Wellness Ministry

Health and Wellness 

The dream of having a health-focused ministry at Calvary to complement its teaching and preaching ministries dates back to the 1970s. Although the time never seemed right to embark on such an ambitious undertaking, the dream lived on. 

Forty years later as the people of Zion faced the reality of closing their beloved church, they proposed designating a significant portion of their Legacy Fund to creating a Parish Nurse ministry and chose to establish it at Calvary. The time was now right and work began in earnest to make the dream a reality.

With the hiring of Calvary’s first Parish Nurse, Gerti Emslie, the Health and Wellness Committee became a Team working with her towards the goal of responding to the healing ministry of Jesus by being committed to nourishing, sustaining, and supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual health of both the congregation and the wider community. Most of the ministry work to date has been to members of the Calvary congregation; however, the desire to serve the wider community is still the dream of some people folks who see the needs in our neighbourhood. of 
The Wellness Team since it was first formed has initiated several new services and activities for the benefit of the folks of Calvary. Gertie made many contacts with folks seeking her help and advice. Her work involveD everything from providing information about services available in the community to accompanying some to medical appointments. She enjoyed meeting with folks in their homes. In addition she held drop-in session every Monday morning for people who just wanted to chat. The team also was busy with monthly dinners that have provided not only delicious, inexpensive meals but also informative presentations on health topics of interest. With the dinners there developed a warm sense of fellowship that comes from sharing a meal with folks you might never have met otherwise. During the dinners, with the help of volunteer nurses, there was also also a blood pressure clinic.

Approximately four Sundays a year are designated "Souper Sundays" when an amazing variety of soups are served after the service and made available to take home. The bulletin or the website will tell you the date of the next soup day. 

Gerti retired in November 2023 and will be greatly missed. 
However, in early December Sally White began her ministry as Calvary's Faith Community Nurse and the Calvary people look forward to welcoming her.

CALVARY'S FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE

Sally White joined the Calvary Staff in late 2023 as the Faith Community Nurse following Gerti Emslie's eight years establishing and leading a Wellness Ministry at Calvary. Now Sally is excited to be here as YOUR Faith Community Nurse and wants to get to know the Calvary Community and become a part of this church family. A Faith Community Nurse uses a holistic approach to health care by encompassing the body, mind and spirit in the following ways:
  • advocates to walk alongside, encourage and strengthen your whole being
  • educates to teach you about aspects of health, wellness and daily living
  • negotiates and refers to community and healthcare services you are entitled to
  • provides spiritual care and comfort to guide you through your life journey.
Sally is available to meet with you at your home or you can see her at her church office. If you prefer, you can just talk on the phone or correspond by email ...... the choice is yours.

Sally looks forward to hearing from you and encourage you to contact her if you have any questions or concerns or even just want to say hello.

Take good care and be well,
Sally White
Faith Community Nurse
A CHANGE OF TITLE
FROM PARISH NURSE TO 
FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE

The Parish Nursing Interest Group (PNIG) is part of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO). On December 21, 2018 the RNAO Board of Directors approved a proposed name change from Parish Community Nursing Interest Group to Faith Community Nursing Interest Group. 
The term "Parish" has a strong affiliation with the Catholic denomination and many Parish Nurses wanted the name to be more inclusive of all denominations and faiths. The vote to change the name was 95.5% in favour of using the term Faith Community Nurse to replace Parish Nurse.
Sally is happy to respond to either title.
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