Health Ministries  

Throughout his ministry Jesus healed many men and women who came to him in need.  In the same loving spirit of Christ the Apostle Jon later writes to a fellow disciple and church leader: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health ad that all may be well with you…” (3 John 2)  Jesus’ example, coupled with the simple words of John’s letter, is a reminder that as we walk together in faith we are called to be solicitous of one another’s spiritual and physical health.  At St. Paul United Church of Christ we seek to promote the healing activity of God throughout our congregation by encouraging attention on everyone’s part to the mind, body, and spirit connection.  The goal of our Health Ministries is to foster among all of our church members increased self-knowledge, personal responsibility, and a sense of mutual interdependence in dealing with health-related issues.

Parish Nurse Ministry  

Two registered nurses, Mary Smith and Kathy Williams, direct our congregation’s parish nurse ministry.  Although they do not dispense medical care, they are committed to providing our St. Paul members with relevant and up-to-date information on health matters as they offer compassionate support to those with particular health challenges.  In their respective roles as Parish Nurse for Pastoral Outreach and Parish Nurse for Pastoral Visitation and Programs, they offer blood pressure screenings, respond to individual questions on health topics, make home and hospital visits and telephone calls to parishioners, and coordinate educational programs and support groups that are also open to the wider community.  Both parish nurses work closely with the senior pastor in providing pastoral care to church members. 

Visiting Elders  

The St. Paul Visiting Elders assist the senior pastor and parish nurses in pastoral care to church members.  Besides telephoning home-bound church members and regularly sending cards, they make home visits, based upon assignments at monthly meetings.  The goal of the Visiting Elders is to insure that those no longer able to attend church because of disability or infirmity remain within our congregation’s circle of care.  New volunteers are always welcome the Visiting Elders.  Training and orientation are provided.  Monthly meetings are announced through the Tidings newsletter and the Sunday Morning Tide. 

Caregivers Support Group  

The St. Paul Caregivers Group provides guidance and support to church members who are providing long-term care to a parent, spouse, or child.  In a confidential and mutually supportive setting, church members have an opportunity to share their particular needs and concerns as caregivers.  Valuable tips are often exchanged by participants.  Periodic guest speakers with special expertise on wide-ranging caregiving topics add to the information available to participants.  Led by the senior pastor and the parish nurses, the Caregivers Group is open to all church members and friends.  It meets on the last Monday evening of each month. 

Shalom – Cancer Survivors Support Group

Shalom is an ancient Hebrew word, embraced by Christians, meaning completeness, wholeness, peace, health, fullness, rest, and harmony—in other words, the absence of anxiety or fear.  Meeting monthly at St. Paul United Church of Christ, the Shalom Cancer Support Group provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to discuss their ongoing challenges and needs in a mutually supportive and empathetic environment positively focused on continued healing.  Shalom is led by parish nurse Kathy Williams. 

“Good Grief” Bereavement Ministry  

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)  At St. Paul Church we seek to be part of the blessing God bestows on those who mourn as we reach out to provide support and comfort.  Our senior pastor spends time with every family who has sustained a loss.  This is not only reflected in the pastoral prayers offered at either the hospital or at home, but also in the very personalized funeral eulogy and worship service offered by the pastor as the bereaved family confronts death and commends their loved one to God’s eternal care.   Additional services of remembrance are also held with the entire congregation participating to assist families with the grieving process.  On the Sunday after the funeral or memorial service, a prayer is said for the deceased and his or her family from the pulpit.  At our church’s annual Totenfest or Memorial Sunday Service in November, following All Saints’ Day, the bereaved are invited to light a candle on the altar in memory of their family member.  A special responsive liturgy using the words of the Apostle Paul on the promise of the resurrection is integral to the service. (1 Corinthians 15)  Moreover, before the final hymn and benediction, the names of all who have died in the preceding twelve months are read aloud as the church bell is individually tolled for them.  Similarly, on an early December weeknight, a “Blue Christmas” Service is held in our church sanctuary for grieving individuals and families to share memories of past Christmases and to talk about the challenge of coping with the holiday when so much is changed.   Throughout the year church members receive periodic cards and telephone calls from our pastor, parish nurses and Visiting Elders, along with helpful and reassuring literature about the grieving process which help temper anxiety and loneliness.  Referrals to excellent and free grief support groups in our immediate Downriver area are also provided.  

Mind, Body, and Spirit Classes  

From September to June a variety of special programs and multi-session classes are held at St. Paul United Church of Christ that promote health and healing from a spiritually oriented perspective.  Recent health-related programs have addressed personal nutrition, diabetes management, and stress reduction.   Further underscoring the mind, body, and spirit connection, yoga and enhanced fitness classes are held at St. Paul United Church of Christ throughout the year.  The classes are offered in the Fellowship Hall and West Room by certified instructors from the Taylor Recreation Center and the Southgate YMCA at a nominal charge to church members and friends.  The church setting results in friendly fellowship which increases participant motivation.  The yoga and enhanced fitness classes, offered either on afternoons or early evening, are announced through the Tidings newsletter, Sunday Morning Tide Bulletin, and through mailed and emailed notices.