Elizabeth First United Methodist Church

VICKIE GRATTON R.N.

Family Health Minister

“He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” Luke 9:1-6

From 1992-1996 I served the Galena, Scales Mound and Council Hill United Methodist Churches as Minister of Health (a nurse who serves in a pastoral role) as part of the Ministerial team with Tom Grey and Dan Schenck who was the student pastor. In 1992 a teen in one of the congregations I served was acquaintance raped. There are many dynamics involved when something like this rocks a family to their very core. The family sought support and counseling through the Minister of Health who referred the teen to a local Mental Health agency. During that time reports of three survivors and the lack of services for the women became an issue in our community. The lack of prosecution and services was publicized and became the catalyst for the discussion regarding the gap in services in our county. These events started a strong "grass roots" movement in Jo Daviess County. To Vickie Gratton this was clearly a peace and justice issue and a ministry she was called to. She became the co-founder of Riverview Center, Inc. Sexual Assault Prevention & Intervention Services and in 1992 the agencies Executive Director. The agency actually started with a $50 donation from Galena United Methodist Church. I became the co-founder of Riverview Center, Inc. Sexual Assault Prevention & Intervention Services in 1992 and became the agencies Executive Director in 1995.

The growth of the Center soon demanded 100% of my time and I regretfully had to cease my duties as Minister of Health. Health issues with severe back pain required me to retire in 2004. Throughout these years Pastor Dan and I kept in touch and a year ago our relationship and interest in Family Health Ministry was rekindled and the discussions evolved over the past year where once again based on the needs of our congregants, God has called us to resurrect this ministry and my role as Minister of Health and thus, We have come full circle. This healing ministry, which will now be called the Family Health Ministry program, was very accepted by the congregants served sixteen years ago and once again this ministry is being embraced.

This program relates to the needs of Galena, Elizabeth and Scales Mound United Methodist Church’s congregants because care for all of the people of God is a part of the church’s mission, of its understanding of the Christian gospel. We are talking about care for the whole person – body, mind and spirit. The Bible has much to say about the importance of the inter-relationship of body and soul. The New Testament tells us the Jesus, when he sent out his disciples, told them not only to preach the kingdom of God, but also to heal the sick (Luke 9:2) More that one fourth of the New Testament is taken up with physical healing and the entire scripture is permeated with spiritual, mental, emotional and relational healing. According to Lead Pastor Schenck, “Our churches have a great need and responsibility to reach out to parishioners with health-care issues. To have a certified Minister of Health on staff as part of the pastoral leadership team will help meet this need in addition to enhancing this coactive ministry as the church reclaims its role in healing.”

Many scriptures throughout the Bible speak to the importance of health ministry in congregations. Scriptures speak of love, faith healing, unity, wholeness, caring, truth, reconciliation and joy…All essential components of Family Health Ministry. The time has come for the church to resume its concern with health care and to once again pick up the reins of innovation and leadership in the crucial and sometimes forgotten area of ministry – health ministry. Health ministry broadens the caring ministries already in place with the congregations and offers supportive assistance to clergy who often have a heavy schedule. A Family Health Ministry program interfaces with the Mission Statements of both congregations involved in this coactive ministry.

Health Ministry is a prevention based program within faith communities that emphasizes health, wholeness and healing of mind, body, spirit and relationships. Health Ministry promotes harmony and growth through self-knowledge, stewardship, interdependence with others and acceptance of God’s love. It is a broad concept which potentially includes each individual in a congregation and community who extends a caring attitude and service toward another. Through the Minister of Health’s/Parish Nurse’s professional leadership, spirituality and services, the laity is helped to minister to the needs of each other. The Minister of Health/Parish Nurse is a member of the pastoral team who gives and receives staff support through close cooperation and communication.

Family Health Ministry functions as a referral and resource service within a church community. The role of Galena, Elizabeth and Scales Mound United Methodist Churches is to promote health care, not provide health care. Family Health Ministry is a visible means of identifying God’s love within these communities.

A Minister of Health is an integral part of a symbiotic relationship, which combines the nurse’s professional background with her spirituality, thus, “A nurse who serves in a pastoral role.”

A Family Health Ministry Nurse can be a beneficial partnership relationship on a congregational leadership team. This ministry functions as a referral and resource service within a church community. Wellness is the primary goal of the ministry. It’s a visible means of identifying God’s love within the community. To understand the role of a Family Health Minister, it is helpful to understand what a Family Health Minister is not.

A Family Health Minister, hereafter referred to as FHM is not a physician, and will not diagnose or treat illness.
A FHM is not a home health nurse, and will not dispense medications or provide treatments prescribed by a physician.
A FHM is not a therapist, and will not do physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychotherapy.
A FHM is not a clergyperson. However, all FHM’s come to the field with a deep spiritual commitment.

Health Ministry in rural communities has a focus on:

The aging and the lonely
Families and individuals in crisis
Families and individuals with chronic illness
Teenagers and their families
Individuals of all ages suffering from loss and grief, chemical dependency and addiction, eating disorders, nicotine addiction, depression, dysfunctional relationships, separation and divorce
Geographical and distance challenges in receiving health care, assistance and support
Health and safety issues related to farming

Examples of what this Family Health Ministry Program may include:

Hospital, nursing home and home visitation
Blood pressure screening
Bereavement classes
Support groups
Parenting classes
Services of healing and prayer
Advanced directives
Stress Management
CPR
Information, education, health screenings and protective equipment to rural adults and children

This list is not all inclusive. An assessment of the congregations will further define the focus of this ministry. One of the goals of this ministry project would be to examine the feasibility of establishing a Wellness Committee/Health Cabinet as an umbrella group to promote health ministry in the churches.

As a Registered Nurse and a member of Galena UMC for 42 years, I also bring to you over twenty seven (27) years of experience which includes extensive education and certification as a Minster of Health. I also bring to you the promise to covenant with you and to walk with you hand in hand, heart to heart on this healing journey serving as a conduit for God’s healing love and grace. I can be reached at (815)777-2871 if you have questions or would like a visit.

309 S. Main St.

Elizabeth, IL 61028

Tel: 815-858-2224

Fax: 815-858-3790

Student Pastor:

Cheryl Carroll

Secretary:

Carolyn Main