Helping You Care for Yourself
In times of crisis, change, joy and sorrow the sharing and bearing of burdens is facilitated through the ministries of Member Care. The following ministry teams of Member Care make it possible for members care for one another in a variety of ways:
- On Call Pastors
- Prayer Ministries
- Stephen Ministries
- Grief Ministry
- Classes
Redeemer Care
Through the work of area coordinators everyone is a part of Redeemer Care. When a family welcomes a new baby, suffers an extended illness or loses as loved one to death Redeemer Care enlists those living nearby to provide a meal. Communication of need and informing the church of an expected birth ensure this support. Contact the church office if you or someone you know needs Redeemer Care.
Homebound Visitation
The community of the congregation is shared through the regular visits and calls of special homebound visitors with those who are unable to attend church. A separate group of Eucharistic Visitors have been trained to bring the sacrament of Holy Communion to the homebound
He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:2)
Parish Nurse
Karen Medford has been the Parish Nurse and Director of Health and Wellness at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer since the inception of the program. She has been a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer since 1991. Karen completed her baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. She has experience in hospital-based nursing, physician office nursing, case management/home health nursing. Karen works closely with the pastoral staff to identify member care needs and to coordinate support. This often includes helping members find the community medical or social service resources that they need. She also serves on the Wellness Board to plan events and educational opportunities that promote physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Additionally, she coordinates and trains the volunteers who provide outreach to homebound members. Gwinnett Medical Center’s congregational health ministry program provides support and guidance to the nursing aspects of Karen’s ministry: http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/programs-classes/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=169.
Karen Medford, RN, BSN, FCN
Director of Health & Wellness
kmedford [at] Redeemer [dot] org
404-874-8664 Ext. 238
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s mission & vision for Parish / Faith Community Nursing:
- Promoting wellness among all ages of the healthy in the congregation by providing programming for physical, spiritual, and emotional health.
- Facilitate member care by helping the pastors and members to know the needs of members and to create and support systems that provide member care.
What is the role of the Parish Nurse / Faith Community Nurse?
- Health Counselor: Discusses Individual needs such as illness and medication, prevention and wellness, and provides reassurance during times of crisis.
- Educator:Functions as a wellness educator, promoting the relationship between faith, health attitudes and lifestyle choices through classes, videos and written material.
- Advocate: Identifies and assists members of the Congregation who need support for decision-making regarding health care issues.
- Liaison: Acts as a liaison with community resources for parishioners and others experiencing alteration in health.
- Trainer/Facilitator: Recruits and facilitates the preparation of those wishing to utilize their spiritual gifts and skills in the health ministry of this faith community.
- Health Referral Agent: Makes referrals to appropriate health care providers and / or community resources as needed:
