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.
Hi Friends,
How are you feeling? Runny nose, sore throat, congested, coughing? Headache? Hmmm, I bet if you are feeling fine, you know someone with these symptoms right now. And yes, it’s most likely Covid. So, here is the latest on how to manage:
In March 2024, the CDC aligned respiratory illnesses such as Covid, flu, and RSV with one set of simplified guidelines. Suburban Cook County and Chicago levels of flu and RSV remain low, but Covid levels are increasing in a summer wave, much like we experienced last year.
What should you do if you are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms? I’m glad you asked!
- Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are better and you are fever-free for 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Seek care from your medical provider, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness from respiratory virus.
- Once your symptoms are improved and you are fever-free for 24 hours, take additional precautions:
- Wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.
- Use good hygiene, wash your hands well throughout the day and after each time you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into your hand.
- Utilize good ventilation indoors, open windows to improve airflow, use a room air filter.
Click below to view the First Congregational Church of Western Springs Respiratory Illness Guidelines. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please let me know!
Take Care,
Your Faith Community Nurse,
Jean
708-606-8749
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, are considering facilitating a grief support group in April/May if there is enough interest. If this is something you think you might want to participate in, please email Meredith or Jean.
Blood Pressure Screening
9AM–12PM, 3rd Sunday of each month
Office of Jean Larson RN MSN, Faith Community Nurse office
1st floor of Education Building
Have your blood pressure checked and recorded on an individualized screening card. This is intended to help you monitor your own health and you are encouraged to share these results with your doctor.
Red Cross Blood Drive
The gift of blood is invaluable to those in need. First Congregational Church hosts drives a few times throughout the year. 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.
An extension of the Meal Ministry is the Congo Cooks Soup Ministry which allows for us to have packaged homemade soup and bread frozen and available for our pastors and nurse to deliver when making pastoral visits.
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