Support group n: a group of people with common experiences and concerns who provide emotional and moral support for one another[1]
I found it interesting that the expression “one another” is used in the dictionary definition of “support group.” In the New Testament the phrase “one another” is used 85 times. Jesus used it often in the Gospels to encourage fellowship among believers. [2] Nevertheless, Scripture also encourages us in Galatians to not only “be” with “one another, but to be a support to “one another”, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. In Romans we are taught to encourage, “So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.” Romans 14:19
In my search in my local community the Information Center contains thorough data base of community groups. I have seen that there is a good variety of support groups in the area that I could utilize for referrals, but we are lacking church based groups. Our church has several small groups that include a support group for those with chronic illness; the Salvation Army facilitates a Divorce Care support group as well as a group for teen moms called “Generations”. One of the Baptist churches has a Christian based group for those who struggle with alcohol called “Reformers Unanimous”. Not only do I think that we need to support one another as Christians, we need to reach out to those in need of Christ as the true counselor and healer.
Some of the sites that I was able to locate groups:
SupportPath.com is an Online Events Calendar listing chats, lectures and events on health, personal and relationship topics from around the Internet. There are links to online communities / message boards, National Organizations, books and more!
http://www.supportpath.com/
Yahoo Groups A search on e groups delivered 6,209 support groups on the yahoo network http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=support+groups
Divorce Care is a special support group where you can find help as you recover from the hurt of separation or divorce. http://www.divorcecare.org/
Canadian Directory of Genetic Support Groups
http://www.lhsc.on.ca/programs/medgenet/c_sup.htm
Medbroadcast.com is a safe, supportive, carefully managed community environment to enable you to communicate with others about healthcare issues and interests that you may have in common. http://www.medbroadcast.com/support_groups.asp
Haldimand Norfolk Information Center Haldimand Norfolk community information database. http://haldimand.cioc.ca/
[1] The Merriam-Webster Dictionary 1997, pg 728
[2] Matthew 18:20, John 13:35
Bibliography
1. Holy Bible, NIV. The Zondervan Corporation. 1994
2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. 1997
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Personal Health Counselor (Advisor)
The role of the personal health counselor or advisor can address the needs of a congregation in a variety of ways. I visualize the parish nurse as a slab of moldable of clay in anticipation of the Potter to mold her into the design He has for service. Each congregation is so individual made up of so many different parts.
Developing a health needs survey is a useful mode to discover the wishes and needs of the congregation. Over a year ago I circulated a Congregational Health Needs Survey and was able to discern what the major needs/wants were of our church community. I can visually see what the needs are but until people discover that they have a need for something like weight management or nutritional counseling, they will not be receptive to the instruction at that time. I do try to provide snippets of information in the quarterly health newsletter about issues that I feel need to be concentrated on.
In meeting with the pastor and my experience with our church family, our church has a high needs population and many with mental health and financial issues. I have had a speaker come in and speak to the leadership about suicide prevention and intervention and I would like to have someone come in to speak about mental health issues. I think good communication with the pastor and leadership is a good way to stay in touch with what is needed.
Ensuring that you have a “presence” on Sunday morning and other church sponsored events is fundamental to staying “in the loop” so to speak, with others in the congregation. This can give you a chance to make a preliminary contact with someone and make a scheduled time to follow up on a need. You won’t find out what is going on in people’s lives if you only are at church on Sunday mornings particularly if you arrive 5 minutes before the Sunday service and leave immediately after it is over. I guess to be a parish nurse you have to be a people person and utilize those people skills that God gave you.
Developing a health needs survey is a useful mode to discover the wishes and needs of the congregation. Over a year ago I circulated a Congregational Health Needs Survey and was able to discern what the major needs/wants were of our church community. I can visually see what the needs are but until people discover that they have a need for something like weight management or nutritional counseling, they will not be receptive to the instruction at that time. I do try to provide snippets of information in the quarterly health newsletter about issues that I feel need to be concentrated on.
In meeting with the pastor and my experience with our church family, our church has a high needs population and many with mental health and financial issues. I have had a speaker come in and speak to the leadership about suicide prevention and intervention and I would like to have someone come in to speak about mental health issues. I think good communication with the pastor and leadership is a good way to stay in touch with what is needed.
Ensuring that you have a “presence” on Sunday morning and other church sponsored events is fundamental to staying “in the loop” so to speak, with others in the congregation. This can give you a chance to make a preliminary contact with someone and make a scheduled time to follow up on a need. You won’t find out what is going on in people’s lives if you only are at church on Sunday mornings particularly if you arrive 5 minutes before the Sunday service and leave immediately after it is over. I guess to be a parish nurse you have to be a people person and utilize those people skills that God gave you.
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