March 2020

Welcome to Faith Community Nurse Quarterly, a newsletter with updates on resources, programs and events to help strengthen your practice in your faith community.
Meeting Recaps
By: Sue Cox BSN, RN- BC
Faith Community Nurse Network Manager
Advocate Aurora Health

January 27
Our gathering entailed a fair amount of personal pushing and puffing to complete the skills test portion for CPR certification. Mission Accomplished! Staggering our comings and goings, and spatially distancing, 18 faith community nurses gathered that day to finish the required hands-on portion of the certification process. It was a delight to be in the same space with colleagues, even if only briefly, and great to be able to complete our BLS certification so smoothly. Great thanks to our AHA instructors, and fellow FCNs, Nancy Romanchek and Nilda Garcia for providing wonderful instruction for the process.

February 10
We held a Documentation 101 workshop to review the basics of the Henry Ford FCN Documentation system. Advocate’s Faith Community Nurse program began using this documentation program in 2013 and was instrumental in adapting the system to utilize NANDA, NIC and NOC classifications to capture the scope of our work.  Topics covered during the workshop included: signing on to the training site and familiarization with site options, adding new patients into the system, completion of an Individual Interaction form, and entering data on the Group Activity form.  A Documentation 101.2 workshop is scheduled for April 21. This workshop will include a brief review of the same topics, but also exploration of the Cost Savings section and managing reports.

March 10
Our meeting began with a brief introduction to Pat Shapiro, Advocate Aurora Health Faith Community Nurse. For the next few months, Pat is offering her consultation expertise to faith community nurses and their clients regarding diabetes management and care. Pat has a long history of work in diabetes education and management through Aurora and is graciously offering her assistance to those in the faith community nurse network. Have a question about Diabetes? Give Pat a call! Pat's contact information is listed below, including hours she is available. Pat will also be giving leadership to our May 12 network meeting and has requested that any learning needs and questions be forwarded to her so she can best address our educational needs that day. We are blessed to have Pat in our midst. 

The remainder of our meeting was spent in the Stewards of Children workshop, facilitated by Kimberley Griffin from Advocate's Childhood Trauma Treatment Program. Using an excellent video from the Darkness to Light organization, we heard impactful stories from childhood sexual abuse survivors, learned statistics about prevalence of abuse, and were educated in ways to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to potential childhood sexual abuse in our midst. This was an excellent program and can be used within faith settings to educate and empower communities to become advocates for children. For additional information about holding a workshop at your site, contact Sara Skinner at Advocate's Childhood Trauma Treatment Program sara.skinner@aah.org.
Pat Shapiro Offers Diabetes Education Services
Pat Shapiro, a Faith Community Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with Advocate Aurora Health, can answer questions and share information to help those living with diabetes care for themselves and stay healthy.

Pat also can discuss how spirituality can play a role in helping patients cope with a chronic illness.

Reach out to Pat at 414-774-5500 on Mondays, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on April 12, 19 and 26, and on Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Upcoming Meetings
April 21, 10:00 a.m. - noon: Documentation 101.2

May 12, 10:00 a.m. - noon: Diabetes Update - Pat Shapiro

July 14, 10:00 a.m. - noon: Trauma Resilience / Companioning Program - Amy McNicholas

Sept. 8, 10:00 a.m. - noon: Medical Marijuana

Oct. 5 & 7, 12 & 14, 19 & 21 - Health Ministries Association Conference (2-3 hour sessions/day)

Nov. 10: Day retreat

Dec. 8, 10:00 a.m. - noon: End-of-year holiday celebration
Congratulations, Trameka!
Congratulations to Trameka Brown-Berry who was recently commissioned at Church of the Gesu, Milwaukee, where she serves as a faith community nurse. In her role, Trameka promotes and maintains wellness among parishioners by integrating faith and health. Her responsibilities include serving as a health counselor and educator for the parish, facilitating the development and functioning of support groups, serving as a referral source and liaison to community resources, and providing client advocacy support to parishioners.
‘Teaching the class has been such a joy'
A nutrition class that takes place at Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, has had a transforming impact not just on its 20 participants, but also on its teacher, Linda Radder, who serves the congregation as a faith community nurse.

“It’s been gratifying to see how the class has helped so many people change their eating habits and improve their health,” said Linda, also known by congregants as “Nurse Linda.”

