“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 

Organ donations are low because of uncertainties regarding spiritual issues, fear of the donation process, and physical effects on the body. First, almost all religions approve of organ donation as an act of love. Second, the donation process is strictly protected, begins once death has been determined, and removes only what can be used. Last, the donor’s body is respected and an open casket is up to the family. Other concerns such as age (donors can be between 0 and 80) and cost (families are not charged for the process) often make families think twice. Don’t let fears keep you from being a donor. Pray, and then talk with your family about your decision. Donating your organs could potentially help over 35 people receive a new lease on life. For more information you can go to www.donatelifemn.org or talk to the parish nurse.

What is the church going to do if we have a flu outbreak in our community?  First of all, we will focus our attention on taking precautions to keep you and your family healthy. Our great God invites us to be good stewards of our health (1 Thessalonians 4:4).   I will be keeping in touch with public health and MeritCare, and will try to stay on top of the latest information available from local, state and national health authorities. We will follow CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines.

At this point we do not need to change how we do “church”. Continue to shake hands and hug one another, unless you feel uncomfortable in doing so. For some, it is maybe the only time they have human contact during the week. Fellowship and caring for one another is an important part of keeping healthy. I will have hand sanitizer available at the information booth. Please feel free to use it. As we learn more this may change in the future, depending on the severity of the outbreak. Let’s focus on good hand washing, covering our mouths and noses when we cough or sneeze and staying home when we are ill – it is ok to skip church if you are sick.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).

When we think of First Aid we usually think of it in relation to treating physical ailments. Did you know First Aid and accident prevention is also needed in our emotional life and relationships with others. Paul provides this prescription for us in Romans 12:9-18. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; Honor one another above yourselves; Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer; Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality; Rejoice with those who rejoice; Mourn with those who mourn; Live in harmony with one another; If it is at all possible, live in peace with everyone. May the Lord richly bless your relationships.

Parish Nursing demonstrates the compassionate, healing ministry of the church. One of the best Biblical supports for Parish Nursing is found in John 10:10 “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” If we want to have abundant life, we need to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy. When we neglect one of these areas, our lives get out of balance and our quality of life suffers. Take some time out of your busy life and pray that God will show you what areas you need to work on to experience the joy and abundant life God has planned for you.