Colchester Federated Church

Parish Nursing

Parish Nursing – Mission of Wellness

Our mission is to connect and support people spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually in crisis and/or joyful situations throughout all stages of life. We will visit and support those in need. We will provide fellowship and education that embraces the whole body, mind and spirit.

The role of the Parish nurse is as a health counselor, educator, referral source and facilitator of volunteers. We do not provide hands on care or perform invasive procedures. We will help you access available resources.

We can be reached through the Pastor or the church office.
Blood Pressure Screenings are available on the first Sunday of the month after services.

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings to you and your loved ones. We can feel stress related problems in our relationships, spiritual wellbeing of loved ones, finances and our health. Stress refers to physical, psychological and spiritual responses to demands. When the people and activities that are important to us receive little of our time and energy…we feel Stressed. Our faith can help us to creatively live with our values, rather than in opposition to them. This month I would like to discuss the relationship between Stress and Spirituality and ways to reduce our Stress Response.

Striking Stress with Spirituality: FROG

Fully Rely on God: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. (Php. 4-6-7)

Relax: Close your eyes and slowdown your breathing, scan your body for signs or stress, tense all muscles (starting with clenching your teeth and go down to your toes) as you take a breath in & slowly relax all with slow deep breaths using your belly rather than your chest. Repeat 4-5 times. Several other stress busters are: praying, diaphragmatic breathing, and meditating.

Observe: It is very important to be able to scan your body, mind and spirit in terms of where and how stress is affecting you. Try keeping a stress log.

God’s Peace: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Col 3:15).

It is my hope that these meditations will help you to find ways to relieve stress and grow spiritually. Please contact me if I can be of any help to you.

Peace and Health
Donna M. Hathaway RN, CPN