For example, one student has better managed her diabetes, needing less insulin to maintain her glucose levels. Another class member has lost weight, while another regularly shares the healthy recipes she receives with other residents in her apartment building.

Twice a month, participants gather at Cross Lutheran to discuss a topic, such as how to manage high blood pressure, and they prepare and eat a healthy meal together.
A class participant receives an air fryer from Linda, left, during the nutrition class holiday gathering.
Afterwards, they receive the recipe and ingredients to make the meal at home. Students also receive such items as measuring cups and spoons, freezer bags and grocery gift cards to support them in preparing healthy meals.

In addition, most class participants have recently had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through a free community clinic, located in the church basement, where the nutrition class takes place.

Last December, Linda asked participants, “If you could have anything for Christmas from the nutrition class, what would it be?” They all agreed: each one wanted an air fryer.

“It was so much fun to see them open their air fryers,” Linda recalled. She looks forward to hearing about the healthy meals that students prepare with the gift they received.

“Participants are so grateful,” Linda said. “But I’m getting nurtured, as well. Teaching the class has been such a joy.”
The nutrition class has taken place since 2019 at Cross Lutheran Church, a diverse congregation located in Milwaukee’s central city, and is funded by grants from the American Cancer Society and Kohl’s Fit Families.
'Love from a Distance'
Thanks to the Member-to-Member outreach program at two Kenosha, Wis., congregations, members have received encouragement and a new sense of connection.

Sue Quever, faith community nurse at Lord of Life Lutheran Church and St. Mary's Lutheran Church, began the program in the spring of 2020 in response to the pandemic.

“So many of our members have turned inward and experienced depression due to the pandemic,” Sue said. “We wanted to help members feel connected, despite not being able to gather for worship and other congregational activities.”

Care ministry team members check in on members by phone or safely distanced in-person visits. They pray with members and check on their support system, asking, “Do you have someone who loves you and cares for you?” or “How can we help you?” Ministry team members who learn of a concern, can then ask the member if they’d like a visit from the pastor or parish nurse.
Above: Care ministry team members delivered Christmas trees in church mugs to members.

Below: A care ministry team member receives a Valentines Day greeting from a member's dog.
The ways volunteers have reached out include:

  • delivering Sunday School materials to younger families
  • offering “sidewalk sacrament” – holy communion – and the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday
  • delivering Valentines cookies and mini Christmas trees with spiritual messages
  • sending spiritual music and other resources to support members recovering from COVID-19 or experiencing other challenges
  • providing transportation to help members keep doctor appointments

Sue wears several different hats to make Member-to-Member reality. She is a “dispatcher” - a liaison who links volunteers with members; a “mentor” who offers advice and guidance, and “trainer” on such issues as confidentiality.

“The program provides love from a distance,” Sue said. “Friendships have happened. The program has brought congregants together in a new way.”

To learn more about Member to Member, contact Sue at sue.quever@aah.org.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics Locator Tool Available
The monoclonal antibodies treatments Bamlanivimab (made by Eli Lilly and Company) and the therapeutic cocktail Imdevimab/Casirivimab (made by Regeneron) are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses.

Monoclonal antibody therapeutics are especially beneficial for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, have minimal symptoms, but possess one or more co-morbidities that can put them at higher risk for severe disease.

Health and Human Services offers a locator tool that displays locations that have received shipments of monoclonal antibody therapeutics under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authority, within the past several weeks.
Faith Community Nurse Survey
We invite you to participate in a Faith Community Nurse survey to gather data regarding the impact of COVID 19 on FCN practice. This data will be collated in hopes to document any changes in FCN practice and to create a tool kit for FCNs moving forward. The survey is 20 questions and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous and confidential. The survey will be available until March 26.

If you are a registered nurse, currently licensed in your state of practice and are currently practicing as a faith community nurse, you are eligible to participate. Your agreement to participate in the study will be implied by following the link and completing the survey.

Click here to access the survey.

Results from the survey are available upon request from Wendy Zimmerman, Faith Community Nurse, Manager and Educator Parish Nursing Program Manager Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown, MD, or Kathleen Coleman, Faith Community Nurse, Coordinator & Educator Program Manager, Faith Community Health Adventist HealthCare, Shady Grove, MD.
Back Issues of e-Newsletters Available
News from Health Ministries Association

One Voice, One Vision: Wisdom for Healthier Communities

Oct. 5 & 7, 12 & 14, 19 & 21

As a health ministry organization, we want to acknowledge this difficult time and allow conference attendees to focus on staying well, serving others, and recovering from this crisis. With this in mind we have decided to have the 2021 National Conference as Virtual.

