The church has been an essential part of healing and caring for people by establishing the first hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities. The church stepped out of the healing role, turning it over to health care professionals and clinical institutions. However, technology cannot provide everything, and people of faith have reclaimed their call to minister to one another, realizing that health encompasses the wellness of the body, mind, and spirit.

The parish nurse at Good Shepherd serves as an educator, a health advocate for members of the congregation, a referral source, a volunteer coordinator, and a resource for integrating faith and health. A registered nurse, the parish nurse does not provide hands-on nursing care, but works in partnership with pastors, medical institutions, and other social agencies.

A New Name for Care Teams
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Shakespeare

The Care Team Ministry is going through some changes and will now be called "Visiting Shepherds." Bev Johnson and Hazel Oden, the Visiting Shepherd coordinators, and Phyllis Bruce have been working on new ways to revitalize this caring ministry as well as more clearly distinguish it from the Befriender Ministry.

The mission statement we developed states that, "Visiting Shepherds is a caring ministry of visitation to the homebound. Our purpose is to help members stay as a part of our congregation by sharing love, support and encouragement." The main responsibility of the Visiting Shepherds is giving the gift of time and presence to our homebound members. Those who participate in this ministry will attend a short orientation session and ongoing learning and sharing meetings scheduled every two months. Both individuals and families are welcome to participate.

The first orientation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. With questions contact, Bev Johnson, Hazel Oden or Phyllis Bruce.

A frequently asked question is, "What's the difference between Care Teams (now Visiting Shepherds) and Befrienders? Hopefully the comparison below will help:

Befrienders
Training : 30 hours
Focus: be available to those going through transitions, losses,
or other difficult life challenges
Participation: bring communion as Lay Eucharistic Ministers to those unable to attend worship services a formal extension of the pastoral ministry of the church
Ongoing education and support : monthly

Visiting Shepherds
Training: 1-2 hours
Focus: visiting the homebound (includes nursing homes and assisted living facilities)
Participation: give the gift of time and presence to our homebound members.
Ongoing education and support: every other month

Befriender Ministry
The Befriender ministry is not so much about "doing" but rather about "being." It is a ministry of presence and quiet listening.

Faithfully Fit Forever meets at 10:30 a.m. in room 220. We have a great time doing low impact aerobics, hand weights and a time of devotion together. Everyone is welcome!!! Just show up!!! You work at your own pace to increase your endurance and strength. Call Phyllis Bruce for questions.

Parish Nurse Resource Table
Stop for new information, recipes and encouragement to stay healthy.

For more information on these programs, contact Phyllis Bruce, parish nurse.

OUR MISSION: Thoughtful Faith. Passionate Action. Grace for the Journey.