Ascension Lutheran Church The Parish Nurse Program J. Samuelson, Ascension Parish Nurse Phone 507-373-3408  From our Parish Nurse May 2008 We are celebrating the season of Easter and spring is unfolding around us.  New life is budding;  we are filled with hope.  This seems an appropriate time to remember that not all people feel this hope.  I am especially thinking about those who grieve the loss of a loved one.  In our congregation and community, many are adjusting to life alone. Immediately after a death there is a surge of activity, preparation, support, gathering of family and friends, delivered food, shared tears, stories remembered, visitation and the funeral.  Then most of the world moves on, and one is left to sort it out independently, adjusting to life without that important person.  The silence created by their absence can be deafening. Tears in the background interrupted a phone conversation between a mother and her adult daughter.  When the young mother returned to the phone she reported that her child was crying because her doll broke.  The grandmother asked if the mother helped her fix it, to which the mother replied, “No, but I helped her cry.”  In Romans 12:15 we are reminded to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”  This is a clear directive for us to laugh with friends when they are happy and share tears when they are sad. People tell of the times that were too difficult to make it on their own and Jesus carried them through the trial.  Likewise, we should look for opportunities to offer a shoulder to lean on (or a car to ride in, table to sit at, concert to share, walk to take, and so on).  Even though we, too, grieve the loss and might find it difficult to express our feelings in words, it is more important than we can ever know for us to reach out and make contact.  Maintaining friendships that used to be enjoyed as couples or families, takes on a new spin, but continuing them will be helpful for everyone.  Taking the first step is the hardest.  Consider the approach of doing all the things you would have done before the death.  Know that it will not be the same, but trust that it will fine.  Draw from the times you rejoiced together and let them strengthen you to cry together.  We can share the words of Psalm 27:1  “The Lord is the strength of my life.”    The Lord is the strength of your life.  Peace be with you. Shalom, J. Samuelson       Parish Nurse  Eco Tip:  When baking, do not preheat the oven too soon.  Ovens can be energy hogs, so it pays to prep first, then heat.  Also, if your oven needs a good cleaning, use the self-cleaning function after you’ve baked something;  it’s already heated and will take less time for the self-cleaning function to run its course. Who is the Parish Nurse? The Parish Nurse is a registered nurse and a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church staff. She promotes an intentional holistic health ministry, the integration of body, mind, and spirit. The Parish nurse provides personal, professional, and confidential care. A Health Committee, consisting of Ascension members, supports and stengthens the service by meeting regularly with the Parish Nurse to assist with program development and guidance. They and all members are asked to provide support through prayer. Who can use the Parish Nurse Service and how do they contact her? Ascension Lutheran Church members of all ages are encouraged to contact the Parish Nurse if they have questions or concerns by calling the Church Office at 373-3408, visiting during office hours (each Wednesday, 1 to 3 P.M.) or on the first Sunday of the month when she regularly screens members blood pressures. Other appointments or times can be scheduled by contacting the Church Office. Non-members may also use the service. Is there a cost for the service? Individuals do not pay for the Parish Nurse services. This program is funded as a part of the ministry provided by Ascension Lutheran Church. There is no formal association with area clinics, hospitals, or other health care providers. What does the Parish Nurse do? The Parish Nurse will serve as: A Health Educator Through classes, newsletters, and one-to-one visiting the Parish Nurse will promote increased awareness of and learning about the relationship between lifestyle, faith, and health. Possible topics include Parenting, Alzheimers, Living Wills, grief, positive self-esteem, sexuality and values, First Aid, CPR, etc. A Health Counselor The Parish Nurse is available to discuss health concerns and will make visits as requested or needed. She could assist with post-surgery adjustments, eating disorders, diet modifications, etc. A Referral Source As a liaison or link to community resources and services, the Parish Nurse will assist parishioners in meeting their needs. A listing of health care providers, product suppliers, living opportunities and services will be available through the Parish Nurse. An Advocate Support, through presence and prayer is offered by the Parish Nurse as members strive to achieve or maintain optimal health. The Parish Nurse might accompany a member to an appointment, assist with hospice enrollment, or help one clarify needed information. Email J. Samuelson