A new ministry began at St Stephen UMC in 2008.  Our Health Ministry is based on Jesus examples of care, concern and healing in the scriptures.  We see each person as a combination of physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.  The goals of our Health Ministry include health promotion and disease prevention to help our congregation become good managers of their personal health.  The ministry will provide programs and services to help members of the congregation toward wholistic health.
 
The Health Ministry committee meets the first Sunday on alternating months. Parish Nurses meet as a group as needed. Parish Nurses at St Stephen UMC include:  Shaylene Chatam, RN; Penny Elmore, RN; Sandi McGinnis, retired RN (Health Advocate); Brenda Price, RN; and Laura Reyher, RN.  They can be reached to discuss health concerns by calling the church office at 355-7271, extension 1149. During office hours you will need to ask the receptionist for the extension. At other times you may dial the extension yourself. You will reach an automatic confidential answering machine to leave your request to talk with a Parish Nurse. Messages are retrieved by one of the nurses each day, Monday through Friday, and calls will be returned in the evening prior to 9 p.m.

Programs for health promotion and disease prevention with an emphasis on preparation for emergencies are being planned for the spring and summer months. Blood pressure screenings are held the first Sunday of the month at each campus. Please check the newsletter and east campus bulletin board by the library for dates for programs.