—Letter from Pastor Perry
Dear First Lutheran Family,
I am very excited that First Lutheran Church is at a place where we can reintroduce health ministry to serve our congregation. First Lutheran had a Parish Nurse (also now known as a Faith Community Nurse or FCN) approximately 10 years ago, which ended due to her death. Through the years since we have had many different challenges which have taken time and resources and reintroducing a FCN ministry was not a priority. As your senior pastor I now believe it is time to reinstate this ministry as a way of supporting you, our members.
We have named a Health/Wellness Committee which is working to support and guide the development of a Faith Community Nursing (FCN) ministry for the First Lutheran family. They are actively planning and laying the foundation for this ministry. It is my hope that we will post the position soon for a half time FCN.
Faith Community Nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of promoting whole-person health. While this ministry is still taking shape, it is important that our congregation understands the unique role of the Faith Community Nurse and how this ministry may serve our community.
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more information to help explain the different aspects of the FCN role and what they could look like in practice at First Lutheran. These roles include:
- Integrator of Faith and Health – Supporting individuals as they navigate health concerns through the lens of faith.
- Advocate – Helping people understand their health options and make informed decisions.
- Health Educator – Offering educational resources and programs to encourage healthy living.
- Coordinator of Health Ministry Volunteers – Organizing and supporting volunteers who assist with health and wellness initiatives.
- Health Referral Agent – Connecting individuals to community and healthcare resources when needed.
- Organizer of Support Groups – Facilitating groups that provide mutual encouragement and care.
This ministry has the potential to deepen the ways we care for one another in body, mind, and spirit. Pastor Brian and I invite you to learn with us, ask questions, and pray for guidance as we explore how this ministry may grow within First Lutheran.
Watch for more details in future communications!
Pastor Perry Aalgaard, Senior Pastor
What is Faith Community Nursing?
Faith Community Nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of promoting whole-person health. While this ministry is still taking shape, it is important that our congregation understands the unique role of the Faith Community Nurse (FCN) and how this ministry may serve our community. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more information to help explain the different aspects of the FCN role and what they could look like in practice, at First Lutheran. Keep watching for more information.
- FCN as Integrator of Faith and Health
A key role of the Faith Community Nurse (FCN) is helping individuals connect their spiritual life with their physical and emotional well-being. At First Lutheran, our FCN supports members in recognizing how faith can bring comfort, strength, and healing during times of illness or stress. Whether offering a listening ear, prayer support, or resources for healthier living, the FCN encourages a holistic approach to health that honors both body and spirit. Such activities might include:
- Supporting individuals as they navigate health concerns through the lens of faith
- Emotional support during times of stress
- Presence of self and active listening
- Spiritual support when needed
- Prayer/specific scripture for specific needs
- Decision-making support when requested
- Working with current church groups i.e. hospital visits, home visits, prayer chains
- FCN as Advocate
The Faith Community Nurse serves as a compassionate advocate, helping individuals and families navigate health decisions and care systems. This might include, helping interpret medical information, or simply being a steady, supportive presence. The FCN listens, encourages, and helps ensure that members feel seen, heard, and cared for, especially during vulnerable times.
Such activities might include:
- Participating in congregational activities to support ministry focus areas
- Reporting signs of abuse and neglect issues to the appropriate social service agency
- Clarifying health care issues and creating safe spaces for thoughtful dialogue about end-of-life planning.
- FCN as Health Educator
The Faith Community Nurse serves as a reliable source of health information, offering education that supports physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Through one-on-one conversations, group presentations, bulletin inserts, or health-focused events, the FCN provides guidance on topics such as chronic disease management, nutrition, mental health, and fall prevention. The goal is health promotion and education.
Such activities might include:
- Leading classes and or support groups regarding specific health issues
- Working with other ministries to promote health activities
- Helping to create a safe and healthy environment within the church
- FCN as Health Ministry Volunteer Coordinator
The Faith Community Nurse will help organize and coordinate volunteers who wish to serve others through health-related ministry and wellness initiatives. A congregational assessment will help us determine the needs in our congregation.
Such activities might include:
- Coordinating with current groups that provide friendly visits to members, transportation to appointments, meals during recovery, etc.
- Arranging for First Aid and AED training for staff and ushers
- Assisting with blood pressure screening
- Maintaining first aid kits
- FCN as Health Referral Agent
The Faith Community Nurse helps connect members to community resources—such as home care, counseling services, support organizations, or senior services. By being a bridge to local care and assistance, the FCN helps ensure that members are not alone in facing health challenges. The Faith Community Nurse can also guide individuals and families through the difficult conversations around end-of-life planning, with sensitivity and respect.
Such activities might include:
- Providing one on one support and resource information to individuals and families
- Providing resources and educational opportunities on end-of-life planning to individuals and families
- FCN as Organizer of Support Groups
The Faith Community Nurse may organize support groups that responds to the needs of our congregation—whether that’s a grief support group, caregivers’ circle, or a chronic illness discussion group. Groups will provide participants with encouragement, shared thoughts, prayers, and community support.
Such activities might include:
- Facilitating support groups as needed i.e. parenting skills, specific disease management, or grief support
- Looking Ahead: The Growing Ministry of the FCN
The Faith Community Nurse ministry is just beginning to take shape at First Lutheran. Over time, this role will evolve as the needs of the congregation become clearer. The Health and Wellness Committee invites you to engage with this ministry—ask questions, offer ideas, pray for its growth, and participate in a needs assessment.
Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am