Health Ministry

Reclaiming the healing ministry of the church
	Pastoral Care Companion Program	Links to Other Health Websites The Canadian Association of Parish Nurse Ministry

For several years, Dayspring was blessed in having a Parish Nurse who established a comprehensive Health Ministry within our congregation. Since we have been unable to find a successor, we have established a volunteer Health Ministry Team which is providing leadership in ensuring the continuance of the Health Ministry.

Comprised of Health Professionals with a variety of specializations, the Health Ministry Team promotes and supports holistic health within the Dayspring congregation, providing education, care, support, and advocacy.

Although the Health Ministry Team is not able to carry out all the functions of the Parish Nurse, it does what it can to ensure that high priority needs are cared for, meeting regularly to consult and provide peer support.

For information or Health Ministry Team assistance, please contact the minister, or telephone the church.

When do I call on the Health Ministry Team?

• You or a family member or friend is sick
• You don’t understand something your doctor has told you
• You are concerned about your children, parents, family member or friend
• You are lonely
• You are feeling overwhelmed
• You or someone you know is going for surgery
• You are dealing with loss or death
• You are in need of prayer
• You are struggling with a relationship
• You are looking for ways to improve your health
• You need someone to listen to you

The Health Ministry Team is primarily available to discuss health-related issues. They may ask to refer you to the Minister or Pastoral Associate if they feel that concerns would be more appropriately handled in that way.

Likewise the Minister or Pastoral Associate may make a referral to the Health Ministry Team.

Of course confidentiality is always respected. Individual concerns will only be shared if permission is given to do so.

What is the role of the Health Ministry Team?

HEALTH ADVOCACY, helping individuals and families navigate the sometimes confusing health care system

HEALTH EDUCATiON, providing information on health and disease related issues

HEALTH PROMOTION AND COUNSELLING, providing information that will encourage health and wholeness in the faith community

REFERRAL, referring those in need to the appropriate health care professionals and agencies, and clergy

GATHERING RESOURCES, enabling the Health Ministry and Pastoral Team to provide information on many health related issues and concerns that may arise within the faith community

And most importantly,

INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND HEALTH, providing the community an opportunity to reach out and care for each other

"God's agenda is the mending of creation"

How does the Health Ministry Team function within Dayspring?

Jesus' ministry stressed the healing of the whole person. Early Christians were inspired by a sense of wholeness in their mission to the world. They believed that the new quality of life that Christ came to impart was to extended to the entire human being; body, mind and spirit.

The Health Ministry Team works with the Pastoral Team, Elders, and Committees. Working collaboratively this ministerial team cares for the spiritual, emotional, and physical health of individuals and families.