Caring Ministries

The purpose of Caring Ministries is to share Jesus' love through compassionate service for those in need.

We serve as a liaison to the Congregation Council for the following groups:

Women of the ELCA, which includes the Women's CIrcles, Women's Prayer Breakfasts, and Prayer Chains; Men's Prayer Breakfast, Stephen Ministry; Caritas (funeral meals at church and other groups established to serve those in need.

Caring Ministries oversees and coordinates worship experiences for the homebound and others in need which may include: worship tape ministry, card ministry, transportation to worship services, home meal ministry for persons in crisis or their families.

Caring Ministries also coordinate the Healing Services with the Senior Pastor, and oversee the implementation of Support Groups. Caring Ministries oversees the coordination of Stephen Ministry and the training of new Stephen Ministers. Finally, Caring Ministries oversees the parish nurse program.

For a list of all of the women's circles, please see list.

 Stephen Ministries

The Stephen Series (Stephen Ministry) is a complete system for training and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around your congregation.

In Stephen Ministry congregations, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministry helps pastors and congregations provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it. For more information, visit www.stephenministries.org

Article about an example of the impact Stephen's Ministry can have in one life -"Caring for Arlene"

More information about Stephen Ministries at St. Mary's Lutheran Church

 Health Ministry

Sue Quever, RN
262-658-3555 ext. 241

sue.quever@aurora.org

Sue Quever, our Parish Nurse, is a registered nurse with over 26 years of experience.  She is affiliated with Aurora Health Care which partners with St. Mary’s Lutheran Church.   Her church office hours are Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Sue would be glad to meet with you on a Thursday, drop in to see her or call for an appointment.   

Parish Nursing
Parish Nursing promotes health within faith communities.  It is holistic nursing, ministering to the parishioners' physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Health Educator
The Parish Nurse provides health education to the congregational members in the form of newsletter articles, bulletin board displays and educational offerings presented and or coordinated by the Parish Nurse.  Educational offerings are tailored to the congregation's unique needs and interests. 

 Health Counselor
The Parish Nurse provides one-on-one health counseling and education to parishioners to help them understand their own unique health concerns.  This education can take place in the parishioners' homes, hospital rooms, nursing home, or Parish Nurse Office at the church.  This role also emphasizes emotional and spiritual support. 

Advocate
The Parish Nurse acts as a bridge between parishioners and their health care providers, insurance companies, nursing home staff or other service providers to ensure that the parishioners' needs are met.  Parish Nurses can also help in connecting parishioners to the church and clergy when needed.  The Parish Nurse listens carefully to the parishioner, supports the parishioner and encourages them to do what they are able to do, and acts as the parishioner's voice when he or she has none. 

Referral Agent
The Parish Nurse refers parishioners to community agencies, health resources, clergy, physicians or any other resources that are indicated by the parishioners' needs.  Although numerous services are available in each community, many people do not know how to access them.  The Parish Nurse helps parishioners make the connections that they need.