May 2010 ADULT BIBLE CLASS

Adult Bible class is lead by Pastor Tim Cartwright at 8:45am each Sunday morning.  This month we continue our discussion of Pastor Richard G. Kapfer's study entitled "Sinners and Saints"  with intriguing chapter headings entitled:  "If I'm a saint, what's wrong with me?  Why don't I succeed in 'saintliness', If I'm both which one is winning...and finally chapter 4  THANK GOD THAT HE'S GOD...   Christians do not press on toward a hoped-for victory.  We press on from the VICTORY that Jesus won on the cross!  Thank God that He has worked out a way to call sinners "saints",  thank Christ Jesus that He calls us "friends"  Thank the Holy Spirit for the way He nourishes us with Word and Sacrament...

May 2010 article for Parish Nurse is entitled Staying in Touch during a Crisis.

Consider at time when you have or might receive news from your doctor, perhaps it's a diagnosis of cancer, a chronic condition has taken a turn for the worse, or a condition that is of concern because no specific diagnoses is forth coming.  You may have decisions to make and details to organize plus diagnostic tests and treatments to undergo.  Now comes the challenge of breaking the news to family and firends and then keeping them updated about you r condition.  Your friends and family can provide key support and encouragement as you deal with the emotional and physical stress of serious health problems. You need their help, but you don't need endless calls and emails, long visits or the same questions asked many times over.  Before you share your news with others, take some time to think about what you want and need from your friends and family, including your church family.  The following are some thoughts to assist you in facilitating communication during a time of crisis.

Tell people at your own pace.  Decide how much you want to tell.  Tell your church family.  Accept help.  After hearing your news, many people will eager to help.  It may be helpful to plan ahead and come up with a list of things that someone can do to assist you, such as helping with household chores, cooking or shopping.  in the event that you don't have enough energy for connecting with others, it's fine to say so.  Tellling people about a crisis can become easier with time.  You may find that your honesty and openness brings you closer to others.  Talking about your concerns and feelings can help lighten your load and give you strength for the journey ahead.  Knowing that others are praying for you can give you comfort.

Privacy:  In order to protect the privacy of individuals at Grace, no information about your health status will be shared with others without your permission.  Your pastor, elders, deacona nd parish nurse follow the rule of thumb which is simply using an ethical sensitivity to another person's privacy.  If you have a relationship with a Stephen Minister, be aware that your personal information is kept in confidence.

Sources:  Mayo clinic women's health source volume 14 #4, page 7.  Patterson, Ministry consideration of HIPAA, the clergy journal volume 83, # 7 page 18-20

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