Parish Health Committee

At an open meeting of the parish in January 2000 a parish health ministry task force was established to determine the feasibility of a health ministry at St John's church. Sara Chu, Jessie Mantle, Carol Godwin, Tim Stewart, Judith Knoop and Lois Powell took on this time-limited task. They were assisted by the clergy.

Here is the final report with appendices.

Background:

During the last ten years there has been keen interest in viewing congregations as Communities of Health and Healing. In an age where chronic illness predominates, improvements in health are seen to depend mainly on lifestyle changes and volunteer caregiving. In the eyes of many, this is more readily accomplished by churches than by hospitals. Many people have not thought of the church as having a health mission. But one author notes that "Congregations promote health through community building, enhancing the meaning of life, nurturing core spiritual values, and sponsoring health-related programs."

The Church of St John the Divine already offers many programs which can be seen to impact on people¹s health. Some of these are : Pastoral Care; Family Life Ministry; Emergency Food Service; Parish Education; and the Healing Ministry. Other programs which may less obviously impact health would be: many of our outreach programs under the umbrella of Social Justice (for example: Project North); the Street Ministry (for example Night Shelter); liturgical programs (for example Memorials which help in dealing with grief, Compline services).

The Parish Health Ministry Task Force undertook discussion with 12 of the organized groups in the parish. The answer was sought to two questions: What are the health needs of the parish and; does the church have a role in meeting those needs. The report is now completed and has been sent to Parish Council for their decision.