely our lives will be enriched by the stories.

Phoebe's List, our member-to-member ministry supporting those with health needs or problems has been launched.  We currently have 13 congregational members, who have agreed to serve as health coaches or supporters of members struggling with health conditions or seeking increased information.  If this defines you, please contact one of the Deacons or Pastor or one of the Health Ministry members who will connect you with one of our health coaches.

Health coaches have expertise in the following areas:
Addictions, Anemia, Home Births, Cancer, Elder Care, Diabetes, Eye Surgery,  Fall prevention, Fitness, Healthy Eating, Health Research, Heart Disease, Muscle Diseases, Knee Surgery, Mental Illness and Radiation Therapy.

                 
In the Bible it says of Phoebe, "she was a great help to many people."  That is the goal of this ministry--to be of help to members in need.  Within the helping relations, all individuals on the list are committed to confidentiality regarding the relationship.  The focus is on helping members to cope with their illness/condition.  It is the role of the coach to help members to improve their understanding of the illness and learn strategies for dealing with the illness.  If you need support, please call.  If you can help other in areas not listed, please contact the Health Ministry Team.

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.  Romans 16:1-2