The HMA National Conference will be held virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays over a three-week period. Click here to see the brochure. Registration will open soon!
The Benefits of Chair Yoga with Tim Bodenstein

March 25, 4:00 p.m.

Tim Bodenstein has been teaching yoga since 2011 and was a lead teacher for the 200 hour yoga teacher training program at Yogalife in Norman, OK. He owns Hesed Yoga and ran a studio for six years. During that time, he was a satellite school of Yogalife Studio and ran a 200 hour teacher training for 3 years as a lead teacher training instructor.

He will be sharing with us techniques to:

  • Increased Flexibility – The ability to bend, twist, stretch, and move freely is important for more than doing yoga
  • Improved Strength – Using your muscles to complete yoga poses builds strength
  • Improved Proprioception
  • Reduced Stress
  • Reduced Pain
  • Improved Pain Management Skills
  • Better Sleep

*For HMA Members only* Not a Member? Join today 

News from the Westberg Institute

April 12-14, 2021

Building upon last year’s successful virtual conference, we are excited to bring you another robust virtual experience in 2021! By bringing together the expertise of professionals from diverse disciplines, the Symposium and Conference will provide attendees an environment that builds knowledge, creates interdisciplinary connections, and opens new paths for the delivery of spiritual care.

Do you need a tool to introduce the specialty practice of faith community nursing to your faith community? Would you like to know more about faith community nursing and how health ministry works in communities of faith? Then this short webinar created by experts is for you!

Faith Community Nurses: A Short Discussion for Faith Communities about the Benefits Health Ministry Provides is a nine-minute presentation that describes the role of faith community nurses and the benefits they bring to communities of faith. This webinar is free and we encourage you to share this educational resource with other nurses and communities of faith. A downloadable handout is also available for your use.

Westberg Institute has partnered with the Spiritual Care Association (SCA) Nursing Division to open a new eight-module educational series: Leadership & Coordination for Faith Community Nurse Practice.

Participants can receive 1.5 CNE credits for each module. Complete all eight modules and receive 12 CNE credits, a certificate of recognition, and a lapel pin as an SCA Westberg Institute affiliated FCN Coordinator.

The Westberg Institute has partnered with the Spiritual Care Association to offer faith community nurses three chaplaincy certification options:

  1. Spiritual Care Generalist Certificate
  2. Credentialed Chaplain (CC)
  3. Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)

Upcoming Classes and Events

The Westberg Institute offers details on upcoming events, such as the "Foundations of Faith Community Nursing" course, retreats, and emergency preparedness course.

News from American Nurses Association

April 26-27

Learn from professional development practitioners as they present best practices from a variety of world-class transition to practice programs. Engage with nursing leaders, program directors and other nursing experts and cultivate new ideas with your peers.

The Symposium is designed for nursing professionals who are interested in learning best practices related to transition to practice residency or fellowships. PTAP sets the global standard for residency or fellowship programs that transition registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses into new practice settings.

Be sure to save the date for the virtual 2021 ANA Policy, Innovation and Advocacy Forum September 14. More details and registration to open in May.

The ANCC Pathway to Excellence® and ANCC National Magnet Conference® in-person event will take place November 11-13, in Atlanta, Georgia.
On-Demand Webinars

Vicarious Trauma - Secondary Trauma Stress -Burnout – Compassion Fatigue – What are the differences, and why should it matter to me?

This workshop will help you begin to identify and understand how working with traumatized individuals can have effects that you may not have recognized. As a helper it is vitally important to know yourself and recognize the warning signs. It is also important to have a plan in place to reduce the impact, practice trauma stewardship, and find balance through self-care.

Workshop objectives:
  • Compare Differences in Trauma Related Effects
  • Identify Trauma Exposure Responses
  • Identify and Discuss the Warning Signs
  • Explain the Importance of Trauma Stewardship

2 CEUs for Licensed Counselors, Social Workers, CDVP.

Questions? Call 630-617-0088

1.5 Complimentary CE Credit Hours Available
Spiritual care is a significant aspect of the clergy’s role. The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic mean that traditional pastoral care to the dying and the bereaved is limited, and faith gathering and rituals, including worship and funerals, are constrained. In addition, healthcare professionals who are providing direct care for patients and families are struggling with their own spiritual questions and concerns in the face of this pandemic. Spiritual care becomes more challenging to offer just when it is most needed.

