Caring Ministries
Our goal is to enhance and integrate the spiritual, physical, and emotional health of people in our community of faith.
Read the great information on Family Wellness: 10 Small Changes can yield big rewards article.
Health Ministry Team
We offer many ways to give and receive care. Throughout the year we offer, a flu shot clinic in October, first aid kits for traveling groups, safety and evacuation plans for the church building and health education speakers. Two worship services focus on health: a caregivers healing service in the Spring and an Advent Service of Remembrance for those who have lost a loved one in the past year. We meet the third Tuesday of every month, so please feel free to contact one of members with a suggestion or concern (Dorothy Ellerbroek, Sherri Lynn Swalinkavich, Cynthia Pinkerman, Debbie Anderson, Ruth Johnson or Terry Haugen-Sjostrom).
Service team launches . . . . .
Shepherds-On-The-Go Service Team began accepting referrals September 18, 2011.
What does a person do when there is a need for a ride to a medical appointment, but no available means of transportation?
This core group of volunteers will assist with driving Good Shepherd members to medical appointments. This is intended to be an occasional, non-emergency need and shall be scheduled in advance. Requests will be filled to the extent possible, based on time and the day of need and the availability of drivers. Full guidelines are available through our parish nurse, Dorothy Ellerbroek, or from Shirley Brandt. Below are basic highlights of this service team offering:
• The rider shall be able to walk from house to car with minimal stand-by assistance;
• The destination shall be no more than 15 miles;
• There shall be a specific pick-up and drop-off time and address;
• The driver shall not do any additional errands for the rider with the exception of a drive-through pharmacy;
• Drivers shall carry car insurance and have a current drivers license;
• All State and local traffic laws and safety precautions shall be observed at all times.
For additional information, to volunteer as a driver, or to request services, please call or email the parish nurse at 612-927-8849, ext 18.
Honoring Choices Minnesota for Healthcare Options
Who would be your voice, if you were unable to speak? Honoring Choices Minnesota is a statewide effort to support family conversations about end-of-life issues. Years ago, most people died at home surrounded by family and friends. Today, medical technology has extended our lives past what was expected for our ancestors. Now most people die in a hospital surrounded by equipment and technicians. But is this the end you want? This isn’t only for people “of a certain age.” Any of us could be faced with these issues as a result of an accident or sudden illness. The form to be filled out, was developed by the Minnesota Medical Association, the Minnesota Bar Association, and the Citizen’s League and is being launched by many major health-provider clinics statewide. It is recommended that you have some conversation with your family member(s) before completing this form and giving it to your physician. Click here for the Honoring Choices form. Completing this form does not mean that you will not receive care at the end of life, but it does specify what type of care is appropriate based on your wishes. For more information, please see the Honoring Choices website.
Memory Loss Support Group
A small group will be offered to support those dealing with memory loss. Dorothy Ellerbroek RN, Spiritual mentor, will be the facilitator. This group will meet the second Wednesday of each month from 3:00-4:00 pm. There will be informal discussion to explore the challenges of those living with all types of memory impairment as a clinical diagnosis. We will look at practical aspects of this condition, share useful information and explore some ways that this impacts a person’s spiritual life. There is no homework for this group, although the facilitator will begin with discussion of the book Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: a Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease, by Joanne Koenig Coste. Questions? Contact Dorothy at dellerbroek@comcast.net or 612-518-5421.
BeFrienders
Befrienders are Christian companions whose presence enhances one’s life with regular visits in a caring supportive manner, in strict confidentiality. This is often a helpful support person who offers conversation, support, encouragement, prayer and Scripture reading as you wish. These Befrienders receive training in listening skills, are fully focused on your needs/wishes and can often enrich one’s life with meaningful time together. Contact coordinator Dorothy Ellerbroek for more information.
Prayer shawl ministry
This is an intergenerational ministry team for men or women who enjoy knitting/crocheting or would like to learn. This team makes prayer shawls and hooded baby blankets and gives them to people for comfort. Prayers for the recipient are literally stitched into each creation. Please see Nancy Brenny or Marian Nichols for more information and visit www.shawlministry.com.
Care card ministry
Ruth Johnson sends cards of hope and encouragement to people who are hospitalized or going through a time of crises or transition. Please let Ruth or a pastor know of your needs.
Prayer Chain Ministry
Within the fellowship of Good Shepherd, there are small groups who daily exercise the power of intercessory prayer called the Prayer Chain Ministry. Our groups are informal and their pattern of service is simple and all prayers requests are confidential. The prayers come quietly, from phone to phone or by e-mail. When everyone is praying for the same request, there is a tremendous power in prayer. We encourage others to become a part of our Prayer Chain Ministry, by notifying Lois Ries at 952-922-7561 or Jan Brantley at 952-226-4462. We will answer all questions or requests.
Cancer support
The diagnosis of cancer brings a whole new focus in your life and those who are closest to you. It can be a time of anxiety and fear, but can also be an opportunity to grow spiritually, finding new meaning and purpose in life. No group is currently meeting. Please contact Pastor Deb if you are interested in attending a group like this. Anytime there is enough interest to form a new support group that focuses on spiritual care during cancer, Pastor Deb will be happy to facilitate this.
Wellness Sundays
We celebrate wellness everyday but focus on it the second Sunday of each month. We offer health and wellness information and tips, as well as share upcoming programs. On Wellness Sundays, a lay minister offers individuals anointing with oils and prayers for healing and wholeness. Stop at the Prayer Shawl ministry table in the narthex between services, as well. Stay healthy!
Faithfully fit forever
We invite anyone who wishes to join this group in a good stretching and bending exercise routine to maintain balance and improve muscle tone and strength. You are welcome this group in a workout for all levels of ability. This group meet during the school year on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and are lead by Joan Tanger.
For Your Health
We have links to health related articles that our Health Ministry Team has put together.
Type 2 diabetes »
Those Easter Eggs May Be Good For You »
Home Food Safety »
Info about Sunscreen »
Wheels and Fitness »
Breast Cancer – Reducing Risk »
