Notes from the Parish Nurse
This month I would like to share some information about Parish Nursing (Faith Community Nursing) and Care Ministry at Northfield United Methodist Church.
A parish nurse is a licensed registered nurse who has had at least two years of experience and has completed a parish nurse foundations course. This nursing specialty addresses health issues with the faith of the client and the client’s family in mind. There is an intentional care of the spirit of those to whom the parish nurse gives assistance. Parish nurses act as health advisors and educators, as advocates and resource persons, and as integrators of the faith/health relationship. We help empower others to take responsibility for their own health. This ministry is not a substitute for pastoral care, medical care, community health nursing, and social agencies, but rather works in a partnership with these services. The focus of this ministry is on promoting (w)holistic Christian health rather than “hands on” physical care.
At Northfield United Methodist Church, the Care Ministry Team is made up of Pastor Donna Dempewolf, Parish Nurse Ruth Kruse, and five trained volunteers: Reggie Fineran, Jody Friedow, Clare Mather, Marge Randolph, and Ruth Sommers. We meet biweekly to identify individuals and families who have physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. Prayers and presence are offered during times of transition, crisis or celebration. All information received is held in confidence. It is not shared with others. Care Ministry Team members are not at liberty to answer questions about someone’s well-being, unless they have been given permission to do so by that individual.
We ask you to keep in mind that, because of strict confidentiality, Care Ministry Team members are not able to talk freely about much of the work we do. We walk alongside our church family members in many ways, depending on their circumstances and the involvement of family and friends. Care Ministry Team members and Pastor Donna make in-person visits, remain in communication as necessary and desired, and facilitate the meeting of other needs where possible. We know that many of you in the congregation also provide loving and compassionate care to others, quietly behind the scenes and in many different ways. We are grateful to you for your ministry of care and good works.
The Pastor, Parish Nurse, and Care Ministry Team members cannot visit folks in hospitals and care centers if their presence at a particular facility is not known. We rely on an individual or his or her family member to inform us of a hospitalization or a move to assisted living or a care center. If you have information to share about yourself or a loved one, or would care to have a visit by the Pastor or a Care Ministry Team member, please call the church office at 507-645-5689 and leave a message for Pastor Donna Dempewolf or Parish Nurse Ruth Kruse.
Jesus the Great Physician said, “I have come that you might have life in all its fullness.” He has commissioned the church on earth to reach out in love and to be His hands and feet on earth. Our church is a place where many elements of health and healing can be discussed, and a place where we can be nurtured and supported on our life journey.