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 of each month and the Parish Nurses meet in addition to this.  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 by calling the church office.
 
Programs for health promotion and disease prevention being planned for the winter of 2009 include proper hand washing techniques for children and adults, infection prevention, exercise, caregiver’s support, Christian-based weight loss (with adult ministries), and blood pressure checks.  Please check the church website, newsletter and the bulletin board by the library for dates.