Rabbi Gary Fink, Reverend Wanda Henry-Jenkins, and Dr. Kenneth Doka will offer approaches to assist clergy in providing spiritual care under the adverse conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as address how organizations can better support all of their team members.
Upcoming Events

March 23, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Between Friends

In Their Shoes is an experiential activity that builds empathy and understanding of domestic violence dynamics, the cycle of harm, and barriers experienced by those being harmed. The activity allows participants to walk in the shoes of a survivor. Participants move, act, think, and make choices as a person navigating an unsafe or harmful relationship.

1.0 ICDVP CEU available for Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals.


March 24, 11:00-11:45 a.m.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Advocate Aurora Health (AAH) is excited to extend an invitation to you to join us for our next AAH Living Well Virtual Community Conversation regarding COVID-19 Vaccines and Women’s Health.

This powerhouse virtual conversation will be moderated by Erickajoy Daniels, SVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and an expert panel of Advocate Aurora Health physicians and leaders:
  • Dr. Melanie Gordon, MD, FACP, Physician, Internal Medicine  
  • Dr. Marie Forgie, DO, Physician, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aurora Sinai Medical Center  
  • Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, Ed.D, MSN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Advocate Trinity Hospital 
This engaging virtual conversation will lead us through dialogue and topics around clinical expertise on the COVID-19 vaccines and everything you want to know about women’s health. We will also have a live Q&A during the conversation and live graphic illustration by Sherrill Knezel of Meaning Marks, LLC.

Palliative Care: Virtual Seminar

March 24, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Palliative care is…loving care and presence. This engaging webinar will guide you in outlining individual goals and family treatment goals. You will also learn how palliative care helps you to manage symptoms and address complex medical decisions. We will talk about:

  • The whole approach: body, mind and spirit
  • Early care
  • Aligning treatment goals with diagnosis



April 6, noon

Sponsored by American Jewish Committee, AJC's Community of Conscience, the Muslim Jewish Advisory Council, and Rice University's Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance

As of 2019, nearly 21% of hate crimes in the U.S. were against religious minorities, including their houses of worship and religious institutions. The Federal Government currently has over $180 million available in security grants for these institutions, of which $90 million is for those in urban areas.

The Protecting Places of Worship Virtual Forum will educate faith leaders on how to prevent and respond to hate crimes that target houses of worship and religious institutions, grant programs that provide funding support for security-related and physical security enhancements, and how to secure places of worship leveraging resources and best practices from government agencies. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Savvy CaregiverTM Training Program

  • Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., starting April 7
  • Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – noon, starting April 13
  • Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 p.m., starting April 15

The Savvy CaregiverTM training program is designed for people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related memory problem. The sessions are offered at no cost via videoconference with available call-in capacity for people who do not have internet access.

Each training series offers 12 hours of training broken up into six, two-hour sessions. To get the most out of the program, participants should plan to attend all six sessions in the series for which they register because one week builds upon the information in the prior week.

To register or for more information Email Victoria.russo@cityofchicago.org or call 312-743-3528.

April 8, from 9:00-11:00

Join the Chicagoland Trauma-Informed Congregations Network as we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In this two-hour Community of Practice we will:

  • Build capacity and address the whole victim/survivor from an emotional/mental/therapeutic focus,
  • Explore the spiritual aspect of healing and providing services to underserved communities,
  • Strengthen understanding of Sexual Assault 101, including the Do's and Dont's, and dismantling the misconceptions of sexual violence,
  • Understand how sexual violence impacts spirituality and the faithful response to sexual assault, and
  • Create a safe space for community dialogue to enrich our community response.

The Community of Practice is facilitated via Zoom. The event will include guest speakers and break-out rooms to deepen the conversation as well as harvest community key takeaways.

For questions, please contact Octavia Tyson at octavia.tyson@cityofchicago.org.
Virtual Conversation on Human Trafficking

April 9, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Institute for Politics, Public Service, and Social Justice at Governors State University

Human trafficking has left no part of the world untouched, and Chicagoland is no exception. Our vulnerability stems in part from our location in the middle of the country and having modes of transportation (highway, rail, air, and water) that allow for limitless movement of people. Additionally, the unevenness of our social landscapes, enclaves of impoverishment, and significant populations of at-risk groups such as youths, school dropouts, runaways, and undocumented workers, offer enticements for human traffickers.

