Parish Nursing

A blend of nursing and ministry, parish nursing at Union addresses the needs of the whole person across his or her lifespan and within the context of this faith community. Our parish nurse's practice embraces seven functions:

• integrator of faith and health
• health educator
• personal health counselor
• referral agent
• volunteer trainer
• support group developer 
• health advocate 

Union's nurse works as part of a team with the pastor, Parish Nurse Committee and congregant volunteers. After the nurse receives a referral, he or she contacts the congregant to assess his or her needs on a confidential basis and then they decide together on a course of action. For more information, call the church office at 952-929-8566.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

An age-old tradition, prayer shawl ministry is active at Union thanks to congregational members who knit and crochet shawls that incorporate prayers for each person who will receive them. These beautiful, multicolored shawls are presented by our pastor, parish nurse and other members of the church to those who are in need of extra prayers and comfort.

Shawl presentations may be made to individuals:

• experiencing an illness;
• celebrating a special birthday, a wedding or a birth;
• working as a leader;
• staying at home and unable to leave;
• living in poverty;
• dealing with injustice or discrimination;
• or experiencing grief.

Each shawl is entered into a journal that includes the shawl creator's name, the recipient's name, the color, the occasion and the date.

To participate, visit the church library: There, a knitting basket holds directions and plenty of yarn. Then, get started! If you have questions, contact Jean Daniels or Carolyn Cleveland, both of whom have been instrumental in developing this ministry. Any donations for the purchase of yarn are greatly appreciated. Further questions may be directed to June Sand, parish nurse, at 612-669-3803.