Our Health Ministry is a Loch Raven Presbyterian Church – Diaconate Ministry Service to provide various health related services to our members, in the areas of:
- Prayer
- Visitation of sick (home, hospital, nursing home)
- Grief support
- Accompanying individuals to medical appointments
- Counseling/support for coping with specific health issues and life challenges
- Assistance with locating resources
- Other assistance as needed
It also periodically offers related support/special interest groups, screening programs, and health education programs, seminars, and meetings. Announcements will be made via email and bulletins
The Health Ministry is NOT intended to:
- Replace professional medical care
- Provide regular medical, nursing, or home health care
- Make recommendations about medications and medical treatments
If you need a service of the Health Ministry please call the church office at 410-661-5777 or send an email, and a member of the team will be in touch with you.
Why a Diaconate Health Ministry?
In addition to offering us a path to spiritual well-being, the Lord showed concern for our physical and mental health as well. For example, He informed us that we could cast all anxieties on Him because He cared for us (1 Peter 5:7), instructed the weary to rest (Mark 6:31), advised us to think about the positive (Philippians 4:8), and let us know that we should be in good health as it goes well with our soul (3 John 1:2). We are told that our body is the temple of God’s holy spirit (1 Corinthians 3:17) which reinforces the importance of caring for it.
There are times when we face challenges keeping our bodies, minds, and spirits healthy such as when we develop illnesses that reduce our ability to care for ourselves and fulfill responsibilities, are new parents who aren’t sure of how to meet our little ones’ needs, find we can no longer get around as well due to the effects of growing older, or feel that are coping abilities are being strained. In today’s society where our closest relatives may live a far distance away and neighbors barely know each other, seeking the help, guidance, and support we need can be challenging. In light of these realities, having a church family to turn to for help becomes important.
What is a Health Ministry?
A Health Ministry is a program in which individuals are assisted and guided by church volunteers to achieve their best possible quality of life and capacity to serve the Lord through care of their bodies, minds, and spirits. Scriptural principles that guide a Health Ministry include the following:
- Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (3 John 1:2)
- The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
- Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. (Jeremiah 33:6)
- Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15)
- Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
(Proverbs 12:25)
Our Health Ministry leadership team consists of members with nursing, counseling, and other health-related training and experience. Charolotte Eliopoulos RN, MPH, ND, PhD is well qualified to direct our Health Ministry team of volunteers. If you feel you’d like to have some help or serve as a volunteer to help others through the Health Ministry, please contact the chairman of the Deacon, Nancy Stagge, Charolotte Elipolulos, or the church office.
For more information email LRPCHealthMinistry@gmail.com