CONGREGATIONAL CARE
As Beloved Children of God, we seek to participate in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and the comfort of God's Spirit by coming alongside one another in practical and prayerful ways.
Deacons
Our deacons participate in the ministry of Jesus by providing compassionate care, prayer, support, and resources. They encourage individuals and their families in times of joy and in times of sorrow joining them in seeking God’s healing power and grace. Called and elected by our congregation and ordained for ministry, our deacons serve a three year term.
We invite you to join the deacons in acts of care and service – click here to see opportunities to serve.
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Debbie Bernard
through 2027
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Chris Day
through 2027
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Dave Dougherty
through 2027
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Jeannie Cox
through 2027
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Christy Hart
Through 2027
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Greg Hart
through 2027
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Kristen Frankland
through 2026
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Kathy Kipp
through 2025
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James Murphy
through 2025
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Margaret Murphy
through 2025
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Diane Tate
through 2026
Faith Community Nurses
The mission of Faith Community Nursing is the intentional integration of the practice of faith and nursing, promoting wellness of body, mind and spirit for individuals of all ages. “Faith community nursing is the specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of the process of promoting holistic health and preventing or minimizing illness in a faith community.” (American Nurses Association & Health Ministries Association [ANA-HMA], 2005, p.1).
Faith Community Nurses at FPC work alongside our pastoral staff and deacons to address needs of our church body, meeting with people both 1:1 and in group settings. We provide education, health advocacy and act as a liaison to agencies and support services.
Intro to Dementia
Click below for access to a presentation and resources
from Dementia Support Northwest:
Congregational Health Ministry and Advocacy
Debbie Bernard joined our Faith Community Nursing team as a Health Minister when she graduated from the Health Ministries Network Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course in June of 2022.
Health Ministers are advocates who promote physical, social and spiritual health in their congregation in coordination with Faith Community Nurses. They assist in providing health education, support to members in times of need, and referrals to information and services in the community. We look forward to having Debbie’s support, energy, compassion, and loving presence.
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Health ministers in a faith community work to identify the physical, social and spiritual needs of members of the faith community. They advocate, model and teach the principles that lead to a healthier and more balanced life.
Approaches to health ministry are based on the identification of needs of individuals within a faith community. Health advocacy is based on the idea of empowerment , a process of collective reflection and action in which previously isolated individuals become active in shaping their health and wellness journey.
A summary of the roles and responsibilities of a Congregational Health Minister/Community Health Advocate are:
➤ Offer health education via bulletin inserts, posters, articles, classes, small groups or other events where health content can be added. Teaching members of the community about health issues and their connection to spirituality and mental health can change behaviors and subsequently improve overall health.
➤ Support to members of the community in times of crisis, grief or loss through calls or visits individual/group contacts . People benefit from the health ministers’ listening skills and spiritual care as the health ministers draw on the faith traditions of the church or individuals to help people cope with loss and grief.
➤ Depending on his/her background, health ministers may provide referrals to information and services for those needing extra health care. Health Ministers make referrals for individual health assessments to a qualified FCN or qualified professional. Health Ministers do not provide direct services or medical advice to the faith community.
➤ Collaborate with Faith Community Nurse and other members of the Health Ministry team. Health Ministers support new and existing activities and an understanding of what keeps us healthy and connected.
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Mary Lynn Palmer, RN
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Glenda McLachlan, RN
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Debbie Bernard, Health Minister
Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle
Prayer shawls wrap those in grief or struggle with a tangible expression of warmth and prayer. The knitting circle gathers periodically to encourage one another and pray over those who will receive the shawls.
More Resources
Family Caregiver
Support Group
Meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 PM on Zoom.
Whether a person is caring for a loved one in their home, or overseeing their care in a facility or even in a different state, they share many of the same concerns. Caregivers of any gender are welcome to come learn together and encourage one another.