First Congregational Church of Bellingham Parish Nursing

Parish Nursing is a visible symbol of the healing ministry within the congregation through St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Parish Nurses do not provide “hands on” health care, and do not replicate home health service. The Parish Nurse is a “partner” in health and represents a caring church family and a professional health care system.

The Parish Nurses are:

• Health Counselors– Discuss individual health needs such as treatments available, prevention and wellness, and provides reassurance during times of concern or crises.
• Educators– promote the relationship between faith, health, attitudes and lifestyle choices through programs and literature.
• Advocates– Identify the medically under-insured, indigent or isolated members of the congregation and provides support in decision making regarding healthcare issues.
• Liaisons- Connect members of the congregation to each other in response to congregation-specific needs and to appropriate community services and agencies.
• Trainer-Supervise volunteers in health ministries.
• Healers-Facilitate an approach to healing of body, mind and spirit through a variety of ways, including praying, being a listening presence, and visiting at home, long-term care facility or hospital.

We are fortunate to have Brenda Nicholson and Maridel Johnson volunteer as Parish Nurses.

The First Sunday of the month they provide a Blood Pressure Clinic, the third Sunday of the month Maridel has office hours, and they are both available at other times for consultation.