Click here to join.

Hospice Care - Virtual Webinar

April 14, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Hospice Care…focused care for quality of life. This engaging webinar will guide you in outlining individual goals and family treatment goals.

Learn Hospice 101:

  • Aligning treatment goals with diagnosis
  • Levels of Care
  • Benefits and Services
  • What you need to know when deciding on a plans of care


The Practice of Companionship - Preparing for the Future One Step at a Time

  • April 18, noon
  • April 19, 6:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Faith Community Church, Itasca, IL, and Pathways to Promise

As we prayerfully and patiently seek God during this Lenten season, we are excited to launch a two-part online series focused on Companionship. Companionship is a practice of presence and is rooted in our natural capacities as humans to act on our concern for another person.

  • Companionship is a relational response to isolation and distress, supportive of healing and recovery.
  • Companionship is not about “fixing” but instead welcomes the stranger, building a circle of care with individuals who are facing emotional and mental health challenges.

A fee of $49 covers the cost of materials. Questions? Contact Pastor Darryl Jenkins.

April 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center

Engage with a circle of women in an interactive discussion on health and wellness topics identified by African American cancer survivors. Presenters will share various topics to better support you during your journey.

Monthly webinars will focus on:

  • self-care and stress management
  • nutrition and physical activity
  • late-term effects
  • financial resources

April 24, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange, Lyonsville Congregational United Church of Christ, and The LeaderShop.

Join us for an anti-racism conference with multiple virtual and in-person workshops for all ages: adults, teens, kids, caregivers, parents and families together! Topics include anti-racism in: literature, raising kids, school culture, poetry, microaggressions, educating ourselves, history, a community art project and more.

April 25, 10:00 a.m.

Sponsored by March of Dimes

March for Babies is your entry into making a visible difference in the lives of families now and for generations to come. Step up to create positive change and help us take care of our Chicagoland families dealing with premature birth and infant mortality in the midst of a devastating pandemic.

Download flyer.
Support Groups

April 12 & 26, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Sponsored by Advocate Aurora Health

All are welcome to the Southland Gratitude Room on Zoom. We gather virtually each month to:

  • Learn about the benefits of gratitude (there are many!)
  • Support one another and pray together
  • Share creative and fun ideas on how to live a more grateful life

Enjoy one-on-one conversations and group discussions on a range of topics, such as: the meaning of gratitude, how to create sacred spaces for quiet time or meditation and the power of living of grateful life.

Each Gratitude Room session includes a time of centering/meditation and an opportunity to explore what our sacred texts say about gratitude and living a more grateful life.


April 15, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Meets on the third Thursday of the month

The Partners For Faith & Health Network was created by Advocate Trinity Hospital and South Suburban Hospital to bring together leaders of all religions, community members, and people in the health field.

We want to work together to advocate and promote lifestyles and activities that prevent and/or support the management of chronic disease in the Southland community. Together, we learn about health topics and discuss how we can improve the health of the people in our community.


  • Tuesdays from 8:30-9:00 a.m.
  • Thursdays from 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Advocate Aurora Health

The Prayer Support Line allows us to come together in unity to release our burdens, receive comfort and express our gratitude to God for holding us close during this pandemic.

The Prayer Support Line is a place where we can join with others in prayer for health, healing and spiritual care with the expectation that God will meet us and provide us with encouragement.

  • Wednesdays, through April 28
  • 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Advocate Aurora Health

“What’s Next?” is a weekly resilience program that combines evidence-based scientific studies with encouragement from faith-based resources. Participants will gain tools to:

  • build resilience amid the difficulties of life
  • learn from their experiences
  • use the knowledge they gain to nourish themselves and the world around them

Attend any or all sessions. LaShondria Purnell, RN, a faith community nurse with Advocate Aurora Health, facilitates "What's Next?" and looks forward to learning alongside you.
Philosophy of Faith Community Nursing

Faith community nursing is a recognized specialty practice that combines professional nursing and health ministry. Faith community nursing emphasizes health and healing within a faith community. The philosophy of faith community nursing embraces four major concepts: spiritual formation; professionalism; shalom as health and wholeness; and community, incorporating culture and diversity.
~Westberg Institute
Click here to subscribe to health enews, a news service of Advocate Aurora Health, which offers breaking health stories, weight loss tips, exercise advice, the latest treatment options and much more.