Health Notes
Reflections on Health Ministry at Bethlehem
Health is harmony with self, others, the environment, and God—-a continuum of physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual well-being.
In 1999, a health ministry was created at Bethlehem.
Why would a congregation have a Health Ministry?
Health Ministry is the promotion of health, healing and wholeness as a mission of our faith community to its members and the community it serves.
The Parish Nurse is a registered nurse who serves as a member of the ministry team.
At Bethlehem, we are committed to sharing the compassionate love and grace of Christ. Our health ministry program challenges the congregation to claim its healing ministry.
Why is Bethlehem a natural setting for health ministry?
Bethlehem follows Christ's call to care for others. Today’s health care system is fragmented and disease oriented. Our congregation emphasizes lifestyle changes allowing each person to live up to the potential given to them by God. Congregations are unique settings to emphasize healthy lifestyles, health promotion and illness prevention in a perspective of body, mind and spirit. The motivation toward healthy behaviors is related to the way individuals view life. This motivation comes through spiritual commitment that the faith community can offer. (Westberg, 1990)
Goals
- Help individuals of all ages increase life expectancy and improve quality of life.
- Address personal, social and moral issues that people face, including issues of health and social justice.
- Accessibility and continuity of care can be offered to an aging population through a healthy ministry program that includes volunteer care giving.
- Healing does not necessarily mean curing. Emotional and spiritual health can occur during illness even when curing of the disease is not occurring. Our congregation can offer a sense of meaning to those experiencing illness, grief and loss.
Healing has roots in the pre-Christian era and in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The scriptures are rich with accounts of Jesus' healing. "Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them." (Matthew 15:30).
The ELCA's Social Statement on Health and Health Care offers a "vision for health care and healing as a shared endeavor." "Our neighbor needs care, and helping the neighbor is in scripture." (2003)
If you have questions regarding health ministries at Bethlehem or would like to serve in some way, please contact me at the church office 612.312.3405.
Peace, Diane Waarvik, Parish Nurse
