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1. Goals of the Healing Ministry
2. Programs
3. Parish Nursing – philosophy
4. Parish Nurse – Kathy Matusiak
The Goals of The Healing Ministry
- To promote an holistic health philosophy which includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
- To raise the profile of Parish Nursing in the congregation and the community.
- To develop programs and services to meet identified needs.
- To link members with available community resources.
- To assist individuals in understanding their health conditions, treatment options and to hear what this means to them.
- To function as a client advocate when required.
Health Committee – to provide a planning and supportive role for the Healing and Caring stream and for the Parish Nurseministy. It reports to Church Council.
Meditation – every Thursday, in the church sanctuary, at 10:00 am
Quiet time with candle lighting, a brief check in, and guided meditation
Healing Touch, Reiki and Meditation (hands-on prayers) – 2nd and 4th Thursdays 10:00 am – noon
Begins with a quiet meditation, then for those who wish a time of “healing touch”,
Working with the energy of the person, to bring healing and calm.
Available to anyone . Provided by trained volunteers and staff.
Qi Gong - a Tuesdays at 10:00 am
A gentle exercise to restore energy and promote health
Healing & Meditation Worship – last Sunday of the month at 7:00 pm
Meditative service with candle lighting, reflections, often a guided meditation and ritual prayers. Followed by light refreshments.
Hospital Visiting – Mondays and Thursdays – by the Parish Nurse. Other times as needed
Seniors’ Tea – tea time with the Ministers several times a year
Welcoming and meaningfulo gathering for all seniors. Includes music and singing, conversations with the ministers, prayer, and the Sacrament of Holy Communion at Easter and Christmas.
A lovely “tea” is provided.
Rides to the church are provided by volunteers and staff. meditation, and communion
Counselling/Consultation – with the Registered Parish Nurse from a spiritual perspective – on personal and health related issues
Pastoral Care – Provided by the various Ministry Personnel and volunteers
- Rev. Joan McMurtry
- The Parish Nurse
- Lay Pastoral Care Volunteers – visit the people at the care facilities and provide special support for anyone identified having a special need
- Volunteer Phone Tree – a team of over 20 volunteers make phone contact with each household at First United about 4 times a year.
Prayer Tree – a group of 6 to 8 people pray each week for those in need. If anyone wishes for special prayers, they can contact the Parish Nurse or put information in the offering plate on Sundays.
- There are some wonderful opportunities for getting involved in these ministries. Contact the Parish nurse if you would like to test your ‘gifts’.
Philosophy – to balance knowledge and skill; the sciences, theology and humanities; service and worship; and nursing care with pastoral functions.
- The focus of practice is the faith community and its ministry.
- Heath is a dynamic process which embodies the physical, spiritual and social dimensions of the person.
- Roles/Responsibilities of the Parish Nurse:
- Health counsellor
- Education of holistic health
- Advocate/resource person
- Liaison/referral to resources
- Teacher of volunteers
- Healer – body, mind, spirit
The Parish Nurse does not take the place of existing health care services, but complements a holistic approach to health within our congregation.
Kathy Matusiak is the Parish Nurse for First United Church in White Rock. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Queen’s University and her diploma in Parish Nursing from Trinity Western University. Her background includes extended care, cardiac intensive care, pediatrics, community health prevention program for maternal and child health and home palliative care. Kathy was brought up in the United Church and has attended First United since 1990, teaching Sunday School and taking the Healing Pathway workshops from Naramata. She has also completed the Lay Volunteer chaplain course at Peace Arch Hospital.
For more information about Parish Nursing, check you the Canadian Association of Parish Nurses Ministries www.capnm.ca/
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