Our Faith Community Nurse
Jean Larson, MSN, RN
First Congregational Church is pleased to offer the congregation access to a Health Ministry program led by our Faith Community Nurse, Jean Larson, MS, RN.
Our Faith Community Nurse supports the holistic health of our members by helping them to see the link between faith and health all through the following activities: personal health counseling, health education, health screenings, referral to medical practitioners and resources, and the facilitation of support groups. Although Jean holds an advanced nursing degree in geriatric nursing, she serves members of all ages.
For more information about any of our Health Ministry program offerings, contact Jean at 708.246.1900 or at jean@wscongo.org.
Red Cross Blood Drive
The gift of blood is invaluable to those in need. The First Congregational Church hosts a blood drive in May and December each year. Our next drive is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 9am-2pm. Contact jean@wscongo.org for information on this drive or register below.
Prayer Team & requests
Never underestimate the power of prayer. God is listening.
Lifting our joys, thanks, and concerns to God is central to our Christian faith. The Prayer Team is a group of individuals committed to praying for others. We pray by first name only and keep the joys and concerns confidential. Each Thursday the updated list is sent out via email to the team.
Would you like to join this prayerful ministry? Send an email to Jean at jean@wscongo.org and we’ll get you on the team! Do you have a joy or concern you’d like us to pray for? Send an email to jean@wscongo.org or leave a note in the locked prayer request box just outside the sanctuary.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
This ministry is responsible for delivering prayer shawls or lap robes to members of the congregation in need as specified by one of our ministers or Faith Community Nurse. Other members of the congregation make these items, which are delivered in a gift bag with a handwritten note and a prayer for healing to their recipient. If you are interested in knitting shawls or making fleece blankets, please contact our Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson at jean@wscongo.org.
FAITH & FLOW YOGA
Sundays, 6–7PM in the Chapel
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30AM in the Chapel
Join us for all-levels of Faith & Flow Yoga on Sunday evenings at 6:00PM and Wednesday mornings at 9:30AM in the Chapel. Students may also opt to practice virtually via Zoom on Sundays.
The classes are taught by Emily Epstein, a certified instructor, on Sunday. Lisa Manecke, a certified instructor teaches the Wednesday morning class.This one-hour class integrates teachings of yoga philosophy and Christian spirituality as the
students are guided through a basic to moderate vinyasa sequence (a method of yoga in which movements form a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath).
- Classes are open to individuals 13+.
- There is no charge for youth, and adults are encouraged to contribute $10/class to help cover expenses and fund related ministries.
- Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.
- Bring a mat.
If you have any questions regarding Faith & Flow Yoga or would like to be added to the contact list, contact our Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson at jean@wscongo.org.
Annual Flu Shot Clinics
Keeping up to date on vaccines is an important aspect of good health. Each year First Congo hosts a Flu Vaccine Clinic to provide easy access to the annual flu vaccine. Other vaccines such as shingles and pneumonia are available upon request.
The Flu Shot Clinic is usually in the fall so please check this webpage periodically for updates.
Called to Care
Called to Care is comprised of volunteers who offer compassion, time, support, and prayer to other members who may no longer be able to attend church or are experiencing an illness. These visiting lay care companions do not replace visits from First Congregational Church clergy or our Faith Community Nurse, but complement the visits made by the pastoral care team. Volunteers hold these relationships and conversations in confidence. Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson and Rev. Meredith Onion are the staff liaisons. Barry Orr-Depner is the lay leader. Please contact any of these liaisons if you would like to learn more, volunteer or be matched with a companion.
Caregiver Support Group
The Caregiver Support Group allows caregivers to talk to others who are experiencing the same joys and challenges, who not only can empathize, but also offer valuable insights and counsel.
Caregiver and Grief Support Groups are formed as needed. If you are interested in a support group, email Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson at jean@wscongo.org.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
“To suppress the grief, the pain, is to condemn oneself to a living death. Living fully means feeling fully; it means being completely one with what you are experiencing and not holding it at arm’s length.” — Phillip Kapleau
Pastor Meredith and Jean Larson, our Faith Community Nurse, facilitate a grief support group as need arises. If this is something you think you might want to participate in, please email Meredith Onion or Jean Larson.
In the meantime, we invite you to explore the information shared here about a free grief support group offered through the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission.
Congo Cooks Meal Ministry
The Congo Cooks Meal Ministry helps us to care for one another by providing meals to members in need of help due to a hospitalization, injury, new baby, or other life challenge. Volunteers sign up on an as-needed basis to make and deliver a meal. To be added to this meal team of volunteers, please contact our Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson at jean@wscongo.org.
Medical Equipment Lending Closet
Do you need durable medical equipment such as a walker, cane, wheelchair, shower chair or commode? Before you purchase anything, please check with jean@wscongo.org. If we have what you need in our Medical Lending Closet, you may borrow the equipment for as long as you need.
Transport Services
If you need help getting to and from church, contact Parish Nurse Jean Larson at 708.246.1900 or at jean@wscongo.org. Jean will make arrangements for your transportation.
