Beloved I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.
– III John, verse 2
First Presbyterian Church of Urbana is filled with members actively engaged in the life of the church, the community and the world. Our members age well, many continuing to serve on committees and fully participate in the life of the church well into their 80’s and 90’s. And we celebrate that we have centenarians among our members!
Of course, genes play a role in our well-being. But we like to think that the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual support we receive from our church also plays a role in keeping us active and engaged throughout the life span.
Two groups within the church specifically focus on congregational care:
Parish Nurses
We are fortunate to have two parish nurses in our congregation. Parish nurses have received specialized training that prepares them to integrate their faith and nursing skills in support of congregations. Our parish nurses provide health education, counseling, and screening; make referrals and help members navigate health care systems; and comfort those who are ill, providing a spiritual component in coping with an illness.
The Parish Nurses also work in partnership with our Wellness Committee to offer congregational events that promote wellness, such as the Frozen Chosen Run/Walk Club.
Pastoral Support & Deacons
At every stage of life, from infancy to old age, we sometimes experience loneliness, illness or stress in our lives. And advancing age or ill-health can sometimes make it challenging to attend worship and church events. At these times our Pastoral Staff and Deacons provide support and care.
Our Pastoral staff visit, nurture, pray for, and provide communion to those who are ill or home bound. They provide support and counseling to members during difficult times and visit members who are hospitalized. They provide emotional support to those who are grieving and are available to assist with funeral preparations.
Our Deacons promote connection between members by inviting them to church events and by hosting the annual Christmas lunch.
They coordinate the popular pamphlet ministry near Fellowship Hall, where members and visitors can find short resources for dealing with a wide variety of stressful events and periods of life.
Deacons also help nurture the faith of our home bound members and coordinate home communion. They visit, pray for and deliver meals to congregational members during illness or times of stress. And they coordinate the gathering time after funerals.