Directed by a registered nurse, Congregational Health Ministries within central and north-central Pennsylvania serves as a consultant to congregations and pastors as they work to develop holistic health ministries. These ministries are designed to meet the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs of individuals throughout the congregation and community.

Launched by a cooperative health and healing ministry of Williamsport-area Lutheran congregations, the program has expanded to serve congregations and communities throughout the region of the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

Providing education on the connection between spirituality and health, and on the concept of parish nursing, program staff helps congregations to develop an assessment tool that identifies the needs of individuals, as well as of the surrounding community. The program also offers resource information on educational materials and continuing consultation on health ministry. An additional component offers classes on parish nursing for potential parish nurses.

Significantly, Debbie Best, program director, has completed training with faculty of the International Parish Nurse Resource Center in St. Louis, Mo., which sets the standard for curriculum used in parish-nurse training. The training also is recognized by the American Nurses Association. This education makes Best one of approximately 130 persons worldwide trained in the use of this material and available to offer courses in it. For information, contact her at the address below.