Our Faith Community Nurse
Jean Larson, MSN, RN
First Congregational Church is pleased to offer the congregation access to a Health Ministry program led by our Faith Community Nurse, Jean Larson, MS, RN.
Our Faith Community Nurse supports the holistic health of our members by helping them to see the link between faith and health all through the following activities: personal health counseling, health education, health screenings, referral to medical practitioners and resources, and the facilitation of support groups. Although Jean holds an advanced nursing degree in geriatric nursing, she serves members of all ages.
For more information about any of our Health Ministry program offerings, contact Jean at 708.784.1900 or at jean@wscongo.org.
February 3, 2025
Hi Friends,
How are you feeling? If you haven’t been sick, you certainly know people who are! Influenza A has been prevalent this winter with Covid and RSV also circulating. Last March CDC consolidated their recommendations for these respiratory illnesses into one policy and so here is what to do if you have fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue:
- If you are over 65 or have other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer see your doctor or an immediate care clinic. Flu, Covid and RSV can be specifically diagnosed, and anti-viral medication may be prescribed.
- Stay home and away from other household members. Consider wearing a mask at home if isolating from another household member is difficult.
- Once you are fever free AND you are feeling better you may resume usual activities, returning to work or school.
- Continue to use caution around vulnerable people until you are completely symptom free. Keep distance, ventilate rooms well, and consider wearing a mask when you are around others.
This winter we also have higher than usual levels of the “stomach bug” Norovirus circulating. This tenacious virus is the cause of stomach flu symptoms nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently, including after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. This is the best prevention of norovirus spread.
- Note that hand sanitizer is not effective against Norovirus.
- People who have norovirus continue to be contagious even after they feel better: do not prepare food for others or take care of others for 2-3 days after your symptoms are resolved.
- Watch this 2 min video about norovirus and how to clean up after having norovirus: Clean Up After Someone with Norovirus Vomits or has Diarrhea – YouTube
Keep yourselves healthy or return to health with good nutrition, plenty of water, and limiting alcohol and sweets.
Take Care,
Your Faith Community Nurse,
Jean Larson MSN, RN
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
“To suppress the grief, the pain, is to condemn oneself to a living death. Living fully means feeling fully; it means being completely one with what you are experiencing and not holding it at arm’s length.” — Phillip Kapleau
Pastor Meredith and Jean Larson, our Faith Community Nurse, facilitate a grief support group as need arises. If this is something you think you might want to participate in, please email Meredith Onion or Jean Larson.
Red Cross Blood Drive
The gift of blood is invaluable to those in need. First Congregational Church hosts a blood drive in May and December each year. Our next drive is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 9am-2pm. Check the Red Cross website or contact jean@wscongo.org for information on our next drive.
Prayer Team
Lifting our joys, thanks, and concerns to God is central to our Christian faith. The Prayer Team is a group of individuals committed to praying for others. We pray by first name only and keep the joys and concerns confidential. Each Thursday the updated list is sent out via email to the team.
Would you like to join this prayerful ministry? Send an email to Jean at jean@wscongo.org and we’ll get you on the team! Do you have a joy or concern you’d like us to pray for? Send an email to jean@wscongo.org or leave a note in the locked prayer request box just outside the sanctuary.
Tai Chi Tuesdays
9:30-10:30am
Plymouth Hall
Join this video-based class including Tai Chi and other exercises that promote strength and balance. This class is slow moving with a chair available for each participant to support balance, rest when needed, and do exercises while seated. Loose fitting, comfortable clothes and gym shoes are recommended. No charge for this class.
Annual Flu Shot Clinics
Keeping up to date on vaccines is an important aspect of good health. Each year First Congo hosts a Flu Vaccine Clinic to provide easy access to the annual flu vaccine. Other vaccines such as shingles and pneumonia are available upon request.
The fall Flu Shot Clinic date will be determined soon. Please check this webpage periodically for updates.
Called to Care
Called to Care is comprised of volunteers who offer compassion, time, support, and prayer to other members who may no longer be able to attend church or are experiencing an illness. These visiting lay care companions do not replace visits from First Congregational Church clergy or our Faith Community Nurse, but complement the visits made by the pastoral care team. Volunteers hold these relationships and conversations in confidence. Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson and Rev. Meredith Onion are the staff liaisons. Barry Orr-Depner is the lay leader. Please contact any of these liaisons if you would like to learn more, volunteer or be matched with a companion.
Caregiver Support Group
The Caregiver Support Group allows caregivers to talk to others who are experiencing the same joys and challenges, who not only can empathize, but also offer valuable insights and counsel.
Caregiver and Grief Support Groups are formed as needed. If you are interested in a support group, email Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson at jean@wscongo.org.
Congo Cooks Meal Ministry
The Congo Cooks Meal Ministry helps us to care for one another by providing meals to members in need of help due to a hospitalization, injury, new baby, or other life challenge. Volunteers sign up on an as-needed basis to make and deliver a meal. To be added to this meal team of volunteers, please contact our Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson at jean@wscongo.org.
Medical Equipment Lending Closet
Do you need durable medical equipment such as a walker, cane, wheelchair, shower chair or commode? Before you purchase anything, please check with jean@wscongo.org. If we have what you need in our Medical Lending Closet, you may borrow the equipment for as long as you need.
Transport Services
If you need help getting to and from church, contact Parish Nurse Jean Larson at 708.784.1900 or at jean@wscongo.org. Jean will make arrangements for your transportation.
MORE Classes and Workshops
Learn more about our classes and workshops including:
- Faith & Flow Yoga
- Tai Chi classes
- Watercolor Classes
- Music