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For
Members
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Health
Ministry
And
when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And the King will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it
to one the least of
these who are members of my
family, you did it to me".
Matthew 25:38
- 40
First Parish of Westwood has an active Health Ministry and a
volunteer Parish Nurse.
The concept of providing Health Ministry at First Parish was
initially approved and given
its blessing by
the Pastor, Board of Deacons and subsequently the Parish Council in the
Spring
of 2002. In May 2004, Margery Eramo completed studies at Andover Newton Theological School in the Congregational Health Ministry and Parish Nursing
program, obtaining a
Certificate in Health Ministry.
HEALTH MINISTRY IS:
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An opportunity for the
faith community to influence the health of its members and
the surrounding community
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An opportunity to help
people care for one another and take responsibility for the
choices that impact their
health
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A path to attaining,
maintaining or regaining the best possible, full person health
that can be experienced
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A path to wellness of
body, mind and spirit for all of God's people
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HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM:
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Is comprised of members of the congregation who believe in the
connection between
faith and health
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Meets regularly to provides guidance to Parish Nurse for the
direction of the health ministry program
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Suggests and helps to implement programs that influence the
health of the congregation
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Starts each meeting with worship and personal sharing
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PARISH NURSE:
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Is a registered professional nurse who serves as a member
of the ministry staff to promote health and
healing within the context of the values, beliefs and practices
of the First Parish faith community.
She serves through the independent practice of nursing, adhering to the
the Scope and Standards of
Practice of Parish Nursing. She is members of: MA Association of
Registered Nurses; American Nurses Association; Greater New England Health
Ministry Association, Treasurer; National Health Ministry Association.
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Health Counselor
-- Discusses health concerns, emphasizes early response to small
problems, and encourages healthy lifestyle changes.
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Health Educator
-- Provides opportunities for the congregation to learn about health issues,
individually and in groups.
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Advocate and Resource Person -- Speaks out to help members of the congregation or community obtain needed
health-related services.
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Volunteer
Educator and Coordinator -- Recruits and oversees
congregational volunteers who help those in
need.
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Developer of support Groups --
In
conjunction with other staff, facilitates the development of support groups for the faith community.
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Leads the Awareness of the Integration of Faith and Health
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Assist parishioners to achieve higher levels of wellness by
improving both
spiritual and
physical health.
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Referral Advisor --
Provides referral to Healthcare and social services within the
community and liaisons with community programs dealing with health and welfare
issues.
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First
Parish Of Westwood, United Church